Illegal Sticks

[toby91_ca 620]

Anyone here anything about this topic this year? There was on and off discussion about illegal curves last year with respect to Kovalchuk, but I haven't heard anything this year.

I was watching the Pens vs. Caps game on TSN and they were discussing "Ovechkin's cheating." Now, that sounds bad, but they were not really picking on him, they were simply pointing out that he uses and illegal stick (as do others). They showed a pic of his stick while he was sitting on the bench and I couldn't believe how much of a curve he has (haven't seen anything like that since my street hockey days). They went on to say that Semin's curve is even worse.

Before anyone points out that TSN hates Ovechkin, he's not Canadian and that's why they were talking about this, the same guy that lead the discussion was also talking about Ovechkin being the MVP (which I can agree with in some circumstances, but not in others - save that for separate discussion).

Here's the real puzzling thing: why hasn't there been any discussions and penalty calls as a result of this? It makes no sense. If a team challenges Ovy's stick, and it is determined to be illegal (no brainer, unless he switches in the 3rd....which he and others have done in the past), Ovy would be penalized and fined $200. If the stick is found to be legal, the coach requesting it to be checked would be fined $100. There was no mention of any penalty against his team for delay of game....I haven't bothered to check. In those circumstances, why wouldn't you be calling for it to be checked? Are coaches saving it for more important times (late in the season? playoffs?).

I was thinking the league may be ignoring it as it may result in fewer goals, but when I think about it more, this doesn't really have anything to do with the league, unless there is a larger conspiracy in which the league has asked all teams not to check other teams sticks (which seems pretty far fetched to me).

[Zion 93]

Somewhere, Marty McSorley is crying right now...

[Opie 308]

Somewhere, Marty McSorley is crying right now...

And Bowman is smiling and Melrose is freaking out!!

[joshy207 156]

I'm sure Washington isn't the only team with players using illegal sticks. There are probably at least one or two on every team. If Team A's coach calls for a measurement on a Team B player, you'd think the Team B coach would turn around and have a Team A player checked later in the game. I don't think anyone wants to open that can of worms.

[06TJSport 0]

I don't get why there isn't a process in which the players sticks are certified or something of that nature. Goaltenders pads are measured and if they use a pair that aren't they have to switch. (Rick DiPietro earlier this year)

[Opie 308]

I don't get why there isn't a process in which the players sticks are certified or something of that nature. Goaltenders pads are measured and if they use a pair that aren't they have to switch. (Rick DiPietro earlier this year)

I agree check the stick like they do pads. If a guy has an illegal stick it doesn't make it to the bench!

[toby91_ca 620]

I don't get why there isn't a process in which the players sticks are certified or something of that nature. Goaltenders pads are measured and if they use a pair that aren't they have to switch. (Rick DiPietro earlier this year)

It takes less than a second to change a stick, it would take about 20 minutes to change a goalie's equipment. Point being, you can't really employ the same methods with measuring sticks. You can measure a guy's stick, but how do you know what stick he is actually playing with?

[toby91_ca 620]

I'm sure Washington isn't the only team with players using illegal sticks. There are probably at least one or two on every team. If Team A's coach calls for a measurement on a Team B player, you'd think the Team B coach would turn around and have a Team A player checked later in the game. I don't think anyone wants to open that can of worms.

I'm not sure it is as widespread as you would think, but for argument sake, let's assume it is. I don't think your scenario would really play out. If I was coaching a team knowing a couple of players were using illegal sticks, I would call for measurement on the other team and just get my guys to switch sticks.

[joshy207 156]

I'm not sure it is as widespread as you would think, but for argument sake, let's assume it is. I don't think your scenario would really play out. If I was coaching a team knowing a couple of players were using illegal sticks, I would call for measurement on the other team and just get my guys to switch sticks.

You think your player(s) would be happy with you?

Maybe you're right, maybe there are only a handful of guys over the 3/4" limit. Maybe the coaches just don't care.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

Anyone here anything about this topic this year? There was on and off discussion about illegal curves last year with respect to Kovalchuk, but I haven't heard anything this year.

I was watching the Pens vs. Caps game on TSN and they were discussing "Ovechkin's cheating." Now, that sounds bad, but they were not really picking on him, they were simply pointing out that he uses and illegal stick (as do others). They showed a pic of his stick while he was sitting on the bench and I couldn't believe how much of a curve he has (haven't seen anything like that since my street hockey days). They went on to say that Semin's curve is even worse.

Before anyone points out that TSN hates Ovechkin, he's not Canadian and that's why they were talking about this, the same guy that lead the discussion was also talking about Ovechkin being the MVP (which I can agree with in some circumstances, but not in others - save that for separate discussion).

