Snipers still shooting blanks - Toronto Star [Archive]

Unthinkable

11-16-2003, 02:14 PM

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Nov. 16, 2003. 09:32 AM
Snipers still shooting blanks
NHL goals down despite new rules for goalie pads

MARK ZWOLINSKI
SPORTS REPORTER

So, goal scoring is supposed to be up in the NHL, right?

The league ignited what was thought to be an increase in offence with shorter goalie pads and an ever-vigilant eye towards freeing up ice by calling more obstruction fouls.

Problem is, the goalies are winning the battle so far, and goals are in fact down slightly from last year. Through 219 games, the goals-per-game average is 5.1, compared to 5.5 at the same interval last season.

Theories range from the NHL's failure to introduce a true goal igniter (elimination of centre red line, larger nets) to the proliferation of excellent defensive systems.

At any rate, the only increase the league is seeing is in the number of shutouts and the number of goalies with averages below 2.00.

As of Friday, there were 43 shoutouts in the books, up from 19 at the same time a year ago.
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Unthinkable

11-16-2003, 02:20 PM

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So what gives?

The popular theory is that defensive systems are stifling NHL shooters.

Analysts point to New Jersey's three Stanley Cups — all based on trap systems — and the ability of low payroll clubs like Minnesota to advance in the playoffs, as evidence of how attention to defence works.


	HFBoards > NHL Eastern Conference > Atlantic Division > New Jersey Devils > Snipers still shooting blanks - Toronto Star PDA Snipers still shooting blanks - Toronto Star Unthinkable 11-16-2003, 02:14 PM http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?GXHC_gx_session_id_=4de034184f2af7dd&pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1068937808517&call_pageid=968867503640&col=970081593064 Nov. 16, 2003. 09:32 AM Snipers still shooting blanks NHL goals down despite new rules for goalie pads MARK ZWOLINSKI SPORTS REPORTER So, goal scoring is supposed to be up in the NHL, right? The league ignited what was thought to be an increase in offence with shorter goalie pads and an ever-vigilant eye towards freeing up ice by calling more obstruction fouls. Problem is, the goalies are winning the battle so far, and goals are in fact down slightly from last year. Through 219 games, the goals-per-game average is 5.1, compared to 5.5 at the same interval last season. Theories range from the NHL's failure to introduce a true goal igniter (elimination of centre red line, larger nets) to the proliferation of excellent defensive systems. At any rate, the only increase the league is seeing is in the number of shutouts and the number of goalies with averages below 2.00. As of Friday, there were 43 shoutouts in the books, up from 19 at the same time a year ago. . . . Unthinkable 11-16-2003, 02:20 PM . . . So what gives? The popular theory is that defensive systems are stifling NHL shooters. Analysts point to New Jersey's three Stanley Cups — all based on trap systems — and the ability of low payroll clubs like Minnesota to advance in the playoffs, as evidence of how attention to defence works.