Don't Call It A Comeback - The Return of the NHL

Realizing that it was necessary to do more than simply proclaim "We're Back", the NHL has instituted several rule changes and is considering making more still. The end result of many of these adjustments would be increased scoring. Regardless of the sport, teams putting more points on the board often puts more butts in the seats. So the size of goalie equipment will be reduced, opening up additional space for shooters to fire the puck through. Another rule that affects goalies will be designed to keep them from handling the puck as much as some of them do. It is expected that there will now be a designated zone where goalies will be allowed to play the puck, meaning offensive players will have a better chance to create scoring chances. The elimination of the red line when it comes to enforcing two-line passes, thus allowing more breakout passes from the defensive zone, sending offensive players in for more breakaways, theoretically will speed up the flow of the game. Fans may be seeing new, wider blue lines, which would also help keep the game moving by decreasing the size of the neutral zone (and presumably the amount of offsides calls). To that end, the league is talking about re-instituting tag-up offsides, which, too, should decrease the amount of whistles and stoppages. There are reports of shootouts to decide games still tied after overtime. But the most significant action being undertaken by some teams is the considerable reduction of ticket prices. As much as hockey fans will appreciate more offense in the game, what they will really love is more money being left in their wallets.

Will these changes make hockey more exciting than ever before, and therefore bring fans back for more? Or is the league destined to head to greener pastures, joining extinct leagues such as the USFL and XFL? The fans will be judge and jury. Pro hockey will look a little different, and in many places will be more of a financial bargain. But if the people who watched it before the strike are not in a forgiving mood, the NHL will be declared guilty as charged.

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