Here's the real puzzling thing: why hasn't there been any discussions and penalty calls as a result of this? It makes no sense. If a team challenges Ovy's stick, and it is determined to be illegal (no brainer, unless he switches in the 3rd....which he and others have done in the past), Ovy would be penalized and fined $200. If the stick is found to be legal, the coach requesting it to be checked would be fined $100. There was no mention of any penalty against his team for delay of game....I haven't bothered to check. In those circumstances, why wouldn't you be calling for it to be checked? Are coaches saving it for more important times (late in the season? playoffs?).

I was thinking the league may be ignoring it as it may result in fewer goals, but when I think about it more, this doesn't really have anything to do with the league, unless there is a larger conspiracy in which the league has asked all teams not to check other teams sticks (which seems pretty far fetched to me).

This was the reasoning I heard a lot about last year. That coaches/teams were waiting for a pivotal time to call for a players' stick to be checked. That being said, I also haven't seen any players challenged on this all season, and you have every reason to wonder why. I wish I had the answer because there are plenty of times getting a free PP would come in handy.

[irishtemper14+25 11]

yea maybe the coaches just dont give a s*** anymore

[12Newf 0]

every "sniper" in the league is using an illegal stick. centremen dont normally use them as much because they need a flatter blade to win faceoffs and i imagine the ref would notice right away when he sees the stick. the russians ALL use crazy illegal sticks though. take a look at kovalchuks! the thing is damn near a C. selanne also has a very illegal stick and has even been called on it before. coaches usually make players pull out legal sticks for the third period if theyre winning because they dont want to risk taking a penalty if the other coach calls them on it.

[bloodred13 0]

they dont call out ovechkin for the exact same reason why la rossa didnt say anything about the brown substance on kenny rodgers hand during the world series..... he does something like that then leyland decides he wants the refs to start looking in at the cardinals to see if theyre doing something illegal.

[imisssergei 0]

I also watched that TSN report, they said that there has not been one measurement done this season.

As far as what happens to the coach if he requests a measurement, and it's legal, he does get fined the $100 and he is assessed a 2 minute bench minor for delay of game.

It's funny that this topic would come up, and goaltenders pads would be compared to it. In the thread about goaltenders pads someone made the comparison that sticks are monitored more closely than goaltenders pads. All goaltenders equipment is checked before each game. Sticks are only checked upon request.

[imisssergei 0]

they dont call out ovechkin for the exact same reason why la rossa didnt say anything about the brown substance on kenny rodgers hand during the world series..... he does something like that then leyland decides he wants the refs to start looking in at the cardinals to see if theyre doing something illegal.

I disagree. NHL coaches are looking for the right moment to ask for a measurment. Rarely, in fact I've never, do you see a stcik measurement turn into a pissing contest between coaches. As the playoff race tightens up, I wouldn't be surprised to see the fist stick measurement called here pretty soon.

[Guest GordieSid&Ted]

Anyone here anything about this topic this year? There was on and off discussion about illegal curves last year with respect to Kovalchuk, but I haven't heard anything this year.

I was watching the Pens vs. Caps game on TSN and they were discussing "Ovechkin's cheating." Now, that sounds bad, but they were not really picking on him, they were simply pointing out that he uses and illegal stick (as do others). They showed a pic of his stick while he was sitting on the bench and I couldn't believe how much of a curve he has (haven't seen anything like that since my street hockey days). They went on to say that Semin's curve is even worse.

Before anyone points out that TSN hates Ovechkin, he's not Canadian and that's why they were talking about this, the same guy that lead the discussion was also talking about Ovechkin being the MVP (which I can agree with in some circumstances, but not in others - save that for separate discussion).

Here's the real puzzling thing: why hasn't there been any discussions and penalty calls as a result of this? It makes no sense. If a team challenges Ovy's stick, and it is determined to be illegal (no brainer, unless he switches in the 3rd....which he and others have done in the past), Ovy would be penalized and fined $200. If the stick is found to be legal, the coach requesting it to be checked would be fined $100. There was no mention of any penalty against his team for delay of game....I haven't bothered to check. In those circumstances, why wouldn't you be calling for it to be checked? Are coaches saving it for more important times (late in the season? playoffs?).

I was thinking the league may be ignoring it as it may result in fewer goals, but when I think about it more, this doesn't really have anything to do with the league, unless there is a larger conspiracy in which the league has asked all teams not to check other teams sticks (which seems pretty far fetched to me).

IMO, any stick not made mostly out of wood is an illegal stick.

