Quote:
Originally Posted by Icon
I don't understand why this is a problem or even a conversation... Goals/game doesn't seem to be struggling. Why does every game need to total double digits?
Don't let pads creep bigger, or trim obvious unnecessary padding, sure. But a blanket goalie pads are too big or make the nets bigger statement just makes no sense.
Goalies are bigger, and more skilled, great. So are the forwards and shot speeds are up, and there's more skill than ever in goalscorers.
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It's less about the number of goals, and more about the style of goals. The idea is that right now too many of the goals are "dirty". Lucky bounces, screens, deflections, and what not. These are not sexy, and don't make good highlight reels that will attract new fans. They want to increase the number of scoring opportunities. Big shots, big plays, and big saves are exciting.
The theory goes that, because goalies are so good and so big relative to the net, they don't have to move much to make most saves. This encourages the players to bunch up in front of the net to make the goalie's life harder. If you instead increase the size of the net, or decrease pad size, players will have an easier time scoring from further out. The goalie can't just stop all shots by being big, there are corners to pick. Now instead of focusing on clearing out the front of the net, the d has to pressure the shooters, which opens things up for more passing opportunities, and more scoring chances.
I have no idea how this would actually work in practice, but it's the reason this is a conversation. looking for ways to broaden the hockey audience by increasing high skill plays.