Cristopher Nihlstorp is the real deal.

__________________

Looks like Cal Heeter wins the crease duel in Adirondack. Hovinen appears to be staying down in Trenton to begin the season.

That's a pretty significant boost in Heeter's long-term value. College goalies are getting better and better, closing the gap with the rest of the world.

Hovinen's transition isn't going to be very smooth. Hip surgery plays a role, and the fact he's 6-foot-7 trying to play on a smaller ice --- for so many technical reasons, it's not easy. He's better off working on things in the ECHL ... and I'm sure he'll get to a point where he's comfortable and ready to take the step up to Adirondack. But he better stay healthy ... if he has more hip issues, it's not going to be a good situation for his long-term value.

I don't think Reese is the best coach in this situation, either. I know it could work out a million different ways, but my confidence level in terms of Reese trying to refine a 6-foot-7 goalie from Finland into a solid AHL goalie is pretty low. Not saying he can't be successful with it, but he's never done it before. Quite a project to undertake.

The ECHL is a fairly chaotic league, too. The talent might be lower, but the game play can be tough on a goalie. Very interesting to see how he plays in the ECHL to start the season.

Meanwhile Heeter has the chance to really bolster his development and experience and long-term value.

__________________

Sami Aittokallio and Calvin Pickard are your two AHL goalies in Lake Erie.

Very tough break for Kent Patterson, who now slides all the way down to the Central Hockey League with Kieran Millan.

If you have been following me the past few seasons, you know Sami is a legit AHL talent. Whether or not he has success making the transition from Finland to the AHL without any experience remains to be seen.

This is a very risky tandem for a team that has not been a Calder Cup contender for quite some time. They will both get a lot of work, a lot of action, but not a lot of guidance from a goalie coach.

Let the games begin.

-----

Connor Knapp won the crease duel in Rochester. Lieuwen down to the ECHL. Leggio/Knapp was my projected tandem from the AHL Crease Duel preview so I'm not surprised by this.

-----

Joe Cannata down to the ECHL. Lack-Climie tandem is going to terrorize the AHL.

__________________