Ok, hockey guys...

[il Padrino Ute]

I would like someone explain to me why the two-line pass is against the rules? I understand how off-sides can give an advantage to the offense, but what's the purpose of not allowing a pass that crosses two lines?

[BoylenOver]

I would like someone explain to me why the two-line pass is against the rules? I understand how off-sides can give an advantage to the offense, but what's the purpose of not allowing a pass that crosses two lines?

The two-line pass is legal now. That was changed after the lock-out.

[beefytee]

The two-line pass is legal.

The red line at center ice remains, but used for icing calls only. A pass from the defensive zone all the way to the opposing blue line is legal. This is also the rule in the NCAA, international hockey and Europe.
The Case: The dreaded neutral zone trap clogs the ice and destroys hockey's entertainment value. With the long pass, defending the neutral zone becomes harder. The game needs more breakaways and more speed.
Impact: Longer passes favor teams with speed and skill, creating quick attacks and more end-to-end action in general.
Down Side: Some say the two-line pass leads to a more conservative game: defending teams abandon the forecheck and spread players back through the neutral zone to guard against the long pass. Also, teams can use the long pass as a sort of "legal icing" - the defenseman throws the puck up ice, and the forward simply chips it into the opposing zone.

http://proicehockey.about.com/cs/rules/a/04_rule_changes.htm

[il Padrino Ute]

Ok, I didn't know that that rule had been dropped.

Could you guys explain why it was a rule? I guess I just wanted to know the reason for that rule.

[beefytee]

Ok, I didn't know that that rule had been dropped.

Could you guys explain why it was a rule? I guess I just wanted to know the reason for that rule.

It has been around for a long time. It was probably started because people didn't like cherry pickers back in the day.

The argument for keeping it was that it would make teams become more conservative defending the long pass, hence reducing the amount a team commits to tough defense (forechecking) and potential offense.

I don't think the argument holds much water though. The game has been pretty good since the rule change.

[il Padrino Ute]

It has been around for a long time. It was probably started because people didn't like cherry pickers back in the day.

The argument for keeping it was that it would make teams become more conservative defending the long pass, hence reducing the amount a team commits to tough defense (forechecking) and potential offense.

I don't think the argument holds much water though. The game has been pretty good since the rule change.

Thanks for that info. Trying to eliminate the cherry picking makes sense.