Like a nice pair of skates, the sport and game of hockey isn't one size fits all, unfortunately.
I agree that the majority of teams consist of just irl friends, but I know there are a bunch of open clubs willing to take on anyone - sometimes that casual feeling just hits better. Somehow these teams have working stat ticker presentation so there's also that.
I believe playoff matchmaking is still open to everyone unlike the old system so it *should* be as good but I think most of the top teams start trying to play in off-hours for more optimal results. When my buddy had his work hours switched, we started throwing a hail mary at playing suuuuper early at the risk of bad connections with overseas players but kept seeing our usual rivals. Could be a coincidence but idk.
I don't have much experience with the '91 NHL Hockey but hoo boy I love me some Olympic Hockey Nagano '98!
Stick lifts will work and poke checks will be automatic penalties again, just watch.
