Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Pictures
Within the rollercoaster matinee matchup between the Ottawa Senators and Los Angeles Kings on Monday, the Sens’ X account might need stated it finest.
“Let’s by no means try this once more,” the account stated in a reply to the Kings following an 8-7 additional time win for the Senators.
Though the Senators count on to be an improved workforce than the one which completed second-last within the Atlantic Division final season, they received a chilly reminder of what was considered one of their largest issues final 12 months – their goaltending.
With new Sens No. 1 netminder Linus Ullmark injured and out of the lineup, Ottawa turned to backup Anton Forsberg for his first motion of the season. And Forsberg didn’t ship constructive outcomes, surrendering three objectives on 9 photographs and getting pulled on the 6:15 mark of the second interval.
Third-string Sens goaltender Mads Sogaard wasn’t significantly better, permitting 4 objectives on 17 photographs.
The Senators discovered a strategy to preserve clawing again in opposition to the Kings, by no means trailing by greater than two objectives, tying the match at 4-4, 5-5 and 6-6 and even taking a 7-6 lead earlier than Los Angeles scored the equalizer. Josh Norris performed hero together with his second purpose of the sport to complete it off in additional time.
For what it is value, Kings netminder Darcy Kuemper wasn’t notably spectacular in his third begin of the season after a powerful first two video games. However Ottawa’s subpar netminding stood out like a sore thumb – and a few Senators followers are rightly concerned in regards to the caliber of goaltending they’re going to get behind Ullmark.
It’s not time simply but to throw Forsberg and Sogaard below the bus. Nonetheless, in a division the place the distinction between making and lacking the Stanley Cup playoffs may very well be one or two factors, it’s worrisome for Senators brass to assume they may get extra subpar goaltending with out Ullmark in internet. If that turns into a much bigger downside, Senators GM Steve Staios should contemplate each choice to enhance the No. 2 goalie place, even when it means taking an opportunity on one other unproven netminder only for a change of surroundings.
Requested Travis Inexperienced about his thought course of to drag Anton Forsberg from the sport.
“3 objectives on 10 photographs.”
— Alex Adams (@alexadamsBTP_) October 14, 2024
For example, would the San Jose Sharks half methods with veteran Vitek Vanecek, on condition that (a) Vanecek had a stable first recreation this season, stopping 28 of 29 photographs in opposition to Anaheim on Saturday, and (b) the Sharks have succesful prospect Yaroslav Askarov already thriving within the AHL this season?
As long as the Sens are prepared to pay a draft decide or prospect and Forsberg’s wage in return for Vanecek, the transfer would match below each groups’ wage cap ceilings – simply barely, in Ottawa’s case. Vanecek has a $3.4-million cap hit, whereas Forsberg has a $2.75-million cap hit, with Vanecek and Forsberg turning into UFAs at season’s finish.
Vanecek’s stats final season and in his profession have been just like Forsberg’s, however the former’s 2.45 GAA and .911 SP in 52 video games in 2022-23 is attractive if he can rediscover that kind. If Vanecek performs as he did in his first recreation extra persistently this season and Forsberg would not enhance, that transfer could be value making. But when Vanecek would not bounce again from an .890 save share final season on the Devils, he will not be Ottawa’s resolution.
No matter whether or not Ottawa acquires one other netminder or not, the Senators needs to be counting their fortunate stars they acquired Ullmark this summer season and signed him to a lengthy contract extension final week. The choice – operating it again with Forsberg and former Senators starter Joonas Korpisalo this season – may’ve been a recipe for disappointment. Even on the backup goalie spot, although, Staios will probably have to look at for higher choices by or earlier than the NHL’s commerce deadline until Forsberg or Sogaard enhance their play in a rush.
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