BOSTON -- Hybrid icing could be on its way to the NHL.
Adidas Continental 80 Belgie . The leagues general managers met Wednesday and embraced many of the changes recommended by the competition committee, including hybrid icing and the mandatory use of visors for all players entering the league. A blend of touch and no-touch icing that offers referees the discretion to blow a play dead will be in effect during the 2013-14 preseason. If the experiment is successful, hybrid icing will be implemented for the regular season, pending a vote by the NHLs board of governors. Mathieu Schneider, a former defenceman who is now a special assistant to NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr, said both sides should have a better gauge by the end of the preseason whether hybrid icing is likely to pass. "Im optimistic," Schneider said. "Ive learned more through these meetings, watching videos and getting a better understanding." The rule is designed to promote safer play, allowing a linesman to blow his whistle if he judges a defending player is likely to reach the puck first. "Theres different types of the hybrid icing that have been used in different leagues, so were still going to hammer some of those details out," Schneider said. "But essentially its meant to eliminate guys going full speed into the end boards. "If it makes the game safer, its a great thing." Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill said he and his colleagues havent come to a consensus on the issue. "The players in the American (Hockey) League have a good feel for it. Now the NHLers need to get a feel for it," he said. "Ive seen it work in every league that uses it and it works seamlessly." The biggest obstacle to implementation may be how it will be officiated. "There has to be an outright win," Schneider said. "If its clear that the forward is going to win the race for the puck, if theres a dangerous situation, then the ref has the ability to blow it down." Hall of Famer and Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman said very few general managers, if any, favour no-touch icing, leaving the hybrid version as the best option. "Not that theres many injuries on the icing now, but the injuries that are there are very severe, and wed like to try the hybrid icing as a good compromise," he said. "Im hopeful that the preseason gives it enough time for the players to vote in support of it." The general managers also approved the mandatory use of visors for every player entering the league. Players who have played in a certain amount of NHL games will be grandfathered in, allowed to decide if they want to don a protective shield. The topic was fueled when New York Rangers defenceman Marc Staal was hit in the eye with a puck on March 5, causing him to miss the remainder of the regular season and all but one of the Rangers playoff games. Yzerman, who wore a visor during his final season, thinks every player should have to wear one. "Weve seen some serious eye injuries along the way here and injuries that can be avoided by simply a player wearing a shield," he said. "Being a manager of a team and wanting your players on the ice for every possible game, and avoiding every injury that could possibly be avoided, Im in support of our guys wearing them." Eventually every player will be wearing one, according to NHL director of hockey operations Colin Campbell. "Were going to end up with all players wearing visors," he said, "which is a good thing." Also approved Wednesday was the use of shallower nets and video review on four-minute high-sticking penalties. Both will be introduced next season if approved by the board.
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http://www.nmdbelgie.com/kopen-yeezy-boost-700-v2-sale.html . The giant slalom world champion slipped during her first run in the morning, landing on her back and then twisting forward before getting her leg caught in the protective material on the side of the slope. ATLANTA -- Dont expect to see Andrew McCutchen on Thursday when the Pittsburgh Pirates make the final appearance at Turner Field. He wont be playing.Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle, looking for anything that might get the center fielders bat in gear, decided to bench him for the three-game series against the Braves.Why not give it try, since nothing else has worked, Hurdle said.Lets try this because we have tried just about everything else, Hurdle said.The final contest of the three-game series features Atlanta rookie right-hander Tyrell Jenkins (1-2, 4.91) against veteran right-hander Ryan Vogelsong (1-1, 3.74), who is making his first start since getting hit in the face by a pitch May 23.The two teams have split the first two games of the series. Pittsburgh is 4-2 against Atlanta this year.McCutchen has suffered through a very atypical season. The veteran is batting .241 -- 52 points below his career average -- with 15 home runs and 43 RBI. It is unlikely he will be able to extend his streak of five straight years with at least 80 RBI. If the Pirates have any hopes staying in the picture for the wild card spot, they need McCutchen to return to form.The man has tried everything, Hurdle said. At this point were asking him to step away, hit the pause button and get away from it for three games.McCutchen is 1-for-12 with one RBI on the six-game road trip.McCutchen hesitantly agreed to givee Hurdles plan a try, although he didnt necessarily agree with the ploy.
Adidas Zx 7000 Kopen. I wouldnt be taking days off, McCutchen said. Not something I prefer for myself. They seem to think so. Well see.The pitching matchup offers quite a contrast with Jenkins, 24, making his fourth career start against Vogelsong, 39, trying to extend his career.Jenkins picked up his first major league win in his last start against the Phillies, going six innings and allowed only an unearned run. Jenkins has allowed two runs or fewer in three of his four starts. Jenkins, the 2015 Minor League Pitcher of the Year for the Atlanta organization, has never faced Pittsburgh.In four rehab starts since he was struck in the left eye, Vogelsong was 1-2 with a 2.86 ERA. He will be making his third start of the season and first against Atlanta. Vogelsong is 2/3 with a 5.08 ERA in eight career appearances (five starts) against the Braves.The Pirates may need to make a decision on catcher Franciso Cervelli, who was hit in the head by a pitch Tuesday and was being monitored for a concussion. If Cervelli needs to go on the concussion disabled list, he would be replaced by Elias Diaz, who was brought to Atlanta in case he was needed. The Pirates are likely to make a decision before Thursdays game. ' ' '