I must disagree with your satisfaction in goal. You forget the start of the season (DISMAL START)
which was in large part caused by our goalies...!
Yes, Wardo has been much better, as of late, but Lack...is NOT THE ANSWER, and Leighton hasn't really been given enough of a fair opportunity to show his ability.
Even if YOU are willing to settle for a mediocre keeper (I'M NOT), Ward should be a BACK UP, NOT a starter!
There are much better guys out there (and the Canes have plenty of cash to afford one), BUT the GM has poor priorities, when it comes to cash usage!
Goalkeeping is the most important position, and not where you should skimp on paying for talent!
- randycane
The start was dismal because Coach Peters was coaching with the Canadian team for World Cup. That with a ridiculously young D left a team with poor defensive systems and coverage. The scoring was so high because the forwards were allowed to simply play, as opposed to playing positional hockey. Yes, the goaltending struggled but to solely blame them IMO is a gross oversimplification as to why the first 6 games were tough. For two weeks, the Canes basically were unable to practice. The minute they returned home and were able to fully implement systems is the minute the team immediately improved.
Granted, I agree that the goaltending should and can be improved. Where I think we disagree is with timing. As of where the Canes roster is now, Ward should be the goaltender protected. Trades will be tough, as Howard and Bishop are down pretty much until March. That seriously constricts the trade market because very few "non playoff" teams have a goalie who would be much of an upgrade. MAF is not an upgrade either, if his stats are what they are in Pitt and you think he'll do better in Carolina, we will have to disagree there. Also, In the event Pitt can't cover Murray, they most likely will send a vet and first round pick to Vegas for the agreement they won't select Murray.
I strongly agree Lack isn't the answer. Honestly, I prefer Leighton over Lack. So I 100% agree Lack is not the answer and if we could trade Lack for a goalie of comparable age and better talent that would be a smart move I think. Obviously, Canes would have to throw Murphy or a pick in. That's not too expensive and then they could leave Ward unprotected. Unfortunately, I don't see the Canes getting a deal like this done in time for it to matter this season.
If you look at the free agent market (sportrac is great), you'll see how strong the FA market is this offseason for goalies. To trade assets this season for a "big name" goalie I think could be foolish until seeing the splash that could be made in FA. I also don't think there are many goalies on the trade block. The price the Leafs paid for Anderson is asinine when you look at what NJD got Schnieder for.
I agree the goaltending needs to be stronger and Ward needs to begin phasing his role down. However, there are cheaper forwards right now than goalies on the market. Why trade when there's almost 70 UFA/RFA goalies hitting the market this summer. The Canes in all honesty aren't going to the playoffs-5 of the best teams right now in NHL based on points are in the metro. Patience this year I think will reward the Canes with tons of great seasons and salary cap manageability.
