When Chicago Blackhawks backup Scott Darling pulls on his new slimmer-fit goalie pants before his next start, he will be doing so "begrudgingly," he told Chris Hine of the Chicago Tribune.

He made his distaste for the NHL's new in-season mandate known prior to it coming into effect this weekend.

"I think it's a waste of time and money. But whatever the league feels they need to do."

An annoyance, sure. But when he continued on the topic, he hinted to the changes perhaps having the NHL's desired effect.

Stopping the puck is suddenly less simple.

"You just have to get used to it and squeeze a little bit harder when you go down," Darling said.

He explained that the tailored pants come in upwards of 10 different sizes, as opposed to the traditional small, medium, and large.

Darling's partner Corey Crawford, who wore the pants at the All-Star Game and a recent loss to the Washington Capitals, expressed concern about the inner part of the thigh having no padding.

"Hopefully we can do something where we're completely covered and not exposed," he said.

All NHL goaltenders will either slip, or fight their way into the new contoured pants beginning Saturday.

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