Loving and Hating the New Hockey Game

Twelve days into the season, and the debate over the new NHL rules continues to escalate.

Larry Brooks does not like what he sees. The New York Post columnist (free registration required) says the Gary Bettman makeover is sucking the life from the game, by practically outlawing physical play:

"After watching too many games in which too many players were permitted to skate freely without fear of being touched as they circled the perimeter while their teammates stood around watching them go one-on-one, we wonder whether Sixth Avenue's motive is to improve the game or whether Sixth Avenue's motive is to change the game entirely in order to try and sell it to consumers who wouldn't know Rocket Richard from Roger Clemens."

Another media heavyweight, Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe, sees the 2005-06 season as the the rebirth of hockey:

"All in all, there is real hop back in the product. It's faster, with more goals, loads more scoring chances, and it has all added up to greater suspense and entertainment... the entire game has come home, after being lost for nearly 10 years in trapping schemes, ridiculously oversized goalie equipment, and perhaps above all, an institution's dread fear of change."

Meanwhile, it looks like fans are onside with the shootout, the latest crackdown on interference and other moves, at least in Canada. Research by the NHL Fan's Association indicates that a solid majority believe the game is more exciting this season.

Everyone points to the numbers - more goals, more power plays, more comebacks - to bolster their arguments one way or the other. But the most important number right now is the one on the calendar: the season has barely begun. Most of us have learned to put little stock in anything that happens in October or November in the NHL. As Al Strachan of the Toronto Sun points out, most players are still trying to figure out how to play defense in the new era.