Andrew Weise ([log in to unmask]) had asked about why in certain situations
when 'matching' penalties occur that some teams will tend to skate '5 on 5'
and other times skate '4 on 4'.
 
I remember in the mid-1980's, when the Edmonton Oilers were the *dominant* NHL
team (much to my chagrin, being a NY Islanders fan), they typically won with
fast, very talkented players like Wayne Gretzky, Jari Kurri, Mark Messier,
Paul Coffey, Glenn Anderson and Charlie Huddy (hardly a speedburner, but a
good defenseman!).  As is the case with the NHL, when two players mixed it
up in a minor fashion (2 minute penalties), the refs assessed matching 2 minute
minors.  This usually created a very wide open game for the next two minutes,
a style of play which benefitted the Oilers VERY much, considering the style of
players that they had.  The Oilers would typically dominate these situations,
adding to their leads in games, or using this as a springboard to catch up.
With their talent, who wouldn't!  The NHL passed what was known as the 'Edmonton
Rule', which if there are conicidental minors, the players would leave the ice,
but the teams would play 5 on 5 (excluding goaltenders, of course!).
 
I would imagine that this rule eventually 'trickled down' (another thing from
the mid-80's!) to college hockey rules committees ('hey, if it's good for the
NHL, it's good enough for us :-) ), and they invoked it.  However, IMHO it is
maybe up to the discretion (sp?) of the ref as to whether the teams skate
5 on 5 or 4 on 4.
 
Just my $0.02.
 
Please correct me if I err!
 
Rich Boehme
RPI '86
Go Go Go you Red Red Red!
 
"To err is human, a Mets fan Devine!"