Though it hasn't resulted in more scoring, the result is shorter games and better flow. There is more room to circle around and there is more room for the five guys to skate. The rules, combined with a continued crackdown on obstruction, are giving stars more freedom to operate. In the past, defensemen could do a really good job of putting the stick on you. The two-referee system has been important in the crackdown on obstruction and cheap shots behind the play.
Penalty minutes are actually lower in two-referee games.
Not all are sold, though. I like it when they do a good game. If we can fine-tune it a little bit and have each referee instructed correctly, I think it can work. While players needed time to adjust to the rules, goaltenders got an instant benefit. Shedding bulkier equipment meant their reflexes were quicker.