Oh the powerplay has been ridiculously bad, no doubt. Doesn't detract from the fact that our two rookie goalies have let in a few stinkers as well. I was pointing out that losing your two starting G isn't ideal when you're attempting a playoff push, but you're right to shine the light elsewhere as I certainly am not blaming two green tenders for the losses. For one, the team's gotta step up for the noobs, and two - just like Gus last year - the coach has *gotta* play the rookies more, get them some seasoning, so when things like this happen we aren't shouldering the burden on two kids with no time in the show.
- Bartacus
Soogard is a big goalie. He takes up a lot of net, but his agility needs work. He is not great at going post to post and has been beaten pretty cleanly by in tight chances when he needs to move rather than just stick a leg out. It’s fixable but needs seasoning in the AHL.
Mandolese is bit more of a project. Some decent tools but I sort of get Hoggard vibes. Not supernatural looking in the goal.
As much as I knocked the pick, Merilainen is putting up solid numbers in SM-liiga with a 2.02 GAA and .918 SV%. He’s only 20 years old so several years away but he’s looking like the best possibility for a system developed goalie.
Assuming Talbot moves on, I am not sure Soogard and Forsberg are a tandem I’d run with. Forsberg is an ok back up but an everyday guy would be idea. Slim pickings on free agency with the likes of Quick, Varlamov, Andersen, Bernier, and Khudobin who could realistically all call it a career.
It would be interesting to see if RFA Jeremy Swayman could be brought to town. Likely could sign a reasonable bridge deal if acquired. More established but looking for a break. Unlikely as a division rival. But you never know.
