Quote:
Originally Posted by billybek
My impression is that there is more stick work in the international style game.
That has changed with the number of import players and the NHL's instigator rule.
During the Olympics, they have some of the best players playing and they are, for the most part, on their best behavior. I find it entertaining and different to watch with the large ice surface favoring very fast and mobile players.
OTOH, nothing like a game 7 in the NHL playoffs....
Rangers looked good last night!
Blues need to get something going tonight or they will be able to make their Saturday t-off time.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1990C4S
Technically there are no rule differences with respect to 'stick work' between the NHL rules and International hockey rules. There is no fighting allowed internationally (still happens occasionally) but at the World and Olympic levels there are no goons on the ice.
There are lots of other minor differences, but they are slowly merging.
If you were to watch some old time time games between USSR and the Czechs you will see more stickwork than in five minutes than a single NHL game....
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hawkeye's-911T
I am in agreement with the 2 preceding gents - stick-work seems more prevalent in international play at present but is assuredly on the rise in the NHL. This is one of the unintended consequences of the 'instigator rule'.
Cheers
JB
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I stand corrected. Let me try another way of saying the same thing...
The international game isn't as vicious?
I totally agree on the instigator rule comment. I'll add to that the 3rd man in rule. Players used to police themselves. Can you imagine Gretzky playing without McSorely?
There may be no more 'goons' in the game, or very few, but IMHO there are more dirty players because of the rule changes. And yes Joe, Matt Cooke was one of them.