Roy favours thinner pads, fewer teams

It didn’t take long for Patrick Roy to make an impact on All-Star Weekend.

Roy, who was selected to the NHL Legendary all-star team spoke to the media before the game, and said that goaltenders’ pads should be reduced in width from 12 inches back to 10 inches, which was the previous width.

"I think to evolve the game you should have the goal post smaller to the outside and go back to the 10-inch pad,” Roy stated.  “That will give three inches on each shot for every shooter, and that's plenty for them."

He also talked about how equipment in general has changed the game.

"There's no more fear in goaltending anymore," he said. "Now goalies (take) a slap shot in the mask, and they shake their head and they're ready for the next shift. In the past, the guy was leaving the game with a lot of stitches in his face.”

The 38-year old also caused a stir when he shared his thoughts on the number of teams in the NHL.

"I think 16 teams was probably best for this league," he said. "If you take 10 teams out of there, I know the (players' association) won't like what I'm saying, but the talent will be better on the ice, too."

"I don't think people pay $150 to see guys dumping pucks in the zone and fore-checking. They want to see skills," Roy stated. "They want to see guys moving in the neutral zone and handle the puck and show their talent. That's what we want to see. And I think there's a lot of talent.”

Roy retired at the end of last season with an NHL best 551 career regular season wins and four Stanley Cup rings.