Shell
05-13-2003, 11:49 PM
Who's tending goal?
Bobby Clarke made it quite clear that the goaltending issue will be addressed in Philly this off-season. Expect other clubs to do the same.
(posted May. 13, 1:25PM EDT)
Bobby Clarke's comments about Roman Cechmanek proved the Flyers general manager to be a master of the obvious when he questioned the likelihood of the Czech goaltender returning to the Flyers.
Covering the Flyers in the Eastern Semi Final, it was obvious to the naked eye that the "Bipolar Goaler" was eating Philly alive. To that end, I totally believe Clarke was candid and honest as usual, even if some find that a fault. I also believe Ken Hitchcock wasn't surprised by Clarke's words of wisdom. Hitch is a pretty straight shooter and you could tell Cechmanek was driving him nuts with his clumsy and awkward play. The guy crumbled when his team needed him most, and the shutouts registered against the Sens had a lot more to do with strategy and team defence than Roman's performance.
That being said, it's starting to look like goaltenders may become more of a focal point in the off-season than in seasons past. With Dan Cloutier being roasted in Vancouver by everyone except Brian Burke, one has to question his future with the team. Yeah, he's young and the Canucks implosion can hardly be blamed on Cloutier himself but one has to be concerned about back-to-back playoff years resulting in doubters. Sometimes athletes simply cannot come back from such psychological bruises.
And what can we make of Nicolai Khabibulin in Tampa Bay following his benching in the finale against the Devils? Is he available? If so, what would the Bolts consider: a swap with the Flyers perhaps?
In Calgary, Roman Turek and his high price tag is coming off a very lukewarm season. I have to believe the Flames would love to deal him to anyone who might provide a reasonable backstopper in return. The burning question remains: Would any NHL club want him?
Tommy Salo in Edmonton, by all accounts did not have his best year. Again, in the playoffs he was second best. This is his final contract year, so you will undoubtedly get his best effort for another deal. However, will Kevin Lowe entertain moving the Swede?
Is St. Louis content with Chris Osgood or are the Blues thinking he's not the man over the long haul? Boston may be in the hunt with Jeff Hackett evidently not the end all, be all. If Patrick Roy retires at the end of the playoffs, what will the Avs do? David Aebischer is a nice kid, but will the underachieving Avalanche anoint him the No. 1 man? The Islanders have Garth Snow, but does anyone think he's enough? Carolina lives on the edge with Kevin Weekes and who knows what Arturs Irbe's future is? How about Sean Burke does he really stay with the Coyotes? Or if the Flyers, Bruins, or Avs want to buck up, will Phoenix make a move on him? Finally, the Kings will they continue to live with Felix Potvin coming off an injury-plagued season and Jamie Storr as a backup. Or will the young frenchman Cristobal Huet stay up in Los Angeles?
Clarke may have opened a can of worms with his talk about the "Bipolar Goaler." He won't be the last one to address his team's goaltending issues this off-season.
Bobby Clarke made it quite clear that the goaltending issue will be addressed in Philly this off-season. Expect other clubs to do the same.
(posted May. 13, 1:25PM EDT)
Bobby Clarke's comments about Roman Cechmanek proved the Flyers general manager to be a master of the obvious when he questioned the likelihood of the Czech goaltender returning to the Flyers.
Covering the Flyers in the Eastern Semi Final, it was obvious to the naked eye that the "Bipolar Goaler" was eating Philly alive. To that end, I totally believe Clarke was candid and honest as usual, even if some find that a fault. I also believe Ken Hitchcock wasn't surprised by Clarke's words of wisdom. Hitch is a pretty straight shooter and you could tell Cechmanek was driving him nuts with his clumsy and awkward play. The guy crumbled when his team needed him most, and the shutouts registered against the Sens had a lot more to do with strategy and team defence than Roman's performance.
That being said, it's starting to look like goaltenders may become more of a focal point in the off-season than in seasons past. With Dan Cloutier being roasted in Vancouver by everyone except Brian Burke, one has to question his future with the team. Yeah, he's young and the Canucks implosion can hardly be blamed on Cloutier himself but one has to be concerned about back-to-back playoff years resulting in doubters. Sometimes athletes simply cannot come back from such psychological bruises.
And what can we make of Nicolai Khabibulin in Tampa Bay following his benching in the finale against the Devils? Is he available? If so, what would the Bolts consider: a swap with the Flyers perhaps?
In Calgary, Roman Turek and his high price tag is coming off a very lukewarm season. I have to believe the Flames would love to deal him to anyone who might provide a reasonable backstopper in return. The burning question remains: Would any NHL club want him?
Tommy Salo in Edmonton, by all accounts did not have his best year. Again, in the playoffs he was second best. This is his final contract year, so you will undoubtedly get his best effort for another deal. However, will Kevin Lowe entertain moving the Swede?
Is St. Louis content with Chris Osgood or are the Blues thinking he's not the man over the long haul? Boston may be in the hunt with Jeff Hackett evidently not the end all, be all. If Patrick Roy retires at the end of the playoffs, what will the Avs do? David Aebischer is a nice kid, but will the underachieving Avalanche anoint him the No. 1 man? The Islanders have Garth Snow, but does anyone think he's enough? Carolina lives on the edge with Kevin Weekes and who knows what Arturs Irbe's future is? How about Sean Burke does he really stay with the Coyotes? Or if the Flyers, Bruins, or Avs want to buck up, will Phoenix make a move on him? Finally, the Kings will they continue to live with Felix Potvin coming off an injury-plagued season and Jamie Storr as a backup. Or will the young frenchman Cristobal Huet stay up in Los Angeles?
Clarke may have opened a can of worms with his talk about the "Bipolar Goaler." He won't be the last one to address his team's goaltending issues this off-season.