Hockey is back!

The lockout is finally over and I couldn't be happier. It's interesting to see that things we knew had to happen like a salary cap (with a corresponding salary cut across the board) actually did happen. Too bad it took a year.

People will probably bitch and complain about all the new rule changes, etc. but as I much as I hated the year off, if that's what it took to get the game fixed, so be it.

The biggest rules changes are:

1. Shootouts after OT - no more ties: This is awesome. Who the hell wants ties in sports, anyway? A regulation tie will still earn a point to the eventual loser.
   
2. Offsides changes: No more red line (wrt the two-line pass) and tag-up: Time will tell on this one. It seems like it will be great since it will pretty much kill the neutral zone trap which not only made hockey boring, but it also brought the Stanley Cup to the hated Devils -- well, Marty Brodeur helped there too. I always liked "tagging the blue line" to keep a play onside, so I welcome back this rule. The big question will be: will it be possible for coaches to figure out ways of exploiting these rules to eff up the game (like the Devils did with the trap).
   
3. Goalie Trap Zone: This will prevent good puck handling goalies to act as a 3rd defenseman. I'm not sure I like this rule, but it's definitely consistent with all these offensive-minded changes.
   
4. Schedule Changes: Looks like teams will play their divisional opponents a lot more. This is a great change. While my Flyers won't be coming to San Jose as much, they'll be playing the Devils, Rangers, Pens, and Ice-landers 8 times each. Rivalries will be renewed all over the league (think DET/COL) and travel will be cut down for the Western Conference teams.
   

Now let's talk about Sidney Crosby. Who? Yeah, that's right, there's a new star ready to emerge in the NHL. Will he be as good as Mario or Wayne? Too early to tell, but this kid is the real deal. The NBA got LeBron, now the NHL will get Crosby. Too bad he's going to the Penguins.

Onto the Flyers... looks like they're in great shape. They are buying out LeClair and Amonte's contracts which should give them room to make qualifying offers to their eight restricted free agents and begin negotiations with their unsigned rookies, most notably Mike Richards and Jeff Carter.

Hockey has always been my favorite sport. Football has taken the spotlight since my Eagles have been so good recently, but come April and May, my life has always been hockey hockey hockey. Here's to a good 2005-2006.

GO FLYERS!