[xsmommy]

if the thugs put half the effort into SKATING that they put into fighting, there wouldn't be fights. : ) the thugs are generally the ones with the least hockey ability, it seems to me.

[Dan from Michigan]

the thugs are generally the ones with the least hockey ability, it seems to me.

Two words. Darren McCarty. Two more. Brendan Shanahan. They can put the puck in the net, and also put the opponents flat on their butts.

[Hat-Trick]

Hopefully the emphasis on enforcing the rules of obstruction that we're seeing at the higher levels (NHL/AHL) will continue, and ultimately work their way down to the other levels of the game, with the result being much less need for non-skating, clutch & grab droolers in the lineup or on the roster.

We are already seeing a huge emphasis on checking from behind in our NCAA D1 games - 5 minute major and game misconduct seems to be the standard penalty.

Maybe Bettman (with a lot of help) is going to get one right (one in a row) - and the game will evolve - in a positive direction.