Rules changes in the AHL this upcoming season, which are interesting to consider that it might be a portent of things to come in the NHL and down to the college ranks also (thanks Boston Globe). They are: 1. For seven weeks only, goaltenders can handle the puck only behind the net, in a restricted shaded area extending 28 feet along the back boards, deliniated by diagonal lines running out from behind the net. Netminders handling puck outside the zone subjects the team to a 2-minute delay of game penalty. 2. Goal line is moved 2 feet closer to the end boards (from 13 feet back to 11 feet) 3. Icing rule is changed to the college "no touch" call 4. Center line and blue lines will be painted an extra foot wider (from 12 inches to 24 inches) 5. Shootout rule for ties: after 60 minutes, play 5 minutes 4-4. Then, if still a tie, shootout with five players each side. If still tied, one player selected each side to shoot until tie broken. (no word on number of points awarded for each scenario) 6. 2005-06: goalie pads narrowed 2 inches (from 12 inches to 10 inches in width)