Goalies and equipment

[craze]

On more of a league wide issue but I think specific to Sabres fans because it is painful to watch this team not score more than two goals most games, has there been any further talk about changing the net size or goalie equipment regulations recently? I know it was big coming out of the lockout but I've heard nothing recently. I had some free time and was looking up save percentage leaders and Patrick Roy was leading the league 20 years ago with 89%. Now you've got the likes of Thomas and Huet leading the league at close to 93%! Does anybody think that these guys are really better than the previous goalies? I think the equipment and players themselves are just too big. It was fun watching Hasek dive around and make saves but its not fun watching a giant stand there and soak up pucks.

[Sabre Dance]

There was a Sabres-Canadiens game back in the 70's (may have been the playoffs, not really sure) where there was a call for a measurement of goalie pads. I thought I remember the ref being handed a template (basically a piece of plywood with a section cut out) to use to measure the width of the pads. I thought at the time that the maximum width allowed was 10 inches. (Of course, I don't remember so well from the 70's, so this could be wrong). I know that the maximum width for goal pads now is 11 inches. As I said, I could be wrong but if not, you can see that the equipment is definitely getting bigger. Also, goalies are no longer 5' 9" and 170 pounds. They are taller and heavier and certainly a lot more athletic (take a look at any picture of Gump Worsley and you'll see what I mean). The net is still 6 feet by 4 feet. It is only logical that there will be fewer goals and more saves. Plus, defensemen are bigger, in better shape etc. All of this has an effect on scoring.

I thought that this issue had gone to the Competition Committee, but I haven't heard any update for a while. There was some change in the regulation for goal pads (height above the knee, I think) but that's all I know.

 

That being said, I think the problem with Sabres scoring is more with the players and the style of play that the size of the opposing goalie. These guys shoot a lot of pucks wide, fan on a lot of shots and hit defensemen (and goalies) right in the shin pads way too much. They also spend way too much effort trying to set up a pretty goal when the thing to do is get the puck to the front of the net and try for a rebound or deflection.

[craze]

That being said, I think the problem with Sabres scoring is more with the players and the style of play that the size of the opposing goalie. These guys shoot a lot of pucks wide, fan on a lot of shots and hit defensemen (and goalies) right in the shin pads way too much. They also spend way too much effort trying to set up a pretty goal when the thing to do is get the puck to the front of the net and try for a rebound or deflection.

 

I completely agree that the Sabres would still lack scoring and, obviously, any change would also result in more goals against but seeing a one or two more goals during the course of a week might make things more watchable. As of the last few games, I have not tuned in because this team is like watchng paint dry if their not scoring (since they don't really hit either).

[darksabre]

It also has to be noted that they style goalies use is very much standardized and scientific. Goalies used to simply develop their own style and stop the puck however they could, but now EVERYONE plays the butterfly and uses the same gear, which is all bigger than equipment of the 90s. I see it the most in the catcher glove. My old Vaughn Legacy has NO pocket, has a much smaller face, and doesnt trap the puck well. Modern gloves are a marvel of engineering.

 

I really think the only option is to make the net larger. You really can't reduce pad size, especially in the chest pads and pants, which arguably cover the most area and protect the most vital parts of the body. Safety takes priority over goal scoring.

[craze]

I see it the most in the catcher glove. My old Vaughn Legacy has NO pocket, has a much smaller face, and doesnt trap the puck well. Modern gloves are a marvel of engineering.

 

 

I definitely agree on the size of the catching glove. They are almost comical, like fishing nets. I love when goalies make that great snap save when really they just opened their giant fishing net and then made the snatching motion when the puck inevitably lands in it.

 

Speaking of that, I must admit I'm not a hockey player but isn't it much more difficult to control rebounds when the shot is low? I always wonder why the Sabres (going back to the Zhitnik days) always seem to be gunning the pack high and wide while claiming in interviews that they need to score ugly goals. I say shoot low at the pads and skates and you'll have a better chance of rebounds than shooting it into the glove, chest protector or over the net.

[notwoz]

There was a Sabres-Canadiens game back in the 70's (may have been the playoffs, not really sure) where there was a call for a measurement of goalie pads. I thought I remember the ref being handed a template (basically a piece of plywood with a section cut out) to use to measure the width of the pads. I thought at the time that the maximum width allowed was 10 inches. (Of course, I don't remember so well from the 70's, so this could be wrong). I know that the maximum width for goal pads now is 11 inches. As I said, I could be wrong but if not, you can see that the equipment is definitely getting bigger. Also, goalies are no longer 5' 9" and 170 pounds. They are taller and heavier and certainly a lot more athletic (take a look at any picture of Gump Worsley and you'll see what I mean). The net is still 6 feet by 4 feet. It is only logical that there will be fewer goals and more saves. Plus, defensemen are bigger, in better shape etc. All of this has an effect on scoring.

I thought that this issue had gone to the Competition Committee, but I haven't heard any update for a while. There was some change in the regulation for goal pads (height above the knee, I think) but that's all I know.

 

That being said, I think the problem with Sabres scoring is more with the players and the style of play that the size of the opposing goalie. These guys shoot a lot of pucks wide, fan on a lot of shots and hit defensemen (and goalies) right in the shin pads way too much. They also spend way too much effort trying to set up a pretty goal when the thing to do is get the puck to the front of the net and try for a rebound or deflection.

 

I totally know where you're coming from. :thumbsup:

[deluca67]

If you make the goalie equipment smaller than you have to take the composite sticks away from the shooters. You can't have guys standing there while guys are skating up and down the ice with rocket launchers. It will be like move the mound 5 feet closer in the MLB while giving the hitters aluminum bats.

[bob_sauve28]

If I could see one change in the game that I imagine would make it better is for a bigger ice service. I really think it would be better with an ice serface 1/3 again bigger. It's like the NHL game is always being played in the red zone.

[darksabre]

Speaking of that, I must admit I'm not a hockey player but isn't it much more difficult to control rebounds when the shot is low? I always wonder why the Sabres (going back to the Zhitnik days) always seem to be gunning the pack high and wide while claiming in interviews that they need to score ugly goals. I say shoot low at the pads and skates and you'll have a better chance of rebounds than shooting it into the glove, chest protector or over the net.

 

Slappers should always be low and hard. Firing it more than 2 feet off the ground is useless. You want it low so that players can tip it or get to rebounds. Pads are much better at absorbing shots, but as we saw with miller, rebounds are there. Gotta keep it low.

[Bmwolf21]

Larry Quinn has some ideas on how to make the nets "bigger"....