Quote:
Originally Posted by GullFoss
I think the product would be better if the NHL designed it for more emotion. I like the product most nights relative to the late-90s and early-2000s. It's a skilled, fast game. But it does lack emotion - there's less hitting, less fighting ect.
I think that would change if the NHL put more emphasis on divisional games and had fewer games each year. That would allow emotion to build, make games more meaningful and allow players more rest between games. Imagine if the league had 70 games per year, where 35 we're played against teams in the same division. Every game would be better.
The NHL could also get rid of rules that try to remove emotion from the game...the instigator penalty should be taken out, the automatic suspension for fighting late in the game should be removed, fines for line brawls should be removed too.
Between that and having lots more divisional games...everyone, including the fans, would be more emotionally involved.
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I hope the NHL starts scheduling more mini-series during the regular season, MLB style.
A random weeknight game against an opponent the fanbases see as inconsequential is kind of boring. Turn it into a series where the teams play each other twice during the week, with the rubber match on the weekend, and you probably end up with more intensity and potential rivalries even if temporary. You would have a better chance of storylines forming and fans getting to know the players and personalities of both teams. A big part of selling the sport is selling the personalities.