Community Manager"The defending team can push check and knock down their opponent within [20ft] of the net with reduced risk of drawing an interference penalty."
I'll see how this plays out, but if I'm understanding this correctly, I can already envision truculent/hip-check hitters abusing it to take people out of the play when they are nowhere near the puck. Anyone within 20 feet of the net waiting for a pass or getting into position is just going to be targeted.
"Community Feedback: Recent changes increased the chance of getting called for a penalty when Push Checking in front of the net. Defensemen want a way to clear the net, allowing for better defending in close proximity to the crease to prevent screens/deflections/tap ins."
Clear the front of the net. In close proximity. To me that's a few feet around the crease, not 20 feet.
I'd rather have stick/body tie ups improved.
Instead of lifting the stick way up in the air (using the "automatic penalty button"), you can engage and push off a player to move them out of screening position or pin their stick down to prevent a deflection. You can already "engage" with "net battle", though it is touchy. Make it easier to engage and allow follow ups from that position, either using the analog to "shove" a player (moving them a foot or two and ending the engaged state) or a "stick lift" which pins their stick for a couple of seconds before also ending the engaged state.
More thought may need to be put into it, but it accomplishes what is required without giving players free reign to take out attacking players.
@KlariskraysNHL wrote:
@RicochetIIYeah I'm thinking the same when it comes to the checking in front of the net. I mean if I can just plow someone over and wait like 10 seconds to do it again i will drain them of their energy and make life easier. But let's hope it doesn't allow for the abuse.
I think both of you are mistaken here. This only applies to the shove. Nobody is going to be able to "just plow someone over". If you use a shoulder check (down/up or hold B/Circle and release) you're still going to get called for interference.
This change is in good in that now you can use little shoves to force players waiting for a one-timer to adjust. You'll also be able to clean the net-front of players looking for deflections. But you'll need to time it right so as not to do it too much and still get a penalty.
Like I said, I will see how it plays out, but you don't always need to use a big hit to take someone down and there's still the question of hip checks.
Either way it's legalizing interference too far from the net.
@RicochetII wrote:Like I said, I will see how it plays out, but you don't always need to use a big hit to take someone down and there's still the question of hip checks.
Either way it's legalizing interference too far from the net.
IMO, a hip check is considered a 'big check'. A shoulder check is a 'big check' and a shove is a shove. You cannot knock someone down with just a shove.
That being said, I do believe if your player has sufficient speed/momentum, you can knock someone down in coordination with a shove - so it will be interesting to see how these changes take that into account.
Aside from the potential of speed/momentum not being considered in the new settings, I don't believe this is "legalizing interference". This is actually giving defenders another tool in their belt to help defend against constant cross-creases from one dimensional players. It also gives defenders a tool in helping mitigate deflection hunters.
In addition to those tools being added for defenders, this will force those on offense to time their cross-creases better so as not to be hampered by a defender shoving the recipient.
More tools on defense, more responsibility on offense. We'll see how it all plays out, but these are things the community has been clamouring for.
