Looking at the event summary from the complete destruction of the Canucks on Wednesday night I noticed something quite rare: 50% of the game was spent on the power play [officially 48%]. The other half was even strength (that is of course ignoring all the four-on-four time as well). Often when I see something strange I ask myself: how strange is this. Well the previous "record" this post-season was 38%. Last post-season I found an even more impressive feat by the referees giving an astonishing 54% of ice time to power plays, Edmonton readers may still remember that game. Another game this season the referees almost managed to make 60% of the game special teams. In 2005-2006 was a bit worse having quite a few games that went over 50% power play time (20 or so).
I'm not about to say the penalties weren't deserved and they probably could've called more things. It's just hockey isn't much fun when the entire game is spent either on the power play or killing penalties.
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It's just hockey isn't much fun when the entire game is spent either on the power play or killing penalties.
I agree with you here. Power plays have their place, but really, is it that exciting to watch a bunch of no-contact set plays on half a sheet of ice, intermixed with a bunch of legal icings?
What's worse is I think that it's leading to less exciting 5-on-5 play; I'm not sure teams try so much to score even-strength any more, but rather just draw more penalties to then their offenses can "go to work".
I think there's plenty of downside to the (not so) new NHL, but damn if Bettman will admit that.
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