The coach’s challenge has been under scrutiny in its first season of implementation, and it’s a topic general managers from around the league could bring u when they meet next week.
According to a report from hockey insider Pierre LeBrun on TSN’s Insider Trading, one NHL general manager has considered suggesting that teams that lose a coach’s challenge then receive a minor penalty for delay of game.
As it stands now, if a coach is unsuccessful with their challenge, that team only loses its one timeout.
“He thinks that would cut down on the number of 50-50 calls that coaches are going for, especially in the third period,” said LeBrun.
Last month, Columbus Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella, never one to shy away from offering an opinion on something in the game -- remember his comments on the shootout? -- ripped the coach’s challenge, saying the league should get rid of it.
“Just get rid of the coach’s challenge. Just get rid of it,” said Tortorella, per The Columbus Dispatch.
“The whole (reason for) being of the coach’s challenge is to get it right. If we can’t get it right on that call, then get rid of the coach’s challenge. All I did was waste a timeout. It’s discouraging. That is a no-brainer call. If they vote again for it, no coach’s challenge as far as this organization is concerned.”
Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa . . . also not a fan of the coach’s challenge.
The coach’s challenge and three-on-three overtime were both introduced for this season.