[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

This past season saw the third-lowest GAA average (2.52) in 59 years.

Yes. But goal scoring was lower in 1997–98, 98–99, 2001–02, 02–03, 03–04, 11–12, and 12–13. The highest cumulative goals/game average since the mid-nineties was in the 2005–06 season, and this was a product of the introduction of new rules, a crackdown on enforcement, and a readjustment period for players and coaches following the lockout.

By way of perspective, the difference between that high-water mark in 2005–06 (6.05) and last season's average (5.32) is less than one goal per game—which is the difference between a 3–2 score and a 4–2 score. All things considered, how much more exciting is one additional goal in a game that usually features five goals?

There is nothing wrong with the level of goal scoring in the NHL. The game is faster, the players are in better shape and more skilled, and the distribution of talent is more even than it has ever been.