Yet the problem is it would reintroduce a certain level of intimidation, of fighting, into the game. That doesn't sell in the U.S. or in the league offices because of the image it represents. Maybe now the suspensions are getting stronger, that is the way they will try to do it. But teams policing themselves worked. There are other factors that have affected the way the game is played.
Players are bigger, faster stronger.
15 years ago it looks like slow motion. But in the last 15 years, the players' respect for each other has changed. I don't think it would be a bad decision by the hockey gods to take out the instigator rule. It's been a mental change in the way guys approach the game. Guys go into the corner with reckless abandon, not thinking about what the consequences could be.