Yesterday I wrote about goaltenders that needed to step up their game. This article is about backup goaltenders that could possibly take their jobs if they were given the opportunity.
I’m certainly not an NHL general manager (though I could play one on TV), but each of these backup backstops is certainly worthy of a starting gig. If not with their current team, they could certainly help another.
Ben Scrivens, Los Angeles Kings, 7-2-4, 1.56 GAA, .943 save %
The afterthought of the Los Angeles-Toronto goalie swap was Scrivens, who was literally tossed in as an extra piece of the trade. As it turns out he was the steal of the summer for the Kings who saw their franchise keeper, Jonathan Quick go down in November. With Quick gone until after Christmas, Scrivens has owned Tinseltown with some gaudy numbers. Maybe there won’t be a goaltending controversy in Los Angeles when Quick returns, but with Scrivens’ play, the Kings are in an enviable position.
Josh Harding, Minnesota Wild, 14-4-3, 1.45 GAA, .939 save %
He’s hardly the second fiddle at this point, but Harding was called in to service when starter Nicklas Backstrom was injured and refused to give the job back.
Arguably the early season Hart and Vezina Trophy favorite, Harding has been amazing for Minnesota with his athleticism and perseverance. Easily the best story in the NHL so far this season.
Robin Lehner, Ottawa Senators, 4-5-2, 2.47 GAA, .935 save %
With the obvious struggles of Craig Anderson in the capital city, many Sens followers are calling for the young Swede to step in as the man in net. Lehner was an understudy to the great Henrik Lundqvist in his native land and certainly has optimistic scouts noting the similarities between the two.
If Anderson continues to struggle, coach Paul MacLean will have a great option with Lehner as his insurance.
Marek Mazanec, Nashville Predators, 5-4-1, 2.00 GAA, .932 save %
When Pekka Rinne went down with a series of maladies ranging from hip surgery to E-Coli, many thought that the Predator’s season would be lost. Not much was expected from Nashville in the first place, losing their top player and defensive anchor would be catastrophic.
Not so fast says the 22-year old Czech and rookie of the month for November. His wins and losses won’t blow you away, but the goals allowed, shutouts and save percentage have Music City singing about their diamond in the rough.
Cam Talbot, New York Rangers, 6-2-0, 1.79 GAA, .934 save %
While no one expects the youngster (26) Talbot to unseat King Henrik Lundqvist, the Rangers have found some relief for their all-world goaltender with the Caledonia, Ontario native.
Aside from a disappointing home loss to Winnipeg Tuesday night, Talbot has been lights out when called upon to spell the Rangers’ iron man Lundqvist.
Jonas Gustavsson, Detroit Red Wings, 7-0-1, 2.15 GAA, .929 save %
The “Monster” certainly wasn’t brought in last season to challenge Jimmy Howard for the starting job in Detroit, but he has certainly outplayed the Red Wings’ number one so far this year. With Howard struggling, many are wondering if Gustavsson is finally reaching the potential many projected for him during his early years in Toronto.
It might be too soon to hitch Detroit’s Stanley Cup dreams to Gustavsson’s wagon, but the Wings are hoping that more solid play could push Howard out of his funk.