Around the League 2024-25 season

[ru4reals]

They started with the best

And then as stated before this was the start of that horrendous slump to end the season. 1 goal in 27 games and then potted one in the last game of last season. No more highlight reel goals for you Quinton. LOL.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Andrew Freidman in his office watching local teams reading his playbook (re: Ducks deferred salary contract to Vatrano)

View attachment 956700

AEG immediately vetoing Rob Blake's power to do so so that they don't have to pay PLD 5 million a year in 2070

 

[kingsfan28]

Andrew Freidman in his office watching local teams reading his playbook (re: Ducks deferred salary contract to Vatrano)

View attachment 956700

AEG immediately vetoing Rob Blake's power to do so so that they don't have to pay PLD 5 million a year in 2070

I thought that stuff only happened in MLB and the NFL. Shit, that sure sound like cap circumvention. Uncle Lou is probably screaming " that was my idea!"

 

[Herby]

I'm told the current on ice product is the worst it's ever been.

I know many here disagree, but I think the NHL is at the best it's been since I've been a fan. Looking back at the dead-puck era, it really was just an awful product on the ice and a terrible CBA off it.

Shutouts in the playoffs

1997 - 16
1998 - 13
1999 - 14
2000 - 15
2001 - 17
2002 - 25
2003 - 19 (including 4 out of 7 in the finals)
2004 - 24

Compared to the modern era

2021 - 12
2022 - 11
2023 - 5
2024 - 5

Remember how it used to be, if playoff games got to 2-0 they were basically over.

 

[bland]

I know many here disagree, but I think the NHL is at the best it's been since I've been a fan. Looking back at the dead-puck era, it really was just an awful product on the ice and a terrible CBA off it.

Shutouts in the playoffs

1997 - 16
1998 - 13
1999 - 14
2000 - 15
2001 - 17
2002 - 25
2003 - 19 (including 4 out of 7 in the finals)
2004 - 24

Compared to the modern era

2021 - 12
2022 - 11
2023 - 5
2024 - 5

Remember how it used to be, if playoff games got to 2-0 they were basically over.

And virtually everything goal meant something. The last two playoffs were easily the worst, most boring NHL playoffs I have ever seen.

 

[johnjm22]

I know many here disagree, but I think the NHL is at the best it's been since I've been a fan. Looking back at the dead-puck era, it really was just an awful product on the ice and a terrible CBA off it.

Shutouts in the playoffs

1997 - 16
1998 - 13
1999 - 14
2000 - 15
2001 - 17
2002 - 25
2003 - 19 (including 4 out of 7 in the finals)
2004 - 24

Compared to the modern era

2021 - 12
2022 - 11
2023 - 5
2024 - 5

Remember how it used to be, if playoff games got to 2-0 they were basically over.

I agree. The product is generally better now than it was in my youth.

Some exceptions IMO:
1) There's less violence nowadays*
2) Expansion has created too many teams that feel aimless. Too many low stakes meaningless games.
3) Everything feels more corporate now. There's less personalities in the game. Less characters. Player/media interactions feel rehearsed. Playing styles don't vary as much. Some of the in-arena experience and broadcasts have been homogenized across the league.

*Less violence doesn't bother me, but if we're being honest, it was something that was unique about hockey and added entertainment value. That was back before we knew about the true dangers of head trauma.