Are NHL Players Staying Straight?

We all know that hockey players are notorious for measuring their sticks; but who knew that an extra 1/4 inch could bring so much pleasure to some and so much pain to others?

Around the NHL there are the traditionalists that like to play it straight, like Ryan Smyth of the Edmonton Oilers for instance. However; many of the newcomers, Europeans especially, have opted to stay away from the straight style. The “New” NHL has addressed the players’ changing preferences in stride by accepting what was previously taboo throughout the league.

I’m sure it will help Alex, if that’s what he’s comfortable with,” Capitals Coach Glen Hanlon said. “I think it’s good because it keeps [the standard] the same [between international rules and the NHL].

Some NHL players say that the extra 1/4 inch won’t really do anything special for their game and don’t care one way or another if other players choose to use it. Other players are just curious as to what it means for the safety of the league. It could be more dangerous for players around the net and goaltenders that may receive an errant shot to the face or head.

There are no protection issues anymore,” George McPhee said. “The players all wear helmets, many of them wear shields, the glass is higher and there is netting to protect fans. There were some concerns that we’d be going back to the ’70s, when it was an inch and a half. But nobody really got hurt then, so no one is going to get hurt now.

Of course, discussing the new rule this season that allows players’ sticks that they may have been using illegally last season to be used legally this season, doesn’t make a hill of beans difference. The proof is in the pudding, or in the net! The NHL wants even more goals scored than last year and this is one way of reaching that objective. Only time will tell.

Source: Washington Post