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.