Talk to anyone around the National Hockey League, and they will unanimously agree that the game changes after the All-Star break.
how come? Without hesitation, the NHL has gotten more rough, combative, physical, rough-and-tumble, and generally harder to play.
Ahead of the playoffs, from the All-Star break to Game 82, this time of year is more exciting for everyone involved — including the fans — and the difference in tone, the battle for playoff spots, and post-season status, the more laudable.
If you need a clear illustration of that heightened ferocity, look no further than the box scores of Monday’s game between the Calgary Flames and the hometown New York Rangers — both before their respective breaks.
The contest included 50 hits, 62 minutes in penalties, three fights and two fouls in exchange for essentially zero history of hostilities by the two non-conference teams.
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We bring this to your attention because with 30 games remaining, and coming off an 11-day break this coming Saturday, the Winnipeg Jets will experience a similar surge in emotional confrontations – whether they’re starting it or giving feedback
Now, knowing a more difficult type of game to play is always easier to prepare mentally and physically, but how the Jets handle it will make it interesting down the stretch.
It’s also possibly a barometer of how they might respond once the playoffs begin and another heightened level of excitement comes into play again.
Time will surely tell, but there’s nothing quite like playoff hockey, and for the Jets, it should be headed into the next 30 games coming out of the break with great gusto.
That’s what everyone around these parts can unanimously agree on.
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