Brodeur Feels Defanged by N.H.L.'s New Rule (Published 2005) (2024)

Among the National Hockey League's many new rules is one category officially titled, "Restrictions on Goalie Handling the Puck."

Unofficially, that section is better known as the Brodeur Rule, a testament to Martin Brodeur, the Devils' goaltender, and his ability to play the puck outside of the crease.

Not surprising, Brodeur, 33, does not like the new rule.

"You can't be happy, taking away something I've worked on all my life to do and help my teammates and help my defense," said Brodeur, who has guided the Devils to three Stanley Cup championships since 1995. "It's just part of me, playing the puck. So, definitely, you can't be happy.

"It's just the fact that the N.H.L. wants to show the talent to their fans and stuff. And I think this is not doing it. I think it goes the other way around. It goes taking away a talent from guys. There's a lot of guys that can't play the puck, and that doesn't affect them."

The N.H.L. is seeking to open up the ice this season in an effort to bring fans and corporate sponsors back to the sport by increasing scoring.

Many of the 10 new rules categories will deter the stifling neutral-zone trap that the Devils popularized in the mid-1990's. The trap is a defensive strategy that limits scoring chances.