from Larry Brooks of the New York Post,

You have to wonder whether all the folks employed by the NHL actually believe the propaganda they spout in repeating the “game has never been better” mantra, or whether they simply are dealing in self-preservation in a league that Sixth Avenue rules with an iron hand.

But you don’t have to wonder whether one of the greatest of the greatest players in NHL history believes that, because Mike Bossy certainly does not.

“The players are better than ever, don’t get me wrong — they’re in better shape, have better nutrition and have better equipment — but the game is so monotonous to have to watch,” Bossy told Slap Shots last week when visiting New York. “A lot of times, it’s just like a pinball game.

“It’s gotten too fast. It’s not as exciting as it could be. You don’t really see a lot of plays anymore. It’s guys sending it in, getting it back to the point, and everyone collapsing and going to the front of the net. Sometimes there are nine players around the net. So many shots are blocked, a lot of players are afraid to shoot.

“I’d like to see them put a key on the ice, like they have in basketball, so we’d be able to call an illegal defense,” said one of the great goal-scoring machines of his or any time.

continued plus a few more short topics...