NHL Coaching Challenge: Round Table Discussion

Apr 16, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock reacts against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period in game one of the first round of the the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

So, the NHL wants to bring a coaches challenge. It’s not shocking that a league that allowed a goal that was scored by the puck going through the side of the net would need more video help. But, how will this work? Tossing a red flag on the ice seems to be a dumb idea. Let’s face it NHL coaches are not always the most mild tempered, and giving them something to toss on the ice could back fire.

One possibility I could see happening is having a blue light behind the nets or next to the TV time out light and all a coach needs to do is hit a button and the light turns on. I’m not really in favor of using this rule during the regular season, but I could be swayed in seeing it during the playoffs.

I do like the human error aspect of sports. I believe it’s that aspect that allows for the drama of the game to unfold. At some point things are going to become so robotic that it will kill the game we all love.

If and when this does happen I think the review needs to be done in house. Sending more to Toronto doesn’t sit well with me. Let’s stop pretending that just because a video review is happening in a dark room in Toronto it is the right way to do things.

The proposed rule will cover goals that may have resulted from goaltender interference and offside plays. The team would need to have a timeout available as well. So, what we really are saying is each team gets one challenge and now they will be penalized if they need to use their timeout.

Once again the NHL is creating a rule without going all the way. Could we please just have a rule that doesn’t create more excuses?

–Patrick Helper, Editor – Too Many Men On The Site.

Sounds like Patrick wants the game to be left alone – and allow human error to be a part of the game. I do like his idea of the blue light in the time keepers bench – sort of like sounding the horn when Toronto wants to weigh into the ref.

Next: Adam Savard, Staff Writer