culture of mediocrity

With contraction, some profit sharing (rather than a salary cap), and less teams making the playoffs, hockey would return to its previous glory. I remember the skill level being higher. Sure, the game is faster, and there are more countries to draft from, but I think the players scoring ability, creativity, checking, and toughness (mental, and physical) is less today than previous generations. There are more players who miss open nets, can't lift the puck over "butterfly goalies", can't score on a slapshot from the point (or on the fly), can't figure out how to deke a defenseman (whether standing or prone to the ice). Players rarely take the body anymore, rather, they swipe at the puck. They don't finish fistfights, they mutually give up and exchange cordial congrats to one other! Clark Gillies vs. Terry O'Reilly anyone? All of these teams bunched together in the standings is just annoying, not exciting. Greed has poisoned our game. Sports are about honor, competitiveness, and glory. To the victor, should go the spoils. Even a defeated combatant, with any honor, would agree. On that note, lighten up Ranger fans. Our team is just not good. Jim Dolan and Glenn Sather are swimming in money, and that's all that really matters (to them).