Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
Yes, it is a fact that one of the goalies is 36.
It is also a fact that the other 2 goalies are 26 and 24, and both just had their first seasons of exposure to the NHL last year.
So while it is definitely a concern that the 36 year old may be worse, it is also a very realistic possibility that we see progression from the other two - in fact, I expect it.
I am not arguing that goaltending isn't a concern, it is definitely the #1 concern heading into this season. But if we're going to quote facts, let's try to consider all of them in balanced measure.
|
Rittich is far from a young and inexperienced pup and he has never had the pedigree of being a high end option. Could he take a big step this season? Sure, it's the goal tending position. Anything could happen. But chances are he continues to be a solid backup who struggles when called on to carry the starters load.
Gilles has plenty of potential. But he wasn't ready last season. He was almost at the statistical bottom last season. Some AHL time is probably on the menu for him.
I get they are young. But the Vasilevskys, Murray's, etc didn't go from bad to great. They went from very strong performances in the AHL, to very strong performances in a limited NHL role, and then they won a starting job when their opportunity knocked. That isn't the situation in Calgary so I don't see "being young" as balancing the risk to the positive.