The process of reducing the size of equipment worn by NHL goaltenders has once again been delayed. The question now is whether it will take another full calendar year to complete the downsizing.

At the annual meeting of NHL GM's in Florida last March there was optimism from both the league and the NHLPA that tapered or streamlined goaltending equipment would be ready for introduction this fall in an effort to level the playing field for goaltenders and by extension drive up scoring.

The plan was for the new equipment, contoured to more snugly fit goaltenders based on their individual body size, to be produced by four designated manufacturers and be ready for the start of the World Cup of Hockey training camps on Labor Day weekend and for the balance of NHL goaltenders when their respective team training camps begin the third week of September.

"It is a little frustrating because it's not like we started this six months ago," Devils goalie Cory Schneider said in an interview.