3 rule changes we'd like to see

The NHL has a scoring problem. Last season, Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks led the league with 106 points, the only player to hit triple digits. Next up? Jamie Benn of the Dallas Stars with 89 points.

It gets worse. A year prior, 87 points was all that was needed for Benn to capture the Art Ross Trophy. It marked the lowest total for any scoring leader (not including lockout- and strike-shortened seasons) since Gordie Howe's 86 points in 1962-63.

Fans will call for a crackdown on obstruction, as seen back in the 2005-06 season, but the trick is to increase even-strength scoring. Nobody wants to watch a night of power plays.

We've outlined three ideas on how to see more goals:

1. Reduce the Size of Goalie Equipment

This coming season, the NHL will introduce re-engineered goalie equipment, though the measure only takes it half way, reducing the size of the pants and chest protector, but with no change to the biggest offender: the leg pads.

Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports confirmed the report in early June. NHL goalies will wear "streamlined" equipment, donning a smaller-look upper body and better, form-fitting protection.

Former NHL goalie Corey Hirsch took it a step further:

If it were up to Hirsch (and us), not only would the upper body and pants shrink, but so too would the pads, blocker, and glove.

As Hirsch outlined, pads should be narrower (down to 10 inches), two or three inches shorter, plus the vertical "roll" on each side would be removed. Furthermore, scrap the glove "cheater" and flatten the blocker.

2. Cut the Trapezoid

A good idea in theory, but poor in execution.

The trapezoid was brought in to negate good puck-handling goalies, like Carey Price, from knocking the puck out of the zone. Under this rule, goalies can only play the puck in front of the goal line, or in the trapezoid, but not in the corners.

In reality, this rule restricts skill. If you're fortunate enough to have a goalie who can handle the puck, why not allow him to create a play? And hey, even the goalies with poor puck-handling skills often create a play, in error, much to the chagrin of their coach.

Beyond that, the rule has proven to be dangerous for defensemen, left to grab the puck from the corner, with their back exposed to the oncoming fore-checker. Hybrid icing has eliminated much of this issue, but removing the trapezoid will further eradicate it.

3. Revamp the Standings

It won't directly increase scoring, but it will make the standings far easier to read, particularly for new fans.

Instead of having some games worth three points and others handing out two, why not adopt the scoring system of the other three major leagues? In other words, keep it simple: wins, losses, and winning percentage.

If your team loses in regulation, 3-on-3, or the shootout, it's a loss. No loser points. Here's how last year's standings look in this format, using the Atlantic Division as an example:

If you're a fan of the Boston Bruins, you'll like this system. Under this format, the Bruins make the playoffs last year and the Detroit Red Wings's playoff streak stops at 24 years. And besides, shouldn't the teams with more wins, rather than those holding on for consolation points, be the teams rewarded with a postseason berth?

With no loser points, teams tied late in a game will push for the win, rather than playing it safe for the single point. That means teams will pour on the offensive pressure, ultimately creating more scoring mayhem for viewers.