Fighting, hybrid icing and playoff format discussed at NHL GM meeting

TORONTO – General managers discussed fighting, hybrid icing and the NHL’s new playoff format among a host of other topics at their annual post-Hall of Fame meeting.

No formal rule changes came about, though the purpose of this get-together is more to set up March’s meeting.

Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland’s idea to extend overtime to 10 minutes got serious discussion. He wants four-on-four for five minutes and then three-on-three for another five, while Doug Armstrong of the St. Louis Blues and others want simply 10 minutes of four-on-four.

The GMs got clarification on the playoff format, which could include wild-card teams crossing over because of total points even if four make it from each division in one conference.

Fighting was discussed in general terms and in regards to goalies. A rule was brought up to punish goaltenders who crossed the centre red-line to fight.

Steve Yzerman of the Tampa Bay Lightning said there wasn’t a major push to make changes to rules on skaters dropping the gloves.