Yeah, the game was much better when speed and skill were the dominant factors in the game. However, the league is worried about concussions so they slow the game down. I have mixed feelings on the subject. On one hand, player safety is obviously very important. We don't need to see players getting seriously injured out there. On the other hand, this is a game that they choose to play and make millions doing so. There are far more dangerous jobs in the world that pay less than being an NHLer.
My problem with allowing obstruction into the game is that it prevents the game from being called based on the rules, but based on referee discretion. I don't like that. A trip is a trip. Period. However when the league allows people to occasionally hold/hook/trip/whatever, it creates biases even subconsciously against players. Burrows and Toews can both trip players, but if referee discretion not just allowed but encouraged, I guarantee that Burrows will get called more often. It also creates confusion with the players on just how much they can get away with. Edler gets suspensions for accidental hits that cause no injury while Pronger is trying to murder someone in front of his net. Yuck.
Either call all obstruction and let the skill/speed break through and define the game, or change the rules so that the calls are more consistent. What if this was game 7 of the finals and we lost by 1 goal on a ****** penalty that went uncalled numerous times throughout the game or series? Even if we won, for that matter, on one of those calls. It would still be amazing but it would cheapen it a little for sure and feel terrible for the other team.
