*

[SWBaxter]

The owners finally ratify the CBA, and they hold a draft whose rules are almost unprecendented in North American sports, and they announce the results and unveil the "new NHL"...

They didn't hold the draft, just the lottery. The first pick is set, everything after that is going to be pretty interesting to serious hockey fans. And that goes next Saturday.

So far as the timing goes, the only significant live audience for any of the pre-season stuff is in Canada, and Bettman frankly doesn't care about that audience. All he wants is to see a 30 second blurb on ESPN, so it didn't matter to him when the announcement happened so long as there was a video camera present.

 

[devilbat]

EDIT: Actually, goalies being able to skate all over their own zone like Patrick-freaking-Roy and his ilk have everything to do with how and when goalies play the puck.

You mean like the four or five goalies that can handle the puck cleanly in the recent past. Patrick Roy was a horrid stick handler. Every time he played the puck it was an adventure, that often lead to a give away and a goal.

Or do you mean like Jacques Plante, who used to do it 40-50 years ago?

You're pretty rude, Devilbat, and I don't appreciate it.

Sorry you feel that way.

 

[spatha]

At least Chicago has an NHL team.

I miss our Hartford Whalers... those loveable losers

I feel you pain Mang. Winnipeger here who misees his Jets. I miss them so much and dream of the new CBA meaning we may someday get them back I have updated my avatar.

 

[devilbat]

And now with Crosby about to be drafted, I wouldn't mind seeing the Penguins be the team that relocates to the 'Peg.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Hmmm...IMHO, Goalies:

Should have their equipment carefully monitored- no more mile-wide pads (unless you have a sumo-wrestler for goalie)! Otherwise, just drop the position entirely, and just make a plexiglass covered netspace with 5 holes in it. Its one thing to stop a puck because you have skills or a slinky for a spine, and another if you're wearing a mattress factory's yearly output.

Should be allowed to play the puck like anyone else- and be subject to the same rules as anyone else outside the crease. If they suck with the puck, their coaches and teammates will let them know...possibly with a pillowcase party.

 

[Welverin]

Should have their equipment carefully monitored- no more mile-wide pads (unless you have a sumo-wrestler for goalie)! Otherwise, just drop the position entirely, and just make a plexiglass covered netspace with 5 holes in it. Its one thing to stop a puck because you have skills or a slinky for a spine, and another if you're wearing a mattress factory's yearly output.

one of the rules changes is a limit to the size of goalie pads, and that includes eveything they wear.

 

[devilbat]

Otherwise, just drop the position entirely, and just make a plexiglass covered netspace with 5 holes in it.

BLASPHEMY!

You are kidding right?

Its one thing to stop a puck because you have skills or a slinky for a spine, and another if you're wearing a mattress factory's yearly output.

I play goal, and I have for over twenty years. I have played against a bunch of former NHL'ers. Perry Miller, Thomas Steen, Randy Gilhen, Mike Keane, Ray Neufeld, Scott Arniel, etc... Let me tell you that these guys shoot HARD! I have wide pads, thick pants and body protectors, and I still leave the rink with bruises you wouldn't believe. I know goalie equipment has gotten out of hand, but the usage of one piece composite sticks that add 5 MPH to the average players shot, make me think that a little extra protection for the goalie is A-OK.

On the other hand, guys like Patrick Roy and especially Garth Snow went too far with the size of their equipment.

 

[Teflon Billy]

I know goalie equipment has gotten out of hand, but the usage of one piece composite sticks that add 5 MPH to the average players shot, make me think that a little extra protection for the goalie is A-OK.

I'm with you. Make the things as thick as you need to.

But width doesn't make them protect the Goalie any better. It just takes up more of the goal mouth...which cheapens (and has cheapened) the position of goalie to the point where Danny's suggestion makes sense as the next logical step.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Yeah, the thing about the plexiglass was a joke- as much as wearing a serta perfect sleeper for pads is.

I played goal in 2 sports- soccer and street hockey (ball, not puck)- so I know what its like to take a slap shot in the chest or a stick to the wrist...or jaw.

I don't want them to get hurt, but theres a difference between skill and moving a pile of pillows in the way.

As for the sticks...well at least its not as bad as the aluminum bats in baseball- I understand those add as much as 15mph to a hit. Thank God the pros use wood or the pitchers would need armor.

 

[devilbat]

I'm with you. Make the things as thick as you need to.

But width doesn't make them protect the Goalie any better. It just takes up more of the goal mouth...which cheapens (and has cheapened) the position of goalie to the point where Danny's suggestion makes sense as the next logical step.

TB, as a Cunucks fan, you'll appreciate this. I picked up a pair of Alex Auld's used pads this past winter. Man, those things make playing goal a lot easier. Every time you go down on your knees, instant butterfly. Technology is a beautiful thing. That being said, they are also 36" + 2"+ spoiler. It gives you a total of 40" per pad. When you think of that in terms of 2 pads, on the ice in a butterfly position, it covers almost seven feet. Pretty silly, all in all.