Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Afternoon Line- John Buccigross On Bigger Nets

03/12/2015 at 1:30pm EDT

I've been saying in this space for 14 years: If you want more goals, you have to make the net bigger or get goalies in space-age/ultra-safe padding that is smaller, especially the jersey. Jack Black should get the scientists working not only on the Tube Technology, but also this tender technology.

I've been skeptical that the NHL can go backward in terms of equipment type and size because of possible lawsuits/unsafe-work claims. That's why I've advocated a slightly bigger net (an inch or so) to offset human size (we are getting bigger and likely will continue to get bigger) and improved skill and performance at the position.

Baseball lowered the mound, basketball took out hand checking, added a 3-point line (that's more for comebacks, leveling the playing field and exciting game-ending shots than pure production) and the NFL made it more difficult to defend. Is it a coincidence that the popularity of college and NFL football has exploded as offense and the passing game exploded, making stars out of quarterbacks? Even golf has gotten smart and added the drivable par-4 at most tournaments.

Imagine if the NHL did that with its most talented and marketable. When a goalie -- a player who stands on one tiny slither of the playing surface -- is being pushed as MVP of a league, I believe something is wrong.

-John Buccigross of ESPN where you can read more as he answered some questions via Twitter.

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Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.

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