NHL Implements New Rule After Linesman Gets Injured During Game
In light of the linesman's injury, players won't be able to sit on the boards while they wait to get on the ice. First, teams will be warned, then penalized if the offense is repeated.
The League explained their decision by stating that sitting on the boards poses a safety threat for everyone on the ice and that it's not good hockey.
"Effective immediately, players can't sit on boards awaiting line changes. A team will get warning first, then refs will be instructed to apply penalty that's already in rulebook. NHL feels it's not good hockey + dangerous. Linesman was cut by skate in Wild-WPG game by a Jet"
Sitting on the boards is often a way for players to get a small edge. However, protecting referees and players is more important than making quick changes.
