The pulling the goalie in OT rule

[Lazlo Hollyfeld]

Sort of. The rule wasn’t exactly a reaction to the purported “advantage” of pulling the goalie. It was a reaction to a coach actually doing this in the AHL, and his team losing the game on an ENG. It was a patently stupid outcome, especially for people who bought tickets and watched 3 hours of hockey just to see the game end in that fashion. What had been a hard fought game at the climax of the season ended with a wet thud.

I’ve seen people suggest that it would be exciting to see a game end that way — trust me, it was not. It had all the excitement of seeing a pitcher balk 3 times in a row to end the game. One time as a novelty, it’s a good story. If it happens on a regular basis, you have a structural problem that undermines the entertainment and purpose of the game. The AHL identified that issue in a hurry and gave coaches reason to only consider it as an absolute last resort.

I don't necessarily agree with their line of thinking but understand the solid argument you make here.

For me it's yet another side effect of deciding the game with a spectacle. It requires more rules to try and keep the event meaningful. No spin-o-rama! Don't pull the goalie! Aww christ are you carrying the puck out of the offensive zone again?!

But I also realize I am an old man yelling at clouds, which is becoming less satisfying over time. lol

 

[ucanthanzalthetruth]

are you sure about this? I knew about the rule within the last couple years and I'm pretty sure it was because another team tried it (but maybe didn't score or get scored on). Not 100% sure though but not sure why else I would know about the rule

Pretty sure yeah I did a pretty deep dive, technically it was the 4th time but to me it's the 3rd:

April 7, 2000-Canucks vs Oilers-Canucks pull and lose
March 26, 2003-Kings Vs Jackets-Kings pull goalie and lose
October 28, 2017-Kings Vs Bruins-Kings pull goalie and win****

The asterisk on that Kings game is because the Kings pulled their goalie with 0.9 seconds left and a faceoff in the Boston zone so there was no risk of losing.

 

[AhosDatsyukian]

Pretty sure yeah I did a pretty deep dive, technically it was the 4th time but to me it's the 3rd:

April 7, 2000-Canucks vs Oilers-Canucks pull and lose
March 26, 2003-Kings Vs Jackets-Kings pull goalie and lose
October 28, 2017-Kings Vs Bruins-Kings pull goalie and win****

The asterisk on that Kings game is because the Kings pulled their goalie with 0.9 seconds left and a faceoff in the Boston zone so there was no risk of losing.

hmm yeah maybe it was that Kings game but that's not the same situation either. I though it was something within the last 2-3 years. Maybe it came up as a theoretical and that's why I learned about the rule, not an actual game situation

 

[Section337]

My understanding, since you get an automatic point at the end of regulation for the tie, you are basically willing to forsake that point in order to go for the win.

I know that doesn't work with the concept of the "loser" point but the NHL doesn't subscribe to this concept. And this may be the only rule that gives them a legitimate case.