NHL, Leader In Goal Line Technology, Does It Again!

[Bruce]

The National Hockey League, which introduced in-goal camera technology and video goal reviews, has tested another idea which might be in place for the upcoming season. The NHL conducts a camp in the off-season to test various rule changes.

A green line, called a verification line, will be painted on the ice, three inches (the diameter of the puck) parallel to and behind the red goal line. The theory is the verification line will help the video replay official and speed up video reviews to determine if the puck completely crossed the red goal line for a goal.

Simply stated by Geometry 101, if any part of the puck touches any part of the green verification line, the puck has therefore completely crossed the red goal line for a goal.

During a season, the red goal line can become a bit blurry. Without the verification line, the video replay official would have to look for white ice between the black puck and the red goal line.

It is still possible for the puck to be on edge completely across the goal line and short of the verification line and be a goal.

[Peter R]

plus the experiments with no icing when short-handed (I think), and playing extra time with fewer players per side... interesting.

[Bruce]

Hockey has always had no icing when a team is shorthanded due to penalty; and 4-on-4 overtime (as opposed to 5-on5 during regulation).

However the game has opened up due to recent new rules of strict enforcement of obstructing offensive players not in possession of the puck and the legalization of the 2-line (long breakout) pass.