notwithstanding some stupid thinking from the past, the Europeans and American players made this happen. along with the really advanced training that players now get starting when they are young.
I stopped watching NHL years ago because of the lack of talent after the expansion. guys who couldn't really skate were starters on stanley cup winners.
From what I can see, the skill / conditioning level now is miles better than those days, and also better than the six team league days, when players smoked cigarettes in the locker room.
The players from the past would die after two weeks of skating the way these teams play now.
The hockey can be a bit raggedy sometimes, cause the checking is so relentless, but it is very exciting to watch.