From 3.50 goals per game in the 80s' to 2.7goals per game in 2003-2004, a fall in goal scoring in respect to time progression. But I would say that the best of these kind of games is yet to evolve, and this has nothing to do with the progression of time.
Excellent post with sufficient information
RE: ADSactly Sports - Goalie Equipment Changes And The NHL Scoring Surge