The NHL is back. Anybody have opinions, rants, raves, or chirping cricket noises?
Personally, I'm expecting one or two teams to totally dominate the league this year. There's no way you can change the rosters and rules this much without somebody making out like a bandit. I see it like adding a huge patch to a multiplayer game. Something always benefits more.
It better be the Red Wings who benefit, because they're all I'm gonna see since the NHL signed a deal with the the Outdoor Life Network. Seriously, OLN?! Maybe if this works, the NHL can expand into Animal Planet, HGTV and possibly the programming window in the TV Guide Channel. Hey, the thing gets bigger every time I flip over there. Until that happens, I don't think this will bring the fans back.
I like the new rules, especially the removal of the red line and the lighter goalie equipment. Two years ago, it seemed too easy for defensemen to get back and block shots with their bodies. Teams were unable to set up an offensive siege for very long. Scoring only came on the break. Hopefully, the puck will stay in the zone longer, we'll see more breakaways, and we'll also see the true athleticism of the goalies.
