The NHL is an odd duck. Early season is there, but so is NFL, and NCAA football. More casual early, even though those points count as much as points this time of year. Also every team with a pulse generally makes the playoffs. The regular season pays the bills.
As you say, everything now is amplified since they're running out of time and games.
The REAL excitement is the Playoffs. Every other day, high pressure, really comes at you, injuries magnified, everything tightens up, somebody gets hot, somebody gets cold, makes a major impact.
OT changes, no more shootouts....sudden death format.
The Stanley Cup and the Final Four, the two best tournaments in sports.
Unless you're a into playing kickball I guess.