Tom Barasso and it's not even close. MAF has had 2 good half seasons and 1 good playoff for the Pens. Unfortunately, he didn't even win the cup that year. MAF has been average most times, while Tommy was one of the best puck handling goaltenders ever. Just look at how many assists he has. He was also above average at stopping the puck behind a generally offense first team.
I don't use wins as anything other than a team stat. MAF could be one of the best goaltenders based on talent alone, but has been unable to convert his quick feet and reactions into a high SV%. It is time for him to get a new goalie coach IMO, or time for the Pens to move on.
... It is time for him to get a new goalie coach IMO, or time for the Pens to move on....
For the life of me I don't know why the Pens haven't gotten a new goalie coach yet.
I would've done it after the Montreal series. The One pad up, one down was something he really started doing that year, and if you look at a lot of the bad goals it was when he was in that position.
There is no doubt that he phenomanlly gifted physically for the position. But the consistency needs to be better, a lot of that has to fall on the goalie coach. Even if it's simply his message isn't getting through anymore. Look how Smith turned his career around when he went to Phoenix and got a different goalie coach.
They should done that along with bringing in Vokoun imo....
Tommy B... but I think MAF will pass him one day. Barrasso got little to no help on D most nights and still found ways to win. Say what you will about him off the ice but how many goalies would put the team first instead of worrying about their own stats. IMO he's the best American goalie ever and belongs in the HoF.
IMO he's the best American goalie ever and belongs in the HoF.
I am pretty sure that Thomas has already passed TB on just a couple of elite seasons. Thomas is Hasek lite...too bad he isn't much younger than him.
Pens have one of the weakest goal-tending lineups I've ever seen for a team. Even our best of the best would still be backups on about a third of current NHL teams. At least we have CBJ beat. I am also picking TB because he is not "80% SV%" MAF.
For the life of me I don't know why the Pens haven't gotten a new goalie coach yet.
I would've done it after the Montreal series. The One pad up, one down was something he really started doing that year, and if you look at a lot of the bad goals it was when he was in that position.
There is no doubt that he phenomanlly gifted physically for the position. But the consistency needs to be better, a lot of that has to fall on the goalie coach. Even if it's simply his message isn't getting through anymore. Look how Smith turned his career around when he went to Phoenix and got a different goalie coach.
They should done that along with bringing in Vokoun imo....
You mean a goaltender that's been in the league for 7 years and hasn't improved his puck handling, rebound control, or positioning is poorly coached?
I am pretty sure that Thomas has already passed TB on just a couple of elite seasons. Thomas is Hasek lite...too bad he isn't much younger than him.
Pens have one of the weakest goal-tending lineups I've ever seen for a team. Even our best of the best would still be backups on about a third of current NHL teams. At least we have CBJ beat. I am also picking TB because he is not "80% SV%" MAF.
Eh I don't even think Thomas beats Richter. You put Barrasso on a defensive minded team and play a Yeti in front of him and he'll have elite stats too. Look at 98 and 99 when the Pens cleaned up their act under Constantine.
Tough one. I think Fleury has much more skill, but he's just so damn hot and cold. Tommy indeed would've been better with better D, but I just never really saw him as that great a goalie.
I'm still going with TB because you knew what you were getting from him. When MAF is on, he's one of the best ever, but when he's off he's pretty brutal. Unfortunetly, throughout his career he's had more brutul/mediocre games than great ones.
Fleury's athleticism and reflexes combined with Barrasso's determination and puck-handling would create a goalie for the ages. As of today, Barrasso should still have the edge.
but seriously i voted Barrasso. Fleury is just so dang inconsistent, even over the course of a game. make a bunch of spectacular saves and then let in a softie at the end. he should have like at least 30 shutouts by now.
I hate that Tommy B's name even gets mentioned: The dude couldn't make a save to save his life and he gets credit for playing behind a team that could outscore the opposition no matter how many terrbible goals he let in.
I hate that Tommy B's name even gets mentioned: The dude couldn't make a save to save his life and he gets credit for playing behind a team that could outscore the opposition no matter how many terrbible goals he let in.
Funny when the top star in the league can come and tell you to keep it to 3 and under.
I hate that Tommy B's name even gets mentioned: The dude couldn't make a save to save his life and he gets credit for playing behind a team that could outscore the opposition no matter how many terrbible goals he let in.
