Flyers' Dave Hakstol: New NHL rule will make coaches conservative on challenges

Like other NHL coaches, Dave Hakstol believes a new league rule will cause him to take a conservative approach when deciding whether to challenge an offside call after a goal is scored.

Last season, teams lost only a timeout if the challenge was denied. It wasn't a monumental loss, and it gave players a breather.

This year, a failed offside challenge will result in a two-minute penalty.

Depending on the score and the time frame, the new rule will make coaches think twice about asking for a challenge, as they will fear the possibility of giving an opponent a power play at a critical juncture.

"It could be not only be a swing of a goal for or against, but adding to a power play against you," Hakstol said before the Flyers' final exhibition game of the season Sunday against the Islanders. "It's obviously going to put a lot of emphasis on it … and then not only do you have to believe that the information that you have is correct, but there is an element of decision-making there as well, in terms of 'Is there enough evidence to overturn it?' "

Hakstol, who believes the new rule will discourage challenges, will rely heavily on video coach Adam Patterson to review the play in question before he makes a decision.

"I think you are going to have to be," Hakstol said when asked if he would be conservative about calling for a challenge. "I think you will have to pick and choose your situation. And you have to be clear in your information."

Last year was the second season in which challenges for offside and goaltender interference were allowed. There were 117 challenges for offside — 78 were upheld, and 39 were overturned.

Breakaways. Oskar Lindblom, Sam Morin, and Travis Sanheim were among the Flyers' scratches Sunday. … The Flyers will open the season Wednesday in San Jose.