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Competition Committee: Embellishment is ‘out of control’

2014 NHL Stanley Cup Final - Game Two

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 07: Rick Nash #61 of the New York Rangers is tripped up by Dustin Brown #23 of the Los Angeles Kings in the first period during Game Two of the 2014 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the Staples Center on June 7, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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The NHL’s Competition Committee met for five hours on Monday, yet they didn’t come to a consensus on many major issues. There was one key exception, though: the league clearly wants to cut down on embellishment.

“We feel (embellishment) is out of control,” Campbell said, according to the Canadian Press’ Stephen Whyno.

There certainly were some high-profile moments of perceived “diving” in Game 2 of the 2014 Stanley Cup Final, particularly in an unusually penalty-heavy overtime. Many were unhappy about a penalty Rick Nash drew on Justin Williams and an interference call Jeff Carter received on Henrik Lundqvist.

Beyond that recent example, few playoff series go by without a fan base accusing the opposing teams of rampant embellishment.

The Competition Committee’s big twist is that punishments might not just extend to players, but the coaches/teams involved, as well.

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Of course, some would argue that players might feel the need to “act” a bit to draw obstruction penalties that normally go unnoticed. There weren’t any reports about increasing awareness of “clutch and grab” infractions during those meetings, however.

Naturally, any changes stemming from this meeting would need to pass through some hoops before they become new or altered rules.

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Stay tuned for more on that lengthy meeting, from marginal tweaks on existing rules to everyone’s favorite subject of goalie interference.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins