Laurent Brossoit recalled as Ryan Warsofsky faces Canadiens test
Photo credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
Laurent Brossoit arrives in Montreal as Ryan Warsofsky considers a crease decision before the San Jose Sharks face Martin St-Louis and the Canadiens Saturday night.
San Jose made a quiet but intriguing move before the trip to the Bell Centre. The Sharks recalled veteran goaltender Laurent Brossoit from the San Jose Barracuda.
That move instantly adds intrigue to the crease heading into the matchup with Montreal.
Brossoit didn't just earn the recall by sitting around. He forced the issue with a strong run in the American Hockey League.
Since joining the Barracuda, the 32-year-old built a sharp record of 11 wins, 2 losses, and 1 overtime loss.
His individual numbers back it up as well. Brossoit posted a 2.48 goals-against average along with a .915 save percentage during that stretch.
Those numbers travel with him to Montreal and they raise one obvious question around the Sharks lineup card.
Ryan Warsofsky may turn to Brossoit immediately
Teams rarely bring up a veteran goalie playing that well just to watch from the bench.
That's why Brossoit suddenly becomes a realistic option to start against the Canadiens at the Bell Centre.
Ryan Warsofsky now has a choice to make: ride the hot hand from the minors or stick with the current NHL rotation.
Across the ice, Montreal already settled its decision.
Martin St-Louis confirmed that Jakub Dobes will start in goal for the Canadiens when the puck drops Saturday night.
That setup could produce a fascinating goalie duel if Brossoit gets the call.
Montreal's offense also looks a bit more dangerous right now with Cole Caufield back in the lineup. Early pressure will be the obvious plan.
The Canadiens will want plenty of pucks toward the crease in the opening minutes to test a goalie jumping straight into NHL pace.
And despite where San Jose sits in the standings, that's the trap Montreal must avoid.
A veteran goalie arriving with momentum can change the feel of a game quickly, especially in a loud building like the Bell Centre.
Also read on Blade of steel :
Mitch Marner confirms Sidney Crosby suffered a grade 2 MCL sprain at the Olympics, timeline revealed
Mitch Marner confirms Sidney Crosby suffered a grade 2 MCL sprain at the Olympics, timeline revealed
| POLL | ||
MARS 13|40 ANSWERS Laurent Brossoit recalled as Ryan Warsofsky faces Canadiens test Will Laurent Brossoit start against the Canadiens Saturday night ? | ||
| Yes | 28 | 70 % |
| No | 12 | 30 % |
| List of polls | ||