Quote:
Originally Posted by Erick Estrada
This. The 80's had a lot of goals but the effort level by some teams and players was pathetic especially in games where the score got out of hand. A lot of star players were smokers, plenty doing coke and weren't exactly in tip top shape to skate like they do today. Mid to late 90's almost killed the game as it was so boring that the league was forced to make changes to get teams out of the trap and all the methods of obstruction as a guy like Gaudreau wouldn't have been able to play in that era. I feel the best hockey was played just after the 2004 lockout where the game opened up. Unfortunately we have seen the officials over the past 5 or more years go back to letting more obstruction go so yes I don't think the game is as good as it was in say 2007 but it's still miles better than anything in the 80's and 90's for entertainment level.
I personally believe the quality of NHL officiating is horrendous and that's a big part of my current frustration with the game.
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Unfortunately I think the league's content with a slower game at this point. I think they're worried a faster game leads to bigger hits and more concussions - even if the game is more entertaining. Sadly they're probably right. A slower game is safer for the players.