a 1 player said:
The last thing hockey needs is any more changes to the rules. It is a great sport the way it is, thank you very much. I have to say it, but I don't think both sides have felt enough pain yet to make any good negotiations to make hockey come back any time soon. When the money REALLY starts drying up, the negotiations will come easier as both parties will see it is in their best interest to give a bit more. IMO.
I disagree in regards to hockey not needing any rule changes. The NHL is the only league that does not visit it's rules on an on-going basis and the game has suffered. The NFL is constantly tweeking to ensure that it is providing the best product possible and I don't think anyone can argue with the success the NFL has had. Just look at their $8 billion dollar television contract. The NBA is also good at making changes when necessary. They brought back the zone defense and I feel that it has helped their game.
The NHL needs to get off it's high horse and stop thinking that everything is perfect, because it is not. The have zero national television coverage in the US now that ESPN has decided not to re-sign with them. The game has become boring in the last few years with the introduction of "the trap". They still have regional TV coverage on FOX Sportsnet but from what I have heard with the exception of Detroit, Philadelphia, Denver and St. Louis ratings have been in steady decline for the last 5 years.
I don't think they need to make radical changes but I would welcome smaller goalie equipment, removal of the red line to open up the play a bit, change the icing rule to mirror international hockey to protect the players from injury and I am not adverse to bigger nets as long as they don't go too nuts.
Yesterday was the first day but I heard positive comments from Brian Duff on Leafs Lunch and Elliot Friedman on Prime Time Sports.
As far as negotiations go, I would not be surprised if they come up with something before July 1. I will also not be surprised when Bob Goodenow resigns after the deal is announced. He is going to lose this one, the deal will contain a salary cap. Also I have heard rumblings that some senior members of the NHLPA are not happy with how he has handled this situation. Jeremy Roenick and Chris Pronger are two players who have spoken of their displeasure with his leadership.
