I know it's been a while since I have been able to add something to the
fine discourse here. I promise that I read all the time, even
when I'm not conversing. But I also feel that I needed a little
time (nearly ten games) to get a real sense of what I like and what I
don't like about the new National Hockey League. I'm probably
like many of you in that there is much I like, and unfortunately a lot
that does nothing for me in this game that we all love.



Let's start with the positives. I'm watching a Bruins/Maple Leafs
game as I type this and I just saw 3:49 of non-stop, uninterrupted
action to start the game. Many of the rules changes in the
off-season were specifically designed to keep the flow of the game
moving, and most of them are great. I love the new, touch-up
offside rule and now simply can't understand why we even did away with
it.



I love the new restrictions on the goaltenders. The new equipment
restrictions do not seem prohibitive to me, and goalies are not getting
hurt because of reduced equipment as was warned. I'm not sure
there is a lot more net visible to onrushing shooters, but any
improvement is a positive one. I'm sure that Martin Brodeur would
disagree, but I love the new restrictions on where and when the goalies
can play the puck. They are no longer third defensemen, but have
to at least think twice before roaming too far from their blue-shaded
crease. Quick goaltenders can still tee up the puck for their
defensemen behind the net, but they can't hesitate because if they
mishandle the puck even slightly they don't have room to regain
possession.



I think that many of the rules changes have unshackled a number of
players, and that's all for the good too. Players have learned
quickly that there is now an unfettered highway directly to the
opposing net. I've been told by many of those players that they
are still expecting to be hooked, held or hogtied, and it's simply no
longer a problem. It's also giving some players an intravenous
drip of courage, and you now have players crashing the net that
probably never have before on any consistent basis.



Now, let's talk about the negatives, and despite the high-pressure
public relations campaign from the NHL offices, there are a number of
them. First, and foremost, for me is the lack of physical
play. I'm not talking about fighting here (although I enjoy a
good, fair hockey fight as much as any fan, and love calling them) but
simple body checking. Players will readily admit that they are
very concerned about picking up penalties, and are still hesitant about
what is allowed and what is prohibited. When a player IS a victim
of a good, clean body check they are now looking around for an official
and a penalty call. I'm told this will improve, but I'm somewhat
skeptical.



I spoke earlier about the new restrictions on goalies, but now I want
to talk about protecting them. We're going to get a goalie killed
here soon with the forwards crashing the net, and the defensemen unable
to restrict them. A player can now stand in front of the net with
impunity and defensemen are left to do little but poke check. I
think the defense has to be able to clear the crease area much more
than is currently allowed in the new NHL. Goalies are being run
into at an increasing rate, and the attrition rate for the position is
only going to go up.



I hate the parade of penalties in the new NHL. I'm not even
saying that the officiating emphasis is wrong, but it makes you realize
how many illegalities were overlooked in the old NHL. I'm still
hopeful that the players will get the hang of the new lay of the land,
but I'm seeing very little evidence that there is improvement in this
area. With all the rules changes designed to improve flow, it's
ironic that the constant whistle blowing is often doing just the
opposite. I've seen more power plays, and certainly more 5-on-3
power plays, than ever before, but I'm seeing precious little 5-on-5
hockey.



Can I also be the first person to publicly admit that I kind of miss an
old-fashioned defensive hockey game? The NHL is giddy with the
announcement of an increase in goals of more than 42%, and maybe a
majority of peripheral fans prefer 7-6 hockey games, but I also miss
the simple 1-0 or 2-1 game. I'm convinced that veteran fans can
appreciate that kind of effort as well as the offensive explosion that
is now the norm.



Finally, I come to the biggest positive of all. NHL players have
always been the most accessible and cooperative of any professional
athlete, but I had felt there was some slippage in recent years.
Perhaps it was the runaway salary increases, perhaps it was the normal
ego gratification that served to swell even a down-to-earth hockey
head, but many of us around the game felt that players were becoming
slightly less accessible. Whether it was a year away from the
game, or the simple realization that the players now have a financial
stake in the success of the NHL, there has never been better access for
the media or the fans. Take a look at the telecasts around the
NHL and see the things that are being done now which were not allowed
18 months ago. Listen to players and coaches wearing microphones
on a nightly basis, see cameras in the locker rooms every single night,
hear players thanking fans for coming back to the game and sounding
like they really mean it.



Overall, I think the product is improved and attendance numbers and
local television ratings will back that up. The game is better
than it was and will likely get even better. It's not perfect,
but it's sure more fun than last year.

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