The product was getting boring

I would rather watch a Unversity hockey game or even major junior anyway. What I miss about the NHL is actually following the standings and statistics. As for for the excitiement level of the product, it just wasn't there anymore.

I didn't have the internet back in 94 but I remember a lot more hockey fans complaining about the lockout than I do now. Back then the NHL was probably at its peak. It has been downhill since. This lockout has come at a bad time because the game has so many other problems that it has to deal with. Brett Hull was right about that much.

Personally I would be in favor of NFL style parity. It would be great news for fans of the small market teams who watch their developed stars slip away because their team can no longer afford them. At least the big market teams would then be in the same boat.