NHL's Best Back Up Goalies
As the 2013/14 season rumbles on, one of the biggest surprises so far is how impressed we've been with some of the back up goaltenders.
Usually only rolled out for the easier games, or when the superstar goalie gets injured, the back up usually spends most of his time sat on the bench. Patiently waiting, but never hoping, for something to go wrong.
Before moving to the LA Kings from the Toronto Maple Leafs at the start of the season, Ben Scrivens had spent most of his professional career so far in the lower leagues. When Jonathan Quick picked up an injury in November, a huge amount of pressure was then shifted to Scrivens' shoulders. He had to step into Quick's Stanley Cup winning skates.
Just like The Beatles with Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields Forever, it turned out that the LA Kings had a double a-side between the sticks. Right now both goalies have played 16 games each and despite playing less minutes than Quick; Scrivens has faced more shots and saved more. He also has the highest save percentage in the NHL right now with .941.
The Detroit Red Wings' injury problems have meant that a lot of young players have been given chances to shine in the NHL. Jonas Gustavsson didn't expect to get his five minutes before the start of the Wings' game at Boston. When regular goalie Jimmy Howard injured his hand warming up, Gustavsson got the nod.
The Wings won that game, helped in no small part by Gustavsson only allowing two goals, and have taken points in all but three games since. Howard is currently out with a sprained MCL and is likely to miss the Winter Classic.
Gustavsson's 2.27 Goals Against Average is up there with Roberto Luongo and Antti Niemi, demonstrating that he's more than qualified to defend the twine in Detroit.
James 'Optimus' Reimer seems to be playing second fiddle to Jonathan Bernier at the Toronto Maple Leafs but is still doing impressive work.
Robin Lehner
Young Robin Lehner seems to have drawn the short straw at the Sens, usually being sent to play when Craig Anderson has conceded a few and is generally having a bad game.
Eddie Lack
This fella is Alex's nomination. Being back up to Roberto Luongo is like being back up Quarterback for the New England Patriots. Gonna get a lot of time on the bench. Which explains why he tweets so much.
Usually only rolled out for the easier games, or when the superstar goalie gets injured, the back up usually spends most of his time sat on the bench. Patiently waiting, but never hoping, for something to go wrong.
 |
| Scrivens, standing guard. |
Just like The Beatles with Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields Forever, it turned out that the LA Kings had a double a-side between the sticks. Right now both goalies have played 16 games each and despite playing less minutes than Quick; Scrivens has faced more shots and saved more. He also has the highest save percentage in the NHL right now with .941.
 |
| Gustavsson at the Joe. |
The Wings won that game, helped in no small part by Gustavsson only allowing two goals, and have taken points in all but three games since. Howard is currently out with a sprained MCL and is likely to miss the Winter Classic.
Gustavsson's 2.27 Goals Against Average is up there with Roberto Luongo and Antti Niemi, demonstrating that he's more than qualified to defend the twine in Detroit.
Honourable Mentions
Robin Lehner
Young Robin Lehner seems to have drawn the short straw at the Sens, usually being sent to play when Craig Anderson has conceded a few and is generally having a bad game.
Eddie Lack
This fella is Alex's nomination. Being back up to Roberto Luongo is like being back up Quarterback for the New England Patriots. Gonna get a lot of time on the bench. Which explains why he tweets so much.
Comments
Post a Comment
Comments are moderated and may take a while to appear. This is because the authors are busy/lazy/away.