1) Apparently in (another) effort to increase scoring the NHL is contemplating changing the shape of the goal posts. Thats right, not increasing the size of the nets, but simply the shape of the post! The NHL tested a prototype for a new net in Toronto at a Maple Leafs practice recently. The frame of the goal remains sized at six feet by four feet, but the familiar round posts are oval-shaped instead. The long, flatter side of the oval is on the inside of the frame. The theory is that the flat surface will allow pucks to bounce in off of them, rather than hit the outside of a round post and bounce out. So the NHL is trying to rely on equipment to do the scoring now? Pathetic!
2) When we first were told of this we thought it must be a joke. (But, this is Bettman's NHL so anything is possible) Just how many posts do you think get hit in the average game? We asked several folks who were actually at that practice if the change appeared to cause more scoring. To a man we were told that they didn't see any difference. It seemed that whether or not a puck went in off the post depended upon what angle the shot was taken. If it was from right in front, then yes the caroms seemed to favour a shooter, but at an angle just the opposite seemed to be the case. So in essence, no difference! At most it makes the rebounds very unpredictable for both goalies and forwards.
3) Can we stop with the silliness already? We already have enough changes in the game. Can we stop with the inane tweaks we are seeing every year? We already hate the silly shapes painted on the ice to prevent goalies from wandering. (Our proposal to prevent wandering goalies is easier-make them fair game once they leave the crease). This garbage needs to stop. Goals being scored isn't what makes the game exciting, it's the intensity of the competition. (another reason to dispense with the instigator penalty-but that's a post for another day) However IF the NHL still wants to increase scoring this isn't rocket science. Simply decrease the size of the goalie equipment. It's that simple. As we have written countless times look at the equipment of the 1970's compared with today. With new technologies goalies can still be well protected without looking like the Michelin Man. We conclude that this is just another pointless idea by our pal Gary Bettman
4 comments:
This is stupid. Rigging the nets isn't going to increase the quality of the product. How can the league miss the point by such a wide margin?
Rigging the nets! LOL! The NHL is a great game because of the speed, skating, and amazing athleticism of these guys... More goals do not translate into a better product... Increased power plays has led to this increase in scoring... Yes, the NHLs equivalent of the "half-court" offense is responsible... And, PPs certainly don't enhance the greatness/betterment of the game... Alter the goal posts? Where does BUTTman come up with this crap?
Tom, your interesting insight is refreshing... Keep up the great posting...
1) Tom, ditto Antz. Obviously, we agree with both of you.
2) There are legit ideas to improve the game that we have read, but this is NOT one of them.
Post a Comment