What is PWHL's 'No Escape Rule'? A closer look into league's attempt to promote more scoring 

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) has introduced a new rule called the "No Escape Rule" for its upcoming second season, to promote more scoring. Officially called Rule 15.5, it requires any player on a team that takes a penalty to stay on the ice until after the ensuing faceoff.

This is similar to the current no-line change rule that comes into effect after icing the puck. As per the No Escape Rule, a shorthanded team will have to defend using three forwards and one defender on the rink until they have a chance to substitute players.

This new rule came from the PWHL's Rules and Competition Committee, led by former players Cassie Campbell-Pascall and Meghan Duggan, along with current players, coaches and GMs.

The league's hockey operations department, led by Jayna Hefford, had the final decision on which proposals to adopt. After analyzing data from last season, the league saw that the power play efficiency was around just 16 percent, lower than the NHL's average of 21 percent.

By forcing shorthanded teams to remain on the ice, the PWHL hopes the No Escape Rule will tire out defenders, lead to more odd-man rushes, and ultimately increase scoring, especially on the power play. It is one of several tweaks the league is making in hopes of increasing excitement and scoring chances.

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Fans react to PWHL's 'No Escape Rule'

Fans voiced their opinions about the PWHL's new 'No Escape Rule' on social media. Many seem unhappy, with one fan tweeting:

"Why are we changing stuff that doesnt need to be changed."

Another fan echoed this sentiment, simply tweeting:

"Yeah that’s dumb."

However, not all fans are against it, as some see it as a way to increase scoring opportunities.

"Interesting change that should help the Power Play against an already tired line and maybe not specialists on the PK." One supporter said on X.

"Not a bad idea, probably gonna make powerplay % increase," another fan wrote.

However, some were confused about the rule.

"If players currently on the ice are not able to change until the next whistle do they essentially just have to win faceoff and give to goalie to change lines?" A fan said on X.

"That's going to cause injuries. Why don't they just start the PP with a penalty shot? Shooter at center, everyone else waits along the sideboards inside the blue line & can't join until the puck is shot on net?" A user commented.

While the PWHL's rule change has generated plenty of buzz, the consensus among fans seems to be negative.