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The problem with a two-goalie system is that uncertainty often arises at critical times. It is too easy to make changes when one goalie is having a tough game or two. I don't believe you get the most out of the athlete this way. Players will tell the media that having two goalies is fine with them, but in the end it's a lot more comforting knowing you have "Goalie A" instead of two "Goalie B's". That said, there are only so many Patrick Roys out there, so you have to make do with what you have.
The other negative of having two goalies who may be similar in ability is that the lockerroom can get separated based on their popularity. This happens all the time. Half the team likes Goalie B, so they back him up, while the others will do everything for Goalie C. It may be based on their work habits, or maybe one is single and hangs out with all the single guys, while the other is married and hangs with the other group. When you have a clear cut No. 1 guy, there is no question.
Here's a look at current two-goalie teams and how I think the No. 1 duties will go to:
Boston Bruins
John Grahame: He came to camp in good shape for the first time in his pro career as he tries to prove he can be a No. 1 guy in the NHL. He is a big presence in the net and has a pretty decent glove hand, but, far too often, he appears bored and wanders from the net to make a play. I know the Bruins want him to be more conservative and patient. He will have to eliminate the bad goal against at this level.
Steve Shields: He plays the position like a middle linebacker. He's big, he battles and, when he's on his game, he can be a solid No. 1. Clearly, he needs to be more consistent in terms of making the saves he's supposed to make. He has already shown a sense of Bruins history by painting the stitches on the mask like the great Gerry Cheevers had in the 70's. I know Gerry doesn't mind ... as long as Shields stops the puck.
Who's No. 1? Andrew Raycroft is the Bruins' goalie of the future, but for now, my pick is Shields to be the main guy in goal when the dust settles.
Carolina Hurricanes
Arturs Irbe: Irbe is as mentally tough as they come in this league. He is fundamentally sound and showed that in the playoffs last year. Getting to the Stanley Cup finals and performing the way he did will lead to a solid season, as he prepares to play without the pads he has refurbished and worn for the past five seasons. Look for him to be quicker in net with the new, lighter pads and gloves.
Kevin Weekes: He played great in knocking off the Devils during the first round of the playoffs, and started well against the Canadiens before giving way to Irbe. He gained a lot of confidence from that experience, which will eventually lead him into the No. 1 spot on the 'Canes. He has a very imposing presence, long and quick legs, and good mobility for a big man.
Who's No. 1? I believe Irbe will begin the season as the 'Canes' starter, with Weekes knocking on the door. Based on how coach Paul Maurice handled a delicate situation between Irbe and Tom Barasso last year, he knows how to switch goalies again this year if he needs to.
Minnesota Wild
Manny Fernandez: Two years ago, Fernandez was the No. 1 guy. Last year, he slipped and won just 12 games. He has to start playing and leading like a No. 1 goalie or they will make a change. When he is on, he can stop the best with his quick butterfly legs and impressive glove hand.
Dwayne Roloson: Rolie the Goalie is of the real good guys in the NHL. He has the right demeanor to be a No. 2, but his play last year showed us he's capable of playing more -- he won 14 games, stopped 91 percent of the shots he faced and set a team records for shutouts with 5.
Who's No. 1? Fernandez has the tools to be the main guy -- and he should be -- but the pressure is on him now because of last year's play. He does not have the personality of a backup, so it's the No. 1 spot or out.
Nashville Predators
Mike Dunham: He was not at his best last year, but still finished only one game below .500 on a team that finished 13 games under. He has the ability to win games and turn the tide of momentum in the Preds' favor with his size and ability. That said, he has got to stay healthy in order to maintain the No. 1 position.
Tomas Vokoun: He is standing at the door, waiting for Dunham to let him in. When he gets in, he has to shut the door fast and lock it. He has the makeup of a main guy, but won only five games ALL last year. This is a pivotal year for the lefty. Which route is he going to take?
Who's No. 1? Dunham is the main guy. Nashville is fortunate to have two solid pros, but if there is a goalie that would interest another team in a deal, it would be Dunham.They also have Brian Finley waiting in the wings, so the pressure is on for both these veterans.
Phoenix Coyotes
Sean Burke: Finishing as a finalist for the Vezina Trophy last season tells you how valuable he is to the Coyotes. He is a leader in the room and has a calming influence on everyone. He thinks the game and prepares himself the same way for every situation. The best thing you can say about an athlete and person is that IF he were to be relegated to backup duties for a period of time, you wouldn't have to worry about him being a distraction. He would be supportive of his partner. That said, there is no way that Burke will be backing up at this time. In fact, I see Bob Francis use Brian Boucher plenty this season in order to ensure Burke has plenty left in the tank to win a playoff series ... at least.
Brian Boucher: Both Boucher and Burke have signed new deals. That is a huge positive for the future of the 'Yotes. Brian has big-game mental strength, as he showed in the 2000 playoffs when he nearly carried the Flyers to the Cup finals before losing Game 7 to the Devils, the eventual champs. I said at the time that may be the best playoff hockey he ever plays because it is so hard to get back into that "zone." He has calmness and will learn a great deal from Burke, much like he did with John Vanbiesbrouck in Philadelphia.
Who's No. 1? The top spot is Burke's, but I have a feeling this will be a really strong tandem both on and off the ice. Boucher will get his fair share of games, there is no doubt about that. But when it comes to the big games, Burke will be the guy. Boucher is also invaluable because of Burke's history of injuries.
St. Louis Blues
Brent Johnson: The Blues stuck with the Michigan-born grandson of the great Sid Abel last season and will do so again this year. He had a very strong playoff series vs. Chicago, and was outstanding against the Wings at times. There is plenty to learn as a No. 1 in this league, and attention to detail is one of them. You need to practice like you play, and his habits are certainly improving. He is big, has really good feet and can shoot the puck extremely well. He has to make improvements when it comes to staying square to the shooter, but that will come with experience and studying the game's best.
Fred Brathwaite: He made a personal pact to get back to being a No. 1 goalie again and worked extremely hard in the offseason to improve his game. He is a highly motivated individual who puts a great deal of pressure on himself and takes the blame when things don't go well, which bodes well with his teammates because he doesn't point fingers. He is one of the NHL's quickest goalies, both his feet and hands make up for a lack of height. He is also a very good puck handler and can shoot the puck the length of the ice.
Who's No. 1? I believe the Blues are committed to Johnson, based on last year. But the second full season is the toughest in my estimation, so there could be some hard times -- and that's why it is so important to have quality people like Brathwaite in the same room.
Darren Pang, a former goaltender with the Chicago Blackhawks, is a hockey analyst for ESPN.
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