Part of being a cynic/Senators realist is that you're always waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Sure, happy days are here again in the nation's capital, but when it comes to the Ottawa Senators -- what goes up must come down. And we're looking at you, Brian Elliott.
In the midst of all this euphoria, did anyone stop to think that some of the Manatee's ways may have rubbed off on No. 30? And believe me, this isn't just controlling those wayward rebounds.
Brian Elliott may know how to keep the ball rolling, but he certainly didn't start it. That distinction belongs to Mike Brodeur, with his two victories over Montreal and the Rangers in mid-January.
Elliott was then handed the keys, and told not to crash. So far, he's been doing better than expected.
And what does this have to do with Martin Gerber? Well, it would appear like his predecessor, Elliott does not handle pressure with the greatest of ease. However, bring him into an already positive situation, and he'll perform as desired.
But good times don't last forever -- not for any team. So here's something to chew on for those crowing about the Sens' glut of goaltenders (including one highly tradable Pascal Leclaire, according to the glue-sniffing fanatics): Until you have a backstopper who can help dig you out of a hole, as well as keeping you riding high, nothing regarding this netminding controversy has been solved.
More later.
Posts
I hate to answer a question with a question, but here goes - whose goaltending situation IS settled around the League? There are about half a dozen teams who have a clear cut #1 performing about like they expected him to. Everyone else is either shuffling guys in and out, or winning with a somewhat surprising starter. (Craig Anderson, Jimmy Howard, etc.) Goaltending in the NHL is bizarre in that you can't win without it, yet drafting and developing goaltenders is such a crapshoot, with no rhyme or reason as to why guys struggle or step up. Elliott, for instance, couldn't stop a beach ball a few weeks ago, yet was NHL Player of the Week last week. Mike Brodeur was in the ECHL a couple of years ago, and is now 3-0 as an NHL starter. Instead of over-analyzing the goaltending situation, the best strategy might be to do exactly what the Senators are doing right now - just ride the hot hand, and take it from there.
Dennis Prouse
11:38 a.m.
Off the top of my head: Boston, the Rangers, Pittsburgh, New Jersey, Buffalo, San Jose, Vancouver (when Luongo's head is on straight - but there's no doubt he owns the No. 1 position...that was the point of the post). Those are your teams with undisputed No. 1 backstoppers.
The post was about Ottawa, D, although I do understand what you're saying. This boils down to my belief that Elliott isn't the guy -- just like Gerber wasn't in the past. Obviously it's not an easy task to find a true No. 1, but one wonders when the Sens will ever have their own.
The Universal Cynic
1:29 p.m.
Obviously it's not an easy task to find a true No. 1, but one wonders when the Sens will ever have their own.
You are breaking my heart. Now if you'll excuse me I have to go home and put on my Patrick Lalime jersey and cry myself to sleep
Dany Heatley Speedwagon
2:22 p.m.
Frustrating part about Gerber was that you knew he had it in him to come up with big games. (Just ask Team Canada 2006.) It's so weird how goalies can just disappear beneath the waves like that. (Hello, Jim Carrey!)
I guess there are two ways to tackle the goalie debate. One is to have a clear cut #1, like the teams you mentioned. One of the problems with that approach, though, is that you potentially burn them out by the playoffs. There is now a fairly clear pattern emerging of the 70+ game guys flaming out in the playoffs, with Luongo and Kiprusoff being good examples last year. I look at Ryan Miller, all 170 pounds of him, and wonder if he could really play effectively every second night from now through to June without burning out. My bet is no.
The other way is to simply keep it competitive in there - best guy plays, and don't let anyone get overworked or too comfy as #1. You could argue that Nashville is doing that right now, as are the Habs and Boston.
Dennis Prouse
2:50 p.m.
Frustrating part about Gerber was that you knew he had it in him to come up with big games.
Based on what exactly? He had a career 3.50 GAA and 0.890 SV% in 12 NHL playoff games.
Dany Heatley Speedwagon
3:07 p.m.
The concern is not with Elliott but rather Leclaire. They'll have to play him because of his salary and he'll likely shit the bed again.
What do you do then? Do you keep playing him because he's a nice guy, TimBit hockey style? Or do you let him ride the pine until Elliott proves he can't carry the load.
I don't put a lot of stock in this team come playoff time, but if I were a betting guy I'd bet on Elliott at least being able to win a game or two in the post-season.
Anonymous
4:32 p.m.
"The concern is not with Elliott but rather Leclaire. They'll have to play him because of his salary and he'll likely shit the bed again.
What do you do then? Do you keep playing him because he's a nice guy, TimBit hockey style? Or do you let him ride the pine until Elliott proves he can't carry the load."
An excellent point, anonymous. And the fact is, yes, Leclaire WILL be brought back in eventually, and it will boil down to monetary reasons (a la Gerber).
As for post-season, I can't get behind Elliott completely. I'd trust that he might play well if (and this is a big if) the team was firing on all cylinders. But steal a game, let alone two? I don't see it.
The Universal Cynic
4:53 p.m.