By Canadian Press

Scoring, comebacks up as NHL GMs trumpet heath of the game at meetings

Mar 4, 2019 | 1:42 PM

BOCA RATON, Fla. — NHL general managers came to Florida at this time last year looking for clarity and consistency on goalie interference — in between their golf games, fishing trips and pool-side chats, of course.

They got it when the decision was made that the league’s hockey operations department would have the final say on netminders getting bumped or run over in the crease.

And while there’s no hot-button issue dominating in 2019, there are still plenty of things to talk about.

GMs opened their meetings at the posh Boca Beach Club resort on Monday by going over numbers from this season to date that show scoring, even-strength goals and comebacks are up, while hitting has remained at the same level compared to recent years.

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There was also a video to show how the league’s crackdown on slashing during the 2017-18 campaign has resulted in a faster, more offensive product.

Managers also broke out into smaller groups to discuss a variety of topics, including pucks crossing the goal line after the whistle, high-sticking infractions that warrant two- or four-minute penalties and goalies losing helmets during play.

Among the other topics expected to be touched this week are referees being allowed see video on potential five-minute penalties before making a decision, and allowing referees to see replays of reviews initiated by the hockey operations department.

As it stands now, officials only see replays on coaches challenges via the tablet located at the timekeeper’s bench.

The GM meetings run through Wednesday.

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press