Instigation needs investigation

Mike Heika, from the Dallas Morning News, recently reviewed two similar incidents from a Dallas Star's game; one where an instigator was called and another where it was not called. As with any rule, the instigator is a purely subjective decision made by the game referee. Arguing whether or not the referee made the right call is like arguing whether or not the Ted Saskin will be fired; it just doesn’t matter. You can only hope that, at the end of the day, referees sit down and watch game tapes and see their mistakes, and work toward a system that is consistent. What is interesting is that we get to hear from yet another hockey insider that thinks that the rule should be dumped all together to throw out the ambiguity. Quotable:

Confusion surrounding the instigator penalty is just one reason the league needs to consider dumping the rule, Stars coach Dave Tippett said.

The Stars had two instances where the instigator penalty could have been called Sunday – it was called in only one.

NHL GMs have recommended changing the current suspension rule related to the instigator penalty."

In my own personal opinion, I'm glad they're looking at the instigator penalty," Tippett said.