Scoring is up so far in the NHL this season with many pointing to the game’s evolution as a key contributor. Rangers forward Rick Nash told Sportsnet.ca’s Elliotte Friedman scoring is up due to an added emphasis on skill in junior. Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby believes it’s due to players hiring specialized coaches.
Skill is undoubtedly an underlying factor in the scoring increase, but Friedman talked with goalie coaches who contributed higher scoring due to injuries.
“The game is more side-to-side than we’re used to,” one said. “The groin injuries we’ve seen are not a coincidence.”
Holtby agreed with the assessment.
What does Holtby think? “It makes sense. Using the butterfly style from a young age affects our hips and knees. We’re not going to have as long careers as in the past based on way we play now. It’s like a pitcher in baseball, not a natural motion.”
Increased skill league wide means goaltenders are forced to move side-to-side more than ever, heightening the risk of injuries. The stand-up goaltending style once widely used is now non-existent. Instead, most goalies opt to use the butterfly or a hybrid style. With the constant side-to-side action, goaltenders are more prone to pulling groins and experiencing other injuries with their legs and hips.
The game’s getting faster and goalies are having trouble adapting. If the butterfly effect mixed with increased skill are causing injuries, the role of the backup is set to become more vital than ever.
