Prototype Nets Tested

The NHL tested new prototype nets in a Toronto practice yesterday. To sum it up:

Unlike the radically shaped larger goals that were designed several years ago, the new test model relies on differently shaped goalposts to promote scoring.  The frame of the goal remains sized at six feet by four feet, but the familiar round posts are oval-shaped instead. The long, flatter side of the oval is on the inside of the frame. The theory is that the flat surface will allow pucks to bounce in off of them, rather than hit the outside of a round post and bounce out. 

The theory makes plenty of sense. a flatter surface on the inside of the frame will allow the puck to bounce in more often. If it’s a choice between this and the bigger nets, I choose this (because my opinion means a lot to Gary Bettman). It’s a good, slight adjustment that will help the NHL reach its goal of more pucks in the net. Goalies probably don’t like it though, the post will no longer be their best friend. That will be an ugly divorce.

Interestingly enough:

The idea was first suggested by Anaheim Ducks goaltending coach François Allaire five years ago.

François Allaire is Rangers’ goalie coach Benoit Allaire’s brother.

Update 9:50am: I came across this article on Yahoo, and I must say it’s incredibly misleading. The title says “NHL Dabbles in Bigget Nets”, but the article just refers to the 2005 debate for larger nets, then goes into the altered posts. Don’t be misled. This is not a bigger net, just different posts.