As the season closes in on its halfway point, reflecting on the first half of the year I can't help but think that as much as traditionalists hate it, the new rules make the sport infinitely more exciting.

One of the most noticeable differences when tuning into a game this season as opposed to last is the significant number of penalties called. In the opening weeks of the season, games very rarely had continuous flow because of the multitude of whistles being blown for hooking and holding. However, as the season has progressed into Winter's colder days, the play on the ice is no longer segmented and disjointed by the referee's interference. The exciting rushes up the ice has league wide scoring at a high not seen in many years. The Ottawa Senators main scoring line of Jason Spezza, Dany Heatley and Daniel Alfredsson is responsible for an overwhelming 164 points through just 43 games.

The most popular rule change, among fans at least, is the addition of the shootout. The penalty shot was long regarded as one of the most exciting plays in all of sports can now be seen on a semi-regular basis. The NHL was able to give the new rules a 'test run' last season in the AHL when they had better things to do, like ' well I don't really know, and I don't think Commissioner Bettman does either.

Yet I digress, the shootout is amazing in person! Regardless of how boring play may seem to be halfway through the second period with a meaningless offside call, it will all be forgotten when your team can clinch a victory with a sprawling save by the goalie or hang on to force another round if the shooter can find the back of the twine. Having seen the sport's longest shootout to date, the Nov. 26 matchup between the Rangers and Capitals game end with Marek Malik's circus between the legs wrister and listening and watching the Madison Square Garden crowd roar in approval, the shootout is here to stay.

Although the highlights of the long pass across two lines may not make SportsCenter like a shootout highlight, the resulting play can create just as much excitement. The elimination of the two-line pass has created more space for hockey's skilled players to slide a pass. Few have benefited from this rule change more than Philadelphia center Peter Forsberg. The rugged Swedish pivot has helped teammates find the back of the net 42 times this season. Also enjoying the additional space is Atlanta forward Marc Savard who has recorded 42 helpers.

It's great that the NHL will have superstars for years to come who can benefit from the improved rules. If you haven't heard of him yet, there's this kid named Sidney Crosby. If you are an NHL goalie beware of Sid the Kid. The 18-year-old phenom will restore pride to the Pittsburgh Penguins, along with helping to keep the team in the city, as well as continuing the Canadian tradition of international hockey dominance.

Although Crosby was not named to the 2006 team playing in Turin, Italy, he may very well make his Olympic debut in 2010 when Vancouver hosts the games. The exceptional teen has adjusted well to the competition level not missing a step and looking like he belongs as he currently sits 14th in the race for league scoring title.

Enjoying all the on-ice excitement is the incredible hockey fan. These loyal supporters tolerated a year without their favorite sport yet still came back in droves to support 'the coolest game on ice' and are a part of the reason why the league salary cap will increase next year. The projected revenue did not account for the tremendous ticket sales and the fans have directly affected the ability of the team to spend money on additional players next season. Unlike the many bitter baseball fans who stayed away from the sport for years until a fabricated, steroid-driven home run chase brought many fans back in 1998, the hockey fan just sought a better game to come home to, and I say congratulations to all hockey fans who have shown unwavering support of the exciting game.

Hockey is back and better than ever. Get out to a game and enjoy it for yourself. Flyer News told you to.