And, if the referee was calling closer so as to prevent fights, then someone
would be yelling at the referee to "let 'em play".  You can't have it both
ways!  Which way do you want it.
 
And while I'm at it ...
 
Seems to me I've seen a lot less holding and stick-grabbing this year AND
with the "emphasis" a lot more "single" penalties rather than waiting until
there is retaliation and then taking off a pair at a time.  Someone withthe
stats may be able to tell me how much of that is my imagination, but I've
seen more 5 on 4 and less 4 on 4.
 
And I think I have seen both more skilled skating and better hockey this year.