Full-face shields and no spitting rules coming to NHL when play resumes

None of know exactly when the NHL will return, but all indications are that the league will resume the 2019-20 season at some point and hand out the Stanley Cup later this summer.

One thing is clear though: when the NHL does resume, things are going to be very, very different.

TSN reporter Ryan Rishaug recently caught up with NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly and brought up the prospects of resuming play with some “modifications to the game” such as:

• Full face shields 
• No fighting
• No after whistle scrums or face-washing
• Coaches wearing masks on the bench
• Social distancing between opposing wingers on face-offs
• No spitting 

To his credit, Daly didn’t confirm or deny any of these rules in principle, saying simply, “We would consider anything our infectious disease experts and advisors might recommend.”

Really though? Social distancing on face-offs? What does that accomplish? The moment the puck is dropped the players will be on top of each other trying to get into position. 

No fighting allowed? Not sure I like that at ALL. Take fighting out of the game and I’m willing to bet the NHL drags its heels on allowing it back into the game. Very tough to unring that bell.

No scrums? Good luck with that. You touch my goalie and I’ll be in your face.

Full face shields? I’d love to see a prototype, but the full face shields that currently exist wouldn’t prevent the spread of anything. 

In any case, these are all interesting topics of discussion. Thoughts?