Comments for Rhythm Killers at http://hockey.dobbersports.com , comment 1 to 7 out of 7 comments http://hockey.dobbersports.com Sat, 18 May 2013 05:14:58 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/justin-goldman/2310-rhythm-killers#comment-2070 All good points. I went and check Valiquette's stats out for his backup career. He has fairly average stats, and they aren't too bad, but there is a very large sample size. He looked farily ordinary tonight though - some nice saves, some soft goals. I really want to ask about Lehtonen and how he will disrupt the team if he comes back - but save that for another day or article. Cheers - HyperScythe Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:51:53 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/justin-goldman/2310-rhythm-killers#comment-2064 Thanks for the great comments boys!! REALLY appreciated, especially this week =D Hyperscythe, I think that's one of the thing about backups. There's no 'perfect' backup currently out there because it literally just depends on a game-by-game basis. Goalies fall in and out of being the perfect one, it has a lot of elements to it. If I had to name a couple that are perfect RIGHT NOW, I'd say Mathieu Garon and Johan Hedberg, Alex Auld, Scott Clemmensen and MAYBE Ty Conklin all fit the bill very well. Most of the better backups out there are usually veterans that have a lot of experience and know how to handle these things. I think Jason LaBarbera is going to turn into a great backup, because he has steadily improved since the moment he left LA and now he's on a good defensive team that will allow him to gain confidence as time goes on...and he's a big dude. But I would say that any veteran of 10+ year careers make the best backups. Taking advantage of minutes in the crease early in a goalie's career is basically THE key to becoming a legitimate fantasy value. Carey Price got that chance and Jaroslav Halak awaits his patiently. Jonas Hiller got his quicker than ANYONE expected and he took advantage. Peter Budaj eventually got his chance and failed miserably. Every goalie has a different story and a different style and that's why I always say it's a game-by-game basis. Good stuff boys and thanks again for the great compliments. They add fule to the fire. - Justin Goldman Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:08:38 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/justin-goldman/2310-rhythm-killers#comment-2060 Awesome article. I remember reading an article last year about why the Wild should let Backstrom go and sign Harding and run with that. Reasons being that they need an offensive and defensive boost and Harding is a good goalie. This was not to say that Backstrom isn't an excellent goalie, but rather a statistical analysis proving that Harding is more than capable and that the Wild have other priorities. Your article goes a long way to reminding me how good Harding could be if he is traded to another team. Do you have anything thoughts about who (or what) would make the 'perfect' backup. Any goalies that don't require a rhythm? A guy who gets a start tonight, Valiquette seems to be the perfect backup to Lundqvist. He rarely ever starts (although he will see more time this year), but always seems to put up decent numbers. And that isn't including his easy ride last game. I haven't followed him or looked at his numbers so I may need to be corrected - but its a general feeling I have about him. Back to the article - I think its interesting how almost every goaltender that is given more than a chance to get into a rhythm, is considered an 'elite' goalie - or atleast a tier 1 goalie. Whereas goalies that start 50 games, might get into a rhythm a couple of times over the season, but never sustain it for a period of time. Prime example of this being Roloson last year. He started average - and bottom of the depth charts, but once he got going he really stepped up and performed. Whereas Garon wasn't given the chance. Sometimes coaches need to have more faith in their goalies and start them more consistently. And when a backup gets thrown in he should get more than just the one game. Like I said before with Huet - the Hawks should play their system around him, not the other way around. They would be a far better squad this way. And then Huet could competently play 60+ games. But I think that the situation is already well out of hand in Chicago and this week could decide Huet's future. I think Niemi has the start on Wednesday against the Canucks too - HyperScythe Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:36:22 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/justin-goldman/2310-rhythm-killers#comment-2057 Good article! It underlines(at least to me) what is going on in Minnesota. The Wild Blow!! Everything they have done thus far , fantasy pool related, has blown. They don't have top end prospects because they refuse to take risks!(and have poor player development) They look for players who they can plug in on the bottom end who they can call leaders, and justify that leadership tag with a high draft slot! There is no reason a guy like Gaborik would want to leave a market like that! They have one of the best hockey markets around. He left because they do it the wrong way! - Greg Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:17:56 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/justin-goldman/2310-rhythm-killers#comment-2051 That was a great article, one of if not your best. Partially because I was just having this conversation with a friend on Saturday regarding Harding and it's good to know he hasn't spoiled but just needs those rhythm starts. I also have Huet...I'm losing a lot of goalie cats right now haha - Andrew Mason Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:39:43 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/justin-goldman/2310-rhythm-killers#comment-2050 ditto, always enjoy your articles. they all have substance. not just hunches, or feelings. you back up pretty much everything you say. i think it was your earlier article that tooted the play of miller this year, and ive been reaping the benefits! kudos for the great work! - Chandan Singh Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:35:30 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/justin-goldman/2310-rhythm-killers#comment-2049 I made it to the end, and I think I still wanted more...good article Justin. Can't wait until the next... - shook81 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:20:03 +0100