Question about goalie knee pads?

ok so here's the question guys i got new bauer knee pads replacing my thigh boards which i wasn't a fan of because boards stopped my erflies sometimes knowing that their illegal now. But the straps behind the knee pads (the ones from my rbk pads) which are the top 2 i believe are feeling allot tighter so should i just loosen them up more or is the sizing wrong for me on the knee pads? And could you just give me some advice on whats the best way to protect my knees if this isn't the best. Also nhl goalies have to wear knee pads right?