Just got back from New York City. The NHL flew me out to help promote the Goalie Equipment Committee around Game 3 of the Rangers/Penguins game. I came in during the afternoon and was in just in time to catch a taping of Conan O’Brien. It was my first time at a television taping in a studio so it was a fun experience. Needless to say Conan is hilarious… the best part of the taping was the interaction that won’t make it on TV.
 
Right after taping I made it to the game and met up with my buddy Brian Sherry. We got to hang in the NHL box between some on-air interviews about the goalie equipment panel and the competition committee. We had a very nice view of a devastating game for the Rangers. I thought they had the offensive opportunities to win but their penalty kill just couldn’t hold off the Pen’s talented players. They have a tough job ahead of them and without some key players. Avery is out and like him or not he is a key player. Drury may be hurt and I think Betts took a puck in the face so the Rangers have quite a bit of adversity to overcome.
 
So now on to the reason I was in NYC… goalie equipment!!! (key scary orchestra music and lighting – camera zooms in quickly on petrified faces of hockey fans – hold for dramatic effect) It should sound so much more ominous than just ”Goalie equipment.” I think it needs a tough or scary name since it is always the villain in the story.


 
I am not going to sit on here and pretend like guys don’t push the limits of the rules or that I myself will not try to get the last inch out of my pads and gloves… it would be foolish to say that because you, my audience, are not stupid. Yes, goalies push the limits because that is job security. No one wants to be a martyr for the nostalgia of old time goaltending.
 
Hockey has advanced in systems, style and equipment on all levels and all positions. New offensive benefits are held in high regard. Better systems created by coaches are respected… goalie equipment gets the raw end because the creativity is about the prevention of the most meaningful part of offense - Goals.
 
I want to work on this panel because goaltending has evolved and I want to see it get the respect it deserves by admiring the creative use of equipment and save skills that have come from that evolution. That said, lets take a long look at ways to safely trim the equipment back in problem areas used just for taking up space and not for protection… possible areas being some oversized pants and chest/arm padding. I like the solution that Marty Brodeur has been talking about… proportional sizing. Factor in height and other dimensions for limits on sizing. Very clever. We will see come June. So stay tuned…

Tune in to Stretch on Maxim Radio on Sirius Satellite Radio each Wednesday morning at 11am ET for NHL All-Star goalie Ryan Miller's weekly Stanley Cup Playoffs report.

 

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