Originally posted by LizReed:
Dmill---read an interesting article about game theory and the third point in NHL games. It essentially said that there is little incentive for teams to try and win most of the time. Get your point and have it out in OT. If scoring is indeed down, then this could be part of it.
Wings clinging to a playoff spot. Very possible that they end up playing the Rangers.
Been talk about this idea for a few years and it makes sense. Goofy sport right? Where a team that plays it tight and finds a way to the 8 seed by chipping away with OTL's can squeak in and do real damage. As has been born our a few times, some teams are build well for the 82 game haul and some are built for the 2 month sprint.
I think it's a combination of things. In no particular order
1) They still allow way to much holding, interference and obstruction.
2) Goalie equipment is gigantic in every way. Cut down the pads, the chest protectors, the glove sizes and the waffle. Cut it all by half if you can, but cut it back.
3) There are fewer under-skilled players. Less goons means more good skaters. More good skaters means less opportunity to expose a weak link.
4) Playing for the tie - still see a LOT of trapping, especially late in games. Teams just shut it down. For all their ability to skate and move the puck, Rangers excelled at defensive hockey this year. Very good at transitioning from attack to defend mode. They were not alone. Habs, Wings, Blues, Hawks and Predators did this all year as well.
5) Skill players are not given the environment to be on full display every night.
6)The schedule is too long. Makes for a lot of nights where teams do not have the legs to run and gun, but have just enough energy to play sound D. Lot of early week 2-1 shootouts as the 3rd game in 4 nights.
It's funny - the game is probably played at a higher pace than it's ever been played, and yet the scoring is down historically this year. Worst since the early 1960s' i believe. The Art Ross winner probably will not have 86 points. One player will score 50+. I'd like to see that change significantly.
