Post by habsgm on Aug 22, 2011 9:42:02 GMT -5
MONTREAL -- The Montreal Canadiens (8-10-3) have already experienced a rollercoaster of a season, and it's just barely begun. The Canadiens, two weeks ago, saw themselves (albeit early in the season) atop their division. It's no secret that the coupe de grace this year appears to be coming via the goaltending, a well known weakness for the club.
Sergei Bobrovsky, 24, came over from Minnesota to replace Carey Price and so far has not been getting the job done. Bobrovsky has posted a 5-9-2 record, with a minuscule save percentage below 0.880 and a GAA above 3. While Bobrovsky has shown flashes of brilliance, for the most part he has been underwhelming in the spotlights of one of the greatest hockey cities in the world.
You can stare at the stats as much as you want, but it's clear to see the problem. The Canadiens are fourth in the league in goals against with 73 in 21 games, an average of 3.5 goals against per game. Meanwhile, they're averaging just 2.6 goals for per game as well. But that's not a detriment to the team, as the top line has been clicking. All three lead the team in points, with Briere atop the leaderboards with 23 points in 21 games. It appears that the teams inability to keep the puck out of their own zone is being the killer.
Rookie backup Dustin Tokarski has started in just two games so far this season, but has posted a respectable 0.908 save percentage in those two games. Perhaps there's hope in the crease yet for the Canadiens, but it's too early to tell.
Sergei Bobrovsky, 24, came over from Minnesota to replace Carey Price and so far has not been getting the job done. Bobrovsky has posted a 5-9-2 record, with a minuscule save percentage below 0.880 and a GAA above 3. While Bobrovsky has shown flashes of brilliance, for the most part he has been underwhelming in the spotlights of one of the greatest hockey cities in the world.
You can stare at the stats as much as you want, but it's clear to see the problem. The Canadiens are fourth in the league in goals against with 73 in 21 games, an average of 3.5 goals against per game. Meanwhile, they're averaging just 2.6 goals for per game as well. But that's not a detriment to the team, as the top line has been clicking. All three lead the team in points, with Briere atop the leaderboards with 23 points in 21 games. It appears that the teams inability to keep the puck out of their own zone is being the killer.
Rookie backup Dustin Tokarski has started in just two games so far this season, but has posted a respectable 0.908 save percentage in those two games. Perhaps there's hope in the crease yet for the Canadiens, but it's too early to tell.