marty

People who read here a lot know what I think of "crackdowns" in the NHL.
How many here still think last years "crackdown" will have positive effects
for years to come? Not too many, I don't think, especially now that the
league have moved on to yet another "crackdown"!

Well, I don't have to much to say about the goalie pad "crackdown" except
this one tidbit. The new regulation on goal pads affects less than 1/3rd of
goalies. The vast majority were wearing what are still considered leagal
pads. So, a rule that affects only 30% of goalie even a little bit will
solve a decade long scoring dought in the game that has gotten worse over
time!?!?!

I'm already wondering what next season's crackdown might be? Perhaps it
will be time for another obstruction crackdown! (I'd put a smiley here, it
the situation wasn't so sad.)

Marty

the gonzo lager

Well, with an impending lockout due to the CBA, perhaps there'll be a
crackdown on exorbitant salaries.

The Gonz'

ampersand

The goalie pad "crackdown" (which is in fact a new rule) won't have much
effect, if at all, if you ask me.

ian.merrithew

I've been saying that all along . I think even the 1/3 or 30%
estimates are on the high side for the number of goalies this is going
to effect. 38"-plus pads stick out on goalies pretty bad. Off the
top of my head, I think Garth Snow (how long until he finds the next
equipment-size-loophole to exploit? Any bets?), Roberto Luongo, and
John Grahame are perhaps the only 3 who'll be affected.

The rule is a joke. If the league were serious about it, they'd have
said the limit is 2" above the knee. But they just want to make more
PR waves while demonstrating they truly don't believe there's a
problem.

Ian Merrithew - ADM Systems Engineering

ampersand

Or maybe they would limit the width of the pads. If you look at goalies
throughout the years, their pads have widened so much, it's incredible.
They raise the issue of protection, but I do not think they would be less
protected if they would be wearing narrower pads. Heck, they stop shots
with the front of the pad...they could still be as thick as they currently
are, just not as wide.

P.S.: BTW, I'm sure Hackett won't be affected at all by the new rule


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ian merrithew

Actually, there's already a rule on the books for the width of the pads: 12
inches. It seems to be well-enforced, too. But then, widening your pads
will kill your mobility really fast, so it's too much of a tradeoff for any
sane goaltender.

Ian Merrithew - ADM Systems Engineering