Quote (Stealth @ Oct 20 2018 10:10pm)
Touching the puck has nothing to do with it. Here's why
That allowed Nyquist to have a chance at getting back in the play.
I could record it as a video instead. It gave Nyquist five strides that he wouldn't have gotten.
If the change is happening at the bench, then sure, don't touch the puck and you're good. But a competitive advantage was gained as a result of this early change. I am certain the ref supervisor will be in contact with them tonight.
Touching the puck determines if it's a penalty or not
If either the player entering, or the player exiting, plays the puck while the other is on the ice, the penalty is called. If the incoming or outgoing player is accidentally struck by the puck, it is not an infraction. In the NHL, substitution is allowed when the outgoing player is within 5 feet (1.5 m) of their bench.