A look at NHL rules changes, effective with the start of the 2005-06 season:
Shootout
Following a scoreless five-minute overtime, three players from each team participate in a shootout. Each team takes three shots. The team with the most goals after those six shots wins. If still tied, the shootout will advance to a sudden death format. If a game is decided by a shootout, the final score will give the winning team one more goal than its opponent, based on the score at the end of overtime.
Lines
Two-line passes are now legal as the center red line will be ignored for offsides purposes.
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Goalies
The dimensions of goaltender equipment will be reduced by approximately 11 percent. In addition to a one-inch reduction (to 11 inches) in the width of leg pads, the blocking glove, upper-body protector, pants and jersey also will be reduced in size.
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Instigation penalties
A player who instigates a fight in the final five minutes of a game will receive a game misconduct and an automatic one-game suspension. The length of suspension would double for each additional incident. The player’s coach will be fined $10,000, a penalty that would double for each recurrence.
Officiating
Zero tolerance on interference, hooking and holding-obstruction.
Unsportsmanlike conduct
The league will review and assess fines to players who dive, embellish a fall or a reaction, or who fake injury in an attempt to draw penalties. The first such incident will bring on a warning letter; the second will result in a $1,000 fine; the third will result in a $2,000 fine; and the fourth will result in a one-game suspension.
Competition committee
Comprised of four NHL players, four general managers and one owner and is supervised by Colin Campbell, NHL director of hockey operations.
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