the NHL hasn't been a goon league for a long time, goons can't make the teams now, they can't keep up, can't make plays, the very few who are still around will be gone by next season, (one or two),
the tough guys who play now, are good players and contribute to the speed and physical play of the teams, makes for exciting hockey.
I agree, talloola. Many of the young players today are much more interested in outplaying their opponents by a combination of skill, hard work and intelligence. The latter is something that I notice more and more hockey commentators talking about - the intelligence that takes a good player up to the great player level and, how many players today reflect the truth of those comments.
Less and less we are seeing the thugs and brutes that once brought crowds to their feet and therein also lies a possible explanation. It could be that fans today appreciate skill over brutality, intelligence over muscle. I know that my enjoyment of the game has risen immensely since this new crop of players got planted in the leagues. :lol:
Kids the likes of Toews, Ebberle, Skinner, Crosby, Kane, and so many others have taken the game to a new and higher level of play. As these kids came into the game and imposed their level of hockey on the league, their teammates were also challenged to increase their playing abilities. Some rose to the challenge while others didn't - some like Matt Cooke - needed the coach and entire team to make him see the error of his ways. I doubt that we will see much 'bad' behavior from Matt in the future but we will be able to see why he on the ice - the skills he brings to the team.
The old adage " I went to a fight and a hockey game broke out" no longer rings true and that to me - as a fan - is a great benefit to the game of hockey.
IMHO