Yay! Finally we have hockey back! Quite frankly, I couldn't understand why the strike went on for as long as it did. Stubborness I guess. I really think the players forget that they are playing in the NHL - not the NBA or the NFL. The hockey fan base simply doesn't support the kind of salaries they think they should be getting based on comparisons with the other professional sports. Ticket prices are already out of the reach of many fans. I'm quite sure there was more than a little greed on both parts, but I really think the players needed a reality check regarding salaries.
I'm not too happy about most of the rules changes. I don't mind the ignoring the red line, or the new offsides changes, but I really don't like the goalie restrictions. I always found Martin Brodeur's play behind the net exciting - now that opportunity for excitement will be gone. ::sigh::
I'm also not a big fan of the shootout either. They are exciting, but after a team struggles with an opponent for 60 minutes, it seems some what of a farce to have the game decided on this option. I'll wait to make a real judgement, once I've seen a few.
If you're a Devils fan like me, you might be interested in knowing that all season ticket holders (including new season ticket purchases) will get a 10% rebate and a replica jersey for each ticket. I am happy with that!
Game on - I can't wait for Oct 5th.
Posted by Cyberkat at July 30, 2005 11:35 AM