Agreed with those who say the pre-season is far too long and far too late.
I just can't give a shit about the pre-season. Occasionally when there's a big prospect who might make the team it's compelling.
But the mood swings people have over guys who are just trying to get their legs loose feel like they are in direct proportion to the fact that at the end of 95% of pre-season games fans feel like their time was wasted. Because often it was.
I'd rather watch the baseball playoffs, go for hikes, play my own hockey games, hang out with my girlfriend, go to the gym, watch movies, play video games, read books etc etc.
Once the season starts I'm all in. But until then, I just can't be bothered. And as I get older this perspective seems to grow in conviction.