As someone who has skated on Saddledome ice a number of times over the years, I've always found it to be pretty great. Now, I've never been on it with 19,000 people in the stands so obvious difference there. Like others said, humidity is the biggest thing to combat, but the Saddledome does have the goal flames which from what I've been told do have a tangible impact albeit a small one.
I liked the part about the referees. No surprise that all the referees highlighted are the ones who are known to actually take the time to talk to the players and coaches, and who are known to maintain their composure even when under verbal attack. The NHL should really be using these guys as examples for the other officials, particularly those who are known for losing their cool and/or egging on players and coaches like Dean Morton, Ian Walsh, and more recently, Jon McIsaac.
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"I think the eye test is still good, but analytics can sure give you confirmation: what you see...is that what you really believe?"
Scotty Bowman, 0 NHL games played
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