Jay Greenberg: It's a Good Plan, but Only for This Time

What is the point of this meandering screed?

Well written, Jay. Lighthearted and serious at the same time. Like this bit of hockey life we're clinging on to with the desperation of a 90's Jersey defence line, it's both great to see, but we also understand the risk the players are going through. Their families left behind for the brotherhood on the ice, yet they're the first to support those who opt out, because they understand it can be wonderfully uplifting for both themselves, and the masses, but the threat of the virus is very real, and this can go very bad, very fast.

I'm rambling a bit, but thanks for your fine work, and stay healthy and safe.

What is the point of this meandering screed?
- farooge

Dennis Miller needs a replacement? It wasn't funny when he did it. This site really needs help.

I agree with the general sentiment, but disagree with your comment about the NHL product being watered down.

Yes, there are more players than ever, but there are a plethora of international players that weren't available years ago, as well as a massive influx of US talent.

And I know you meant "watered down" in relation to the number of teams making the playoffs who don't deserve it... but the parity is so good right now that almost any team could get hot and make a run - unlike the 70's, 80's and 90's where many teams were essentially filled with 4th liners.

I agree with the general sentiment, but disagree with your comment about the NHL product being watered down.

Yes, there are more players than ever, but there are a plethora of international players that weren't available years ago, as well as a massive influx of US talent.

And I know you meant "watered down" in relation to the number of teams making the playoffs who don't deserve it... but the parity is so good right now that almost any team could get hot and make a run - unlike the 70's, 80's and 90's where many teams were essentially filled with 4th liners.
- ElbowingPenalty

If you ask most people, they'll tell you that the Cup winners in 1974 and 1975 were nothing but 4th liners.

Thanl you Darksyde, whoever you are.

And as far as the talent level on the 1974-75 Flyers, "Most people" then must not be are aware then they had three Hall of Famers, a second line center who scored 53 playoff goals, a right wing on '75 team who scored 61 goals and other 19 in those playoffs. Yep, very thin on talent.

The talent pool unquestionably has grown. Not enough for 32 teams though to argue that the league is better. And as I've written repeatedly, I don't love the balance, which I think has been artificially created. I like excellence.