 After the 2004 – 05 lockout and before the start of the 2005 – 06 season , the league instituted a new rule preventing goaltenders from playing the puck behind the goal line , except within a trapezoid @-@ shaped zone located behind the net . The trapezoid begins at the goal line with angled lines six feet from each goal post and widens to 28 feet at the end boards . Former Flyers general manager Bobby Clarke was one of the leaders in getting the trapezoid implemented . This was viewed by many as singling out Brodeur , who was one of the best at getting behind the net to handle the puck , and has come to be known as the " Brodeur Rule " . 
