NHL GM'S: TINKER, TINKER, TO PROTECT THEIR STARS?

          At the conclusion of their three-day meetings in
     Scottsdale, AZ, NHL GMs recommended five rules changes for
     next season, according to Tim Tyers of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. 
     The league also announced that a "stricter standard for
     calling obstruction and interference away from the puck will
     be used when the NHL resumes play after" the Winter
     Olympics.  Some of the rules recommended for adoption
     include employing two referees and limiting the size of
     goalie equipment (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 2/5).  In Toronto, David
     Shoalts reports that "the most interesting changes were
     among six possible rule changes that will be used on an
     experimental basis" in the AHL and IHL later this season,
     including the elimination of the red line, which would speed
     up play in the neutral zone by eliminating the two-line pass
     (GLOBE & MAIL, 2/5).  The league "abandoned its idea for
     four quarters" (Bruce Garrioch, OTTAWA SUN, 2/5).