Few realized, however, that the changed rule would seriously affect goalies.

No longer is the crease a forbidden place. Players can, once again, point, prod and even hack the crease when a loose puck inhabits the area.

The goalies' response? Fight back.

	Steve Shields made a point of protecting his space against the Blackhawks. His point, and a 7-1 Sharks rout, sparked a brawl.

In the NHL's first full week, it was obvious that goalies played extra aggressive in the crease area in an effort to re-establish a grip on the hallowed space.

Whether the skaters took liberty or the goalies overreacted, some fireworks resulted. The most notable incident was when Sharks goalie Steve Shields took exception to Mark Janssens' behavior near the crease. A brawl ensued.

Colorado Avalanche goalie Patrick Roy is old enough to remember the days before referees clamped down on crease violations. At 34, Roy can also recall when the crease was a small rectangle, and players took runs at goalies all the time.

The veteran goalie, although understanding the decision, isn't happy about the increased traffic he'll see in front of his face.

"The (old) rule was not that bad," he told The Denver Post. "Of course, there were flaws in the rule, like guys who were not close to the play would disallow a good goal. But I think if there is a direct play, and the guy is in the crease, they should call it.

"I know it's a tough call for the referees. I know they've got to show a lot of (guts), but that's what this game is all about."

It's no surprise that forwards welcome the change.

"It's going to make it more exciting," said Roy's teammate, Shjon Podein. "When I came into the league, they told you, 'Go hard to the goal line.' They didn't say to go hard to the crease and stop. ... That's not hockey."

Robitaille getting better with age

	ROBITAILLE'S RALLY
	Year	G	Asst.	Pts
	'94-95	23	19	42
	'95-96	23	46	69
	'96-97	24	24	48
	'97-98	16	24	40
	'98-99	39	35	74

Rejuvenated may be an understatement for 33-year-old veteran Luc Robitaille.

After four consecutive sub-30-goal seasons -- including only 16 goals in '97-98 -- Robitaille tallied 39 last season and has seven in five games this year, enough to earn NHL Player of the Week honors.

Currently, Robitaille's 524 career goals tie him with Bryan Trottier for 21st on the league's all-time list.

Turgeon joins 1,000-point club
With a power-play goal in a 4-2 win over Edmonton on Saturday, St. Louis center Pierre Turgeon became the 55th NHL player to reach 1,000 points.

"I'm excited." Turgeon told The St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "It's a big thing. It doesn't happen every day. I don't know all the names, but there are some big names there. Guys I watched when I was younger -- Mike Bossy and Guy Lafleur. Of course, Wayne Gretzky and Al MacInnis. Unbelievable hockey players."

Turgeon has 399 goals and 601 assists in 881 games.

Now, he logs more ice time than several million-dollar-a-year blueliners in the NHL.

According to the Edmonton Sun, Poti is averaging 30 minutes a game thus far.

"I like it a lot," said Poti of the ice time. "It's good to know they have confidence enough in me to put me out in key situations. And playing that much really helps you get in the game.

"It was the same in high school and college, (where) I played about half the game."

Brian A. Shactman is the NHL Editor for ESPN.com.