It’s Never Too Early For a Goalie Controversy

We are just three weeks into the season, and there are already grumblings about a goalie controversy coming from south Florida.  Tomas Vokoun, the team’s “number one” goalie, started the first five games of the year.  He has posted a 1-4 record, with a .903 save percentage and 3.80 goals against.  Not exactly standout numbers, especially considering Vokoun is one of Florida’s highest paid players.  Of course, the team could have played better in front of him, but there have certainly been a handful of goals that some might consider “soft” against Vokoun.   His last start, in particular, comes to mind.  The Panthers had a 2-1 lead in Tampa Bay heading to the 3^rd period, but an unscreened Martin St. Louis shot from the side boards found its way through Vokoun to tie it.  Then a Steven Stamkos shot, long range and unscreened again, handcuffed Vokoun.  He thought he had it between his arm and his body, when in reality it sat next to him, waiting for Ryan Malone to tap it home for the game winner.  That is the last game Vokoun has played.

Florida’s last game saw backup Scott Clemmensen get his first start as a Panther.  Clemmensen, of course, became known last year when he filled in admirably in New Jersey after Martin Brodeur went down.  He signed with Florida this offseason after last season’s backup, Craig Anderson, left for Colorado.  Anderson played in crucial games during the Panthers’ playoff push when Vokoun began showing cracks.  Anderson is now the starting goaltender in Colorado, where he has been named one of NHL.com’s three stars of the week twice in the first three weeks of the season, which just adds that little stab in the Panthers’ side.  Back to Clemmensen.  His first start came against the high powered Philadelphia Flyers, and despite a goal that he would love to have back, the Panthers found a way to win, 4-2.  It has been announced that Clemmensen will get his second straight start for the Cats Wednesday night. 

And so begins the discussion that looks like it could play out through the entire season.  The problem with simply saying Clemmensen has won the starting job, should he continue to perform well and, more importantly, get W’s, is that your highest paid player cannot simply be a benchwarmer.  Can he?

Even The Hockey News’ Jay Feaster is chiming in.  He commented on the Vokoun situation on his THN blog.  “He has yet to carry his team to the post-season and last year, when new coach Pete DeBoer really needed him to elevate his play, he faltered, stumbling badly enough that DeBoer handed the starting reins to backup Craig Anderson down the stretch… Not surprisingly, Vokoun has faltered (this season) and the Panthers find themselves desperately needing help from their backup goalie yet again.”

It is hard to imagine a team desperate enough or willing to take on Vokoun’s contract via a trade, especially if Vokoun has been benched by his current team.  But if T-Vo does not improve, he could become the highest paid door opener in the league, because DeBoer has made it clear that the goalie that plays is the goalie who wins.    And Clemmensen will be given his shot to prove he is good enough to play.

Some Other Articles That You May Enjoy:
Goalie Controversy? What Goalie Controversy?
Why Situational Goalies in Washington Can Work
Caggy’s Rumor Mill: Martin Gerber to the New York Islanders?
Toronto Maple Leafs Goalies: Back Off the Backstops
5 For Writing: Detroit Looks to Get It Together; Fighters Drop Bombs
For Dallas, Every Game Is A Must Win

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