[DrJones]

Quote: Originally Posted by Majingir

Just saw this is the first time in the Bettman era where we have 3 straight seasons of the league averaging 3+ goals per game. For context, from 1996-2020 we had 3 TOTAL seasons of the average being 3+ goals.

Yes, and those other 3 seasons were 2018/19, 2019/20, and 2005/06 (which was juiced by a billion PP).

Quote: Originally Posted by Majingir

Hopefully this trend does continue because the NHL is more exciting with explosive offense, although GMs and coaches prefer 2-1 games over 5-4 ones. Though when you have Matthews chasing 70 goals (even if he doesn't get it, he has a shot at 66 which would be the most since 95/96) and McDavid chasing 100 assists (Gretzky, Lemieux, Orr are only guys to ever get 100 assists), how is that not fun? Although, the numbers have been a bit skewed with empty net goal, which is more common in today's hockey than the past.

My lukewarm take: on a game in, game out basis, the current era (starting around 2017/18) is the 2nd most entertaining in the 44 years I've been following the NHL.

Here's how I'd rank them:

1. The Golden Years (1986-1994)

2. The McDavid/Matthews Era* (2017-present)

3a. The "New NHL" (2005-2017)

3b. The Great Gretzky (1979-86)

5. The Dead Puck Era (1995-2004)

*A better name will present itself in time