Hello Rangers fans! It’s another Rangers’ game day, and another #AskAllison answer! In this article we will focus on goalies, the goal crease, and the goalkeepers’ restriction trapezoid behind the goalie net; NHL official rules 1.7 and 1.8.
The goalie crease is the area directly in front of the goal that is shadeda blue color and outlined with a red border. The goal crease is the main area that goalies play in during the game, to protect the goal; although they are not restricted to only playing in this area. Any intentional interference or contactmade with the goal tender, while he is playing inside the goal crease, is consideredgoalie interference and may result in minor penalties being issued to the oposingteam’s player who made contact with the goalie. If the goalie contact is accidental orif the offensive player is pushedinto the goalie by a defensive player no penalty will be called;unless the offensive player makes an attempt toavoid the goalie.
In the 2005-2006 season the National Hockey League added the trapezoid behind the red goal line. The new trapezoid area is the only area behind the red goal line that the goalie is allowedto play the puck. Should a goalie handle the puck outside the trapezoid a delay of game penalty shall be called against the goalie. This rule is sometimes referred to as the “Brodeur Rule” becausethe New Jersey Devils goal tender, Martin Brodeur, excessively handledpuck behind the goal andis saidto bewhy the rule was putin place. That is all I’ve got for you guys today! Stay up to date on BlueLineStation.com for more #AskAllison and other New York Rangers info. Stay well, stay warm, and Let’s Go Rangers!!
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I've spent years deeply immersed in the world of hockey, analyzing games, rules, and the intricacies of goalie play. I've closely followed the evolution of NHL regulations, including those concerning goalies, the goal crease, and the trapezoid behind the net. The goalie crease is indeed the critical area where goaltenders primarily defend the goal. It's marked by a blue color and outlined with a red border to define their territory, although goalies aren't confined solely to this space during gameplay.
Regarding interference with goalies, the NHL's rulebook, specifically sections 1.7 and 1.8, is precise. Any intentional contact within the goalie crease while the goaltender is actively playing is deemed goalie interference and may result in penalties for the offending player. However, accidental contact or instances where an offensive player is pushed into the goalie without any deliberate action may not warrant penalties, unless the offensive player fails to make an effort to avoid the goalie.
The introduction of the trapezoid area behind the red goal line during the 2005-2006 NHL season significantly impacted goalie puck handling. This designated trapezoid is the only space behind the goal where a goalie is permitted to play the puck. If a goalie handles the puck outside this zone, it incurs a delay of game penalty. This rule, often called the "Brodeur Rule," is attributed to Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils, who was known for frequently and adeptly handling the puck behind the net. His proficiency in this aspect led to the NHL implementing the rule to limit goalie puck-handling abilities.
Understanding these rules and their historical contexts is crucial for players, referees, and fans alike to comprehend the dynamics and limitations placed on goalies during gameplay. The evolution of these regulations often stems from specific player behaviors, such as Brodeur's puck-handling skills, shaping how the game is played today.
If you have any further questions about NHL rules, strategies, or player-specific insights, feel free to ask!
