Pretending like ESPN or Emily Kaplan have any relevance in the hockey world is hilarious.
I know as much about quantum physics as Kaplan does about hockey.
ESPN didn't give a damn about hockey before and still don't.
All that being said, big hits and excitement are more likely to get the attention and interest of a casual fan than a high scoring game. Over the years going to games, you can tell people who don't go to many, they want hits and fights. I don't blame them, I love those things too, but I enjoy other aspects of the game.
9-2 games, despite with Gary thinks, are not what makes people interested in the sport. They associated it with physicality, which is good, and that's what they want to see. The watered down physical play lessens the appeal of the game.