Can't remember a Cup winning team that rotated goalies the whole way through ? Can you ?
- philco28

No - but that may be because no one has tried it.

Fact: John is fair, balanced, and pretty humble whether right or wrong. Remember, tone is often difficult to discern in text.

Fact: avascular necrosis has many potential causes - a lot of which are thoroughly unrelated to playing hockey. Could be a congenital issue.

Fact: a healthy Emery at the peak of his game probably is a better handler of pressure than C2, but if the team plays its game, who is in the net is of marginal relevance from what I see. I think fans have a real reason for concern if Ray is suffering from his previous condition. Hutton is not who anyone wants as #2 for the playoffs.
- Return of the Roar

Agreed with the highlighted.

Also, I'd love to have Hutton back in Rockford, provided that Rockford makes the playoffs.

Can't remember a Cup winning team that rotated goalies the whole way through ? Can you ?
- philco28

Off the top of my head: 1971-72 Bruins. I'm sure there are probably others.

Stats say different.

And if we didn't "constantly complain", this blog may as well shut down between game days.
- StLBravesFan

Those stats also say that 10 of Razor's 15 wins have come against non-playoff teams, which could partially explain the disparity in shots allowed, and also the team appearing more confident with him in net.

No - but that may be because no one has tried it.
- StLBravesFan

I would venture to guess that not many legit contenders went through the regular season with a steady rotation of net minders. I say go with what got you there.

Those stats also say that 10 of Razor's 15 wins have come against non-playoff teams, which could partially explain the disparity in shots allowed, and also the team appearing more confident with him in net.
- Ogilthorpe2

Your first point probably has some validity.

Your second is the point I was making.

I think the concerns are valid about Crawford. I know Bogie thinks we're windsocks on this subject but there are times where Crow looks shakey and he has in the last couple of games. The Hawks are good enough to win without their goalie having to stand on his head. As long as Crawford makes the saves he should make the Hawks will be ok. What we saw last night was how they lost the series to the Yotes last year. Crawford giving up a softie after the Hawks were dominating and Smith keeping his team in a game where they were being outplayed. I think Q should consider playing both Emery and Crawford in the playoffs just as he has in the regular season. They both are capable and it's worked through the regular season so why change things now when neither is clearly outplaying the other.
- jhawk159

Crawford just seems to have a fragile mind set - paricularly in what could be considered big games - this year - maybe that would be the Avs game to break the streak where their crowd made it a playoff type atmosphere.

Whoever pointed out that he is looking like last spring is exactly what we were feeling at the game last night. We were behind him for 2 periods and you can see that twitchy, deer in the headlights posture before and then definitely after the long goal.

Rest Emory, give Hutton a start maybe tomorrow to make Crow think (not sure that is good for him though) or to work with Waite, then let Crow play out the remainder of the RS. If he returns to early season form by the final RS game then make him 1A behind Razor. If not, go with Ray until he blows it. JMO

Off the top of my head: 1971-72 Bruins. I'm sure there are probably others.
- Sandus

That's what ? 40 years ago ?

No - but that may be because no one has tried it.
- StLBravesFan

It would be unconventional 4 sure.

Crawford just seems to have a fragile mind set. What could be considered big games this year - maybe the Avs game to break the streak where their crowd made it a playoff type atmosphere.

Whoever pointed out that he is looking like last spring is exactly what we were feeling at the game last night. We were behind him for 2 periods and you can see that twitchy, deer in the headlights posture before and then definitely after the long goal.

Rest Emory, give Hutton a start maybe tomorrow to make Crow think (not sure that is good for him though) or to work with Waite, then let Crow play out the remainder of the RS. If he returns to early season form by the final RS game then make him 1A behind Razor. If not, go with Ray until he blows it. JMO
- tredbrta

I doubt Hutton gets a start as long as this TEAM is in contention for the Jennings

The worst thing a goalie can do is let up a soft goal. I speak for experience, having played goal at the US college level in the early 80s.

