The reason why NHL hockey is a bullshit sport is that, especially in the playoffs, skill is subordinate to brutality. Players are allowed to get away with figurative "murder" most of the time during the regular season, and almost all of the time in the playoffs. Teams with the most skilled players seldom win in the playoffs, being sidelined by less talented teams that prevent them from playing their game with constant "checking" and worse.
The little I've seen of European hockey seems to confirm that they do not subscribe to this silliness, and rely on speed, skill, and strategy to win games. How primitive.
Of course, the fact is that this style of play is what the paying fans want. That's probably why hockey is a third tier professional sport in the U.S. Just above professional wrestling, with which it shares a lot.
The little I've seen of European hockey seems to confirm that they do not subscribe to this silliness, and rely on speed, skill, and strategy to win games. How primitive.
Bruins Captain Discusses Dirty Little Secret of NHL Playoffs
Brad Marchand said hurting players is part of the game in the postseason
www.insidehook.com
Of course, the fact is that this style of play is what the paying fans want. That's probably why hockey is a third tier professional sport in the U.S. Just above professional wrestling, with which it shares a lot.