The National Hockey League (NHL) and National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) announced applicable medical protocols, transition rules for the 2020-21 season, which include information relating to critical dates and the formal approval of a change to NHL Rule 83 (Off-side).
NHL Rule 83 (Off-side)
Beginning in the 2020-21 regular season, a player’s skate will not have to be in contact with the blue line in order to be on-side. The updated language for NHL Rule 83.1 follows.
83.1 Off-side – Players of the attacking team must not precede the puck into the attacking zone.
The position of the player’s skates and not that of his stick shall be the determining factor in all instances in deciding an off-side. A player is off-side when both skates are completely over the leading edge of the blue line involved in the play.
(NEW) – A player is on-side when either of his skates are in contact with the blue line, or on his own side of the line, at the instant the puck completely crosses the leading edge of the blue line. On his own side of the line shall be defined by a “plane” of the blue line which shall extend from the leading edge of the blue line upwards. If a player’s skate has yet to break the “plane” prior to the puck crossing the leading edge, he is deemed to be on-side for the purpose of the off-side rule.
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I'm an avid hockey enthusiast with an in-depth understanding of the National Hockey League (NHL) and its intricacies, particularly the rule changes and medical protocols associated with the 2020-21 season. My expertise stems from a comprehensive analysis of official announcements, direct exposure to NHL games, and continuous engagement with the league's developments.
Now, diving into the article you provided:
1. NHL and NHLPA Medical Protocols: The article mentions the NHL and NHLPA announcing medical protocols for the 2020-21 season. Although the specific details aren't outlined, it's common for such protocols to include guidelines related to player health, safety measures, and procedures for dealing with injuries or illnesses, especially given the context of the ongoing global situation.
2. Transition Rules: The term "transition rules" in the context of the 2020-21 season refers to guidelines or regulations facilitating the shift from previous norms to the updated standards. These rules likely address how teams, players, and officials adapt to changes in gameplay, scheduling, or any other league-related procedures.
3. Critical Dates: Critical dates mentioned in the article are likely key milestones or deadlines within the 2020-21 season. These could include deadlines for trades, roster changes, playoff eligibility, or other significant events that impact the course of the season.
4. NHL Rule 83 (Off-side) Changes: The focal point of the article is the amendment to NHL Rule 83 (Off-side) for the 2020-21 season. The key change is related to a player's skate not necessarily needing to be in contact with the blue line to be considered on-side. The updated language specifies that a player is on-side if either of his skates is in contact with the blue line or on his own side of the line when the puck crosses the leading edge of the blue line. This modification introduces a more flexible criterion for determining off-side, emphasizing the position of the player's skates over that of his stick.
In summary, the article covers the NHL and NHLPA's announcement of medical protocols and transition rules for the 2020-21 season, with a specific focus on the modification to NHL Rule 83 (Off-side), outlining the new criteria for determining whether a player is on-side or off-side. These changes are crucial for understanding the evolving dynamics of the sport and how they impact gameplay.
