NHL players and executives have been tuning in to classic broadcasts during the league's hiatus, and the differences between modern hockey and that of yesteryear aren't lost on them.

"It's hilarious how much the game's changed equipment-wise (and) penalty-wise," Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner told The Canadian Press' Joshua Clipperton. "It's kind of funny seeing the hooks and holds, and how you're allowed to do it and allowed to get away with it."

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Ben Chiarot also finds it amusing to see how the league was officiated back in the day.

"That's pretty much all I've been watching on TV, those rewind games," Chiarot said. "It's hilarious when you see Bobby Orr skating and some guy's got his stick wrapped around his waist the whole trip from blue line to blue line. Sometimes I think, 'That wouldn't be too bad if I could just latch my stick on someone and slow him down.'"

The NHL cracked down on obstruction following the 2004-05 lockout with several rule changes meant to reward speed and skill.

"What the hell was a penalty back then?" Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving quipped. "It's unbelievable watching some of these games and just the manslaughter that took place every shift."

Shortly after the NHL paused its season on March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the league began streaming classic games on YouTube. It's now doing so four times a week. Television networks like Sportsnet in Canada have also been airing certain historic contests.

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