>>>I think the fans want it both ways. They want to see the dazzling skills and they want to see the bone crushing checks. It's difficult to mix the two in hockey, isn't it?
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>>Most checking is legal and part of the game. However, it should be the same principal as in football (USA version, NFL). If you check from behind (blindsiding), it is a penalty. If the ref determines the intent was to injure, game misconduct, ejection, and someone servers in the penalty box just as they would for a 5 minute major - score at will.
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>One of complaints amongst the fans is there isn't enough scoring. I say do away with checking of any kind. Play by basketball rules. Or at least allow checking only between the blue lines.

Scoring is down because goalie pads and other equipment has gotten way to big. Goalies should only be allowed pads big enough to protect their legs, chest and other "vital" areas. Also, keeping them from playing the puck when it goes behind the goal line around their net will keep the puck in the offensive zones longer. When you add all this up with the other suggestions for enforcing obstruction, no using the stick blade to tug at the opponent, removing the center line, reducing the size of the neutral zone, etc., and scoring will go up.