Oilers coach Paul Coffey raises a major problem with NHL's new schedule

As a Coach, Paul Coffey has brought a great effect onto the Oilers defence since joining on with Kris Knoblauch. A legend himself, he has a great perspective to offer to the roster.

On After Hours, Paul Coffey and Craig MacTavish both spoke about the history of the Battle of Alberta, and concluded that the rivalry just isn't the same as it used to be.

Of course, the prevalence of fighting in old school hockey brought out more rivalries, but Coach Coffey also pointed to the reduced number of games as a problem.

Coffey makes a good point - that these regional rivalries need to be built up with time and actual games played, especially when the two teams are in different places entirely in playoff contention.

The rivalries in hockey often bring out the absolute best in every player, as seen by the 4 Nations Faceoff. The NHL should be doing everything they can to foster that, but instead, they give in to the businessman demands like MacTavish outlined. Every owner wants to see every team and player in the league.

The schedule is still a major debate in the NHL, but perhaps with an expanded schedule of more than 82 games, they'll be able to satisfy the wants of the owners, and still promote regional rivalries.