Minor Tweaks for Net include Verification line, Shallower Nets at NHL Research and Development Camp
The net and goal line also received minor tweaks that make a major difference during a matchup as part of the numerous experiments being carried out at the 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) research and development camp at the MasterCard Centre on Thursday.
In an attempt to clear the problems that happen during games where goals cannot be verified or either take up too much time because of clarity issues, the verification line, which is just a simple green line behind the goal line, in parallel, if touched
by the puck, would guarantee that a goal has been made.
It will be primarily used by the bird’s eye view camera, which in the past created confusion due to the top bar of the net coming in the way of the goal line. Now whenever the puck is in any way touching the green line even slightly, it will be a sure goal,
and the best part about it is that the green line can be easily and clearly viewed from nearly all angles.
NHL vice president and camp director, Brendan Shanahan, thinks that the new verification line has received great output and may well be seen next season. He also waived off rumours that the green line could create a disturbance for goalies.
“Goal reviews are going to make a big difference with the verification line”, Shanahan said about the verification line. “Is it a distraction to the goalie? The feedback we’ve had is (no) and it’s of really good assistance to hockey operations (on replays)”.
The next idea which was on the to-do list is the shallow net concept, which entirely may not be new to the camp but has certainly acquired much more importance this time around.
Instead of using a standard 44-inch mesh behind and around the net, the new 40-inch design provides for much better opportunities in not only passing the puck but also attempting wrap around shots due to the thinner frame.
“We’ve seen shallow nets for two years and it’s time to try them in exhibition games”, Shanahan added. “Some offensive players felt that it improved passing lanes”.
Shallow nets might not be visually different than those present before and green lines might not even catch the eye of spectators, all that matters is the game be more exciting, intense and competitive, something which everyone is sure to like.
Tags: