The NHL's Hitting Problem: The Changing Landscape of Physicality

💥The NHL has become less physical over the years, making players more vulnerable.

🏒The league is caught between older players favoring physical play and younger players adapting to a faster, skill-based game.

🤝Players lack the necessary skills to properly give and receive hits, leading to dangerous collisions.

💪Proper hitting skills and awareness are essential for players to protect themselves and avoid injuries.

🌟The league must ensure that younger players are taught how to effectively play and protect themselves in order to maintain a balance of physicality in the game.

Why has the NHL become less physical?

—The NHL has attempted to phase out headshots and make the game more free-flowing for talented players, which has led to a preference for speed and skill over physicality.

Are players intentionally playing dirtier?

—While there are cases of malicious hits, the main issue is that players lack the necessary skills to properly protect themselves and anticipate hard, legal contact.

Why is hitting important in hockey?

—Hitting is a key aspect of hockey and serves as an equalizer in a fast and skill-based game. It creates space for players and brings excitement to the sport.

Do players know how to give a proper hit?

—Very few players in the NHL possess the skill of delivering clean hits, leading to an increase in dangerous collisions and penalties.

What should the NHL do to address the hitting problem?

—The NHL must focus on teaching younger players the necessary skills to effectively give and receive hits, as well as emphasizing player safety to avoid future injuries and controversy.

00:00The NHL has become less physical over the years, making players more vulnerable.

02:27Younger players are already paying the price for not being fully aware of how to embrace contact.

05:06Many players lack the necessary skills to properly give and receive hits, leading to dangerous collisions.

06:55Players must anticipate contact and know how to properly take a hit to avoid injuries.

08:28The NHL must ensure that younger players are taught proper hitting skills and awareness to maintain a balance of physicality.