Dan Boyles impressive NHL career is an interesting tale of both where the game has been and gone. He loves the game. He wants it to thrive. He wants fans to enjoy it. And because of that, the defenseman worries for it again today almost just as much as he did when he entered the league, undrafted, in the late 1990s during the heyday of the clutch and grab.When I started, you wanted the big defenseman that could hold up and chip the puck out, Boyle, who announced his retirement last Wednesday, told ESPN.com. There was no room for the smaller guy because it was too physical of a game. Then they take out the red line and everyone is going to fly, everyone is going to wheel.Those post-2005 lockout years were fun for a while, as rule changes -- such as no longer using the red line to prevent teams from making two-line passes -- helped open the game.But obviously coaches evolve, and the game evolves, said Boyle, a puck-moving magician during his 17 years in the NHL. And now, in todays game, youve got guys -- top guys included -- all blocking shots, breaking hands, breaking ankles. Youve got coaches wanting everyone to flip the puck in, dump the puck in.And the play that I hated the most in the post-red line era is when teams set up behind their own net and fire these long bombs to the forward at the opposite blueline, who just puts his blade out and then the puck is in the other zone. And nothing happens. I hated that. If theres a red line there, it forces the D-man to make a play. I am one of those guys who would love to see the red line back.It just so happens this is exactly what hockeys greatest defenseman believes too. For a few years now, including in his 2013 autobiography, Bobby Orr has espoused the belief that the red line needs to be reinstated, not just for the reasons Boyle brought up, but also because of safety concerns. Orr points to the fact that the game is faster than ever and feels its become dangerous because of it due to the the speed through the neutral zone and the kind of hits players are taking at that velocity.Putting the red line back in, perhaps, would not only force defensemen to make higher-end passing plays again (and maybe create turnovers in the process), but also slow the game down a bit. In fact, Orr feels the red-line should be restored at the youth hockey level so that defensemen develop the ability to make passing plays through the neutral zone.Theres no question that the game is faster than ever, and the players arguably more skilled then ever. But are they being allowed to use most of that skill?Right now, where the game is, is get the puck out of your zone as soon as possible and get it in the other zone as soon as possible. Dont make plays, dont go across ice, just get it in, said Boyle. There are so many skilled players in the league today, but the game at times now is robotic. The neutral zone has been eliminated.Somewhere between the start of his career during the dead puck era and todays game, there were years in which Boyle says the sport was more fun to watch for fans.There was a very good game somewhere in between the clutch-and-grab when I started and the new era now, said the 40-year-old Ottawa native. The most exciting five minutes of hockey Ive ever seen as the overtime between Sweden and Team North America (at the World Cup last month). Now coaches dont want to play that way because its breakaway after breakaway. Im not saying we should go Globetrotter-hockey and go crazy. Im just saying from talking to teammates and ex-teammates, guys want to make plays.Boyle then paused. As always, his passion for the game comes through. Hes grateful for everything it has given him. He feels so privileged to have played in the NHL. But hes coming at this from the angle of a guy who just wants the game to be as entertaining as possible for fans.Theres just so many good, young hockey players out there now, Boyle said. I just wish more of them could be allowed to make plays.Dont get him wrong: Boyle strongly believes in situational play, that its important to understand whos on the ice and who youre playing against. There are times, such as when youre protecting a lead late in a period or a game, when its the right call to chip it in off the glass and get it deep in a safe area. He just feels the entire 60 minutes shouldnt be played that way.And again, he stressed that hes coming at this from a fans perspective -- which, for all intents and purposes, he is now that hes retired.It seems to me that the NHL could use his experience and his mind for the game. But for now, Boyle is going to lay low as he builds a home in the San Jose area and enjoys life with his wife and two daughters.I dont see myself doing anything (in hockey) for a while. How long is a while? I dont know. Im not going to jump right back into it, said Boyle. I dont have any plans. I love the game, I think Ill be associated with it somehow down the road, I dont know where and how.A Stanley Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist, Boyle reflects on something that makes him