Quote:
Originally Posted by Bonded
Markstrom would 100% being raked over the coals. The real difference is that Vladar has gotten run support. I am not really comfortable with either right now. Neither looking like they would be the best goalie in a playoff round.
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There are three big differences between the two goalies right now:
1) Vladar has 100% been better in close games. Their save percentages when the game is within 1 goal is example of that:
Vladar: 0.915
Markstrom: 0.885
That's why people have more trust in Vladar right now. That feeling that he does a better job of keeping a job in the games when it's close is 100% correct right now.
2) Vladar is making more of the tough saves.
HDSV%: 0.844 VS 0.821
MDSV%: 0.887 VS 0.867
LDSV%: 0.946 VS 0.962
Total: 0.903 VS 0.895
Interestingly enough Vladar has actually let in more low danger goals this season, but across HD and MD he's making more saves. This corresponds to me saying last night's game was similar to Markstrom's play this year IMO - nothing was soft but too many of the good chances went in.
3) Salary & Expectations
When you're making $6M per season, and were a Vezina finalist the year before you're going to have higher expectations when you are struggling.
It's no different than people really harping on Huberdeau and Weegar's struggles at times. When you are big Free Agent signings you tend to get more scrutiny.
People expect little from the back up (especially with the Flames history), so when it feels like he's keeping them in this playoff race he's going to get more benefit of the doubt.