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Report: The NHL has a face-masking penalty now

Washington Capitals v Philadelphia Flyers

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 22: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals fixes his visor during the game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 22, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers defeated the Capitals 2-1 in the shootout. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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The NHL has made a couple of small rule changes, according to Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston.

First, there’s now a penalty for touching the puck with a hand to win a faceoff.

Second, players will be penalized for grabbing an opponent’s facemask/visor.

We presume the second penalty wouldn’t apply to face-washing, only for grabbing.