smile.Kris Letang, when he was younger, and Drew Doughty, they each came up to me and said I was the guy that they emulated, said Boyle. Just like I would have told Brian Leetch, had I met him when I was young. But that means the world to me, that I would have left that impression on two of the best defensemen in the game today.Now, if only they could be allowed to make more plays, right? Fake Puma Jerseys .ca looks back at the stories and moments that made the year memorable. Fake Adidas Jerseys . SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. http://www.fakejersey.com/fake-soccer-jerseys/ . -- Ryan Getzlaf grabbed the three pucks wrapped in tape and held them up to his chest in the Anaheim Ducks dressing room for a celebration nine seasons in the making. Fake NBA Jerseys . -- The boos poured down on Tom Brady and the New England Patriots at the end of a horrible first half. Fake NHL Jerseys . Bryant, who signed a five-year, $34 million contract as a free agent with Cleveland in March, reported symptoms on Monday morning, a team spokesman said.Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor set the scene for their top-of-the-table showdown by picking up wins on night six of the Premier League. Van Gerwen ended the night in top spot after another dazzling win over Dave Chisnall, while Taylor sits just behind him in second place following a whitewash win over Robert Thornton.The Premier Leagues top two players are both performing superbly ahead of next Thursdays clash in Glasgow and other questions were answered on another eventful evening in Nottingham... Brilliant Van Gerwen stays top Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor set up a mouthwatering Premier League encounter next week Michael still mighty Van Gerwen produced another high-scoring display against Dave Chisnall Van Gerwen is showing no signs of slowing down and racked up an average of over 113 in his sizzling 7-2 win over Chisnall.At one stage, the Dutchman appeared to be chasing his own record average of 124, and greeted any stray dart with a grimace of displeasure, but he fist-pumped with delight following a sumptuous 134 checkout.Chizzy watched from behind the oche, like outgunned opponents in previous weeks, and MVG appears to be a league above many of his rivals at the moment. Studd: Boy who would be king Rod Studd recalls when he first took notice of MVG Taylor targeting MVG Phil Taylor warmed up with a win for his meeting with MVG The rejuvenated Taylor is the closest threat to Van Gerwen and the pair are separated by the slimmest of margins, with Mighty Mike only leading by leg difference.Taylor will lock horns with the world No 1 in seven days time and sent out a message to the Dutchman with his ruthless rout of Thornton.Speaking afterwards, The Power admitted that he must raise his game even higher and is clearly motivated by his latest meeting with MVG.Im really looking forward to next week against Michael and I cant wait - Ill be ready for him, said the multiple world champion. Lewis reemains an enigma Adrian Lewis was firing on all cylinders again during win over Peter Wright Lewis had lumbered to a humbling 7-1 defeat to former mentor Taylor on night five, ending with a less than inspiring average of 93.ddddddddddddBut Jackpot produced all the right numbers in a superb 7-3 win over Peter Wright, which saw him take out a 136 checkout and end with a 58 per cent success rate on the doubles.Two-time world champion Lewis is just two points off top spot in the table and will be a serious contender if he can discover some consistency.Flying Scotsman gathers steam Gary Anderson gave a harsh lesson to Michael Smith Anderson was made to wait until night four for his first win of the season, partly due to an illness which made him miss the opening week, and the fit-again Borders thrower has now collected three victories in a row.The defending champion knew far too much for Michael Smith and completed a comfortable 7-3 win over his protege.He has not quite hit the heights of his successful title defence at the World Championship, but continues to show encouraging signs that he can compete for more silverware.Barney takes another beating Raymond van Barneveld has been slipping down the table Raymond van Barneveld has endured a worry slump since he started his campaign with victory over Taylor and literally threw away a point in his 7-5 loss against James Wade.A classy 161 finish had appeared to wake Barney from his slumber, and yet he still fumbled with his finishing at 6-5 down, allowing a grateful Wade to take two points. Sky Sports expert Wayne Mardle fears that Van Barneveld could be hauled into a survival battle on Judgement Night on March 31.Mardle said: If he loses next week and results go against him, then he most definitely is. It doesnt take a lot to get dragged in.Watch night seven of the Premier League, including Van Gerwen v Taylor, next Thursday at 7pm on Sky Sports 1. Also See: Brilliant Van Gerwen stays top Mardle: Barney at risk As it happened Studd: Boy who would be king ' ' '