[haz-ben]

Being a fan for the majority of the last 35 years I to am saddened (to say the least) at the way the sport has declined. I grew up in Detroit and my favorites as a kid were Dryden, Rutherford, Larson, Maloney and LaFleur. It was always exciting to watch, that is until the late '90's early 00's. My biggest problem is the lack of physicality, no one hits (that much). There used to be several huge hits during a game. Now, you see these "hits of the week" compilations and there might be one good one. Clearing the crease is another sore spot with me. If an opponent is in the crease whacking at your goalie, you had better put him on his Dupa or die trying. I realize today that the rules have changed and any "viscious" checks or "touching" in the crease will get you 2 minutes. That doesn't mean we have to like it. I also agree with you guys that the talent level has dropped. That's one reason why they changed the rules. To give these guys a better chance to score. And finally, it always seems that to market the game better, the existing fan base always gets screwed. Keep the game the way it is and show the people why it's already being watched. I find it hard to believe that in a world where cage fighting and "wrestling" are huge in popularity, that the public can't stomach the violence of ice hockey. No other sport can come close to the intensity of a "good" hockey game.