Rangers Have Goaltending Options


We’re still a few days removed from training camp, but already the Rangers’ goal tending situation seems to be a good one. When camp opens on Friday, the Rangers will have five net minders under NHL contracts. Of course Lundqvist will be number one and, barring injury, will be between the pipes for a good 60-70 games. This begs the question of who should be the backup? Stephen Valiquette did a decent job for the Rangers down the stretch last season with the injury to Kevin Weekes. In 30 games with the Wolfpack, Valiquette was 17-12 with a 2.34 GAA and 0.909 save percentage. With the Rangers, he recorded one win and two losses in three games played, 3.16 GAA and 0.867 save percentage. The Rangers also have rookie Al Montoya, who posted a respectable 27-17 record in 48 games last season with a 2.25 GAA and 0.916 save percentage with the Wolfpack. The two remaining contracts belong to recently signed Miikka Wiikman and the under performing Chris Holt. With Lundqvist a lock for all but say 15 games this season, who would you rather see in the backup role, Valiquette or Montoya? Should Montoya back up to get NHL experience, even if it is only two or three games a month? Or should he start the season in the AHL to keep loose? Comments are strongly welcomed.

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About Derek

Derek is a creative writer who enjoys taking photographs, working on poetry, and covering hockey. A free spirit who loves the outdoors, a diverse selection of music, and writing, he's a former St. John's University alumni with a degree in Sports Management. Derek covers the Rangers for Battle of Hudson and is a contributor to The Hockey Writers. His appreciation of art and nature are his true passions.
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