The NHL is reportedly debating ditching the dry scrape of the ice which occurs between the end of the third period and overtime. The origin of the dry scrape rule came as a result of the NHL trying to improve the playing surface in the extra period. Unfortunately, the delay which occurs during the dry scrape has been an annoyance and has even sent fans to the exits.
The league has apparently heard/seen the side effects of dry scraping the ice and may move forward on eliminating the process.
GM's mtng: Source suggests dry scrape could be abandoned as early as wknd. Full shovel crews would handle pre-OT clean in 2 mins or less….
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) November 18, 2014
…Toronto and Buffalo are among arenas that use full shovel crew during commercial breaks. GM discussing today. Not a done deal…
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) November 18, 2014
Using the shovel crew during a commercial break seems to be a sensible alternative. As is, the delay which fans endure probably isn’t worth the slight improvement in ice quality.
