| The Puck Stops Here: Goaltending in the Western Conference | Tweet |
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| Written by Jeff Angus | |||
| Tuesday, 26 June 2007 04:34 | |||
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Here is the second of three articles on the goaltending of the 15 Western Conference clubs. Covered in this article are Dallas, Minnesota, Calgary, Colorado, and St. Louis.
Dallas Current Starter: Marty Turco Current Backup: Mike Smith Summer Outlook: There have been rumours swirling that the Bruins and a number of teams are after Turco’s services. After his stellar first round against the Canucks, his playoff questions have all been answered. His contract is reasonable for a top level goalie, which makes it doubtful that Dallas looks into moving him, even though they believe Smith is almost ready to be a starter in this league. Prediction: Dallas goes into next season with the same two goalies, and Smith continues his progression into a starter. Minnesota Current Starter: Niklas Backstrom Current Backup: Josh Harding Summer Outlook: Manny Fernandez is done in Minnesota; it is just a question of when he is moved. Backstrom was phenomenal last season and Harding is one of the best young prospects in the world. The Wild are set in nets for a long time. Prediction: Fernandez is moved for another roster player and Harding pushes Backstrom right out of camp. Calgary Current Starter: Miikka Kiprusoff Current Backup: Jamie McLennan Summer Outlook: Calgary will probably opt for a different backup, and they have a few options within their own system. Kiprusoff is in a contract year and Calgary has got to lock him up before he hits the open market. Prediction: Calgary promotes Curtis McElhinney to play 5-10 games backing up Kiprusoff. Colorado Current Starter: Peter Budaj Current Backup: Jose Theodore Summer Outlook: Colorado has been trying to move Theodore for the past season, but with his contract that makes it basically impossible. They won’t make any moves between the pipes this off-season. Prediction: Budaj firmly cements himself as a legitimate goalie, while Theodore provides inconsistent play behind him. If the Avalanche had gone with Budaj out of the gate last season, they would have made the playoffs. St. Louis Current Starter: Manny Legace Current Backup: Jason Bacashihua Summer Outlook: The Blues may go for a more veteran back up and try and move Bacashihua. Legace posted terrific numbers after Christmas and looks primed for a big season. Prediction: Legace starts the majority of the games, regardless of who the Blues bring in.
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| Last Updated on Wednesday, 27 June 2007 04:55 |
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