Amid complaints from goaltenders across the league about the new specifications for their equipment, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly isn't considering backtracking.
For the 2018-19 season, the NHL and NHLPA agreed to new specifications for goaltender chest protectors, making them more form-fitting to help increase scoring across the league. Despite the early gripes, Daly said the new equipment standards will not be reverted.
"Some of the concerns we're hearing now, they may grow in number, because you may hear somebody else do it, so you do it, too," Daly told ESPN's Emily Kaplan. "But I don't think we'll ever reach the point where we'd consider making changes."
Numerous prominent netminders have voiced their displeasure with the modifications. Ben Bishop of the Dallas Stars told ESPN the new gear is more susceptible to leaving bruises, while Braden Holtby of the Washington Capitals is wary of the added potential for serious injury.
"I like to not overreact to things," Daly said. "I don't think that some of the concerns we're hearing about currently are really reflective of a large majority of goaltenders."
The league has seen an increase in goals this season, with the average rising to 6.18 goals per game, up from the 2017-18 mark of 5.94.
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