Quote:
Originally Posted by The Fonz
Something that would improve the on-ice product miles, without changing a single rule, would be if someone could manufacture a puck that did not bounce/flip/roll. The game has no flow when passes keep getting bobbled, and the puck bounces away while a guy is handling it.
Engineers - please make a puck that stays flat to the ice.
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This is an interesting and very valid point you bring up. I just finished reading Gordie Howes book and he went through some noticeable factors in today's game.
He made a point to emphasise that with many young players today playing hockey almost year round, most of the players today don't or haven't in the past, played much hockey with tennis balls and other ball type "pucks" He was adamant that playing "ball" hockey for years helps hockey players develop softer hands and better puck control just due to the nature of the low weight.
Ice quality today I suspect is better than it has been in NHL history due to the technology, newer rinks, air conditioning and uniform standards. There is also the commercial breaks where the ice crews sweep the snow off which is something that never occurred in the past. Given the higher quality of the ice, the higher quality sticks and the level of talent of today's players, its still interesting how often "stars" and "elite" players bobble the puck. I suspect some of it may be due to the speed of the game but still interesting to think about Mr. Howes theory.