Ever since the strike ending i've heard next to nothing about US hockey. Did the strike kill the game, or was it just not that good the last few years?

It's not one of the "Big four" sports in the US anymore, but there is a loyal core group of supporters throughout the country.

I was surprised to see how well hockey has been recieved here in the Tampa Bay area. You wouldn't think that sunny Florida and a winter ice sport would mix, but it does.

I think they really hurt themselves with that strike. I really enjoy a games at the Garden (Madison Square Garden,NY Rangers). Went to many games there over the years. I tell you there are more ladies at hockey than any other sport. Many times,when I was single, I'd go to a game and stop in the mezzanine lounge for a beverage. find myself staying there talking with some ladies for most of the game and then we'd go out.
I think another problem they have is everybody makes the playoffs, if you know what I mean. Sort of makes the season like a practice.

We don't know what it is like with hockey popularity in our neighbour to the south, but it seems that football and basketball prevail on the "tube" here on the US channels or golf.
Of course, up here in the north...Canuckers do love their hockey, whether it is pro or college or amateur hockey leagues. The latter 2 prospered here when the strike was on as no one could go without a month of our national sport.
But indeed the game is not the same as years of past; before the expansion. We miss the days of the Richard brothers, Espesitos.....I don't have to say more as I am sure readers will understand if you have been a long term hockey fan.

Now the NHL is talking "bigger nets" or "trimming the goalie equipment, b/c the management want more goals??? It is becoming silly, the sport is being spoiled. We have goalies who have trained their junior years learning "shot angles" saying that they won't play if this occurs as the sport that they trained for simply will not be the same and I have to agree with them.

It's not the number of goals scored that counts, but watching the stick handling finesse of the players, IMHO.

And stop all of these "concussions" that are now predominant in the sport and never were in the "Rocket Richard" era.....it is a travesty and tragedy for these players now....what will their state of health be after they retire????

Just comments.

well I have to say it looks as if it is here..