INTENT

I love the slight absolution of responsibility that the league has afforded its officials by allowing them to state they “intended” to blow their whistle and stop play dead. Love it because the kinetic, chaotic nature of the sport makes their job beyond difficult, bordering on the impossible – even with 4 of them ruling on things.

That said, it creates some frustrations (see Detroit Red Wings Wednesday) and what if everyone involved were given this same latitude. Could you imagine?

Goalies:

“I intended to make the save”, well then, no goal.

Forwards:

• “I intended to score” – it’s a goal then.
• “I intended to keep my stick down” – ok, no penalty then.
• “I intended to avoid the goalie” – so, no penalty, count the goal.

Coach:

“I intended to win” – two points for you

Defenseman:

• “I intended to keep the puck in the rink” – no penalty there.
• “I intended to clear the rebound” – no goal against then.

Network Broadcasters:

“We intended to broadcast the action to you” – good enough for me

Fans:

“We intended to come” (This would work well in Phoenix)

Owners:

“I intended to pay them”

I could go on, but digress.