Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Who's The #1 Goalie In Carolina?

09/15/2014 at 4:11pm EDT

from Luke DeCock of the News & Observer,

Buried in the avalanche of information that came out of the Carolina Hurricanes’ media day a few weeks ago was one interesting little nugget from new coach Bill Peters.

Peters said he’d like one of his goalies to play 60 games, which is pretty standard stuff from coaches who generally prefer to have a No. 1 goalie and a backup. Except in these specific circumstances, it’s reasonably explosive proposition.

Not because the Hurricanes don’t have a goalie capable of playing 60 games. They do. They have two, if (and that’s a big if) Cam Ward and Anton Khudobin are each on their game. And that’s the issue. If one goalie is playing 60 games, that means the other is playing 22. There isn’t enough playing time to go around for two goalies who both consider themselves to be the starter.

Peters did qualify that statement, noting the usual hectic early season travel schedule that sees the Hurricanes play two of their first eight games on the road in an attempt to avoid the hassles of playing at home during the North Carolina State Fair will require extensive use of both goalies. But the desire to have a No. 1 guy seems to conflict directly with the players at his disposal.

Peters, who has been nothing less than impressive in his limited interactions so far with the media and public, clearly gets the benefit of the doubt here. Almost every coach would prefer to have a No. 1 goalie who claims the job and runs with it. Making that statement before training camp begins is practically a reflex.

continued

Create an Account

In order to leave a comment, please create an account.

About Kukla's Korner Hockey

Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.

Email Paul anytime at [email protected]

Most Recent Posts

Most Recent Comments

Comment by bigfrog in Kukla's Korner Hockey from the entry Nashville's Top Line - 1 hour ago
Comment by exor54 in Abel to Yzerman from the entry Time To Talk On A Day Off - 3 hours ago
Comment by RWHockey13 in Abel to Yzerman from the entry Time To Talk On A Day Off - 4 hours ago
Comment by damndogrevenge in Abel to Yzerman from the entry Time To Talk On A Day Off - 4 hours ago
Comment by Paul in Kukla's Korner Hockey from the entry NHL GMs Agree To Keep Regular Season OT Format - 4 hours ago