Technically, it's still the All-Star break for the Carolina Hurricanes, due to the fact that they haven’t played a game yet (in other words, I’m horribly late on posting this article but I’m going to use the “All-Star break” title anyways). Completing the All-Star Break evaluations, this article will look at the performance of both Petr Mrazek and James Reimer this season.


PETR MRAZEK- falling short of expectations

Consistency has always– and it seems like will always– be a problem for Petr Mrazek. After being given the starter’s job to run with, he’s stumbled several times, with just a .905 save percentage to show for. His mobility and athleticism are outstanding but sometimes a simple save creates a big rebound or throws him off altogether. You just don’t know what you’re going to get heading into a game.I don’t know how much longer the Hurricanes can rely on Mrazek and if things stay this way, I think it’s probably just a matter of time James Reimer is trusted as the starter.

I’ve always been a big fan of his but he hasn’t been what Carolina needs in net. With Dougie Hamilton in the lineup, I’d argue the Hurricanes are a legitimate starter away from being a very serious Cup contender (that's not to say they aren't capable of a deep run now). Mrazek isn't that legitimate starter. Again, you never know what you’re getting with him so he could turn around and post three straight shutouts after the break to prove me wrong but so far, Mrazek has been a disappointment.


JAMES REIMER- surpassing expectations

I got a lot of criticism in the offseason for saying James Reimer could be the perfect backup for Petr Mrazek. He can play a lot of games and Mrazek has only hit the 50-game mark twice in his career, so it made sense and well, here we are.

Reimer currently holds a .921 save percentage with three shutouts in 19 starts. He sure hasn’t looked great for the whole stretch of it but he’s helping to cover for Mrazek’s faults. The two are just about splitting games at this point and Reimer is definitely holding his own. He’s not the long-term solution for the Hurricanes, but he’s certainly been an effective stop-gap.


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OTHER HURRICANES ARTICLES FROM JANUARY

Evaluating all Hurricanes' defensemen at the All-Star break

Evaluating all Hurricanes' forwards at the All-Star break

Justin Williams is surpassing expectations

Hurricanes don't need to trade for defensive help after Hamilton injury

Hurricanes shouldn’t wait much longer for goaltending to improve

Justin Williams signs with Hurricanes

Justin Williams may be returning to the Carolina Hurricanes

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