CHANGING FACE OF THE NHL New rules comimg to a rink near you Some of the most significant NHLrule changes to which new director of officiating Stephen Walkom will have to get his officials prepared before the new season starts. 1) Two-line pass : passes across two lines are still illegal, but the centre line(red) has been removed from the equation, meaning a pass must cross both blue lines to be considered a two-line pass. 2) Tag-up offsides : The play won't automatically stop when a player precedes the puck into the offensive zone. Instead, The player may tag up with the blue line before he touches the puck. allowing play to continue. 3) Icing : A Team that ices the puck can no longer make a line change after the whistle. 4) Instigator rule : A player who instigates a fight in the final five minutes of the game will now be ejected and receive a one game suspension. His coach will be fined $10,000, and that amount will double with each infraction. 5) Goaltenders : goaltenders will be limited under the new rules in the size of their equipment; in the size of their crease and ability to handle the puck; and they are subject to a delay-of-game penalty if they freeze the puck unnecessarily. 6)Obstruction : Not so much a change as a "point of emphasis," the new NHL says it will enforce a "zero tolerance" policy on obstruction, hooking and holding and interference. 7) Diving : NHL will review game videos and assess fines to players who embellish a fall or fake injury in an attempt tp stop play. 8) Shootout : The implementation of a shootout after five minites of overtime means no more ties. The winner of the three-a-side shootout will be awarded one goal, and two points. The loser will get one point.