The good ol' hockey game

As most of you probably know the best spectator sport in the world is back... hockey! The most interesting part is there will be "a series of rule changes that will emphasize entertainment, skill and competition on the ice". I'm excited to see a more offensive game of hockey but worried that the game quality might not be as good. I dislike basketball because of the insane number of baskets scored and the difficulty in defending the net. I don't want to see this happen to hockey just because American fans are bored when the score isn't in the double digits.

The highlights of the changes are:
1) Neutral zone is shrinking.
2) The two-line pass whistle is pretty much dead now.
3) The notion of “offsides” is now weaker.
4) Goalies can’t dress like the Michelin man anymore.
5) Goalies are restricted in where they can play the puck behind the net.
6) No more tie games: ties end in a “shootout” format like the playoffs in the old days.

Here's a great link which explains the changes and has some nice diagrams. Next season's schedule has also been posted. I'm going to go see the Canucks play the Leafs in their only game together on January 10th. Anyone want to go? I'm sure Dan and Cam will.