League Adds New Wrinkle to Shootouts

The NHL altered its rules on shootouts Tuesday, as referees will now check for illegal sticks before a player takes a shot. The league’s general managers recommended the change after meetings last month.

The first shooter for both teams will have their sticks checked while the ice is being scraped. Those players must remain on the ice after their sticks are checked.

The other players will have sticks checked while the shootout is in progress.

“A number of our managers noted there was a possible loophole in the rules, where players could use illegal equipment in a situation where points are being awarded [to teams],” NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said. “They felt it was worth addressing now rather than waiting until the end of the season.”

If an illegal stick is found, the player will be disqualified and a replacement player will be used. After a third disqualification for an illegal stick, the team will forfeit one shooting opportunity in that game.

The NHL also reworked its delay of game penalty for shooting the puck into the crowd from the defensive zone. The call will now be made judged by the route the puck leaves the ice, not where it lands.

-- Chris Foster

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In Wednesday’s games:

Aaron Ward scored two goals -- including the go-ahead score late in the third period -- to lead Carolina to a 4-3 victory over Boston at Raleigh, N.C.... Viktor Kozlov scored in regulation and had the only goal in a shootout to lead New Jersey to a 2-1 victory over Philadelphia at East Rutherford, N.J.... Daniel Alfredsson and Dany Heatley scored their 35th goals of the season and Ottawa built a four-goal lead before holding on for a 4-3 win at Pittsburgh.... Kari Lehtonen made 34 saves, and Brad Larsen scored two goals at Buffalo, N.Y., to lead Atlanta to a 4-2 win over Buffalo, the Thrashers’ fourth victory in their last five games.... Craig Anderson made 20 saves for his first shutout of the season and defenseman Dustin Byfuglien scored in his first NHL game to lead Chicago to a 3-0 victory over visiting Nashville.... Curtis Sanford made 35 saves, and Scott Young scored two goals to lead St. Louis to a 4-2 victory over Edmonton at Edmonton, Canada.