The NHL is currently considering changing the dimensions of the goals in order to “add to the excitement of the game.” There are two changes on the table. The first would keep the goal the same width at the base (6 feet) but would have the vertical bars bow out on the sides. The second proposed change would increase the height and width of the nets by two inches. These proposed changes seem minimal now but can have a significant impact on fantasy hockey.
Goals and Assists
The proposed changes will be placing an emphasis on goal-scoring. I guess the NHL thinks that there is still too little goal scoring in the league. They believe that Hockey NBA style will be more exciting for fans. Players will obviously be scoring more goals and assists. Since it will happen to everyone, it is pretty much a wash from the standpoint of fantasy hockey.
Plus/Minus
Since there will be an increase in scoring, plus/minus ratings will become inflated. Players will have more positive stats and more negative stats. This stat becomes practically useless since it will become harder and harder for teams to keep the other team from scoring. This stat used to mean something to an individual player but if scoring increases, the inflated plus/minus means little.
Game Winning Goals
This statistic is affected most by the increase in net size. If goal scoring is increased then the game winning goal is almost as useful as keeping track of who scored the game winning basket in the NBA. It comes down to who got lucky enough to get the last shot off before time expired.
The goalies come out with the biggest disadvantage with the new nets. You can argue that all goalies will be playing with the same nets, but that still doesn't change the impact on fantasy play.
Goals Against Average
Goalies will obviously have more net to cover and will be scored on more often. Goals against average will skyrocket. If most goalies are letting in 4-5 goals per game, this statistic isn't as useful as it used to be.
Save Percentage
Goalies will be facing the same number of shots but will have to cover more ground. This creates a lower save percentage for goalies probably leading to an average save percentage below .900.
Shutouts
With more goals scored, these will become even more valuable than they already are. Shutouts will be more elusive, thus, they will be less relevant in fantasy terms.
There are widespread fantasy ramifications if nets are made larger. It may lead to more goal scoring but does this necessarily mean that the game will be more exciting? Do we need the NBA on ice? The thrill of a goal will dissipate as more goals are scored leading to less excitement in the long run. Fans don't stand up and cheer for every basket made in a basketball game. Do we really want to see that happen to hockey?
