Many, many people on this site said the same thing about Johnson when we got him. - sskkoo1
Johnathan Willis of the Edmonton Journal called Johnson "a nightmare" for the Islanders writing, '[Johnson's] record doesn’t seem bad until one realizes that the Isles are 33-13-1 when he doesn’t record the decision. He’s been a train wreck, and while he might rebound New York could have been in a very bad position if anything were to happen to starter Jaroslav Halak.
"The loss of Neuvirth to a playoff-bound team leaves Buffalo with what is without question the worst goaltending tandem in the NHL today," wrote Willis, "a duo which (not counting injury) has to be competitive for the worst tandem of the lockout era. We’ve described Johnson’s issues this year in detail. His new netminding partner Anders Lindback is even worse.
"The Sabres’ laughably bad goaltending should give the team the push it needs to finish dead last. The gap between a bad Edmonton team and a bad-and-rapidly-deteriorating Arizona squad had narrowed to three and four points, respectively. Johnson and Lindback should ensure it doesn’t get any tighter."
1) I know for a FACT he wanted to come back
2) he's PROVEN to be a capable backup here, and also a pretty decent starter when injuries occur
3) Nilsson has had ZERO NHL success & he's backing up a guy who's a pretty big question mark
I get that Murray LOVES Lehner, and I have high hopes too
But with his inconsistency throughout his career, and injury history...
There should've been a MUCH better backup brought in
And if Ullmark is the plan b,
Then that's still a huge question mark as well
With all the other improvements made to the team,
It just seems like a mistake to leave our goaltending situation in this state
Johnathan Willis of the Edmonton Journal called Johnson "a nightmare" for the Islanders writing, ' - Michael Pachla[Johnson's] record doesn’t seem bad until one realizes that the Isles are 33-13-1 when he doesn’t record the decision. He’s been a train wreck, and while he might rebound New York could have been in a very bad position if anything were to happen to starter Jaroslav Halak.
"The loss of Neuvirth to a playoff-bound team leaves Buffalo with what is without question the worst goaltending tandem in the NHL today," wrote Willis, "a duo which (not counting injury) has to be competitive for the worst tandem of the lockout era. We’ve described Johnson’s issues this year in detail. His new netminding partner Anders Lindback is even worse.
"The Sabres’ laughably bad goaltending should give the team the push it needs to finish dead last. The gap between a bad Edmonton team and a bad-and-rapidly-deteriorating Arizona squad had narrowed to three and four points, respectively. Johnson and Lindback should ensure it doesn’t get any tighter."
Location: You are all Weirdos, NY Joined: 06.06.2012
Sep 10 @ 12:12 PM ET
Johnson had at least had some success in the league before
Nilsson hasn't had any at all
What makes u think he'll suddenly be good? - jdfitz77
26 years old, hitting those peak years where goalies put it together. Will get more playing time with us than he's had so far. And, everyone seems to think he'll be a dumpster fire, so I have faith in the underdog.
1) I know for a FACT he wanted to come back
2) he's PROVEN to be a capable backup here, and also a pretty decent starter when injuries occur
3) Nilsson has had ZERO NHL success & he's backing up a guy who's a pretty big question mark
I get that Murray LOVES Lehner, and I have high hopes too
But with his inconsistency throughout his career, and injury history...
There should've been a MUCH better backup brought in
And if Ullmark is the plan b,
Then that's still a huge question mark as well
With all the other improvements made to the team,
It just seems like a mistake to leave our goaltending situation in this state - jdfitz77
lots of options that didn't cost us a 4th/5th rd pick and a better track record in the NHL
26 years old, hitting those peak years where goalies put it together. Will get more playing time with us than he's had so far. And, everyone seems to think he'll be a dumpster fire, so I have faith in the underdog. - sskkoo1
I appreciate your optimism, but I don't see it
Hope I'm wrong though
Goaltending is the one thing that could kill our chance at a playoff run this year
Location: You are all Weirdos, NY Joined: 06.06.2012
Sep 10 @ 12:19 PM ET
I appreciate your optimism, but I don't see it
Hope I'm wrong though
Goaltending is the one thing that could kill our chance at a playoff run this year - jdfitz77
If goaltending is an issue by December, I think Murray pulls the trigger and brings in help. But, I think we'll be fine though. I like this years team to be stronger on the forecheck and defensively, it will take some pressure off our goalies carrying the team. If we do have any issues, it will be goal scoring, yet again.
