Calgary's Goalie Conundrum
by Kent Wilson on May 21, 2009 6:55 PM PDT
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PrintAt this point, any Flames fan that hasn't been busily protecting himself (or herself) from cognitive dissonance realizes the club has an issue in goal. Kiprusoff SV% has steadily declined since his Vezina season, culminating in his below average performance this season. He's signed for another 5 years (that's till the end of 13/14) and has one of the highest cap hits in the league, relative to other goalies. And, as if that's not enough, he has a NMC attached to that albatross deal.
That's just where the issues start, however.
Let's say, the organization decided it wanted to acquire a real, established NHL goaltender to back-up Kipper this off-season. A reasonably affordable younger guy that would have the chance of pulling a Hiller should Kipper fall into Raycroft territory (which is conceivable at this point). Think: Antero Niittymaki, Jason Labarbera, Ty Conklin, Craig Anderson.
Ignoring the Flames lack of cap room for a minute and pretending they could spend more than minimum on the back-up, what are the chances that any of these guys would sign with Calgary? Knowing what they know about Kiprusoff's position in the organization, Mike Keenan and the manner in which Kipper was deployed last season (despite not playing all that well)...I would say "nil", assuming, of course, they wish to push for a starting role rather than open a bench door for 70 games a year. There probably isn't a less attractive destination in the league if you're a back-up goalie with any kind of aspirations to improve or get promoted. Just ask Curtis McElhinney.
Unless Kiprusoff improbably regains his form, the only way "out" of this situation that I can see is for Miikka to get injured and some internal asset to step up and displace him. Akin to the Pascal Leclaire/Steve Mason thing that happened in Columbus this season.
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I think there is a bit more room for a backup to step in than you are suggesting, but I agree that signing someone from outside the club is unlikely. Part of Mackle’s problem is that he never showed himself as being any better than Kipper. Until the final Edmonton game, he only had one start where he saved above .900. Even some of his relief efforts (where, presumably, the other team didn’t have to push as hard offensively) he didn’t reach that mark.
I realize Mackle never seemed to have a good team in front of him, and I don’t want to pin any blame on him. But looking at the situation from the other direction, he never gave Keenan a reason to put him out for an extra game or two. And so the possibility is open for a backup to come in, steal a game or two, and put Kipper down to a more reasonable 40-50 (or whatever) game season.
I dont think Nittymaki is that far fetched of an idea. To be honest I would put money on him being signed for next year. Him and Kipper have played together in the past, he will not be resigned, and seems to have accepted he is not a starter. Sutter stating that kipper has played too much this past season all but opens the door for a player like nittymaki to steal the show with approximately 20-30 games in a perfect situation. He’s is an idea solution from a person who should make a huge amount of money. To fit him in a lot of kids will be filling the roster. I dont think it will happen but Jokinen has to go, even then i dont think Cammalleri could be resigned. They need a better focus on reducing GA to offset the reduction in GF
I don’t know too much about Niittymaki, but it would surprise me if he’s thrown in the towel when it comes to being a starter (or at least 1B goalie) in the league. He put up his best SV% in years last season and will likely be looking at this UFA season as his last kick at the can. It’s impossible to know what kind of offers back-up goalies will be getting this summer, but Im guessing the Flames will be relegated to the bottom of the pile by each and every goalie’s agent. We’ve become a back-ups graveyard the last few years.
Heh, indeed. I’d like the Flames to take a serious look at your AHL affiliate`s head coach, btw. Arniel`s done a bang-up job here in the `Peg.
by Robert Cleave on May 22, 2009 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions
i do think this will affect the outcome of your query, if the flames were to install a coach like mcgill in the top spot, he would be acutely aware of the skills/drawbacks of guys like McE, keetly and irv. this would allow for a far more informed decision on what kind of backup we’re after (i would put manny legace on that list, depending on dollars asked).
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