Sometimes NHL coaches get too attached to their starting netminders and forget to let the backups spell them for a night or two. That’s usually understandable. Starters are starters for a reason, and riding them for a couple extra games is typically warranted.
NHL scores 2014: Stars, Ducks get blown out as goalies falter
Sometimes you just have to let the backups play.
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
But starting your netminders on the second night of a back-to-back is another thing entirely, and three coaches got burned by it on Sunday.
The evening began with cries of confusion from Winnipeg Jets fans when coach Paul Maurice started Ondrej Pavelec again. Pavelec is inconsistent -- to put it nicely -- and the thought of starting him on consecutive nights isn't palatable. Maurice paid for his decision immediately when Pavelec gave up three goals on his first 11 shots against before getting pulled.
Lindy Ruff's decision was a little more complicated. The Dallas Stars coach has no reason to trust his backup netminder Anders Lindback after a few poor performances, so he threw Kari Lehtonen out again against the Chicago Blackhawks. Lehtonen finally succumbed to Chicago's onslaught, giving up six goals on 47 shots.
But the worst backlash from double starting a goalie was suffered by Anaheim Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau. Frederik Andersen gave up three goals in the first to the Florida Panthers, got pulled, and then had to return in the third period because Jason LaBarbera gave up another three goals.
Let this be a lesson to you NHL coaches: Let the backups play!
All the NHL Scores
Minnesota Wild 4, Winnipeg Jets 3 (OT)
Chicago Blackhawks 6, Dallas Stars 2
Florida Panthers 6, Anaheim Ducks 2
Three things we learned
1. The Stars look like they don't have any answers. Dallas lost its ninth game in 11 tries to the Blackhawks, but the 6-2 final score doesn't belie how close the game actually was. After hanging tight with Chicago for two periods, the Stars once again collapsed like a dying star in the final 20 minutes. They can't close out games. They can't get stars like Jamie Benn, Ales Hemsky and Jason Spezza on the scoresheet. They can't score on the power play. They can't stay out of the penalty box. That's a lot of problems for a team many expected to contend in the West this year.
2. Zach Parise was clearly itching to get back on the ice. The Wild veteran returned on Sunday after missing the past five games rehabbing an injury and sparked his team's offense with two goals. He also logged 20 minutes of ice time, showing the kind of spark-plug personality on the ice hockey fans have become accustomed to over the years. He was a big reason Minnesota survived blowing a late lead to the Jets.
3. Vincent Trocheck is a water bottle assassin.
Impact Moment
Troy Grosenick’s first career win (a shutout!) was pretty cool for a couple of reasons. First, his celebration was excellent.
Then the camera cut to his dad in the crowd and the win became even more special.
This is what sports are all about. Troy Grosenick's father Scott, after his son earns #sjsharks a shutout win. pic.twitter.com/FXE0U7xOUj
— Brodie Brazil (@brodiebrazilCSN) November 17, 2014 Stat of the Night
The Hockey Hall of Fame will add Rob Blake, Mike Modano, Peter Forsberg and Dominik Hasek to their hallowed ranks on Monday night. Did you know that someone from the Class of 2014 won every major international tournament from 1994 to 2002? I bet you didn't. With each inductee hailing from a different country, this year's class is truly a mark of NHL international excellence.
Post to Post:
- Aaron Ekblad had another strong game for Florida, proving yet again why he was the top pick last season.
- Stars winger Valeri Nichushkin is out for four months with a hip injury.
- Unfortunately it sounds like Gordie Howe's health is still declining.
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