The Evolution of the National Hockey League (NHL)

Hockey is an ever evolving sport and since the first season in 1917-1918, the NHL has changed dramatically; new rules, new goalie pads, faster play, bigger players.

If you watch the vintage games from the 80’s and 90’s and compare to the games now, players back then seemed to lack the skill they have today. Don’t get me wrong there were many great players in those decades such as Mark Messier, Bobby Ore and the great Wayne Gretzky, but the games and players today look even better.

Goalies rarely had shutouts, games usually ended in blowouts, physical defensemen were usually considered “the best” and the games overall seemed slower paced since defensemen rarely pinched. Players are now stronger and faster.  For example, Al Macinnis was once known for having the fastest Shot at 100.1 mph but nowadays players usually shoot at that average and the fastest shot now is at 108.8 mph by Chara.

It’s not just players; coaches have evolved as well having new strategies, better communication with play by play analysts and understanding the game a lot better. 

Retrieved from Vintage Leaf Memories

With the evolution of players, comes evolution of equipment. Sticks are lighter and made out of composite material instead of a heavy piece of wood. Goalie pads are much bigger and goalies tend to allow less goals, which a lot of fans dislike but isn’t that their job?

Another key change that will modify the league next season is the new conference realignment that will be implemented next year, increasing games against rivals and be more accommodating geographically.  This will even out the travel schedule for teams and present a chance to face every team in the league. I think this change will be huge and will force teams to adopt new play styles.

What are everyone else’s thoughts on the new conference changes?