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Excellent piece Gare. I started covering the Panthers in 1994 and from then until the "Shanahan Summit" the game went steadily downhill, thanks in great part to Lou Lamoriello and the Devils becoming masters at the neutral-zone trap. Game 7 of the 2003 Finals, when NJ beat Anaheim 3-0, was one of the most boring events I've covered because once the Devils went ahead we all knew it was over. Still hard to imagine, but the game has been immeasurably better ever since.

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Thanks Brian! There was a lot of turgid (in)action over a stretch from Lemaire’s Devils to the summit. The game’s somewhat better now — I do think it would be a better game in a 20 or 24 team league. And I believe officiating is a mess. My one qualifier on all judgments here: The good old days were never as good as we remember.

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Great read Gare. I recall Brendan from his time with the Knights. Wonderful reflection on his life dedicated to the sport he loves

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