Trapping Isn’t Tantrum-worthy

Like a lot of NHL fans, I’m not sure why people are just now realizing that the Tampa Bay Lightning use a 1-3-1 system. I’m also not sure why the 1-3-1 suddenly infuriated the Philadelphia Flyers Wednesday night. But now, there’s talk about the NHL “doing something” about trapping teams. Obviously, there are things that can be done. Greg Wyshynski suggested a shot clock, which is an interesting idea. But if the NHL really wants to kill trapping, they need to talk to their television partners. Specifically, they need to talk to them about how they shoot NHL games. Most NHL telecasts follow the puck through the three zones. Sometimes there are some shots from behind the goal up the ice, but for the most part, NHL games are shot like you’re watching above center ice. It makes sense, because viewers want to see the action. But in hockey, a lot of action occurs behind the play, too. And when you can see the whole play, it’s very easy to se...