As a fan of MLB, NBA, NFL , I can certainly say that the NHL playoffs have em all beat, for competitiveness, atmosphere and intensity....and this whole Blues Blackhawks series has been probably the best 1st round series in the last 20 years easily.....(and I would say that even if my team, The Blues, had lost last night)
People know I got to a lot of different sporting events and they always ask me whats the loudest / most intense event you've ever been to, without fail I say the NHL playoffs. Its just something you have to experience.
Oh and as far as the tracer, don't think they have had that since FOX gave up the rights to the NHL a while back.
HDTV has come a long way to enhancing the viewing experience of hockey, but nothing...nothing beats being there.
If I had a beef with the NHL, its the 6 month long 80 game season to get to this, season should be cut by 20-25% to make the regular season more meaningful and impactful.
The 54 game season the league had after the last strike, was the perfect storm....every game meaningful.