‘Sloppy’ Hockey Is The Name Of The Game Early In NHL Season

No exhibition games and for some teams no action at all for 10 months has made for a sloppy start to the NHL season. It's plenty entertaining with all the odd-man rushes and goals, even if the hockey resembles junior or college games more than the pros.

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Teams have shuffled their lineups more early because of injuries and protocols. That has led to less continuity and more mistakes and penalties all over the ice. But goaltenders have also stepped up and shaken off the rust quicker to keep from every game being an offensive explosion.