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Last week's topic: What do you think of the enforcement of obstruction so far?

Now I don't mind seeing the odd power play and everything, but when teams are spending a whole period in the penalty box, it's a bit much. There has to be some middle ground. Teams are not going to stop doing the whole clutching and grabbing thing. They're used to the game being called a certain way and that's been changed. Anyone who thinks that having two teams combine for over 50 minutes in pentalies on iffy calls isn't that great of a fan.
Mike Chirico, Sudbury, Ontario

The new obstruction rule takes away from the game I grew up with, and will also change the stats department. There are way too many power plays and just too many ridicules penalties. Your team could be up by a few goals at the end of the third, and with a dumb "obstruction" penalty or two as I have witnessed, be in an almost an instant tie to go into OT. I'm die-hard hockey fan, but sometimes I can't stand to watch it anymore.
J. Scott Campbell, Virginia Beach, Va.

The new enforcement of obstruction penalties will force the NHL to redesign penalty boxes: one, to increase the capacity of the sin bins, and two, to change the doors to revolving to keep hinges from breaking.
Wayne R. Neverka, Orlando, Fla.

It's about time the flow was returned to the game. As a youth hockey coach, we are always talking about cycling, moving, finding open ice. Along comes the NHL the past few years with its clutch-and-grab style of play and the first thing you know the young skaters are emulating the same tactics. Who cares if games are 7-5, it's entertaining. Tell the NHL goaltenders who are so concerned about their stats to do what we tell our goalies -- keep it simple, just stop the puck!
Ray Embury, Enfield, Conn.

Are you kidding me? Can anyone possibly have a negative comment on this? Well, yeah, I guess goalies aren't too crazy about the inflated GAA's, and defenseman might not be crazy about the idea of an unimpeded Keith Tkachuk or Bobby Holik flying in on the forecheck, but everybody else loves it. Let's just see if it's still being called this way in February.
Jason Ferrante, Pittsburgh, Pa.

While scoring is up, it is creating too many power plays. Games seem to be stopping ever couple of seconds to issue a penalty. Maybe the league should be a little more lax on some things.
Nolan Moore, Calgary, Alberta

I would say the new obstruction rules are working out perfectly. While I still think the refs need a reminder that the rules are the rules at whatever point in the game the infractions occur, I think the game has sped up considerably. The increase in power plays has enhanced the game by making a good power play indispensable. Congratulations to commissioner Bettman.
Heath Bernstein, Mount Holly, N.J.

I'd give the referees a B+. They have been better, but sometimes they could do more. The big question is what grade will they get on their midterms come December and January. I predict a C, but I hope I'm wrong.
Steve Combs, Garland, Texas

Finally! I think the display hockey put on during the Olympics really clinched the decision by NHL governors to officate the game by the actual rules and not by some unwritten set of NHL rules. Who didn't enjoy watching Sakic, Igilna, Sundin and the Russian first line put on a show of how good hockey can really be if played by the rules? Let's hope rules enforcement lasts past January this time.
Nasir Rizvi, Sterling, Va.

I wish the officiating would be more consistent or toss out the rule altogether. The players are there to play hockey and with the whistle blowing every 5 seconds, interrupting the play, they are not allowed to play their game. I think it stinks.
Renee, Chelsea, Mich.

The new philosophy for obstruction enforcement is the best thing to hit hockey since they added the second referee. It allows the players with skills (speed, puck control, etc.) to actually play the game for the first time in years. No longer can a defensemen just hold up a forward with his stick or keep him from the puck by frisking him like arena security on your way into the game -- now they have to match their skills againts their opponents. But the real reason I like it is because every play has the potential for excitement and the games are plain and simply more fun to watch.
Fred Ferraro, Pittsburgh, Pa.

This week's topic: Which eligible player who is not already enshrined do you feel should be in the Hall of Fame?