Over the course of the offseason, the NHL, somewhat quietly, introduced a new rule to crackdown on faceoff violations. Now that the preseason is here, it's become glaringly evident that essentially no one knows how it works.
In games between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators, as well as the Washington Capitals and New Jersey Devils on Monday night, viewers witnessed a remarkable amount of penalties they'd never seen before, and took to Twitter to voice their grievances.
These faceoff penalties are worse than offside reviews
— Draglikepull (@draglikepull) September 19, 2017
So this faceoff violation rule is going well.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) September 19, 2017
I've seen more faceoff violations in this game than I've seen in my entire life.
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) September 19, 2017
Delete your account, new NHL faceoff crackdown.
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) September 19, 2017
That's 3 faceoff violation penalties in 24 min of hockey. There goes the NHL diligently trying to fix problems no one is complaining about.
— Steve Warne™ (@TSNSteve) September 19, 2017
The definition of the league's handling of faceoffs, per the NHL's rule book, is as follows:
"There will be a stricter enforcement of the face-off procedure - especially with respect to the markings inside the face-off circle. Under section 76.4, the players will be instructed to set, so they will stand squarely facing their opponents' end of the rink, and clear of the ice markings (where applicable). the defensive Player will be instructed to set (skates and stick) then, the offense Player will be instructed to set (skates and stick)."
It's not off to a great start.
remember when faceoff violation was like "guy put his hand over the puck" not "guy put his skate marginally over parallel line"
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) September 19, 2017
Caps just took another minor penalty for a faceoff violation. This game will end before 2 a.m. if we're lucky
— Chris Ryan (@ChrisRyan_NJ) September 18, 2017
Not sure I have been to a game where a faceoff violation penalty was called. Ever. Been THREE tonight and it's only the 1st period!
— Sarah Baicker (@sbbaicker) September 18, 2017
Faceoff violations are as fun and charming as the "you can't stop here" guy at the airport.
— James Gordon (@James_J_Gordon) September 19, 2017
I just got called for a faceoff violation.
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) September 19, 2017
