Photo: SI

The co-chairs of the NHL and NHL Players Association Competition Committee released recommendations on rule changes for next season and beyond on Tuesday. After seeing several questionable calls throughout the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs, it is very likely that changes will be made in the offseason. The panel recommended six changes in total.

They recommended that when the attacking team is responsible for the puck heading out of play, the ensuing faceoff will take place in the attacking zone.

The committee also discussed changing the tie-breaking format during the regular season, which could mean adding additional criteria.

As per @PierreVLeBrun on the new tie-breaker recommendation put forth by NHL/NHLPA Competition Committee.
1) Regulation Wins
2) ROW
3) All Wins (ROW and OT)
4) Head to Head
5) Goal Differential
6) Total Goals For

— SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (@SiriusXMNHL) June 12, 2019

The committee recommended that when the goaltender freezes the puck on any shot from the red line or beyond, the defensive team cannot execute a line change. In addition, the attacking team can decide which dot in the offensive zone will be used for the faceoff.

The committee also recommended that the offensive team be able to choose which dot will be used for faceoffs following an icing, to begin power-plays, and following a stopage of play when a defensive skater’s actions caused play to halt by accidentally knocking the net off of its pegs. In addition, defensive teams would be prohibited from executing a line change if a defensive skater accidentally dislodges the net.

As discussed earlier in the season, the committee wants to apply a rule requiring a player whose helmet comes off during play to immediately head to the bench. If a player fails to do so, he would be penalized.

The hottest issue coming out of the playoffs relates to expanded video review and coach’s challenges. The committee wants to make changes to both, including an official’s ability to look at his previous calls on the ice. The commitee did not release specifics, however, and said that recommendations will be prepared for consideration by the Board of Governors, the NHL Players Association’s executive board, and the general managers.

By Harrison Brown