Jon: I don’t disagree that getting rid of four NHL teams is a good idea. Tops on my list for elimination: The Flyers. (Just kidding.) But that’s not the only way the NHL can improve its product, or even the best way. I’ve heard that league is going to make a set of rule changes that will bring back the more open play of the high-scoring 1980s, such as smaller goalie pads, tag-up offsides, maybe no red line at center ice, etc. Granted, every off-season we hear chatter about minor rule adjustments that will correct some small problem. (Remeber the goalie crease controversy?) But the conditions for major changes have never been better, and the circumstances have never made them seem more necessary.