Under coach Ron Wilson, the Maple Leafs are averaging about 15 blocked shots a game, putting them among the NHL leaders.

Defenceman are padded like comfy chairs, nowadays, so sliding on the ice to block a slapper isn't nearly as dangerous as it used to be.

But when does shot-blocking become too much?

During the playoffs with the intensity level up and more on the line, shot-blocking becomes an even more prevalent tactic, making it tougher to opposing players to get the puck through to the net.

That, some suggest, results in more play stoppages and less offence.

Montreal Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey is among that group.

He thinks players should be allowed to block shots only when they're standing upright, and he has made a case for the league to change rules to that effect.

New York Islanders GM Garth Snow says that while shot-blocking is on the upswing, he sees no problem with that.

It's part of the game, he says.
"It's an element that true hockey fans like," Snow said.

"As a goalie, whether on an important penalty kill or key moment of the game,
these are big plays."

Snow is speaking as a former goalie.

When he was in the net, he welcomed having a defenceman or forward sliding in front of a shot and smothering a puck.

The downside?
"Lots of times it takes away the goalie's ability to see the puck.

"On the other hand, if the goalies can see the pucks, maybe they'll stop them."

So, if it is an initiative to add offence, instead we might see offence go down.

The Isles lead the league in blocked shots with 367 through 21 games.

The Canadiens, despite Gainey's apparent objections, are No. 2 with 346. That may have a lot to do with the Canadiens coach, Guy Carbonneau, who was a fine shot-blocker as a player.

"The NHL is searching for new ways to increase goal scoring, without turning games in circus," Carbonneau said to Marc De Foy of Le Journal de Montreal.

"Nobody wants to see a game ending by a score of 12-10.

"Efforts were made in the past few years to cut down on hooking and interference.

"Bob discussed with us his idea. Our video coach did a video for him which he showed to his colleagues at the GM meetings in Chicago.

"The main goal of his recommendation is to eliminate sliding to neutralize offensive plays. We see that often on two-on-one rushes or when a team is defending itself with two men off during a penalty killing."