Ovechkin stick

[NYR2009]

Boomer said that Ovie is using illegal stick. Is that true? Why aren't Rangers complaining?

 

[speeds]

Probably true that he uses an illegal curve. Problem is they not only need to stop play at the request of the opposing C or A, looking like babies in the process, they have to prevent Ovie from getting to the bench and putting his stick on the rack, ostensibly allowing the manager to hand him a legal one before the refs come to measure. It's only a minor penalty and hardly worth the challenge.

Tortorella used to send his PK unit out with polearms and I don't recall much fuss being made about that.

 

[Rangers94]

Probably true that he uses an illegal curve. Problem is they not only need to stop play at the request of the opposing C or A, looking like babies in the process, they have to prevent Ovie from getting to the bench and putting his stick on the rack, ostensibly allowing the manager to hand him a legal one before the refs come to measure. It's only a minor penalty and hardly worth the challenge.

Tortorella used to send his PK unit out with polearms and I don't recall much fuss being made about that.

Also, if I remember correctly, if you accuse them and are wrong, don't you as the accusing team get a penalty? Unless the refs decide to check it on their own, I thought that was part of the rule. Could be way off though seeing as how long it's been since anyone has done such a thing.

 

[BigDaddyAl1973]

Yes a delay or game penalty for asking and being wrong

 

[NYR31]

i want more people to illegal sticks. Scoring is down in the NHL (no one even hit 90pts this year) so we could use more excitement on the ice.

 

[Rangers94]

Yes a delay or game penalty for asking and being wrong

Thanks Al. That's what I thought. Teams just don't accuse anymore because of the "whining" factor, but it'd be interesting to see how many players have an "illegal" curve.