You are probably the most pleasant person to disagree with on these entire boards, I respect that.
Truth is none of use know exactly how it would play out, which is why the NHL typically tests major rule changes in lower leagues first. I just think the reality is the systems are not going to change, defense wins championships in just about every major US sport I can think of. Goalies are going to continue to get bigger and bigger, and even with goalie pad changes (which I support) the available net to shoot at is going to get smaller. Coaches are going to do whatever they can to prevent goals no matter what the rules are, and I don't see a way to change that.
I also think interference and holding is called a TON, which is part of the reason teams just collapse now and block shots, because you can't be physical with defending the player themself. Players have adapted to the new style interference rules and in my opinion it has not gone back to what it used to be pre-lockout. I also am not a fan of hockey where the majority of goals are scored on the power play, I would prefer to see more even strength scoring. The best way I see to do this is the nets.
As far as history, yes it changes things somewhat, but we already discount player stats from the 80's because of the era, ect ect. Goalie stats are all inflated to an all time high, which also doesn't compare to previous eras. Changing the size of the nets to me is very similar to when they changed the height of the mound in MLB in 1969, was a big deal then but today that's just how the game is played.
