The NHL is going to come down hard on cross-checking this season.
According to the league, there is no change to Rule 59 about cross-checking. It will just be a stricter interpretation and enforcement of the rule.
NHL to strictly enforce cross-checking
“Beginning in the 2021-22 season, there will be a stricter enforcement of rule 59; cross-checking,” the league video explains. “Cross-checking, like many penalties is a judgment made by an official, and is not black and white. No two plays are exactly the same.”
The NHL lists potential factors involved in a cross-checking penalty:
- Placement of the stick
- Elimination through force
- Player embellishment
So why is the league doing this?