Quote Originally Posted by smokey the elder
I agree. I think one reason hockey has declined in popularity is because it's gotten so dirty. I loved hockey when I was in college (RPI won the NCAA in 1985) and followed the Devils for awhile, but it's hard to find on TV since the latest strike. The NHL is its own worst enemy.
It really is not the same as it used to be. And in all honesty, I don't mind the fighting ON ICE. It prevents problems like the NBA is having..... Players who can't deal with it on the court are now out shooting other players and fans (apparently this happened at the recent all star game) and this behaviour is all too common in these sports. NHL doesn't have that problem because they are "allowed" to have a go on the ice. I have no problem with fisticuffs now and then. it really serves it's purpose.... but when guy like this is going out and taking cheap shots just to hurt someone.... that is where I draw the line. I have no issue with a face to face disagreement. but when you are cheap shotting a player from behind that is unacceptable.

But it really has gotten better. There are heftier penalties for fighting so it does not go unpunished. It is a much faster game now.... it really has become about talent and not so much about laying the biggest hit. Teams that are still playing the OLD style are not doing well. Look at the Flyers. They are the same bruiser team they always have been.... they are also last in the league. They are learning the hard way that THAT style doesn't work anymore. Speed wins.

But this guy Neil is taking it too far and Bettman NEEDS to step up and do something about him.... NOW or someone else will and it won't be pretty.