Crosby on goal scoring: 'The size and the athleticism of the goalies now is pretty incredible'

Last season, goal scoring in the NHL tied the second lowest mark since the 2004-05 lockout, but Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby thinks he knows why.

NHL teams averaged 2.73 goals per game, tying the 2011-12 season as the second lowest mark of the post-lockout era, and Crosby believes goalies are the reason for the decline.

"I think the biggest thing is the size and the athleticism of the goalies now is pretty incredible," Crosby told TSN. "You really have to pick your spots if you're going to score and get them (goalies) moving. You've seen that year after year, it's getting tougher and tougher to score goals. Everyone is aware of it, just trying to find ways to do it."

The average save percentage of a goaltender this season was .915, the highest mark since the stat started being recording during the 1983-84 season. Meanwhile, the league-average 2.52 goals-against average was the best since the 2001-02 season.

Despite the drop in goal scoring in the league of late, Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon doesn't believe it's time to necessarily make any changes, especially changes to the nets.

"I don't think you can mess with the nets, but what do I know, I am only going into my third season," MacKinnon said. "The game is in a good place right now. It's thriving, it's never been better. The goalies are good and the goals are going down a little bit, but maybe this year it'll go up, so we'll have to see."

So it's time for players to start getting creative.