Anyone who follows international hockey knows that tournaments like the Winter Olympics are called much, much differently than the NHL.
The International Ice Hockey Federation rulebook is actually more widely followed globally, while the NHL allows the most physicality. That can lead to a few too many preceived judgement calls and controversies. But on the flip side, the IIHF is often criticized for not allowing the game to flow naturally due to excessive policing of contact.
Of note, the officials will be composed of traditional IIHF referees and NHL refs.
Regardless of your preferred standard of play, rules are rules. If you’re partaking in the Winter Games, you’re subject to the IIHF’s directives. So, following the IIHF’s rulebook, here are the most notable differences between what you see weekly from your favorite NHL team, and what you’ll notice at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics from Feb. 11-22:
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