The atmosphere at the Prudential Center for a Devils-Rangers game is one of the most unique in the NHL. I know my fellow NJD fans hate the split crowd (I personally think it's great), but I can't imagine a better atmosphere when both teams are on a roll. — @NJDtootant
The atmosphere of having both teams' fans in the same building and going wild is awesome, especially during high-impact games for both teams, even if it does anger some New Jersey fans, but there are other similar environments out there for the same reasons, so it's hard to say it's the most unique in the NHL.
The Rangers vs. New York Islanders game at UBS Arena is one of them. Rangers fans travel a lot, so they don't have to go very far to make it to Islanders soil. It's hard to say the crowd is split, but it'll be cool to watch a Rangers vs. Islanders playoff series and gauge how many Rangers fans can fit into the building in Elmont. The Rangers and Islanders haven't met in the playoffs since 1994.
Toronto Maple Leafs fans frequent Buffalo and the crowds may be divided. However, this is also difficult to predict because the Sabres have missed the playoffs for 13 straight seasons and Toronto fans have an easier time getting tickets to the games in Buffalo. Let's see if the Sabres become the favorites again and how hard it is for Maple Leafs fans to get in.
Now, a question to get your brain going: Who do you think would be on the Mount Rushmore of average NHL players and hip-hop artists? Also, do you think we'll see mandatory neck protectors in the NHL? — @TheYzerPlan
I don't have an answer to the first question, and I don't intend to, but the second question is a really important one in the grand scheme of things for the NHL.
It's entirely possible that neck protection could become mandatory — that is, incorporated into NHL rules — in the near future. The American Hockey League announced Friday that its board of governors unanimously approved a move to require all players and on-ice officials to wear cut-resistant neck protection starting this season. The league mandated the use of cut-resistant socks and wrist sleeves for all players and umpires last season.
The NHL and NHL Players Association have been discussing suitable cut-resistant materials for the neck, wrists and ankles for several seasons. The urgency of the issue increased last season when former NHL player Adam Johnson suffered a fatal neck injury from a skate blade during a game in England. The league and NHLPA have been working with equipment companies to manufacture products that players can test and potentially use. As more materials became available, several players began wearing their own cut-resistant neckwear last season. The NHL and NHLPA have a joint committee (Protective Equipment Subcommittee) that studies the market for cut-resistant materials.
Eleven years ago, the NHL made visors mandatory for all players with fewer than 25 NHL games. Currently, there are only a handful of players who are exempt from the rule, but eventually every player in the league will be required to wear a visor. The same could happen if the cut-resistant material is used around the neck, wrists and ankles.
What are the real chances that Mark Stone can stay healthy for 82 games this year? Vegas needs him more than ever. — @Crow_Guitarist
With all due respect to the Vegas Golden Knights captain, I wouldn't bet against it happening as the odds are slim. Stone has never played all 82 games in an NHL season. He played 80 games with the Ottawa Senators in 2014-15, his first full NHL season, but that's his best record. He's missed 110 of 246 games over the past three seasons due to persistent back pain in 2021-22 and 2022-23, and a torn spleen last season. Stone is a vital piece to Vegas' playoff hopes because of his virtually violent play, but he's also injury-prone. The hope here is that he can play all 82 games this season, but realistically, it's not a very good bet.
