I've started to wonder if Ray Emery ever thanked Dominik Hasek for his impeccable timing.
When Hasek went down with his adductor injury in February, it allowed Emery plenty of time to adapt, and more importantly, to get through a integral cycle of rookie porpoising. His surges and slumps (March and April respectively) were well documented by the media and fans, and yet his demeanour never wavered. Tales of Ray's maturity level only seem worthy of press when they can be perceived in a negative light (bug eating, aesthetic controversies, et al). But his ability to ride out the last turbulent waves of the regular season with a diligent focus, only further demonstrated his ability to perform as a true No. 1 -- and not just a replacement.
There are many in the media who believe Ray needs to play regularly in order to retain his form and confidence -- at least 55 games a season. Based on his play, particularly in the post-season thus far, most are ready to give him that opportunity. Granted, we're only four games in, but Ray has been spectacular for a number of reasons. Obviously his play has been stable, focused and very effective. However, he's not the star of the show. By maintaining his starts at a high, but not an extreme level (e.g. two shutouts), he's removed a great deal of the attention from himself. The spotlight remains, but it doesn't burn as bright. Emery has yet to draw any frenetic attention in this series, on or off the ice. And when you're a rookie goaltender stepping in for a probable hall-of-famer, that's the best way to handle things -- you want people to take notice, but not to the point of obsession.
Ray's star is on the rise -- but not in the traditional, flash-in-the-pan manner that often accompanies the tales from the playoffs. He's doing what he's capable of. And he is proving his point.
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Did I say that Emery was going to win Ottawa a Stanley Cup? No. Did I say that Ray was going to take the Senators past the second round? No. As of right now, he hasn't gotten them out of the first. I'm the last person that will get ahead of myself when it comes to predictions. I was simply giving Ray the credit he justly deserves for the work he has done thus far. End of story. There are no lines to read between in this post, so there's no need to go looking for them.
As for Emery's "loose cannon" behaviour -- Ray's AHL reputation has tended to proceed him in nearly every new NHL situation. Based on his current zen-like mode, I'm led to believe that the doubters will be waiting until they're blue in the face for a meltdown. He's had his opportunities to act up. He hasn't.
And for the record, I doubt anyone is comparing me to any of the other Sun writers. They likely wouldn't appreciate it. That feeling is mutual. Ray may read the papers, but I haven't written about him in some time. Somehow I doubt he's found the URL to my blog, so there's no risk of ego inflammation here. Call it a hunch.
The Universal Cynic
3:22 a.m.