from Chris Johnston of Sportsnet,
Truth be told, this is no way to start a battle to become the No. 1 goalie of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Jonathan Bernier readily admits that he’s allowed a steady stream of pucks through his legs over the last month – “Plenty … a lot,” he said – while adjusting to the new shrinking standard of goalie pads that will be introduced around the NHL this season.
As you might imagine, the changes aren’t very popular among the goaltending fraternity. Each of them has had the height of his pad reduced by between one and three inches as part of new regulations designed to help increase scoring.
Goalies are expected to become particularly vulnerable through the five-hole, where the top of their pads will cover much less space when they drop down to make a save.
“I changed my style a little bit,” said Bernier. “I think everyone’s going to have to adjust. Everyone is starting from scratch.”
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