NHL Goalie Update

Written by Alan Carter

Andrew Raycroft went up against a hot Atlanta Thrashers team that has now won five straight. Raycroft held strong until the third period when he allowed four goals. Raycroft was hounded through the game with 37 shots on goal.

Johan Hedberg persevered though a tough first period were Toronto scored two early goals holding them scoreless through the rest of the game. Atlanta’s defense clamped down allowing only 12 shots on goal in the second and third periods. Hedberg had 17 saves in the win.

Ryan Miller allowed a goal after 53 seconds but settled down holding the Tampa Bay Lighting scoreless the rest of the game. Miller who had 29 saves gave credit to his defenders saying, "The boys did a great job around me, I got to see a lot of pucks and they were making plays."

Marc Denis allowed four goals in a loss to the Buffalo Sabers. Daniel Briere had his first career hat trick against Denis. The Lightning have lost their last four.

Alex Auld played well in a rare Panthers win. Auld played well with 25 saves only allowing two goals both which came on Penguin power plays.

Jocelyn Thibault gave up a slap shot to Olli Jokinen on a power play with 5:07 left in the third period. Despite the loss Thibault seems to have earned himself the starting gig in Pittsburgh. Thibault had 27 saves.

Martin Gerber played a solid game holding the Islanders to only two goals as the Senators win 4 -2. Gerber who had 24 saves was filling in for usual starter Ray Emery but the Senators didn’t slow down winning their fourth in a row.

Mike Dunham was harassed all night as the Senators got off 35 shots on goal. Durham had 31 saves but gave up four goals, two being off Senator power plays.

Dominik Hasek continues to dominate and is finally getting help from his offense as the Red Wings roll over the Blues 5 – 1. Hasek had 24 saves and was never challenged by a hard shot until the third period when Eric Brewer’s wrist shot got between Hasek’s legs.

Jason Bacashihua and Manny Legace both tried but were outmatched against the Red Wing’s attackers. Bacashihua who was replaced in the first period had already allowed two goals. Legace wasn’t any better having only nine saves to go along with his three goals allowed.

Manny Fernandez had four saves in a shootout against the Blackhawks leading the Wild to victory. Fernandez held the Blackhawks scoreless after the first period tallying 27 saves.