......Won't know till the end of the season - cabin
I know a lot of ppl are saying that if Lehner gets here,
Then we'll just bring up Ullmark
But what if Lehner just doesn't play well?
I doubt he considers Nilsson much of a threat that's gonna push for playing time
Or what if Lehner stays healthy for the most part,
But Nilsson goes something like 2-8-3
Can we afford to have a backup with that kind of record?
I think we'll be in the mix with like 4 or 5 teams trying for a wild card
Missing out on those points could kill us
If goaltending is an issue by December, I think Murray pulls the trigger and brings in help. But, I think we'll be fine though. I like this years team to be stronger on the forecheck and defensively, it will take some pressure off our goalies carrying the team. If we do have any issues, it will be goal scoring, yet again. - sskkoo1
IMO this team can't wait til december if there is a goalie issue
If goaltending is an issue by December, I think Murray pulls the trigger and brings in help. But, I think we'll be fine though. I like this years team to be stronger on the forecheck and defensively, it will take some pressure off our goalies carrying the team. If we do have any issues, it will be goal scoring, yet again. - sskkoo1
How many points did we miss out on to that point though?
Waiting till December (or whenever) could be too late
Location: You are all Weirdos, NY Joined: 06.06.2012
Sep 10 @ 12:25 PM ET
IMO this team can't wait til december if there is a goalie issue
playoffs or bust - homiedclown
I think you have until around mid-December to decide if your team has serious issues and address them with hopes of still making the playoffs. You wait until January and you'll never make up ground.
Location: You are all Weirdos, NY Joined: 06.06.2012
Sep 10 @ 12:28 PM ET
How many points did we miss out on to that point though?
Waiting till December (or whenever) could be too late - jdfitz77
No, you're right, it's said that you can't win a payoff spot in October, but you can lose one. I just think early to mid-December is the absolute latest you can wait to make a move and possible still contend for a spot in April.
I think you have until around mid-December to decide if your team has serious issues and address them with hopes of still making the playoffs. You wait until January and you'll never make up ground. - sskkoo1
We can still pull out points if the forwards aren't scoring a lot, or the defense struggles...
If we get poor goaltending, we're screwed
This team isn't good enough yet to win too many 5-4 games
No, you're right, it's said that you can't win a payoff spot in October, but you can lose one. I just think early to mid-December is the absolute latest you can wait to make a move and possible still contend for a spot in April. - sskkoo1
Yeah...
I just wish Murray made a move for a backup that's had a track record of success
I really hope you're right about Nilsson though
This is prob his last shot at an NHL job too...
So maybe that motivation is what helps him turn the corner?
There is a tremendous amount of pressure on both Lehner and Murray for Lehner to stay healthy and perform at a top 15 goal-tending level. I'm a glass half full kind of guy so I say he has a really strong year:
55 games
2.30 gaa
9.20 sv %
However, even with those numbers I am not sure they are good enough to help the Sabres get into the playoffs. I think they'll be a 90 - 95 point team
Location: You are all Weirdos, NY Joined: 06.06.2012
Sep 10 @ 12:36 PM ET
Yeah...
I just wish Murray made a move for a backup that's had a track record of success
I really hope you're right about Nilsson though
This is prob his last shot at an NHL job too...
So maybe that motivation is what helps him turn the corner? - jdfitz77
Yeah, hopefully goaltending isn't an issue, it's time to start winning. But, if goaltending derails the season, then tank hard and get our future top pairing defensemen of the future via draft.
There is a tremendous amount of pressure on both Lehner and Murray for Lehner to stay healthy and perform at a top 15 goal-tending level. I'm a glass half full kind of guy so I say he has a really strong year:
55 games
2.30 gaa
9.20 sv %
However, even with those numbers I am not sure they are good enough to help the Sabres get into the playoffs. I think they'll be a 90 - 95 point team - SabreWest
I think with this D, we are better off trying to win games 4-3 then trying to hold on to a 2-1 win