[toby91_ca 620]

every "sniper" in the league is using an illegal stick. centremen dont normally use them as much because they need a flatter blade to win faceoffs and i imagine the ref would notice right away when he sees the stick. the russians ALL use crazy illegal sticks though. take a look at kovalchuks! the thing is damn near a C. selanne also has a very illegal stick and has even been called on it before. coaches usually make players pull out legal sticks for the third period if theyre winning because they dont want to risk taking a penalty if the other coach calls them on it.

Whether the refs notice or not is not relevant. They can't simply call a penalty because they see an illegal stick, the opposing coach would have to call for measurement.

[puckloo39 5,686]

ahh. Memories...

Quote from Dominik Hasek, Game 6 Wings/Avs, 2002: "Measure this, Bob!" j/k

Illegal sticks strike me as the most minor of problems, considering the crap that's plaguing the game right now. On another note, however, now would be a good time to try it. The coaches are all too busy dealing with bogus officiating to worry about something like a stick which is illegal.

[Echolalia 2,961]

There are always going to be illegal sticks in the game, and teams are always going to be hesitant to call the player out on it.

Just make them legal already. If anything it will increase scoring, which is what the league wants anyways

[34Legace34 0]

all the more impressive that Sidney uses basicly a straight blade, with a little bend at the toe.

and dont go looking at his reebok retail stick pattern, they are nothing alike.

[Gizmo 21]

I don't get why there isn't a process in which the players sticks are certified or something of that nature. Goaltenders pads are measured and if they use a pair that aren't they have to switch. (Rick DiPietro earlier this year)

One problem with this idea is that sticks can be easily curved further after passing certification.

[Pskov Wings Fan 71]

Why is this rule even exist? What is the purpose? I hope it is not coming from the time when goalies played without masks.

[Dano33 41]

Why is this rule even exist? What is the purpose? I hope it is not coming from the time when goalies played without masks.

No kidding, if you want to use a big curve, then use a big curve, it really isn't that much of an advantage. Shooting ability is greatly favored to talent, rather than your curve.

[Izzy24 44]

they dont call out ovechkin for the exact same reason why la rossa¹ didnt say anything about the brown substance on kenny rodgers² hand during the world series..... he does something like that then leyland decides he wants the refs³ to start looking in at the cardinals to see if theyre doing something illegal.

1) Tony La Russa

2) Kenny Rogers

3) Baseball has umpires

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

Anyone here anything about this topic this year? There was on and off discussion about illegal curves last year with respect to Kovalchuk, but I haven't heard anything this year.

I was watching the Pens vs. Caps game on TSN and they were discussing "Ovechkin's cheating." Now, that sounds bad, but they were not really picking on him, they were simply pointing out that he uses and illegal stick (as do others). They showed a pic of his stick while he was sitting on the bench and I couldn't believe how much of a curve he has (haven't seen anything like that since my street hockey days). They went on to say that Semin's curve is even worse.

Before anyone points out that TSN hates Ovechkin, he's not Canadian and that's why they were talking about this, the same guy that lead the discussion was also talking about Ovechkin being the MVP (which I can agree with in some circumstances, but not in others - save that for separate discussion).

Here's the real puzzling thing: why hasn't there been any discussions and penalty calls as a result of this? It makes no sense. If a team challenges Ovy's stick, and it is determined to be illegal (no brainer, unless he switches in the 3rd....which he and others have done in the past), Ovy would be penalized and fined $200. If the stick is found to be legal, the coach requesting it to be checked would be fined $100. There was no mention of any penalty against his team for delay of game....I haven't bothered to check. In those circumstances, why wouldn't you be calling for it to be checked? Are coaches saving it for more important times (late in the season? playoffs?).

I was thinking the league may be ignoring it as it may result in fewer goals, but when I think about it more, this doesn't really have anything to do with the league, unless there is a larger conspiracy in which the league has asked all teams not to check other teams sticks (which seems pretty far fetched to me).

If you call for a stick to be checked and it turns out to be legal, your team does end up with the 2-minute penalty.

From the NHL rulebook:

(NOTE 1) When a formal complaint is made by the Captain or Alternate Captain of a Team, against the dimensions of any stick, the Referee shall take the stick to the Timekeeper's bench where the necessary measurement shall be made immediately. The result shall be reported to the Penalty Timekeeper who shall record it on the back of the penalty record.

If the complaint is not sustained, a bench minor penalty shall be imposed against the complaining club in addition to a fine of one hundred dollars ($100).

http://www.nhl.com/hockeyu/rulebook/rule19.html