The NHL removed the red line offside rule in 2005, opening up the game and preventing stoppages in play due to blue line-to-blue line passes. The change made sense, as red line offside calls painfully prevented long-ice passes and slowed down the game. Not everyone was behind the move, as former defenseman Dan Boyle expressed resentment towards the rule change.
Boyle told ESPN.com’s Pierre LeBrun he “hated” the post-red line era strategy of teams firing long passes which were previously prohibited. He said the red line forced defensemen to make a play and “would love” to see the red line back. Boyle said today’s game is robotic.
“Right now, where the game is, is get the puck out of your zone as soon as possible and get it in the other zone as soon as possible. Don’t make plays, don’t go across ice, just get it in,” said Boyle. “There are so many skilled players in the league today, but the game at times now is robotic. The neutral zone has been eliminated.”
The 40-year-old’s comments are in the same vein as former Detroit Red Wings’ Pavel Datsyuk, who said new rules mean an added defensive responsibility and less creativity for players.
Boyle tried to pass the comments off as his perspective as a fan now that he’s retired, but bringing back red line offside calls is one of the last changes fans would want. The neutral zone being less affecting means more skilled forwards can do exciting things in the attacking zone. The puck isn’t bogged down from defenseman playing keep away. Today’s game is about getting the puck through the neutral zone and making great plays in the attacking zone. I don’t think Boyle is wrong or misguided, but his suggestion would be largely unwelcome.
