Man....this is what hockey used to look like in the 80's. The teams are starting to figure it out. It's amazing how slow the game becomes and how they players can't rely on the modern ice positioning systems. And contrary to popular belief....slow, cerebral hockey is ten times more enjoyable to watch than fast, modern hockey post New Jersey devils. The average NHL game looks like a practice drill. They've drawn routes for possession scenarios that minimize counter-attack vulnerability. And they work. The players don't choose where to skate anymore. It's like they're skating on tracks.

If the NHL found a way to change the game to 4 on 4 full-time they would gain a significant market increase in the US. It'll never happen but it should. The analysis and systems have choked the game of life and the only way to subvert them is to change the format. You really see players express themselves in the 4 on 4 and 3 on 3. The players become distinguishable. Modern NHL hockey players have to be robots if they want success.

<--- Big Baller World Order

It used to be 4on4 but they made the switch and it is intermittently awesome. Very different game, obviously, less rigid structure but also more potential to hold onto the puck. They did it in order to reduce the number of shootouts. Probably the best rule change in any sport recently.

And you will know MY JACKET IS GOLD when I lay my vengeance upon thee.

Never going to happen, but I'd love it just for seeing Don Cherry's xenophobic head explode.