Proposed Rule Changes Draw Reaction

BUFFALO, N.Y. —  NHL general managers have wrapped up their meetings in Henderson, Nev., allowing King players to weigh in on proposed rule changes.

If goaltender Roman Cechmanek had his way, he’d be allowed to continue handling the puck whenever he chooses, a right that could be removed by a proposed rule barring goalies from going behind the goal line to get the puck.

“A couple goalies play well with the puck,” Cechmanek said. “If you tell them they can’t play with the puck, that’s trouble.”

Added King captain Mattias Norstrom: “For a defenseman, the goalie stopping the puck at times takes away a lot of pressure. For sure it would be a different game. There will be more of a forecheck.”

Cechmanek wasn’t as strongly opposed to shrinking goalie pads from 12 to 10 inches.

“It might be tough for some goalies, but I don’t mind because I’m moving a lot in the crease,” he said.

General managers will meet after the regular season to forward their rule proposals to a panel of hockey experts.

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Referee Ian Walsh, hit in the face by a puck during the Kings’ 8-3 loss Friday to the Buffalo Sabres, was taken to an area hospital for further examination.... King forward John Tripp and defenseman Tim Gleason replaced healthy scratches Jon Sim and Brad Norton in Friday’s lineup.