The NHL has been doing everything they can to increase scoring over the past several seasons. From rule changes to equipment regulations the directive has been to curb the success goalies are having in the game of hockey and put more pucks in the net. Everything the NHL has done to this point has not been able to slow down the dominance that goaltenders are having. I wrote is an earlier post that the new 3 on 3 overtime was going to hurt goaltender statistics, which I still believe, but another rule change I think will have a greater affect on goals against and it will be to help goalies tremendously.
This season coaches will be able to challenge possible off-side violations and goaltender interference. The off-side calls should have a very limited overall impact but I believe the ability to challenge goals based on goaltender interference should have dramatic consequences. Not only will there be goals called back but the true underlying value to goalies is that players will be be more conscious of not interfering with goalies and therefore giving them room to work. If you have ever put on the pads you know that balance is the key to making saves and it doesn't take much to throw that off. If players are worried that goals will be called back because of them making contact with the goalies then they will stay away and this will lead to a lot more saves than goals not too mention a few less screen situations will be great.
Therefore the potential if having a goal called back vs the actual number of goals that will be called back will be the biggest affect of the rule. My belief is this will have a greater impact than the 3 on 3 overtime and therefore I will predict there will not be an increase in goals scored this season in the NHL. Just a few called back goals early on in the season should do the trick. So far the NHL games I have watched have been tremendous and I hope you enjoy watching the games!
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