Yardbarker
x
NHL Weekender: Rule change coming in time for the playoffs?
Oilers goalie Cam Talbot is tired with the inconsistency of goaltender interference calls. Norm Hall/Getty Images

NHL Weekender: Rule change coming in time for the playoffs?

At the end of every workweek, Yardbarker takes a look at what the NHL has in store for the weekend. We'll see whose stock is soaring, who needs to get their acts together and what tilts promise to keep you on the edge of your seat. In this week's edition, the playoff race continues and discussion arises about changing a very controversial rule.

Who's on fire


Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Every week, we look at how all teams have performed over the past week-plus. Right now, the Columbus Blue Jackets are making big noise in the Eastern Conference playoff race with a spotless 10-0 record in their last 10 contests. After a rough run midseason hiccup, CBJ is getting hot at the right time, pushing into a playoff spot and knocking division competitors Philadelphia and New Jersey down into the Wild Card slots.

Out west, the San Jose Sharks have catapulted themselves in second place in the Pacific with an impressive six-game winning streak. While Tuesday's 6-2 win against the Devils was surprising enough, their 2-1 OT win over the Golden Knights on Thursday night was perhaps even more impressive. Thursday's victory also helped give the Sharks some cushion in the standings as they try to hold off L.A. and Anaheim for second place in the Pacific.

Who's on a skid


Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

The Devils are about to end a six-game road trip in which they've lost their last two tilts. While they're still holding on to a Wild Card spot, Florida is just a point behind and threatening to bump New Jersey out. The Devils' home schedule will be no cake walk either with games against Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh on the docket over the next week.

The tight competition has bumped the Dallas Stars from a playoff spot in the Western Conference as well. While they appeared to have a strong hold in the Wild Card race, their recent 2-5-3 run has put distance between them and their competitors — in the wrong direction. Their competition the rest of the way is a mixed bag of non-contending teams and playoff-bound squads like the Boston Bruins, who visit Dallas Friday.

Rule change on the horizon


Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

We have targeted the goalie interference challenge for a while now as a rule that causes an inordinate amount of confusion — as have half of the players and coaches in the league. Most notably, Edmonton netminder Cam Talbot went on a fiery, expletive-riddled rant on the topic.

After the most recent NHL GM meetings, we may actually see some change very soon. Reports say the league's plan is to have the hockey operations department in Toronto make the rulings whenever a coach challenges a goal.

"It will be an improvement to the extent that the managers and the coaches were looking for consistency,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman told the press.

The goal is to have this new protocol in play in time for the playoffs.

What to watch this weekend


Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Saturday, Golden Knights at Avalanche, 3 p.m. EST, ATRM, Alti

It seems like eons ago that Vegas was the surprisingly hot new expansion team that nobody expected to do well. That's just what the Golden Knights were in October when they embarrassed Colorado 7-0. Now with the Avs dueling to remain in the playoff race and the Golden Knights coming off a loss in San Jose, this game shouldn't be quite as lopsided.

Saturday, Predators at Wild, 8 p.m. EST,  FSN+, FSTN

When these squads met back in November, Minnesota scored four goals in the last seven minutes to win the game. That was, of course, at a time of the season before the Preds went on their magnificent tear and overtook the Central Division. These teams play each other twice in the upcoming week, but Saturday is the matchup to watch.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.