Net Flux is Chill in Nashville
NASHVILLE, TN (AP) - When Marc-Andre Fleury was traded from Colorado earlier this season he was thrilled right off the bat. "We were perennial under-achievers there. I mean the GM was spending money and we were a cap team and couldn't even make the playoffs. Coming to Nashville where they made the playoffs and won a round last year is just exciting!" The goaltending situation in Nashville is a little crowded though. The Predators have Fleury, along with rookie Petr Mrazek and Carter Hutton all on the pro-roster. A quick look at their AHL affiliate (undefeated this season!) tells you that there are basically five goalies in the system for four spots.
"I just want to learn and get better everyday. When the coach needs me to stop the puck , I am ready and hopefully get some opportunities to show that this season" says Mrazek. He was a free agent signing made by the GM after a standout performance in the World Juniors against Russia. "The Czechs lost that game, but Mrazek was outstanding" said GM Slava "I immediately began work to sign him after that game." In his first CPHL season Mrazek has played three times getting the win once and losing twice in extra time. His goals against and save percentage are great for a rookie. "I know that I won't always get to start because I'm not first in line, but I want to play well and earn more time."
So what does this mean for Carter Hutton? Signed in the summer of 2014, Hutton has played sparingly for the Predators. He hasn't made a start this year, and while there is always the possibility of an injury it doesn't seem like he will draw in soon. "I'm totally fine with the situation. The three of us get along really well and we all know the pecking order. I keep battling at practice and you never know. Last night I saw that Cedrick Desjardins not only had a start but somehow won a game in the CPHL. If guys like that are winning games then I should get my chance soon enough!" The crowded crease hasn't meant for an easy decision for the GM here though. "I would like to see Hutton get some playing time, but he has to be better to earn that. We won't send him to Milwaukee and risk losing him for nothing because he is at least a capable back-up."
So while there is a lot of changes between the pipes this year in Nashville, everyone seems to be pretty happy with the situation. While there could be moves to come, the starters and back-ups seem content and everything is rolling along just fine
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