Igor Larionov says the NHL style of hockey lacks creativity

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by Jay Random

Nobody gave a damn about the safety of goalies in those days. For the first 40-odd years of the NHL, goalies didn't even wear masks, and any goalie who attempted to introduce such a thing was shamed into dropping it.

One of the reasons the old style goalies looked so vulnerable with their kick saves is that they weren't allowed to go down. The butterfly changed things a lot.

Haven't heard from this guy in a while.

As I've told George, I can barely get down on my banged up old knees anymore, let alone slide around on them. Beyond the basics, there's no question goaltending has undergone some massive changes. In the old days, coaches constantly screamed at their goalies to "Stand up!" In fact, NHL hall of famer turned minor pro coach Eddie Shore used a special "stand up" drill on his Springfield Indians puck stoppers. Old Eddie would actually tie a rope to the cross bar, wrap it around the goalie's neck, and if he went down once, the poor guy would strangle himself into refraining from going to his knees a second time.

http://hockeynow.ca/blog/cornered-co...s-lead-the-way

[FAN]

There is a huge focus on players playing a 200 foot game and 2 way centers being valued more than goal scoring wingers. I think Larionov is right. There is sometimes so much focus on players earning their minutes. In reality, it is stupid to place a small offensive player on a 4th line grinding role. Players need to be placed in a position to succeed.