Hockey fans love to dissect the game. They love to complain about it, crab about the rules, make suggestions to make it better. On the attached thread… I’m going to crown you “King of the NHL.” What would be the one thing you would change about the on ice product to make the game better?

I have to choose between two things… one of ‘em I’ve always wanted to happen, but I know never will (although making the goalies fair game outside the crease would be a LOT of fun!) so I’ll choose one that may be slightly more possible.

Kill the instigator rule. Destroy it, wipe it from the face of the earth… make it go away!

I simply believe that this rule has driven some very bad habits in the league. Too many liberties get taken with skilled players with no retribution… or incredibly silly retribution from the league. The rule has done what was intended, reduce fighting. The problem is, the rule has also been responsible for increased dirty play, high hits and bad stick work.

Look… I grew up watching the Big Bad Bruins and the Broad Street Bullies. You messed with Bobby Clarke, Dave Shultz or Bob Kelly was on you in a heartbeat… the 80’s Oilers dynasty had Wayne Gretzky, but if you went after him, you had to answer to Dave Semenko and later Marty McSorley.

Granted… the players were without helmets for a large chink of that time, which I believe made NHL players a little less reckless with their sticks, and the pads were not near as high tech as they are now, but you had to answer for your actions on the ice…

So… what one thing would you change about the NHL?

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The Predators “Skate of the Union” event is tonight at the Sommet Center from 5 – 9pm.

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You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates… I’ll also be updating during Pred home games in season with information and explanations from the PA box.

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HockeyBuzz Radio is on hiatus until October… we’ll be weighing on conditioning camp and may even put up a podcast or two during the summer. Keep checking in at www.hockeybuzzradio.com for the latest on the upcoming season and regular columns from hockey writer Mark McGee.

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