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CliffFletcher · 11-17-2013, 04:08 PM

I agree the entertainment value of hockey today is markedly lower than it was 20+ years ago. As a fan:

Odd-man rushes >>>>>>> cycling, cycling, cycling, cycling, perimeter shot

Players who have a strong on-ice identity >>>>>> anonymous drones playing a system

Glove saves >>>>>>>> blocked shots

Acrobatic save >>>>>>> 6'5 goalie filling the net

Players who have a strong loyalty to the team >>>>>>> 35 per cent roster turnover every season and free agent mercenaries

The players are far fitter and more skilled, no question. But that hasn't made for a better game. And that's on the league.

For a far more interesting insight into the state of the NHL, read this Globe and Mail interview with Howie Meeker. The guy may be old as dust, and yes, some of his comments are out of touch. But some of them are brilliant. If the players are far fitter today than 30 years ago, then why do we even need four lines and three pairs of d-men? Mandate three forward lines and two d-men pairs (+ a utility player or two for injuries) and the marginal goons and scrubs would be out of the league. Bad for the players union, good for fans.

11-17-2013, 04:08 PM	#12
CliffFletcher Franchise Player Join Date: May 2006 Exp:	I agree the entertainment value of hockey today is markedly lower than it was 20+ years ago. As a fan: Odd-man rushes >>>>>>> cycling, cycling, cycling, cycling, perimeter shot Players who have a strong on-ice identity >>>>>> anonymous drones playing a system Glove saves >>>>>>>> blocked shots Acrobatic save >>>>>>> 6'5 goalie filling the net Players who have a strong loyalty to the team >>>>>>> 35 per cent roster turnover every season and free agent mercenaries The players are far fitter and more skilled, no question. But that hasn't made for a better game. And that's on the league. For a far more interesting insight into the state of the NHL, read this Globe and Mail interview with Howie Meeker. The guy may be old as dust, and yes, some of his comments are out of touch. But some of them are brilliant. If the players are far fitter today than 30 years ago, then why do we even need four lines and three pairs of d-men? Mandate three forward lines and two d-men pairs (+ a utility player or two for injuries) and the marginal goons and scrubs would be out of the league. Bad for the players union, good for fans.