'There's reason to wonder whether the NHL has any interest in reversing the course of a sport quickly moving toward soccer on skates. Fewer goals creates greater parity and the possibility of marginally talented teams (such as the '98 Caps and the '99 Sabres) making surprise runs to the Stanley Cup finals. Fewer goals also applies a drag to team payrolls since 15-goal scorers command smaller salaries than those who net 25.'