[Sylvanfan]

A system in which 16 of 32 teams are missing the playoffs is likely to result in coaches clamping down even more on defence.

Fact is that in today's game, the variation between the top end skater, and the bottom feeder skater is smaller than it's ever been. Physically the players are probably more equal than ever, and adding 50 more guys...they won't be that much different than the 100 guys who are currently holding down the bottom roster spots.

Cowperson always used to say...if you want more scoring...let 24 teams make the playoffs. In a 32 team league, that would be the biggest way to get some of the coaching influence out of the game.