NHL Talent Equilibrium - Eras

[Canadiens1958]

An overview of hockey eras starting with 1893 - first Stanley Cup champion. Objective is to define eras as they reflect hockey and NHL history with the goal of preparing a numerical definition of "NHL Talent Equilibrium".

Not a discussion of the definition of "NHL Talent Equilibrium". Thank you.

Feel free to contribute your perceptions of the eras as defined.

1893 thru 1909-10
The formative tyears,Hockey grew within a structure of evolving rules, loosely defined leagues, short seasons, small towns and major cities in Canada.Challenges for the Stanley Cup were common.

1910-1911 thru 1925-26
Various leagues were formed - NHA, PCHA, NHL, WCHL. Rules were not uniform,goalie restrictions, six or seven man hockey.New arenas.
Hockey ventures to the USA.Only the NHL survives.

1926-27 thru 1935-36
The Stanley Cup becomes exclusive to the NHL.Various rule changes designed to increase scoring and speed added. Expansion and contraction.Minor and junior leagues structures start to reflect
the growing popularity of the game.Stable schedule 44 to 48 games.

1936-37 thru 1945-46
Speed and scoring starts to dominate.Contraction to the Original 6 when the Maroons and Americans fold.Further changes to enhance speed and scoring made. Stable 48 to 50 game schedule.

1946-47 thru 1955-56
First full phase of the Original 6 era. Offensive defensemen start making an impact. Schedule jumps to 60 then 70 games.Farm systems evolve.

1956-57 thru 1966-67
Second full phase of the Original 6 era. One power play goal per minor penalty rule, player union, goalie mask, slapshot, two goalie system, curved stick and equipment evolution takes off. Extensive minor and junior feeder system plus American universities start contributing.

1967-68 thru 1978-79
Rapid and extensive NHL expansion, creation of the WHA. Helmets, video, goon tactics, more equipment changes. Extensive minor / junior / school feeder system.

1979-80 thru 1989-90
WHA folds, three teams absorbed into the NHL.Rapid growth of video use, specialized assistant coaches, further advances in equipment, firther growth in the feeder system

1990-91 thru 2003-04
The NHL becomes an international league with a large European player influence. The decline of the offensive defenseman starts. Equipment changes continue - inflate a goalie, coaching becomes even more specialized.International feeder system.Further expansion(added July 20,2009).

2005-06 Onwards
The salary cap.

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[Pear Juice]

I don't know how thorough the listing of the different eras should be, but here are some more suggestions:

The '91 to '04 period should mention the introduction of several new teams aswell. That era was also very defined by the raised amount of obstructions and hookings.

Perhaps the instigator penalty should be included aswell as it severely changed the way fighting was treated.

Include the introduction of the regular season shootout.

Possibly include the introduction of the butterfly style.

The introduction of the draft system changed the way the league is supposed to balance itself to a great extent.

edit: Also, hopefully not derailing, could you elaborate on the offensive defenseman decline? I wasn't aware that there was such a decline (perhaps this warrants its own thread).

 

[Canadiens1958]

Thank You

I don't know how thorough the listing of the different eras should be, but here are some more suggestions:

The '91 to '04 period should mention the introduction of several new teams aswell. That era was also very defined by the raised amount of obstructions and hookings.

Perhaps the instigator penalty should be included aswell as it severely changed the way fighting was treated.

Include the introduction of the regular season shootout.

Possibly include the introduction of the butterfly style.

The introduction of the draft system changed the way the league is supposed to balance itself to a great extent.

edit: Also, hopefully not derailing, could you elaborate on the offensive defenseman decline? I wasn't aware that there was such a decline (perhaps this warrants its own thread).

New teams - consider it done.

Obstruction etc - no different from the old clutch and grab style dating back over sixty years.

Instigator - efforts to contain goon hockey since the early 1970's.Perhaps a distinct discussion on whether fighting, as opposed to size and skill, ever changes results.

Regular season shootouts and overtime. Need more time since I see conflicting elements. Individual stats generated are not part of the mainstream,team points are,balancing 5 on 5 versus 4 on 4. Would need a larger data bank before everything may be fully appreciated.

Butterfly style - back to the fifties/sixties. sub topic under the introduction of the goalie mask.

Draft - sub topic under feeder systems.

Offensive defensemen. Thread is in the works. Major distinction being that defensemen have gone from generating offense to supporting offense.

Thank you.