The year of the goaltender?

Question

This year seems to show a lot of good goaltenders in the NHL. Seems that skill is what these guys have, not just big pads. Should something else be done to increase scoring, or should we be celebrating the great skills of these masked men?

I agree, I love the saves much more than the goals. I've been playing goal for about 9 years, never played an other position either.

Answer 1

We should celebrate the skills of the masked men!

I've always contended that goaltending skills were the main cause of reduced scoring in the NHL. Sure, bigger equipment played a part, but the increase in training and coaching starting earlier has given modern day goaltenders skills and a competitive advantage that their forefathers did not have.

I would much rather watch a low scoring battle of the goaltenders than a high scoring game. Occasionally you see some great goals too, but I just think a great save is more enjoyable to watch.

Answer 2

Yeah, they definitely shouldnt be doing more to increase scoring by making the goaltenders equipment smaller. All that will increas is the amount of garbage goals that go in because the goalie cant cover the same amount of space. If the NHL really wants the good goals, they would let the goalies wear anything within reason. That would allow the goalies to make the saves, and the goals that would go in would be earned. I have played goalie for 7 yrs now, and i love it. It doesnt matter what restrictions they put on us, we can go out there naked and find a way to stop the puck.

Answer 3

In the last few years goaltenders equipment has become smaller and smaller each year. It is almost to the point were it was when a "stand-up" (before 1990 after that you saw more butterfly style i.e. Patrick Roy) goaltender was all you had. Goaltenders and there coaches are just finding was to combat the smaller equipment. If you want scoring bad enough get rid of the goalie. Personally I like a good 1-0 game if there are 30 shots on goal a side that makes for pressure!! i would not want to be shown up because they try to increase scoring on me, If the NHL wants goals they better get rid of the goalie because they will not be made fools of.

Answer 4

You could say decade of the goaltender. I think it is more the product of better athletes choosing to play goal. With the emergence of Star goalies in the late 80's and 90's ( Roy Brodeur et al) the goaltender position became more attractive to kids and more gifted players started playing the position, the result is better goaltending 20 yrs down the road.

This guy in Columbus is on an amazing run.

I appreciate a good goalie battle 1-0 2-1 or 3-2 as more than a 7-5 game. I want to see good goals where the goalie is beat not where he coughs up an easy one.

Answer 5

Shutouts are down from this time last year. Don't let the fact that one guy already has 5 fool you.

This year, 18 goalies have combined for 27 shutouts
This time last year, 21 goalies had combined for 33 shutouts

Answer 6

In trying to imagine if high scoring games would be fun to watch, I look at the all star games. Yeah, they're fun to watch once a year, but the tension of a typical game isn't there. Personally, I'm a fan of goalie wars.

Answer 7

Let's stop trying to find ways to increase scoring. Scoring is fine and these guys have been doing well. Let's embrace this instead of fighting it.

Answer 8

I think the saves are what usally win the game but scorings cool espically from the point but thats coming from a defenseman.