At least the backup will be getting regular time this year with the way the schedule is set up. Not many clubs are going to want their #1s playing 3 games in 4 nights. This could be a huge advantage for the Wild as we have a really good tandem going.
At least the backup will be getting regular time this year with the way the schedule is set up. Not many clubs are going to want their #1s playing 3 games in 4 nights. This could be a huge advantage for the Wild as we have a really good tandem going.
This. Teams with crap back-ups are likely to struggle. Maybe Khudobin will finally get some real playing time assuming Boston decides to rest Rask for at least 10 games or so this season. Would the shortened season be extra incentive for Vancouver to keep Luongo for now since they'll need to play both goalies quite a bit or is Lack ready to step in and play 10-15 games? Teams I could see struggling due to lack of a quality back-up:
Calgary
Dallas
Detroit
Montreal
Nashville
Philly
Phoenix
Tampa
Toronto
I see backups getting even less starts than their share in a normal season. Even with the tight schedule and all. My prediction is Backstrom will start 38 games.
Although in the same time we will see teams riding anybody who's hot some extended streak of games. We might very witness see some unexpected backups grabbing the starter's job. Just because of the shortened season and no room for error basically.
This. Teams with crap back-ups are likely to struggle. Maybe Khudobin will finally get some real playing time assuming Boston decides to rest Rask for at least 10 games or so this season. Would the shortened season be extra incentive for Vancouver to keep Luongo for now since they'll need to play both goalies quite a bit or is Lack ready to step in and play 10-15 games? Teams I could see struggling due to lack of a quality back-up:
Calgary
Dallas
Detroit
Montreal
Nashville
Philly
Phoenix
Tampa
Toronto
I don´t really agree with this, with the shortened season every goalie can pretty much play all the games. For example if you look at Calgary and Kipprusoff, he has been playing +70 games for probably every season he has been in there. Not all can play that much obviously but 48 games should be doable for pretty much anyone.
I don´t really agree with this, with the shortened season every goalie can pretty much play all the games. For example if you look at Calgary and Kipprusoff, he has been playing +70 games for probably every season he has been in there. Not all can play that much obviously but 48 games should be doable for pretty much anyone.
It's not the number of games that's the problem, it's the number of games in such a short period of time. Even Kipper got days off in back to backs etc.
exactly. goalies have a lot of sudden jerky movements and a lot of sore muscles they need limber to be at their best. they need the break. and as for Kipper...he's been overworked and everyone knows it.
Yeah but this is 48 games, even with back to back games it´s a lot different. Of course some games might be played by backups but I doubt these teams relying on one goalie are getting hurt by them.
i think they'll start pushing the #1 later in the season, but in the beginning they'll rotate more to keep the #1 guy fresh. pick and chose games based on opponent.
Yeah but this is 48 games, even with back to back games it´s a lot different. Of course some games might be played by backups but I doubt these teams relying on one goalie are getting hurt by them.
48 games in 99 days is beyond exhausting. I don't think you realize just how taxing a proposition that is.
I would be surprised to see the Wild not make a move to add a dman at some point this season, unless Brodin gets healthy enough and gets enough work down in the Houston that the team feels he will be ready to contribute this year. Top 4 is solid, and I like Stoner/Falk dueling it out, but no offense to Prosser we need something better then him.
Brodin is 2 weeks away from being cleared for contact, and Scandella only a week after that. Brodin could handle 1 single week in the NHL if need be for Scandella to get back after. No need to make a move for a D-man.
I would be surprised to see the Wild not make a move to add a dman at some point this season, unless Brodin gets healthy enough and gets enough work down in the Houston that the team feels he will be ready to contribute this year. Top 4 is solid, and I like Stoner/Falk dueling it out, but no offense to Prosser we need something better then him.
Hence why I've been advocating for a 6 d-man on the right side for months now. Some players that really interest me and probably wouldn't cost a ton to get are Franson, Braun, and Y. Weber.
Hards is what I meant to say.
