NHL rule change

My opinion....I guess they need to make money somewhere

Well, I for one am quite happy with the new changes. I know many purists who are cringing, but I really think it will improve the flow of the game, and make it more exciting. For example, no more tie games...awesome! Instead of two tired teams coasting for 5 minutes, happy to leave the game with a point each, we will now see some 'heart' as each team works hard for the 2 points. Shoot outs are always exciting.

One thing I'm a little confused about. Are they actually going to paint lines behind the goal (trapezoid shaped), to define the area where the goalie can and cannot touch the puck?

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I'd have to say that the overall changes in the game will make hockey more exciting, but I also think that the changes are also going to make the game better and worse for every player. The younger/new players will be able to adjust to the changes more easily than the advanced/older players. The advanced/older players will be able to actually show there skills.

This is true, but it's also going to be an unfair advantage for some players. There are many players that are much better with shootouts than others. The teams with these better shootout players are going to have a much bigger advantage than their opponent. An example of this, I remember back when they first started talking about this in the "Hockey News", Brendan Shanahan stated that he'd hate to be the opposing team to Detroit with Pavel Datsyuk because he'd be scoring shootout goals like crazy.

I think all in all we'll have to wait and see if the new changes will stay in effect and if the officials will do their jobs, unlike they did during the last seasons changes. I'm just happy there will be hockey again!!!