NHL analyst issues brutally honest take on 'evolution of goaltender', draws comparisions with 'Martin Brodeur days'

NHL insider Carlo Colaiacovo harked back to the days of Martin Brodeur, comparing how the goaltender’s role has changed since the legendary netminder ended his playing career.

During Wednesday's edition of "First Up with Korolnek & Colaiacovo on TSN," the hosts were joined by Toronto Star columnist Dave Feschuk. Colaiacovo talked about the evolution in goaltending in the decade since Brodeur retired.

"The evolution of a goaltender has changed so much because you talk about the Martin Brodeur days; Marty Brodeur, back when he played, didn't have a half-hour goalie session before practice," Colaiacovo said. "Didn't have a half-hour goalie session after practice.

“Wasn't taking 1,000 shots on off days. Like the whole training regimen of these goaltenders has changed so much that I sometimes believe, based on what I watch, that these guys are getting like they're getting overworked more in practice than they are in games.”

Colaiacovo touched on the debate surrounding Toronto Maple Leafs' goalie Joseph Woll, who is set to start in his 24th consecutive game on Wednesday.

Feschuk commented on the negative impact of slashing Woll’s practice time to reduce the risk of him getting injured. However, Colaiacovo had a different take on the issue.

“So if the Maple Leafs have this performance staff together that's evaluating all this, maybe this is the approach that they're taking with him right now," Colaiacovo said. "Because they realize he's on in uncharted waters, and they're like, okay, maybe he doesn't need all this practice work that he's getting at normal most bullies would normally get. Because sometimes I look at a goal only after practice, and I'm like, How the hell would you just go through all that?"

Woll has been shepherded carefully by the Maple Leafs since Anthony Stolarz suffered a knee injury five weeks ago.

Martin Brodeur might be the greatest goalie of them all

Martin Brodeur played 22 seasons in the NHL from 1991-2015 — 21 with the New Jersey Devils. He won the Stanley Cup thrice and the Eastern Conference championship five times. He holds numerous goaltending records, including the league’s all-time leader in wins (697) and shutouts (125).

Feschuk paid tribute to Brodeur on "First Up."

“If you think about it, it was less than 20 years ago when Marty Brodeur played 70-odd games out of 82, and practiced, as far as I could tell,” Feschuk said.

Brodeur, who is considered one of the best puck handlers among goalies, also holds the record for most goals netted by a netminder (three).