Where did the offense go?

[cprice12]

The quickest and cheapest option is to make the net bigger by a 18 inches. 15 inches wider 3 inches taller.

I think that's taking the wrong approach.
If we look back on the game and how it has evolved, what has changed since the 70's?

- Players are bigger, faster stronger.
- Sticks are composite.
- Equipment technology has greatly improved
- Equipment has gotten much bigger, especially goalie equipment.

I don't like changing the size of the goal and I can't see that happening. You're risking compromising history, goal records, etc. What if three people break Gretzky's record and net more than 92 goals the first season with bigger nets? Then it becomes a joke. It could screw with the game in a way that would annoy a lot of people.
Besides, that's not really addressing what changed.
The goals didn't get smaller. Goalie equipment got bigger.
Reduce the height and width of goalie pads, reduce the size of the blocker & trapper, and reduce the size of the shoulder pads. Goalies will still be protected, they just won't have pads extending out past their body near as far.
Goal scoring will increase, but you won't have folks bitching because the league is just going back to the way it was in the 70's.
Hell, bring back wooden sticks while we're at it.

[kodos]

Plus hockey nets are 4x6. They are 4x6 for high school kids, 4x6 for pee wees, 4x6 in Europe, 4x6 in the minors, 4x6 in russia... they are 4x6. Everywhere.

I don't think you want to screw with that.

[STLADOGG]

Plus hockey nets are 4x6. They are 4x6 for high school kids, 4x6 for pee wees, 4x6 in Europe, 4x6 in the minors, 4x6 in russia... they are 4x6. Everywhere.

I don't think you want to screw with that.

Yeah, the sport is expensive enough without making everyone buy these expensive nets.

[kodos]

It's not even the cost really, it's just an important facet of the game. Changing the net size, even a small amount would really change the game quite a bit.

[theohall]

Anyone else been hearing this nonsense that some folks want to make intentionally blocking shots a penalty? Due to the vast number of blocked shots in the playoffs, some idiots want to take it out of the game.

[STLADOGG]

Anyone else been hearing this nonsense that some folks want to make intentionally blocking shots a penalty? Due to the vast number of blocked shots in the playoffs, some idiots want to take it out of the game.

Good idea, do the same for saves. Goalies need to be awarded for letting goals in.

[xbleed83bluex]

Anyone else been hearing this nonsense that some folks want to make intentionally blocking shots a penalty? Due to the vast number of blocked shots in the playoffs, some idiots want to take it out of the game.

That's very similar to the argument I used when making the goalie stay in his trapezoid area. I don't think a goalie should be penalized for having good puck handling skills. That's a skill that's going to benefit some goaltenders, and be at a disadvantage for others; and I think they should be allowed to play it.

Hey, while we're at it, we can always take out "deeks, right? No more deeking the goaltender on a shootout. Too many deaks have tricked the goaltender, thus resulting in a goal. All shots must be wrist or slapshots.

[glen a richter]

They should play a season with 1980's rules then let the fans decide which is more exciting hockey. I think no one would want to go back to the way it is now.

[theohall]

That's very similar to the argument I used when making the goalie stay in his trapezoid area. I don't think a goalie should be penalized for having good puck handling skills. That's a skill that's going to benefit some goaltenders, and be at a disadvantage for others; and I think they should be allowed to play it.

There is a different issue here. If Goaltenders can't be hit when they have the puck, because goalie intereference gets called regardless of where they are on the ice, there has to be limits on goaltenders handling the puck. Hextall, Brodeur, and Roy used to go into the corner, hold the puck along the boards like a defenseman while the rest of the team - forwards and D took off up ice. If someone checked the goalie while he is literally waiting for someone to get open - the way a defenseman would - BBBRRRRR'D - goalie interference. BULLSHIT!!!

So.... my change. If a goalie handles the puck outside of the crease or trapezoid, he is fair game and can be checked - including goalies like Ryan Miller getting hit at the faceoff dot after a puck race. No protection for goalies outside of those designated areas other than the protections afforded non-goalies under the rules. Getting officials to actually not blow the damn whistle and call non-existent penalties would then be the problem. Unfortunately, this will likely never happen with the current Board of Governors wanting goalies "protected at all costs" unless their name is Brian Elliott against the San Jose Sharks and no scoring opportunity occurred, in spite of the Elliott being ran into his net - 3x in one period.

[cprice12]

They should play a season with 1980's rules then let the fans decide which is more exciting hockey. I think no one would want to go back to the way it is now.

Have you watched any lengthy game clips from the 80's lately? The clutching, grabbing, slashing, hooking, was out of control.