
The "Third Defenseman" Era: A Look at the NHL's Trapezoid Rule
Why did the NHL draw a trapezoid behind the net? Because puck-handling goalies (e.g., Martin Brodeur became great 3rd defensemen—too good to stop, apparently.

Why did the NHL draw a trapezoid behind the net? Because puck-handling goalies (e.g., Martin Brodeur became great 3rd defensemen—too good to stop, apparently.

Why did the NHL draw a trapezoid behind the net? Because goalies like Martin Brodeur became effective third defensemen—and too good to stop, apparently.