Even with the Leafs acquiring a big framed goalie from the Anaheim Ducks, the Toronto media waits impatiently to find out who is going to back-up Frederik Andersen.
Sure, it’s important that Andersen has someone capable behind him when he’s having a bad game and gets yanked, but not nearly as important as it is for him to have someone to talk to when he hits a rut. This is where an experienced veteran goaltender would be ideal, a goalie that is there to help comfort and keep Frederik’s confidence up, and not by ways of pushing him for the starting position.
A coach, whether it’s Babcock, a goalie coach or the video coach can only do so much to help. Sometimes a voice, someone who has truly been through this situation, is much more suitable. Of course I’m taking nothing away from any members of the coaching staff, they all have very important jobs and each holds immense value for the organization.
But something is to be said about experience and having that calming presence there to help in the hard times.
I’m really hoping the Leafs management decides to go with a back-up goaltender who has a lot of experience and can help Andersen learn and continue to develop, getting better and better each season.
There is a lot to be said about a goaltender, and how they affect their team and ultimately their performance on the ice. This goes for both offensively and defensively, as all players are connected to their goaltender in some way or another.
Picture in your head when the Leafs game starts and Bernier or Toskala let’s in the first shot 40 seconds into the game, talk about deflating. These are the types of goals that absolutely kill any hype or momentum built up from past games. The Leafs players will have to make sure they play smart, tidy hockey when the season begins, easing Andersen into his new team and new equipment. Keeping shots to the outside and picking up the player in the high slot is a must, Andersen will give Toronto a shot in every game with his efforts, but it’s important that Toronto gives the net minder a chance in the early going of the season to get him start off on the right foot.
Andersen on the other hand must ensure he’s quick to react with his puck handling and rebounds. Both of which Bernier was weak in a few scenarios last season and I’d find myself grinding my teeth as I slept at night, notably irritated. Thankfully the teeth grinding will be minimal this year as I have a lot of faith in Andersen, as should the young Maple Leafs roster.
A young roster could easily be pushed back in years of progression having a goaltender that not only didn’t stop the puck, but one they felt zero confidence in. When a goaltender plays a solid game, and consistently it’s absolutely huge when it comes to players doing their job and filling their role in a system. We know Babcock pushes a system that ensures the Leafs will have puck possession.
When a player or players have full confidence their goaltender is going to make the save and push the rebound to the side, they can do their assigned role, whether it be covering the point, or pick up the trailer, or streak down the wing for a break-away pass. Whatever the case may be, forwards will always play more of a quality two way game when they have confidence in their goalie.
As for a defender, it’s even more important for them to have faith their goalie will make the first save, or maybe even the second. This is huge for odd man rushes, for example; when a 2-on-1 enters our zone and the defensemen has the confidence in their goalie, they take away the pass and let the goalie concentrate on the shot. This is huge, as opposed to the defender trying to do it all himself, putting himself out of position and giving the opposition more options to work with.
Toronto will be vastly improved if they can get Andersen insulated, which undoubtedly will spark the teams confidence and should help get the Leafs rolling in the right direction from the get-go.
If you recall, last season Pacioretty scored on Bernier just 3 minutes into the game. It was the first shot of the season against the Leafs and an ugly one at that. It’s only one goal, but there is something about that first shot going in that really grinds my gears.
Nothing against Bernier, but the Leafs as young of a team as they are, need a more consistent goaltender that fights hard to make every save like Reimer did, but has the skill and athleticism to make multiple saves. The hope is Andersen grows with the young Maple Leafs and they have great success in doing so, welding a connection between the players that is infused with Babcock’s wisdom. After securing first overall pick, adding a number one tender is just what the doctor ordered this off season in Leafs Nation, and it’s exactly what we got.
Here is a glimpse at Andersen’s new goaltender equipment:
Thanks for reading.