Quote:
Originally Posted by Maple Leafs
Just to be clear, the NHL didn't change the rule or create a new one. They clarified the existing rule.
Basically they had to say "This was always a penalty, but since it never occured to us that anybody could be this much of a dink, the referee didn't know whether the rule actually applied. So we're making sure everyone knows that it does."
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That's completely untrue. They state they "amended" or "clarified" the unsportsmanlike conduct rule. Read Rule #75 in the rulebook. There's one reference to "gestures" but that's preceded by talk of "obscene and profane language" so the context isn't the same. And it certainly didn't include words like "An unsportsmanlike conduct minor penalty will be interpreted and applied, effective immediately, to a situation when an offensive player positions himself facing the opposition goaltender and engages in actions such as waving his arms or stick in front of the goaltender's face, for the purpose of improperly interfering with and/or distracting the goaltender as opposed to positioning himself to try to make a play."
Right or wrong in your mind, it wasn't against the rules at the time.
As I type this, the Versus guys are playing the clip and state "This was legal last night. Not anymore."