MONTREAL, QC – FEBRUARY 18: Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens gloves the puck during the NHL game against the Winnipeg Jets at the Bell Centre on February 18, 2017 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Winnipeg Jets defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-1. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

Price and Montoya discussed sending photos of bruises from smaller equipment to the NHL

An interesting new hitch not discussed after the NHL decided to make goalie pants smaller was the potential risk of injury. Smaller equipment created newly exposed areas without padding. Montreal Canadiens goaltenders Carey Price and Al Montoya both know the emerging issue a bit too well.

Eric Engels of Sportsnet.ca reports Price and Montoya chatted about sending pictures of bruises they’ve received to the league as a result of the equipment change.

Price was hit on the inside of his thigh, where there was little to no protection.

The chorus of criticism stemming from the NHL’s decision to make goalie pants smaller was already an issue for the league. Price and Montoya’s discussion brings up a further argument against the change. If the pants don’t sufficiently guard goaltenders against pucks, it’s a massive issue. Furthermore, unleashing the change mid-season and letting goalies adjust to the differences on the fly was a poor decision, which is further illustrated by this safety issue.

A goaltender’s equipment is undeniably too bulky. However, taking away necessary padding in areas that are susceptible to being hit was a poor decision. Price and Montoya, joking or not, should take pictures of their bruises due to the new pants. It’s a great way to show that while attempting to decrease equipment, the league put goalies at extra risk.

About Liam McGuire

Social +Staff writer for The Comeback & Awful Announcing. Liammcguirejournalism@gmail.com

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