A shorter stick would definitely help I used to use a 26'' bauer and would get beat there all the time then thatcarguy got me to switch to a 24" and it got a lot better
Then this past season my goalie partner was using a 27'' and he would get lit up in the same spot so I gave him one of my 24'' to use and now he doesn't get scored on there as much anymore
Obviously there will still be one that will squeak though every once and awhile but it is a lot better with a shorter stick