Steve Yzerman Gives Brilliant, Insightful Breakdown of Today's NHL

Steve Yzerman is heralded as one of the NHL's most prolific active minds. As General Manager of the Detroit Red Wings, he is in a perfect role to understand the state of hockey today and its trajectory moving forward.

Yzerman joined TNT's panel before the Wings' Wednesday night matchup with the Toronto Maple Leafs, discussing the state of the NHL and his 'Yzerplan.' Rick Tocchet asked him a great question about the lack of defensive structure and the apparent increase in blown leads this season. Yzerman's answer was detailed, profound, and frankly expected, given his hockey acumen and success in his executive career so far.

Yzerman's allusion to the transitionary phase in which the game sits hits home for many folks who see a night-and-day difference between the 80's, 90's, and even the 00's NHL. The NHL has become a young man's game, and with that also comes irresponsible tendencies, less outright aggression, and more blown leads.

Which makes for exciting hockey - albeit frustrating at times. Watching your favorite team blow a two or three goal lead drives fans bonkers. Meanwhile, on the flip side - watching them overcome a few-goal deficit is *chef's kiss* magnifique. So, like anything, we take the good with the bad.

Paul Bissonnette also had the chance to lobby a question to Yzerman, one that was good for a few laughs, as per usual.

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