Bad goals deflate a team. They change the way a team plays. Every one ends up trying to do too much to cover up for the goalie, so he doesn't get tested. And that makes the skaters all less effective, because they are getting away from the things that work, trying to do too much.

97% of the time, CC is the better goalie. But it's the weak goals that are frustrating, and are also the reason Razor should start, as long as his health lets him.

No - but that may be because no one has tried it.
- StLBravesFan

Boston, Eddie Johston and Gerry Cheevers. And the expansion STL Blues did pretty well with HOFers Glenn Hall and Jacque Plante sharing time.

This is fair except he had a game or two earlier in the year where he fell into this, and it's the inconsistency that I find troubling. With this defense, you don't need Patrick Roy. But you also don't need a guy who will fall apart mentally when it gets tough . See Huet, C. A guy I supported (actually) for a long time because like Crawford (actually very similar goalies stylistically) he could be great for stretches and then fall apart—albeit more spectacularly than Crawford.
- John Jaeckel

Craig Anderson, who is arguably the best goalie in the league this season, gave up 4 to the Leafs last night in Ottawa...on about 20 shots. Anderson has been great all year, and recently returned from an ankle injury.

Is Anderson now unreliable? Perhaps...but then again, goalies are human and can have off nights.

That said, I have no dog in this fight. I'm just a fan who hopes for the the best regardless of how Q plays this in the coming weeks.

Not a Crawford-basher! Just a question. How has he done in the playoffs over his whole career? I can't remember if he won any rounds with Rockford or Norfolk. I don't know how his Moncton teams did.

Yeah, all this makes sense. So go with the guy who has really, in all fairness, been the lesser of the two—because he might pout if he doesn't get the nod.
- John Jaeckel

Exactly, if Crawford needs his feelings managed then let him sit and find a way to dump him.

Craig Anderson, who is arguably the best goalie in the league this season, gave up 4 to the Leafs last night in Ottawa...on about 20 shots. Anderson has been great all year, and recently returned from an ankle injury.

Is Anderson now unreliable? Perhaps...but then again, goalies are human and can have off nights.

That said, I have no dog in this fight. I'm just a fan who hopes for the the best regardless of how Q plays this in the coming weeks.
- ArlingtonRob

Again, I don't understand the comparison of Crawford to other goalies. You said that Anderson is arguably the best goalie in the league this season, but had an off night last night. I'm assuming your opinion on him being one of the best in the league this year is because he has been consistently good all year, or great, as you said, with the exception of the occasional off night, right. Well using that logic, some people are leery of Crawford because he has consistently shown the penchant to give up a soft goal that hurts the team. It's not about the occassional off night or the rare bad goal. It's the soft goals that he has been prone to for two seasons now. Are you saying those two goals he gave up against Phoenix didn't effect that series? Granted the Hawks PP was anemic, they were without Hossa and others didn't play their best, but the Hawks were in those games with a chance to win them in overtime and those two goals were killers. Once is bad enough, but twice in back to back games? Inexcuseable.

If the Hawks play in front of Crawford the way they SEEMINGLY play in front of Emery, they would probably win two series with either, but neither could do a "Smith" on the opponent.
- StLBravesFan

Not with these brain fart goals Crawford gives up at crucial moments. Teams can rarely overcome that in the POs. Could the Hawks? Yes, against Dallas or Scum. But why should they? No way Q should put Crow out there if that may happen. And the way he is playing now it will.

Boston, Eddie Johston and Gerry Cheevers. And the expansion STL Blues did pretty well with HOFers Glenn Hall and Jacque Plante sharing time.
- scottak

That you have to go back so many years kind of proves the point that it's not in the mindset of current NHL operations.

Agreed with the highlighted.

Also, I'd love to have Hutton back in Rockford, provided that Rockford makes the playoffs.
- EKolb13

Go Peoria!

Go Peoria!
- TyCamScore

Damn right!

