Roy Wants Fear to Be a Factor

Dominating the agenda when general managers gather today in Henderson, Nev., will be discussions of how to improve the game. Patrick Roy, honored before Sunday’s All-Star game for being voted to the NHL Legendary All-Star team, gave them a jump-start with some interesting suggestions.

“I’m not going to make friends after I say this, but I think goaltenders should go back to 10-inch pads,” said Roy, who retired after last season to oversee the junior team he owns, the Quebec Remparts. “If something has changed over the years it’s the goaltending position. One of the reasons is the word ‘fear.’ There’s no more fear in goaltending anymore. Now goalies take a slap shot in the mask and shake their head and they’re ready. In the past, the guy was leaving the game and we had a lot of stitches in the face....

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

He also said the NHL should provide a better showcase for its players and a better show for fans.

“I don’t think people pay $150 to see guys dumping pucks in the zone and forechecking. They want to see skills,” he said. “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.

“Expansion was another problem, because I think 16 teams was probably what was the best for this league. And you take 10 teams out of there -- I know the [players’ association] won’t like what I’m saying, but talent would be better on the ice too.”

Gordie Howe, also voted to the legends team, lauded goalies for honing their craft and sees no reason to change the rules. However, he’d like to see an end to the trap and to obstruction.

“I’m sorry, it takes the scoring away from the players and it slows everything up,” he said. “The reason I say get rid of hooking is there are a lot of small, very talented hockey players, and they could display their talents if they got rid of that.”

The rest of the Legendary All-Star team, as voted by fans, were Ray Bourque and Bobby Orr on defense and Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Hull up front.

Among the ideas the general managers will discuss are widening the blue lines, eliminating the red line and limiting goalies’ movements.

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The Mighty Ducks are exploring the feasibility of bidding for a future All-Star game, club spokesman Alex Gilchrist said. If they bid and win, they’ll have to wait awhile: Atlanta was awarded the 2005 game and probably would get another chance if a lockout wiped it out, and the Hurricanes were promised a chance to play host. In addition, the NHL might be averse to giving the game to the Ducks if the franchise is still for sale.... The Coyotes’ trade of Sean Burke to the Flyers might be completed today, sources said. Mike Comrie will be part of the price for the veteran goalie.... Actor Kurt Russell, who portrays 1980 U.S. Olympic coach Herb Brooks in the movie “Miracle,” dedicated Sunday’s game to Brooks -- a St. Paul native -- in a stirring pregame tribute.

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King defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky will not make an upcoming five-game road trip because of an injured right shoulder, Coach Andy Murray said.

“It’s more nerve damage than anything else,” Murray said.

Visnovsky was checked head-first into the boards Jan. 31 against Edmonton.

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Murray did not meet with General Manager Dave Taylor during the All-Star break to talk about his contract, but Murray remained hopeful that a deal would be completed soon.

“We’ll get together and get something done, I’m sure,” said Murray, who is in the last year of his contract.

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NHL Legends

*--* Six of the National Hockey League’s all-time greats as voted by fans:

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*--* RAY BOURQUE

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* Played in 19 All-Star games and finished as the NHL’s all-time leading scorer as a defenseman.

*--* WAYNE GRETZKY

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* The NHL’s all-time leading scorer played in 18 All-Star games. Gretzky won the Hart Trophy as the NHL MVP a record nine times.

*--* GORDIE HOWE

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* Finished in the top five in scoring a record 20 consecutive seasons and played in 23 All-Star games in a career that spanned five decades.

*--* BOBBY HULL

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* Competed in 12 All-Star contests and scored more than 50 goals five times.

*--* BOBBY ORR

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* With his unparalleled skating and stick-handling ability, Orr revolutionized the defenseman position. He played in seven All-Star games in a career abbreviated by injuries.

*--* PATRICK ROY

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* This four-time Stanley Cup champion and three-time Conn Smythe Award winner as playoff MVP competed in 11 All-Star games.