Coyotes goalie Mike Smith wasn’t a fan of tweaking his equipment more than halfway through the season.
But it didn’t look like a new pair of pants bothered him too much in their debut against the Sharks – a 3-2 shootout win that Smith helped key amid 38 saves and another two in the one-on-one showdown.
“I guess not,” he said.
Goaltenders had to use tighter pants beginning Saturday, a new rule that finally took effect midseason after the implementation was delayed while manufacturers adapted to the change.
The pants are snugger around the waist and rounded at the bottom instead of the previous flat style with Smith likening the new gear to what skaters wear.