James Tanner: Rule Differences Between NHL and Olympics....Some of them Will Surprise You A look and discussion of the subtle rule differences between the NHL and the Olympics.

Just a guess, a lot of the rules differences on minor stuff is because the International Federation has its rules used in professional and amateur events while the NHL is a professional league rule set only. IMO it sure explains the helmet and stick handling rule differences.

In the NHL, the refs let you get away with anything that occurs on a follow through or which is clearly accidental

That's inaccurate: accidental high sticking is still a penalty in the NHL as long as its not on a follow through.

Interesting. Very informative blog

I think the biggest factor Ive seen in the Olympics is the smaller offensive zone. While the rink is wider the scoring chances are actually tougher on PP situations because you have a tendency to get spread out wide as opposed to having more room on the point.