from Jesse Granger of the Las Vegas Sun,
The NHL altered goaltenders’ chest-protectors this offseason, making them smaller in several areas to cover less of the net. With last year’s padding Fleury’s arms weren’t as mobile, and he never could have slicked his hair back while wearing it.
“I guess that’s one of the benefits,” Fleury joked.
But Fleury and many goalies around the NHL aren’t completely satisfied with the new equipment. They are still requesting small tweaks to provide them with the proper protection. Fleury is still awaiting replacement parts with preseason already started and the regular season quickly approaching.
“I think it just feels a little bit rushed,” Fleury said. “There are still come complaints about parts so we’re still waiting for pieces to be signed off on by the league. I’m hoping I get the pieces here in time.It would have been nice to get comfortable, make sure it’s safe and wait for parts before the season started.”
The changes include making the shoulder floaters (small pieces that hang on the shoulders) 1.5 inches narrower, and narrower arm pads around the elbow. They are designed to make the pads fit the shape of the goalie’s body and not protrude.
Fleury said there have been a small amount of shots in practice he thought were going to hit his shoulder, but sailed by and into the net.
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