Quote:
Originally Posted by kehatch
If the organization believes that putting Irving in equals lost games then they shouldn't put him in net. But if they think that then he has no business backing up Kipper in the NHL.
I don't agree that putting Irving in net puts the Heat at a greater chance of losing. My belief (and it is just a gut feel) is that Taylor was the starter to end the season so Taylor is the starter until he loses the position. When I hear Ward saying "it is Taylor's net" I am not hearing he won it in camp so he gets the start. I am hearing he is the starting goalie for the Heat dating back to last season so it his net.
Which would be fine if the guy sitting in the rafters wasn't a high Flames prospect expected to be the NHL back-up as soon as the season starts up again.
In my opinion it needs to be the other way around. It is Irving's net until he loses the position.
If he did something in camp or practice that lead him to lose the position to Taylor then so be it. Ward and the Heat are doing the right thing. But if Taylor is getting it by default on the merit of last season then that is a poor decision IMO.
|
Oh, I completely agree. I wasn't insinuating that Irving equals lost games. I was just sort of talking about his inconsistencies during his tenure in the AHL. At times, Irving can be the best in the AHL then a couple of weeks later he'll let in four goals on seven shots in the first period.
Taylor is a bit more consistent in that sense. He doesn't often have a terrible game.
I agree though that development should be at the top of the priority list. That's why I think Ward is keeping Taylor in net - winning as helping the rest of the young players' development on the team. It doesn't help Irving whatsoever, but it sure as heck helps the other guys.