Achi news desk-
Vaughan Rody has dropped a couple of pucks in his day.
About half a million — give or take — according to his estimate.
The former NHL lineman knows his faces. The basics, the tricks, he says, the cheats. He has also understood the importance of harmony, communication and relationships.
There is a lot that goes into the seemingly simple act of restarting a hockey game. And although players have taken thousands of matches themselves, there are occasionally confused expressions when a referee is kicked out of the ring.
“We want fairness and structure,” said Rody, who will retire in 2022 after more than two decades in the NHL.
“We need players to buy in. If they are not, they need to be replaced. It’s like raising children. You almost have to force buy-in. I don’t mean that disrespectfully, but you have to replace them occasionally.
“Maybe four or five times until they understand your standard.”
Lineman Vaughan Rody reacts after officiating his final game of a 22-year career during a game between the Seattle Kraken and Colorado Avalanche at Climate Pledge Arena on April 20, 2022 in Seattle, Washington.
Christopher Mast/NHLI via Getty Images
However, finding where that standard stands is an ongoing challenge. One official will allow something else to slip. Skate or stick placement could produce different results depending on the game.
“That’s where some of the frustration is,” Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid said. “It can vary from night to night.”
Rody, a Winnipeg native based outside of Seattle, said it’s a problem as old as the game.
“There are 34 NHL linemen and everyone is different,” he said. “It’s not robotic. You try to keep it as tight as possible. But everyone has their own line.
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“That’s where the art of being a great center comes in.”
With puck possession being such a vital aspect, faceoffs are an integral art. But even the best of the game are usually successful just over half the time.
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has taken and won by far the most faceoffs this season, with a 58.3 percent win rate heading into his team’s final regular season game on Wednesday.
He said that linemen are largely consistent, but there are instances where trends may offer a slight edge in the dot.
“Little things you try to pick up,” he said.
“It’s up to you to find ways to win.”
Rody, who created a niche working with young centers in the Winnipeg Jets organization this season, said officials used to drop the puck from their center, but that changed to a uniform release zone several years ago.
Defense centers also have to put their sticks down first – a rule aimed at creating more offense – which gives attacking players an advantage.
“There had to be a pause,” Rody said of the moment just before the puck left his hand. “You’re looking for the right window to make it efficient and fair.”
Players will also bend the rules as much as possible.
“You have to cheat,” Buffalo Sabers center Tage Thompson said. “Some linesmen are a bit more lenient, others are a bit more strict.
“They’re usually pretty good at explaining.”
Rody said communication and respect help both sides.
“It’s just human nature,” he said. “It’s easier to be a bit more harsh on people you might not have that relationship with. It’s like everyday life. The people you know, you probably treat a little differently.
“You don’t play favourites, but let’s call a spade a spade.”
Vancouver Canucks center Elias Lindholm said he tries to know as many linemen’s names as possible.
“Not trying to reveal all my tricks here,” he said with a smile. “But I try to be nice.”
Canucks counterpart Teddy Blueger said keeping cool in the heat of the moment was crucial.
“It’s important to respect those guys,” he said. “Don’t want them to get it out for you.”
Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon said being polite in the faceoff circle hasn’t really helped his cause.
“They’ll be nice to you,” he said. “But they’ll still kick you out.”
Officers also keep each other honest, including during breaks, if it feels like the level has slipped.
“We are the third team,” said Rody. “We can tell if our faceoffs are not consistent – if one team has an advantage. Our job is to maintain the integrity of the game. That starts with faceoffs. We police each other. There are many things that Joe Public does not see. We need to be on the same page.
— With files from Daniel Rainbird in Montreal and Nick Wells in Vancouver
& copy 2024 The Canadian Press
