Poll: Who should guard the Senators’ net while Anderson recovers?
Vote in our poll and let us know what you think.
Colin Greening #14 of the Ottawa Senators scores in double overtime against Tomas Vokoun #92 of the Pittsburgh Penguins as Mark Eaton #4 of the Pittsburgh Penguins defends the net, in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, at Scotiabank Place, on May 19, 2013 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)
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Right from the time Auld was signed, it was made clear he was here to be a backup goaltender. Brian Murray said in training camp, if an injury were to occur, Robin Lehner would be brought up to start games. Auld is likely to get a couple more starts than he would have if Anderson didn’t get injured. However, the ball will go to Lehner for him to run with.
That being said, I think people are being pretty hard on Auld. I realize that his record isn’t great, nor are his statistics, but they don’t tell the whole story. He has played poorly in a couple of games, but he has also played really well in a couple game. Keep in mind that his numbers are affected even when he comes in relief of Anderson during a game. Usually in those games, the game is already lost, and he’s coming in cold. Obviously not at your best. Auld is here to be a backup, but it isn’t like he has forgotten how to stop a puck.
I think the team will do fine with Lehner starting & Auld spelling in every 3 or 4 games. The team may only go .500 over that stretch, but a point per game pace is enough to get us into the playoffs. Before you know it, Anderson will be back in net, play 3 or 4 games to get his groove back & then we’ll be into the playoffs. No sweat.
Lehner is under achieving presently in Binghampton. We are in danger of the Kadri effect as Lehner is ready for the big leagues…he has stonewalled the likes of Subban, Eberle, Filatov, and he is the recipient of the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as AHL MVP in 2011!
He needs an opportunity to rise to the occasion playing alongside Karlsson, Alfy, and Auld, who is often referred to as a goalie’s best friend since he is a phenom mentor. He is festering in the AHL, which is no surprise since all his teammates from the 2011 cup run are in Ottawa. Expecting big things while Andy recovers.
Hey Sens fans. Lehner is a reasonable prospect in the organization, but goalies take a long, long time to develop. The 63% of you who want him starting would risk ruining his career.
Auld’s been an NHL starter before, let him do his job and bring in Lehner if it turns into a major disaster.
You’ll probably be better off now and in the future.
I think Gustavson is a very suitable back-up.
Pascal Leclaire is currently an unrestricted free agent looking for some action. We’d be able to get him for super cheap too. Better than Auld IMO.
Lehner has taken a step backwards, this could be his undoing as well and perhaps might (unfairly) dictate his future – he knows this.
Many of the guys on the team relied on him throughout the Calder Cup run, so their confidence in him back there might be fine.
Only one way to find out.