The NHL has recently been in a financial rut. The ratings have been down for sometime now. I think the increase in violence may be the effect of trying to attract certain viewers. Another reason it may seem more violent is because the athletes are bigger and stronger these days.
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New safer equipment is always needed because hockey will always be a contact sport. Flagrant head shots should = Suspension and fines.
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The players are getting stronger. More "goons" are being recruited. Why? Blood lust. We, of the reality TV era, don't care about the finesse or the game. We're there to see the pummeling. Sort of UFC on ice mentality. I really think that's it.
Source(s):
Observation.

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I think there are numerous factors as to why hockey has become more dangerous. As the video states, hockey has evolved immensely. That includes not only the equipment, but the players as well. Hockey players are younger, bigger, stronger, faster and for the most part, more aggressive.

What I see during games is a majority of rough hits occurring when a team is losing. When players are down, they seem rather... frustrated, thus becoming aggressive and intimidating. Players are passionate about getting that win. Can the NHL change the nature of a game when teams are losing? Probably not. They can (and should), however, increase the severity of consequences for ugly game play, such as longer suspensions. I believe NHL general managers are already looking for a way to decrease hits to the head during games, which is a good step. Many of the hits in hockey (that lead to concussions) are considered legal and within rules, though. It will be interesting to see what their solution is.

I found a really great article in regards to the issues currently in hockey. It is in regards to the Buffalo Sabres' goaltender, Ryan Miller, who stated that the nature of the game has changed because a lot of the players have lost respect for the game and other players. The lack of respect is especially there when a player is vulnerable and not in possession of the puck.

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/sabres/story/859746.html
Source(s):
http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/sabres/story/859746.html

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Is hockey too fast now??? Read below.

http://www.nhlhockeybetting.com/2009/11/is-hockey-too-fast-now/
Source(s):
http://www.nhlhockeybetting.com/2009/11/is-hockey-too-fast-now/

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I think so because the players continue to get stronger and faster, therefore the checks become more violent. I think there should be bigger penalties for fighting and for cheapshots, (higher fines, suspensions, etc). Perhaps equipment providing more protection would help too. Technology has increased to the point that safer helmets can be used.
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I thinks it's gotten so dangerous because men are highly competitive creatures, so when they think someone might steal their thunder they lash out and hit them. I personally think all NHL players should be required to take anger management classes.
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I think there is a difference between dangerous and violent. And it's not more violant. More injuries, yes. Better conditioning, faster, younger kids, better equipment (higher confidence in abilities). And also maybe pressure from upcoming Olympic Games team selection.
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