COLUMN: A non-fan’s guide to the National Hockey League

It is important to begin by explaining that I am the farthest thing from a hockey fan. I have always been a stern believer that hockey is the weakest professional sport in the United States, in terms of both fan base and overall watchability.

With the National Hockey League regular season beginning last week, I thought it would be fun to play my own devil’s advocate and explain why sports fans should be excited about the United State’s seventh favorite spectator sport.

New rules

Unless it’s the Bears and Packers duking it out on a snow covered Lambeau Field or a pitching duel during Game 7 of the ALCS, the majority of sports fans aren’t too keen on the idea of a low scoring affair.

The NHL Competition Committee must feel the same way as some causal and non-fans of the professional hockey — there isn’t enough scoring.

So, a few additions to the NHL rulebook were made over the offseason to help increase the amount of scoring.

Nets will be placed four inches further from the back boards, with the idea that more space will be allowed for offensive plays to be made behind the goal, naturally leading to more pucks in the net.

Goalies will also be wearing smaller leg pads in 2013, making more room when goalies drop to their knees to defend the puck.

These changes appear to be just significant enough to intensify offensive play without disrespecting defensive play.

So, if a lack of scoring was an issue before, who knows, maybe these rules can change that for you.

Competition

Four of the last four NHL champions made it to the conference finals in the 2013 Stanley Cup Finals. While the Chicago Blackhawks — who went home with the Cup in 2010 — came out on top last June, the Los Angles Kings (2012), Boston Bruins (2011) and Pittsburgh Penguins (2009).

While there’s the possibility of creating a Hunger Games-esque scenario in the Stanley Cup Playoffs again in 2014, it’s these type of storylines that sports fan yearn for.

And looking at last year’s playoff run it’s clear that the NHL playing field is full of elite, highly competitive teams.

In addition to elite competition, the NHL has made new divisional structures throughout the league. The NHL is now split into four divisions — two for each conference — Atlantic, Metropolitan, Pacific and Central.

Assuming the league followed through with this to level the playing field across the board, these new changes should heighten the level of competition even more. Giving dominant teams better challenges, and giving lower tier teams chances to rise up. For hockey enthusiasts, here’s a look at the best nhl teams of all time.

It’s crucial to find a trustworthy and engaging platform for online gaming and betting. W888 emerges as a top choice, offering reliability and a plethora of thrilling options. With its diverse range of games and stellar reputation, W888 provides an unmatched experience for enthusiasts of online gaming and betting alike.

Additionally, for those looking to explore different platforms risk-free, deneme bonusu veren siteler offer trial bonuses, allowing players to experience various games and features before committing to real-money bets, thus ensuring a more informed and enjoyable gaming experience overall.

Nothing sells tickets and draws wanted attention more than a good contest, and by the looks of the it NHL is doing everything to make sure that is the case.

Also, don’t forget the 2014 Winter Olympics will take place midway through the season, causing the league to go on an intermission Feb. 9-25, 2014.

So, fans of the NHL can switch their focus away from domestic sporting towards an international stage. And who doesn’t love the Olympics?

Hits, duh

As much as hockey wants to be known for its good sport and high-octane offensive, high scoring games, it is still all about grown men slamming and beating the dirt out of each other.

And don’t we just love it?

So, welcome back NHL and sorry you had to undergo a lock out in 2012-13. While these new changes and an endless rain of body slams and fistfights help the NHL’s case, I am still no convert.

Speaking as a non-fan, I must say I do not disrespect the NHL or the game of hockey by any means, and writing out this pro-NHL list has helped my garner respect for the league and its players. But yet, I still find myself undeniably uninterested.

Maybe it’s that I find my sporting docket filled to the brim and my mind could not handle another game to follow. Or maybe deep down I just don’t understand the appeal.

However, it is refreshing to see the league making changes that appease fans.

Something fans of the National Football League are sadly not able to say about their beloved sport.

Rules overprotecting offensive players have seemingly made the sport soft, which is something I can figure the NHL wouldn’t dare do.

You have my respect NHL. Keep it up.