I don't think there is a rule change Beer. I think that they have decided to actually enforce the Cross checking and interference rules which have always existed. If you call interference (of the goalie) on the forward parked in front of the net then it kind of evens out. In youth hockey where I grew up it was like that. Please note that the rule changes are designed to make the game more exciting and that the change in the two line pass rule can make that guy parked in front of the opposing net, flatfooted, dead weight if the defenseman gets to the puck first.

I think in the long run it will make the game better. Once the coaches start building their teams around the new rules. They will really showcase the skilled goalies and the great skaters and smart players. Look for kids like Jason Spezza and Sidney Crosby to really shine.