Proposed rule change for penalty shots?

Question

I want opinions on a rule change that might be good.
A penalty shot is normally awarded when a player is fouled while on a clear breakaway to the net. I propose that the team awarded the penalty shot should have the option to decline the PS and go on the powerplay for two minutes. It would add an element of strategy. Lets say there are two minutes left in the game and your team is up by one goal, and a PS is awarded to your team. In that case you would choose to go on the PP for two minutes and run out the clock rather than take a PS and risk not scoring, and then the other team has two minutes at full strength (or more if the goalie is pulled) to get the tying goal. On the other hand if there are 3 seconds left in the game and your team is down a goal and a PS is awarded to you, then you would want to take the PS and hope to tie the score.
A two minute PP would be useless at that point. At other times in the game it would be a judgement call for the coach if he wanted a PP or a PS.

formerlysuspendedguy · Accepted Answer

I've thought about this as well. Sometimes, you see a player get fouled on breakaway while his team is on the PP. When this is called as a PS, it's actually worse for the team. It is usually easier to score with a 2 man advantage than on a PS. 

Also, sometimes you get a player who isn't necessarily good at PS/shootouts get fouled on a breakaway. In that situation it's probably better for the team to be on the PP (~15-25% chance of scoring) than a bad shootout player taking a PS (10% shooter).

I think what you will find is teams with a strong PP will be choosing the PP more often than one would think, especially if its a usually unsuccessful shootout guy getting the PS.

Anonymous · Answer

Defiantly the OT rule. I would make it high school rules where each team has 4 plays to get in the end-zone except it would start at the 20 yard line. I would also change the way the NFL handles the playoffs. Make teams ranked. For example there are 16 teams in each conference, and 4 in each division. So in each conference make a 6 team rank. Another example last years AFC playoffs: 1. Patriots 2. Colts 3. Chargers 4. Steelers 5. Jaguars 6. Titans. And start around the 5th or 6th week. I hope this would happen.

sfc · Answer

sounds like a good idea, especially if jordan staal is the one awarded a penalty shot. i know therrien would choose a pp over that any day of the week haha.

amazing · Answer

i like it...
but it might make the 
game more complex and longer,
cause there like well what should we do...
and what if your the team the shot is against?
as a goalie i would rather a PS, than a PP.
but yeah its a good idea you just gotta look at it from both
sides and all positions.

Anonymous · Answer

I like that idea it gives the coaches the chance to control the game if given the opportunity

Anonymous · Answer

Hmmm, that's a very interesting idea- it might make it a little harder, since like you say people would "cheat" or strategize about which they would use, which is ideally a good thing, but might end up being more hurtful than good, but who knows? Its a good thought!

thegamerdug · Answer

sounds good, i would rather take a powerplay over a penalty shot most of the time.

Anonymous · Answer

Actually that is not a bad idea.  I would agree with your rule 100%.  Try someone contacting the NHL to see if they would go for that.

Anonymous · Answer

Very interesting idea.  I'd like to see it tested in the AHL for a season to see how it works but overall I like it.  Nice one.

Kurfadle · Answer

Someone on Y!A has finally proposed a good idea

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Proposed rule change for penalty shots?

11 Answers