Mailbag: Assistant coaches; Fixing the puck-over-the-glass rule

Two questions for this week’s mailbag. As always, submit your questions using the mailbag widget on the right.

The AV Squad (Photo by Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty Images)

Hawkeye asks: We have heard talk about how stubborn AV is, and how he is playing favorites by never critiquing Glass, Girardi, and Staal. How much do our assistant coaches play in this? What are Scott and Ulf doing that hasn’t improved the Rangers play during this season? Can they be held responsible as well?

The assistant coaches play a large role in roster decisions as well, but ultimately the buck stops with Alain Vigneault. It’s why he’s the subject of most of the criticism. AV also doesn’t have history on his side, as one of the main concerns that led to his termination in Vancouver was his inability to move on from the declining play of veterans.

Ulf is a solid coach, and while Jeff Beukeboom –deservedly so– gets a ton of credit for Dylan McIlrath’s progression, Ulf’s role in his development is critical as well. It’s safe to assume that Ulf gave McIlrath some advice and pointers during his first few call ups. Beuk did the bulk in Hartford, and since Ulf and Beuk were similar players, there’s a lot to learn from there.

Arniel runs the powerplay, so it’s safe to assume he had some role in the demotion of Keith Yandle from PP1 to PP2. It’s tough to argue with the effectiveness of PP1, especially since Dan Boyle has been the trigger-man on the off-wing, but Yandle is better than Ryan McDonagh as a powerplay QB. It begs the question: Are they grooming McDonagh for the role, knowing Yandle won’t be back?

Overall, it’s safe to assume the assistants have a large role in lineup decisions. Unless we are in the room, we won’t know how much of a role they play, though. Ultimately the buck stops with AV.

BenM asls: Is the automatic delay of game penalty for flipping the puck over the glass the worst rule in hockey? If not, what is? Is there any
discussion in the league to change the rule? I would love to see it changed to be like an icing – quick faceoff with no change for the offending team.

Without a doubt in my mind, the flipping the puck over the glass rule is the dumbest rule in hockey. I hate it. You hate it. The players hate it. I’m assuming the owners hate it. Basketball fans hate it. Zombies hate it. No one, living or dead, likes it. It’s stupid.*

Actually, I think Jeremy Jacobs likes it. Or at least I’m assuming it. He’s probably the least liked owner among the fans, since he’s the major voice of the last two lockouts. Not sure he qualifies as human though, at least to hockey fans.

*-My own personal opinion. Had a conversation with someone who likes the penalty, and he gave a solid explanation. Penalizing it discourages puck-off-the-glass clears, which encourages more use of all of the ice, which means more controlled breakouts. It helps the flow of the game.

I have no idea why the league won’t change it. I’m guessing they like more powerplays, or something. Trying to get this changed is like arguing with your stubborn drunk uncle. It just doesn’t work and no one gets anywhere.

I do like your idea though, making it a faceoff with no change. I think that’s the best of both worlds. It gets rid of that idiotic penalty, but still “penalizes” the offending team. I like it, I think you’re on to something here.