Quote:
Originally Posted by PostandIn
This isn't true. One could argue that what we have now is an artificial decrease in goals partially due to unchecked and illegitimate growth in goalie dimensions.
|
That is partially true, but quite often the modern goalie and defenseman do not get the deserved credit for how much better they are than their predecessors. Goal scoring is down primarily because all defensemen can skate very well, and all goalies are finely conditioned athletes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PostandIn
I agree with you from the point of view that the 'ideal' solution is a bigger ice surface so that skill players have room to make skill plays. That said, the NHL won't be mandating retrofitting of rinks. So, what are the practical alternatives to improving the game because hockey circa 2015 is pretty boring?
|
I don't think the modern game is at all boring, and I also don't think that it is in need of much significant improvement. The 2012–13 and 2013–14 playoffs were arguably some of the best in NHL history. The players are bigger, faster, stronger, and better than at any time in history. Playoff intensity begins in October as opposed to February.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PostandIn
I don't get the conclusion that an increase in net size 'is almost certain to be marginal'. Widening the net by 6 inches and raising the bar by 4 would force goalies to remain on their skates more and mostly remove the ability to block the entire bottom of the net just by dropping to their knees. Step in the right direction imo.
|
It's not going to happen. The League is quite conservative, and they tend to treat traditions as sacrosanct. A change of the magnitude you are suggesting is a pipe-dream.
So, yes, I will agree that a major change to the size of the net will obviously increase goal-scoring. I disagree that even that such change will improve the game or make it more exciting. And I am highly confident that such a change will not happen.