NHL general managers wrapped up Day 1 of their annual March meetings today in sunny Boca Raton, with plenty of time remaining for an afternoon round of golf.
So that’s nice for them.
By the sounds of it, today was basically a table-setter for tomorrow. Sportsnet’s John Shannon reports that the GMs spent a good portion of the morning broken into small groups:
As usual, Day One of NHL meetings the GMs break into smaller groups which include NHL staffers...recommendations to bigger group tomorrow.
— John Shannon (@JShannonhl) March 16, 2015
However, two of the big issues heading into these meetings -- 3-on-3 overtime and video review for goaltender interference -- were saved mostly for Day 2, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. There may be formal recommendations made on those topics, or there may not be.
Pens GM Jim Rutherford said his small group seemed in favor of increased video review re:goalie interference. Would likely recommend
— Katie Strang (@KatieJStrang) March 16, 2015
Per Stephen Whyno of the Canadian Press, diving and embellishment were among the things discussed today. The NHL has been cracking down on that issue this season, publicly fining players for dishonestly trying to draw penalties.
Colin Campbell on minutia discussed at GMs meeting: "These things seem anal until you get into Game 6 or 7 of the playoffs."
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) March 16, 2015
Here’s NHL.com’s Dan Rosen with a preview of the meetings: