Removing the Trapezoid?
While watching the Hawks/Kings game on Versus last night, Darren Dreger of TSN was on during the first intermission. The main topic of his interview was the General Managers meetings that are to take place next week. Among the issues being discussed, aside from the ever popular hits-to-the-head, is the removal of the goalie trapezoid is going to be a hot topic.
Many believe that the trapezoid was a failed experiment, and that removing it will allow a greater flow to the game by reducing both the number of icings called and the number of injuries that stem from races to the puck for icing. This also allows for greater freedom of the goalies that can handle the puck to try and catch opposing teams in the middle of a line change.
I’m not sure if I want Hank to be handling the puck more, it’s definitely a weakness in his game, and every time he goes out to handle the puck I have a mini heart attack. But, removing the trapezoid, which was a stupid idea to begin with, is definitely a step in the right direction. The next step? Once a goalie leaves the crease, especially in front of the net, he’s fair game to be bumped. Enough coddling the goalies, this isn’t football, and they aren’t Tom Brady.
By jurgenno88, November 10, 2009 @ 10:42 am
completely agree Dave.
Goalies should be fair game outside of the crease though i fear alot more retribution from teams should goalies get hit more. (ironic since we dont dish it out ourselves)
How often does the league admit a failure though? for that reason alone i can see them leaving it in.
By Dave, November 10, 2009 @ 2:09 pm
They won’t admit a failure, so they will probably spin it. If I were them, they would say it’s an attempt to reduce the number of injuries from races to the puck for an icing call.
By Mario, November 10, 2009 @ 11:55 pm
get rid of it …too much crap on the ice as it is …too many lines and boxes…too confusing to the casual fan.