[Sylvanfan]

I would't be shocked if the NHL didn't want to see how this plays out a bit as a longer term play. Cowperson used to say that if you want to get more scoring in the regular season...put more teams in the playoffs. In a 30 team league with 16 playoff teams, too many coaches are coaching to save their jobs, hence the huge emphasis on defence. So now there are a few of these better scoring teams (and the Flames can be one of them) who get to play with found money. You usually don't last long in the playoffs if you can't defend.

Really if they were to shorten the season to say 78 games in a 32 team league, and have a playin round...maybe the on ice product is a bit more interesting.