NHL considering changing rules or forcing goalies to wear a new piece of equipment after Connor Hellebuyck controversy

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J. Larose
December 2, 2022 (4:03 PM)

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The game between the Winnipeg Jets and Dallas Stars has become a controversial one. It's the type of game that may have long reaching ramifications for the entire league. In this case it could be a long-term rule change that may alter both the way the game is called and the equipment goalies wear.

Now clearly, during the play, Winnipeg Jets defender, Josh Morrissey hits Dallas Star's captain Jamie Benn. The push sends Benn directly into Hellebuyck's head resulting in his mask coming off.

The NHL rule book states:

NHL Rule 9 � Uniforms � 9.6 � Helmets � When a goalkeeper has lost his helmet and/or face mask and his team has control of the puck, the play shall be stopped immediately to allow the goalkeeper the opportunity to regain his helmet and/or face mask.

When the opposing team has control of the puck, play shall only be stopped if there is no immediate and impending scoring opportunity. This stoppage of play must be made by the Referee. When play is stopped because the goalkeeper has lost his helmet and/or face mask, the ensuing face-off shall take place at one of the defending team's end zone face-off spots.

So, from that ruling, since the Winnipeg Jets didn't have possession of the puck, the play remained live which resulted in the Dallas Stars tying up the game. There was a clear impending scoring chance which also played into the decision making.

According to Elliotte Friedman it appears there will be some changes whether players like it or not.

There is definitely going to be something done in the aftermath of the Jason Robertson goal when Connor Hellebuyck's mask was knocked off last Friday. Maybe it's as simple as a more aggressive whistle, since GMs recognize goalies need to be protected. In the days since that occurred, there's also been a demand to make sure «mask-off» doesn't get abused or become a strategy. Last season, St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington received a delay-of-game penalty for removing his mask in a game against the Jets. Another suggestion was making a chin-strap mandatory � an attempt that failed in 2014. Goalies refused that as part of the equipment slimdown. «Goalie Gear Nerd» on Twitter made an interesting point, that this wouldn't work anyways because of the way the mask is designed to fall under contact.

It seems here that the only possible and meaningful change that can be brought up is a change in the rule book. We will have to wait and see at next years GM summit meeting to see what rule change will be implemented to help protect goalies better in these types of plays.

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Should the play be blown dead if a goalie loses their mask?
Yes, keep the goalies safe	296	36.1 %
Yes, but punish goalies who abuse it	409	49.9 %
No, keep the rule the same	114	13.9 %
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