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They may seem like unwanted guests, but Pierre McGuire and Glenn Healy are on the cutting edge of hockey broadcasts because of a new role they have created.

It's the bench-side commentator, a hybrid of reporter and colour analyst that had its debut in the National Hockey League last season.

McGuire, with NBC, and Healy, on Toronto Maple Leafs regional telecasts, set up at ice level between the two benches as part of the play-by-play team. They quickly produced results. In addition to providing quick information on strategies and injuries, they had a front-row seat to the drama and conflict of coaches and players working together under game conditions.

"There's another gear that hockey broadcasting can get to," Healy said. "And this is one of them."

During one NBC telecast, McGuire looked over to see Pittsburgh Penguins coach Michel Therrien "just going crazy."

"He was screaming and yelling at Colby Armstrong [a Pittsburgh forward]," McGuire said. "I reported it right away."

McGuire had the use of an open line to NBC producer Sam Flood in the broadcast truck. Flood told the announcer and analyst in the booth when McGuire had an item.

"The term [McGuire can add] means let's go boys, I've got something here that's hot," McGuire said. "Let's get after it."

One night, Healy was beside the Minnesota Wild bench when Marian Gaborik made a selfish play.

"He didn't pass and, instead, shot over the net," Healy said. "When he got back to the bench, Jacques Lemaire [the coach] tore a strip off him. Then he went out and scored a goal. We packaged the whole thing — the selfish play, Lemaire losing it on the bench and the goal. You don't get that if you're not at ice level."

There have been tense moments. New York Rangers coach Tom Renney suspected, mistakenly, that McGuire had eavesdropped on dressing-room talk. The issue was settled after the game.

But generally, the teams have been co-operative, even welcoming, McGuire and Healy say. Restrictions are not imposed, but as former members of NHL teams — McGuire as a coach and Healy as a goaltender — they've drawn lines they won't cross.

One is reporting specifically on injuries.

"I'll say a player is hurt," McGuire said. "But if I hear from the bench that a player has a broken toe, I won't say a broken toe. I'll say he has a bad foot. You're a guest and when you're a guest, you don't want to abuse the privilege."

Healy describes the dialogue at ice level as animated and constant.

"You get the witty goon talk," he said. "The dumdums jawing back and forth."

But if trash talking gets out of hand, Healy will not report putdowns that would be judged inflammatory.

"I wouldn't jeopardize a player," he said.

Still, the amusing moments surpass the difficult ones.

On the night that one of Healy's former New York teams played in Toronto — he wouldn't say whether it was the Rangers or Islanders — he found a six pack of beer, a pizza and a box of popcorn waiting for him at his spot between the benches.

"It was probably the trainers remembering what he had for his pregame meal," McGuire said.

And when you're that close to the players and coaches, you learn all about their quirks and superstitions.

Healy noticed at the start of a game that Nashville Predators coaches were standing away from the bench in the corridor and staring at the clock. Precisely 1 minute 45 seconds before the start of the period, they took their places at the bench.

"So before the next period, I watched," Healy said. "And there were the three dummies again — excuse my language — looking at the clock. At 1:45, out they go."

McGuire and Healy, who report within earshot of the players, occasionally get a dirty look. But the big risk is getting hit with the puck if not protected by the glass.

When the Anaheim Ducks allowed McGuire to report directly from the bench, rather than beside it, he escaped injury when a trainer caught a puck about to hit his head.

Despite the risks and occasionally uncomfortable moments, McGuire and Healy love the job.

"I'd spend my whole career there," Healy said.

"When you're upstairs in the booth, you're in a very sterile working environment," McGuire said. "This is more intimate and you're making the people at home feel they're really there."