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This is a main topic of conversation for me and a buddy right now. A few things we've discussed are the obvious. The players today are bigger, faster and stronger and in MUCH better physical condition...ironically. It's great for endurance, not so good when getting hit by another physical specimen. The only thing that hasn't gotten bigger? The size of the playing surface.
The armor they wear compared to yesteryear is obviously a factor too.
The removal of the blue line has also made a difference. As has been said, players can gather a lot more speed whereas they used to have to hold up at the center line.
I don't doubt that there were concussions back in the day that went unnoticed or were even ignored. But there is NO way they had the number that they're having today.
It's gonna take some time, but in 15-20 years, this is what the NHL will look like imo in order of appearance...
-no touch icing
-no fighting
-center line reintroduced
-larger ice surface. Maybe not international size, but it might be.
-20ish teams due to poor markets
-higher scoring games comparable to the Oilers of the 80's due to the inability of the defense to defend on international ice IF more than 20ish teams remain. A lot of the defensemen now are just filling spots. The 3 and 4 defensemen on teams now would be relegated to the 6 or 7 spots with less teams, and less defense spots to fill.
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