Is low goal scoring becoming a problem again?

[doniceage]

By Matt Larkin

In the Jan. 16 issue of The Hockey News, a stat page revealed NHL-wide scoring was trending downward in the post-lockout era. Consequently, goalie save percentages trended upward over that span, from .901 in 2005-2006 to .913 in 2010-11. But shots per game generally rose during the same period, indicating chances aren’t the problem. Goalies are. They’re just too darned good.


http://www.thehockeynews.com/article...daily_20120115

[centrehice]

Only if you are a Midget Basketball Lawyer that cannot skate.

[patrickadams26]

I enjoy lower scoring games. It makes it more interesting to watch. I would rather watch a 3-2 game then a 6-4 game.

[bojohnson]

I enjoy lower scoring games. It makes it more interesting to watch. I would rather watch a 3-2 game then a 6-4 game.

High scoring games are usually a gong shows, and not fun to watch
3-2 is the best possible score for a game

[xelloss1012]

It's not just goalies are getting better, but also better coaching for defensive patterns to break up plays coming into the zone. However, compared to an IIHL rink, the NHL rink is still more offense-oriented as the neutral zone is a little smaller.

Another thing to look at are line chemistries as how many top lines had to be remaded within 2-3 years. I recall many potent offensive lines early after post-lockout, but they either no longer exist or the line is completely remaded because they either started slumping or became too predictable.

[IrbeFan4Life]

The solution to goalies being too good is to prohibit them from wearing pads and helmets. Let's see how great they are then

[Wickabee]

I've heard some rumblings that people think there is "goal management" going on at the on-ice official level. It sounds a little too "conspiracy theory" for me, but I have to admit the NHL refs are absolutely brutal this season and this theory could explain why.

[RGM81]

NHL referees are vastly too incompetent to handle a conspiracy of that magnitude.

[Wickabee]

NHL referees are vastly too incompetent to handle a conspiracy of that magnitude.

That would be part of the conspiracy. Be terrible for 5 years and then when you start doing it, no one notices.

No, no, you're right.

[OBOMBA]

goalies and defense are way better then they were 10 years ago. so yeah its gonna get harder