[btimbit]

I've always disliked the constant talk about the need to grow the game and attract more viewers. I loved hockey the way it was and my whole life all they've talked about was how to change it.

Now, that said, exciting hockey is still out there. They may have not been the best years really, but the Hartley era was some of the most enjoyable hockey id watched in a while. I feel part of this is just how cautious and boring Gulutzan and many other coaches has teams playing.

The biggest thing for me though is probably the attention on off ice stuff. Fans arguing over contracts, who's overpaid and who isn't, who has to lo much term, the constant bashing of a player the second they turn 30. Then the whole arena issue taking so much attention and guys like Eric Francis constantly trying to start arguements. The internet is good for this sort of exposure but it's taken a bit away from the on ice product I think