In the NFL there is a quote "if you have two starting quarterbacks, you have no quarterback" and that may be applied to the NHL with goalies. But maybe not. A backup goalie gets used over the course of an NHL season regardless of injuries, but in the NFL a starting quarterback rarely gets a game off unless their playoff position isn't at risk in the last game of the season.
Using data back to 2007 TSN.com* documented goalie usage in the playoffs (a goalie needed to face 30 shots throughout the playoffs to quantify). Understanding that the 2020 playoffs were very different, there was a high usage of 2 goaltenders by teams. In total, 10 of 16 teams used multiple goalies. Jumping to the conclusion that this is a trend can be dispelled by looking at the prior year's playoffs which saw just 2 teams use a multi-goalie system. From 2007 to 2018 teams used 1.31 goalies on average in the playoffs. In other words, that means that 5 teams per year called 2 goaltenders into service for the playoffs. In only 2 other years (2017 & 2015) were multiple goalies used by 8 teams (or more). There are a number of factors that would go into starting your backup in a playoff game. Injuries play a part but resting a goalie usually does not as teams are not asked to play back-to-back games. Another major use of the backup is simply desperation. Teams are doing anything they can to extend a series and stay alive in the playoffs.
What does all of this mean for the CBJ using two starting goalies in 2021?
Only 5 teams using a multi-goalie system are likely make the playoffs. So, while it isn't uncommon for teams using multiple goalies to make the playoffs, a majority of playoff teams have a 'workhorse' or clear #1 goalie.
Columbus does fit as a team that utilizes a 1a/1b goalie system. In 2019-2020 Elvis started 33 games and Joonas 35. While the serious injury to Korpi played a part in the game split, once he returned we continued to see them split time. Elvis' performance allowed for Korpi to take his time recovering rather than being rushed back onto the ice. Clearly in the playoffs Korpi as the #1 starting 9 games versus Elvis only starting 2.
As a CBJ fan, I expected to have the goalie pecking order figured out by the end of 2020. In this situation where both were performing at a high level, its a good problem to still have unresolved. There are some probable outcomes for the upcoming season:
1. Both continue high performance levels
This is the most ideal situation for the CBJ. It is also the most unlikely. Having goalies push each other to continue high performance over the course of a season seems to have a slim chance of coming to pass.
2. Both underperform
Inconsistent opportunities to perform usually leads to goaltender struggles. This leads to the 'if you have 2 starters you have no starter' quote. If both are performing below an expected level and Torts bounces back and forth between them it could compound the inconsistency. While I hope this is just as unlikely as scenario 1 this could be disastrous in 2021.
3. A #1 emerges
This is the most likely of the scenarios. It would allow for a high quality backup/situational goalie or possibly lead to a trade. This also works as an insurance policy against injury with a reserve goalie that prevents a severe drop off in quality.
Obviously there are other scenarios that may occur and I could spend all day opining about them. The fact remains that the CBJ have yet to determine a clear starter. Both Korpi and Elvis were playing for contract extensions last year and both came through in key situations. Either could be the majority starter in 2021. Barring injury, I believe that Korpi will be given the early chance. Performance will continue to drive the decision around who starts. If the CBJ are winning and Korpi is good he will stay. If the CBJ are losing, regardless of his performance, I believe Korpi will be on a short leash.
Tell me who you want to see in net and why.
Good Luck and GO JACKETS!
*source: https://www.tsn.ca/teams-turning-to-goaltending-tandems-more-than-ever-1.1520913
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»