The NHL minds probably don't wonder why their viewing numbers aren't constantly going up. If they DID wonder, though, there are a lot of sports fans who would tell them two things: violence on ice isn't what we want to see, and the present game isn't interesting to watch.
Let's just get rid of the Chris Prongers of the game. Last night's elbowing incident is his 7th flagrant foul. That is seven too many. The game can be played with finesse and skill, and there are times when he has shown both. But 7 incidents like this in about 12 years is just too many. A one-game suspension is ridiculous.
Out for the rest of the season and a hefty fine might be sufficient deterrent for others to think twice about trying to mame another player in order to get him out of the game.
If the NHL REALLY cared about its players, and cared about the fans (real and potential), they'd get tough.
Oh, yes...and the other reason the fan numbers are down? Who wants to watch "dump it in, chase after it, smash bodies on the boards" ? Not a game. Not sport.
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