ICE HOCKEY Blue-ribbon panel pushes for offensive restoration

Pens owner Mario Lemieux said reviving excitement is the goal.
NEW YORK (AP) -- Once NHL players get back on the ice, they might find a different game that emphasizes offense.
That was the objective of most on a blue-ribbon panel comprised of hockey royalty -- from Mario Lemieux to Scotty Bowman. That group got together Thursday to discuss how to create more flow and offensive chances.
Ideas were exchanged and debated as part of a process NHL commissioner Gary Bettman hopes will lead to rules changes that could go into effect after a new labor agreement is reached.
As long as the talents of goalies aren't curtailed and safety jeopardized, two-time defending Vezina Trophy winner Martin Brodeur is happy to see some improvements.
"There's a lot of ways they can improve the offense of the game and the flow of the game without touching the goalies," the New Jersey netminder said. "The safety of the goalies is one of the most important things -- having protective equipment that is decent for the guys that are making the big bucks and making a big difference in the game."
Talks praised
The spirited talks were praised by players, NHL officials, coaches, general managers and executives, who made up the group.
"Everybody on the panel really cares about the game of hockey and is trying to make it more exciting and have more scoring," said Lemieux, the player-owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky was expected, but he didn't attend because of a scheduling conflict.
Toronto forward Gary Roberts, and Nashville forward Scott Walker were joined by referee Stephen Walkom, several team presidents, Islanders owner Charles Wang, six general managers, and Bowman -- the winningest coach in league history.
"I've been involved in a lot of meetings in my life, but I've never been in a meeting that had the composition this meeting did," NHL hockey operations director Colin Campbell said.
Bettman made it clear that Thursday's discussions, which lasted about six hours, were strictly to address on-ice issues and not the problems off it -- despite the presence of union head Bob Goodenow.
Following up on recommended rules changes proposed by general managers at a February meeting near Las Vegas, this panel of 25 discussed the state of the game.
"It's another opportunity to talk more at length about some of the changes," new Florida coach Jacques Martin said. "We got different opinions from the players, so it gives you a different perspective."