Quote Originally Posted by JPnyc
Well the instigator rule predates this last set of rule changes that I was referring to. I'm really talking about the changes since the last lockout. Calling restraining fouls, allowing two line passes, that really did help. The trapezoid rule involving the goalie, that I'm a little less enamored of, but clearly it was also aimed at New Jersey. In fact, I would go so far as to say all the new rules were aimed at New Jersey. They were killing the sport.
Can't argue with you on that one as I agree, I hate NJ and Stevens...lol

But the trap helped them win a couple of cups, during those times, hopefully it will never go back to that, but what I find now is that the defence don't know how to hit anymore, or they are making bad hits (from behind) which is a double edged sword because sometimes the guy getting hit, doesn't prepare himself right and bang he's on the deck. I think the defence should be allowed to physically remove opponents from in front of the goalie, if I were playing and I was a goalie, there would be a lot of broken ankles in the league, because the refs no longer protect the goalies and the defence can't clear the front of the net, how many goals have you seen this season where the puck and the goalie were pushed into the net?

I like what's happening, but I don't want my game turning into what the Europeans used to play, all prima donnas, diving here and there and too much stick work, they are the experts at cutting up opponents with the stick work...lots of goals are nice and very "American", but too me a well played hockey game that ends at 0-0 is still a good hockey game, I hate the shootout and I hate the overtime, ties have a place, if not then make the wins more valuable say 3 points for a win and a single point for a tie, that will change the way teams play..