What purpose does "Intent to Blow" serve?

How does Intent to Blow help anyone? It doesn't stop people from hacking until the whistle right? Players don't stop playing the puck once the ref "intends" to blow the whistle, so what's the point the actual point? The only thing I've ever seen it done is take away good goals(and maybe I'm missing something, so someone please help me) , in what way is it actually beneficial to the sport of hockey.

Edit: so it sounds like a rule for a very specific situation which no one can rememember occurring that has harmed even the outcome of the SCF.......sweet.