Just checking the stats really quickly for goaltenders and I noticed that last years "stars" ... Ward, Miller, Lundquist are pretty much down in the bottom half of all stat categories ....
... slow start for them ??
... are they the real deal ?? or ...
... was last year just their only spotlight for them ??
Thoughts ...
On a side comment ... Lehtonen looks good early so far into the season.
Grizz
Last years "Star Goalies" - Breakthrough or Bust ?
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- Cookie La Rue
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- tantalum
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Ward was actually one of the worst goaltenders in the regular season last year....45th in SV% and 49th in GAA for the 50 goaltenders with 25+ appearances, while his goaltending partner Gerber was 17th and 18th.
While i think Ward will develop into a good goaltender his playoff play had all the markings of a hot streak last year. Based on his previous play no one could have predicted how well he would do. I still think it's a joke he got the Conn Smythe. How Brind'Amour was denied that I'll never know...a forward playing more minutes than any other skater on his team including D-men, had the most game winning goals, and was clearly the heart and soul of the Canes during the playoff run. But I digress...
With all that said it is still extremely early to say anything. One great game or one bad game completely swings the stats right now. But it also isn't surprising. There is a reason the sophmore year is quite often harder than the rookie season. The opposition has a book on the player and has adjusted the gameplan accordingly (i.e. Ward gives up long and bad rebounds for example). The better players then make their own adjustments to counteract the opposition adjustments and those players rise to the top and get better. Others don't and become Jim Carey....win the Vezina and be out of the NHL in 3 years.
While i think Ward will develop into a good goaltender his playoff play had all the markings of a hot streak last year. Based on his previous play no one could have predicted how well he would do. I still think it's a joke he got the Conn Smythe. How Brind'Amour was denied that I'll never know...a forward playing more minutes than any other skater on his team including D-men, had the most game winning goals, and was clearly the heart and soul of the Canes during the playoff run. But I digress...
With all that said it is still extremely early to say anything. One great game or one bad game completely swings the stats right now. But it also isn't surprising. There is a reason the sophmore year is quite often harder than the rookie season. The opposition has a book on the player and has adjusted the gameplan accordingly (i.e. Ward gives up long and bad rebounds for example). The better players then make their own adjustments to counteract the opposition adjustments and those players rise to the top and get better. Others don't and become Jim Carey....win the Vezina and be out of the NHL in 3 years.
- Jyrki21
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I fully agree, for what it's worth. Obviously Ward, by definition, is the most important player on the Cup-winning team, but every goalie always is. I couldn't believe when it didn't go to Brind'amour... I don't think goalies should be eligible for the Conn Smythe or Hart Trophies for this reason. If the description is taken literally, they'll win both award 9/10 times.tantalum wrote: While i think Ward will develop into a good goaltender his playoff play had all the markings of a hot streak last year. Based on his previous play no one could have predicted how well he would do. I still think it's a joke he got the Conn Smythe. How Brind'Amour was denied that I'll never know...a forward playing more minutes than any other skater on his team including D-men, had the most game winning goals, and was clearly the heart and soul of the Canes during the playoff run. But I digress...
I don't agree with the logic. If the goalie takes them to the Cup, then by all means he should have a shot at the Smythe. If he falters and they lose, then who gets the blame? Consider also that goalies only have the Vezina to win most years, unike skaters.Jyrki21 wrote: I don't think goalies should be eligible for the Conn Smythe or Hart Trophies for this reason. If the description is taken literally, they'll win both award 9/10 times.
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