Number one reason why goalies have gotten so good is because of coaching and a dramatic shift in perspective in how the position is supposed to be played over the last 1-2 decades. From training, flexibility, angles, depth, systems, puck tracking, emphasis on mobility coupled with size, etc... goalie gear comes in way after those things.
Anyone who says the equipment isn't for protection has never played goal, has little insight into it, or is heavily biased. No matter how much gear you wear, something will sneak through every once in a while. You just hope it doesn't hit anything important... it's just something goaltenders accept.
I've had broken fingers, bone bruises on knees, ribs that felt soft like a rotten tomato... etc. I've seen much worse. In BEER LEAGUE with good gear. I can't imagine what that looks like at a pro level.
When I see these discussions, it's always referencing Garth Snow (who was horrible with oversized gear, by the way), linking of old photos before gear reduction rules, and just a general "make it smaller, it's not for protection... goalies are too big" level of argument. For me, it really highlights the longstanding lack of understanding of a fundamental position in hockey. Just look at coaches in youth hockey 'warming up the goalie' and it's pretty clear where we're at with that.
There's plenty of ways to augment the net and gear without changing the fundamental boundaries of the game and Babcocking it up. There was a net design I had heard about that thinned out the posts/crossbar and also angled it into the net. This would create a nightmare for goalies as shooters can now purposely aim for the post in way more situations.
For gear, goalie pants. No one ever complains about these things. It's always the pads and catcher that gets the darts. Those have already been pared down with little to no effect (heck, some of the better goalies don't even wear the max allowable sizing on pads. Also, the 'cheater' on the catcher... a term that's barely even used in today's goaltending are not allowed in the NHL though you do see them in beer leagues quite often).
Goalie pants are massive and is one large piece of equipment that doesn't contour completely to a goalie's body. There's a lot of room there to cut without causing injury. Paring those down further will make the goalie squeeze his arms tighter in a butterfly position and allow more space around the goalie. It will also open up the area under the arms when not in the butterfly. You would see more rebounds, goalies having a way tougher time coralling rebounds, a larger 5 hole and more squeakers that get through.
I'm not opposed to rule changes like this, it should be done. It's just mind-blowing and disappointing to see a guy like Mike Freaking Babcock essentially say, "Blurgh, goalies too big, make nets bigger so more goals. Me want more red lights." Like, put a little thought into it.
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