between the pipes

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between the pipes

1. (ice hockey, lacrosse, idiomatic) Between the goalposts; with respect to or playing the position of goaltender.
   • 1927 March 12, “Burghs Back In Race for Eastern Hockey Title”, in Ottawa Citizen, Canada, retrieved 26 Dec. 2009:

     A shutout performance calls for a brilliant display between the pipes and Bill was right on the job.

   • 2009, Shawn P. Roarke, "Finland's biggest strength is between the pipes," www.nhl.com (National Hockey League), 19 Feb. (retrieved 26 Dec. 2009):

     [T]he Finns might just have the best goaltending in the 12-team tournament.