Let the goaltenders play...

I am pleased to see the NHL attempt to open up the game by making various rule changes. The elimination of the red line and the addition of shootouts are changes that were long overdue. Hopefully, the league won't waffle this time, but rather finally crack down on obstruction penalties. We will have to wait and see.
My concern now is the NHL netminder. These guys are now at a distinct disadvantage. Their gear will be regulated and their nets will be shoved back towards the end boards. Kudos to the NHL for implementing logical rules to increase scoring. Goaltenders have worn oversized pads and jerseys for years to hide the twine behind them. The only player who ever really benefited from the extra room behind the net was Gretzky, and he now resides behind the Coyotes bench.
NHL forwards prefer to score goals in front of the net. This makes sense. The problem I have is the restriction a goaltender now has in leaving his net to play the puck. Under new league rules, NHL goaltenders have a limited area behind their nets to legally play the puck. We will no longer see goaltenders venture into the corners to play the puck. I know, I know, most goaltenders shouldn't be drifting that far out anyway (I'm talking to you Hasek). However, a few goaltenders expertly handle the puck and make great outlet passes from just about anywhere inside their own blue line. Why punish the likes of Broduer and Turco? These guys, among a few others, have a skill, a natural ability, to play the puck. They can diffuse a dump-in, help kill penalties, jump start a counter attack, or even score a rare goal. This is part of the game. Correction. It WAS part of the game. If the league wants to limit skill, they should no longer allow players to shoot off their backhand. Think about it.

The Owl (contributing writer for THR)