Eastern Conf. style vs. Western Conf. style

[ItsDaBill]

It goes without saying that the two conferences have generally played a different brand of hockey from one another. For whatever reason I am really noticing a significant difference this season more so than any other year. The East generally looks sluggish whereas the West is fast moving. Ive noticed a lot West teams are constantly in motion with forwards circling instead of stopping at a blue line, etc... Has anyone else noticed the growing difference in the two conferences? Maybe the West is just the better conference at this period in time?

[Polaris922]

It goes without saying that the two conferences have generally played a different brand of hockey from one another. For whatever reason I am really noticing a significant difference this season more so than any other year. The East generally looks sluggish whereas the West is fast moving. Ive noticed a lot West teams are constantly in motion with forwards circling instead of stopping at a blue line, etc... Has anyone else noticed the growing difference in the two conferences? Maybe the West is just the better conference at this period in time?

I've said for years the West played a more European style game and the East a more physical, punish style North American game. The East seems to be suffering this year with the Devils, Rangers and Flyers all struggling. Right now the West looks better for certain.

[Chicago Hawkie]

It could be because many teams in the Eastern Conference are geographically closer to one another, so their styles may all be similar.