--- [log in to unmask] wrote:
. . .

> Question from watching the Olympics, though, is whether the "2-line" issue is blurred by the
> general higher skill level.  It's great to allow 50 foot passes, and even better when Leetch or
> Rafalski are making the passes, but how will it work when Hal Gill is trying to hit P.j. Stock?
> But, in my view, it doesn't hurt to try it.
>

. . .

No way Hal Gill could hit PJ Stock.  PJ would hit him first! ;^)

I think another way the two line pass opens the game up is that it makes the neutral zone trap
somewhat more difficult to execute.  With the rules as they are, the defending team has only to
defend half of the neutral zone until the puck carrier reaches the blue line, at which time they
collapse on the puck carrier, making any pass difficult.  If you allow the two line pass, the
defending team has to cover the entire neutral zone, which gives more open ice whether you're
passing OR carrying the puck.

Clay

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