Great write up JJ. A topic like this is sure to spark supporters from both sides - Emery and Crawford.

I think Crawford's the starter going into the playoffs with a really short leash. Emery can and will step in as the guy is called upon.

Here's my latest with more notes heading into the playoffs... it ties into a lot of what JJ's saying:

No Hard Feelings... It's the Playoffs: http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/ty_cam/51042/

Jaekel, this article is a joke.

First off, yes the hip did get hurt from overuse. how could it not?

Second, how many games in the pros did you play at goalie? once you ask that question you have to answer it. im guessing the answer is none.

Third, a meaningless game at the end of april where he was mediocre in the first 20 minutes and wait did you not watch the last 40? he was outstanding. period.

Fourth, if you even try and tell me how bad he was in the shootout, you lose ALL credibility.

Fifth, its been obvious the last two games the Hawks were not really trying. you could easily tell by watching them that they were pretty much trying not to get hurt. some of the passes and such were lazy and undisciplined, thing that we havent seen all year.

In the end, if the D continues to play the way they have all year, it will NOT matter who starts in goal.
E goali
But when the D ebreaks down, Crawford has the ability to be so much better and play more games in more days, which is assuredly going to happen in the playoffs. Crawford has a higher floor and a higher ceiling. Emery has been good, ill give you that, but he and his hip could give out at any time and be plain awful, as he was in the series against Nashville in 2011.
- Blackhawks1919

I agree
They are two different goalies with different styles
Crawford is a modern day positional goalie who forces teams to hit him with the puck
Emery is often very out of position.......recovering to make a save when he is out of position makes him appear more athletic and spectacular
He's neither

Crawford will start the playoffs based on this season and the 2011 series against the Canucks

All these "soft goals" have really cost them a lot of games this season. I can see how shaken their confidence is on a daily basis, what with those huge two-game losing streaks they went through.

Play Crawford first because he is a) 100% healthy and b) posting good numbers, regardless of what you say. Ive seen both guys play well in the playoffs and I've seen both play not particularly well. Once again, leading the league in shot differential, top 5 penalty kill, top 3 in goals, number one in goals against. Play both guys as you have, adjusting for matchups and opponent playing styles, and play a sound two-way game, like all season long. This is a silly debate.



Edit: apparently they've dropped to second in the league in shot differential. Big deal.

It always amazes me that whenever someone disagrees with JJ he insults them while at the same time accuses them of insulting him simply by disagreeing with him.
---
Fact: Emery's hip is hurting him. Fact: He played a lot of hockey. Fact: His original hip injury was from playing hockey. Unkown: did he suddenly hurt his hip eating yogurt at home? Doubtful.

Fact: Crawford had a concussion. Fact: Crawford took a blow to the head during a game before having a concussion. Fact: anyone pointing out simple facts to JJ gets attacked if those facts don't line up with JJ's inconsistent view of the world.
- Hemingways

I see, so "this article is a joke" was not insulting or offensive in any way. The problem isn't that you can't read. The problem is that you have a little axe to grind, too. Reported.

I made a rhetorical point. See, you're not Emery's doctor, nor am I. The notion that his hip is ailing is likely, but has not been made official. The notion that it is from overuse, is possible, though not confirmed or known to anyone but him, his doctor or the coaching staff. Those are facts. What you listed were suppositions. See, I don't disagree with your facts. Because you have none. You just have, as usual, an agenda.

Fact: John is fair, balanced, and pretty humble whether right or wrong. Remember, tone is often difficult to discern in text.

Fact: avascular necrosis has many potential causes - a lot of which are thoroughly unrelated to playing hockey. Could be a congenital issue.

Fact: a healthy Emery at the peak of his game probably is a better handler of pressure than C2, but if the team plays its game, who is in the net is of marginal relevance from what I see. I think fans have a real reason for concern if Ray is suffering from his previous condition. Hutton is not who anyone wants as #2 for the playoffs.
- Return of the Roar

Thank you. I do try.