Three Rules And Format Changes The NHL Should Implement
Like every professional sports league, the NHL has rules and formats that differ from what fans may believe are best.
Over time, fans have formed strong opinions about certain rules that may not showcase the best competition or create the most exciting product.
While these changes have little chance of being implemented anytime soon, they could potentially improve the league.
Eight NHL Rule Changes To Consider At The Next GM Meetings
It's always fun to propose changes you think would make the NHL a better, more entertaining league. Here are eight bold rule changes THN.com thinks the league should discuss at the next GM meetings.
The Multi-Point System
Another change that appears unlikely to be adopted is the 3-2-1-0 points system for regular-season games.
The current NHL system (2-1-0) awards two points for any win-whether it comes in regulation, overtime, or a shootout-one point for an overtime or shootout loss, and zero points for a regulation loss.
The proposed system, which the PWHL has used since its inaugural season, awards three points for a regulation win, two points for an overtime or shootout win, one point for an overtime or shootout loss, and zero points for a regulation loss.
Although a similar system was used during the 4 Nations Face-Off, the NHL continues to favor the traditional 2-1-0 structure. Supporters of the current format argue that it keeps the standings tighter and preserves playoff-race drama deeper into the season. The league's goal is to maintain competitive balance and keep more teams in contention for longer.
However, advocates of the 3-2-1-0 system believe it better rewards teams for winning in regulation and encourages a more aggressive style of play, particularly late in tied games.
Removing The Two-Minute Minor For Unsuccessful Goalie Interference Challenges
One of the NHL's most controversial rules involves goalie interference reviews.
If a coach challenges a goal for goalie interference and the review upholds the original call, that team receives a two-minute minor penalty for delay of game.
The controversy stems from the fact that goalie interference is one of the most subjective rules in hockey. Nearly every situation looks different, making consistency difficult to achieve.
During the playoffs and in certain late-game situations-such as the final minute of regulation or throughout overtime-these reviews are handled automatically by the NHL situation room rather than through a coach's challenge, protecting teams from being penalized in critical moments.
The league's GMs have continued to support the penalty because it discourages coaches from challenging every close play and helps maintain game flow.
The difference, however, is that goalie interference is a subjective judgment call, unlike offside reviews, which are largely black-and-white and can be determined through video evidence. Goalie interference often comes down to interpretation by the officials on the ice and in the situation room.
Many fans argue that the threat of a penalty discourages coaches from challenging potentially incorrect calls, allowing questionable goals to stand.
Before the minor penalty was introduced, coaches frequently challenged goals in hopes that officials would find enough evidence to overturn the ruling. The current rule has significantly reduced frivolous challenges.
Like many rules in professional sports, the penalty also serves to reinforce the authority of officials, using video review as a tool to correct obvious mistakes rather than re-officiate every play.
Whether any of these changes will ever happen remains unlikely. However, each proposal continues to spark debate among fans and could have a meaningful impact on competition, playoff excitement, and the overall viewing experience if the NHL ever chose to revisit them.
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This story was originally published July 12, 2026 at 8:22 AM.