NHL Roundup: 2021-22 Critical Dates; Cross check rules; Suspensions; and Lundqvist jersey retirement ticket prices

henrik lundqvist jersey night
Jan 2, 2020; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist (30) stands during the national anthem prior to a game against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

The NHL has already handed out some suspensions for two incidents involving hits to the head.

First, they suspended the Ottawa Senators Ridly Greig for one preseason game and one regular season game after he cross checked Pierre-Luc Dubois in the face. The Jets forward required 15 stitches afterwards.

Then they suspended Capitals defenseman Dylan McIlrath for a head shot. He received a total of 4 games (2 preseason / 2 regular season) for his shoulder to the head of Bruins forward Steven Fogarty.

The league is looking to come down harder on infractions this season, especially cross checking.

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NHL to crack down on cross checking

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.

“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? To promote offense and reduce injury. Although one NHL Player Agent thinks this will be like similar applications to existing rules in the past.

NHL Critical Dates

The NHL announced updates to key dates on the calendar. All are listed below for your convenience.

  • March 21: Trade deadline (3 PM ET)
  • April 29: Last day of Regular Season
  • May 2: Stanley Cup Playoffs begin
  • June 30: Last possible day of Stanley Cup Playoffs
  • July 1: First buyout period opens
  • July 2: Deadline for Club-Elected Salary Arbitration (5 PM ET)
  • July 7-8: NHL draft
  • July 11: Deadline for Qualifying Offers
  • July 12: First buyout period ends*
  • July 13: Free agency opens (12 PM ET)
  • July 17: Deadline for Player-Elected Salary Arbitration (5PM ET)
  • July 18: Deadline for Club-Elected Salary Arbitration Notification (5 PM ET)
  • July 22: Qualifying Offers expire (5 PM ET)
  • July 27: First Day of Salary Arbitration Hearings
  • August 11: Last Day of Salary Arbitration Hearings**

* Also on July 12, RFAs may speak with clubs regarding potential interest. Club’s ability to offer 8 year contracts to their own free agents expire at 11:59 PM ET.

** 48 hours after last salary arbitration award is the deadline to exercise walkaway right.

Lundqvist jersey retirement ticket prices high

lundqvist night ticket prices
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers will raise former goaltender Henrik Lundqvist’s No. 30 to the rafters at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 28.

The team announced Monday that his jersey number will be retired ahead of the Rangers’ game against the Minnesota Wild.

Lundqvist, 39, announced his retirement last month. He sat out last season after undergoing open-heart surgery in January 2020.

“Can’t tell you enough how much I look forward to be back in the place that has meant so much to me in my life,” Lundqvist posted on Twitter.

Since the announcement, ticket prices for that game have jumped up exponentially. According to TickPick, prices have increased by 219%. They continue to climb.

This will undoubtedly be the hottest sports ticket in town, and seats are still available. There have been some reports that tickets are now going in the thousands.

Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

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