from Larry Brooks of the New York Post,
It wasn’t until 1965-66 — ancient history to most of you, but well within my frame of reference and experience watching from the side balcony at the old Garden — that the league allowed teams to replace skaters on coincidental majors.
So there was a fair amount of three-on-three hockey following brawls. Obviously it was a different time and the game wasn’t immediately on the line, but most teams played very conservatively.
As I remember it, there was little breakneck, end-to-end action. Games seemed to be in holding patterns.
And I think a half-century later, that will be the case as often as not, and surely if we’re talking the final three minutes of a potential seven-minute OT.
If the league is committed to gimmickry to produce a guaranteed winner (and partial loser), then let’s get straight to three-on-three.
Chances are it will be more difficult under that scenario for coaches to reign in their top talent. But you can be sure, some will try.
more plus addtional hockey topics...
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