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Casual reminder: Shallow nets are ready for training camp

Tuukka Rask

Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask, of Finland, skates back to his net during a stop in play in the second period in Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals between the Bruins and the Chicago Blackhawks Wednesday, June 19, 2013, in Boston. (AP Photo/Harry How, Pool)

AP

It wasn’t one of the major changes made by the competition committee, but shallow nets will be making their debut in training camp.

The net depth will be reduced by four inches helping make the room behind the net slightly more spacious.

Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch spoke with former Blue Jackets forward, and current Director of Player Development, Chris Clark and finds out that while the change is subtle, the goalies will definitely take notice.

“You’re probably going to notice it a lot on wrap-arounds,” said Clark. “Those times when the goaltender gets his leg across just in time to cover the other post? Those might be goals now.

“The players haven’t seen them yet. The goaltenders haven’t played with them yet. But it’s going to take some getting used to.”

Good thing for everyone that preseason and training camp lasts about three weeks because that’s what they’ll have to get used to them before the games count.

Portzline also points out that the pipes will be more squared off in the corners and are also narrower. It’s not drastic by any means, but it might be just enough to help scorers find the back of the net more often.

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