Brian Burke calls idea of increasing net sizes 'an extreme measure'

With increasing discussion about ways to increase scoring in the NHL, Calgary Flames president Brian Burke made his opinion clear on the idea of making the nets larger.

"That is such an extreme measure to increase scoring that that would have to be the third or fourth of several steps in my opinion," Burke told Sportsnet. "Goaltending equipment may be looked at first."

This response likely stems from comments made by Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock, who suggested that if the net sizes increased along with the average size of goalies, the amount of scoring would stay the same.

Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby also spoke out against Babcock's comments, agreeing with Burke that the size of goalie equipment should be revisited. Burke admits, though, that he isn't concerned about low scoring being a worry for the league.

"I don't think we need a high-scoring number in the game to generate interest," Burke said. "I think we need scoring chances.

"A big save is an exciting play, too."

So far in the 2015-16 season, teams are averaging 2.65 goals per game, making it the lowest-scoring period since the dead puck era in the early-2000's.