Yotes Need To Start A Goaltender Search

Yes I do agree there have been defensive breakdowns and as a defenceman myself it sure is nice when your goaltender bails you out. That’s what makes a good starter. Most scoring opportunities are caused by breakdowns. The breakdown against the Rangers was brutally obvious. But the backhander from the side boards from Richards was even more painful to watch go under Smith’s glove. I was Smith’s biggest supporter when he got here but now I’m having second thoughts. I’m the last person that usually blames the goaltender but this is getting concerning. I’ve seen this movie before. Can you say Luongo? But point well taken guys. We DO have to cut down on the defensive lapses. Especially in the last 5 miutes. I will continue to support Mike Smith but lets start kicking some tires just in case.

Visentin is a minimum 3 years away. Minimum.

Nabokov is not an option. Neither is Holtby. Phoenix has that 2nd round choice from Ottawa that may be attractive to Vancouver for Schneider. He is the best backup out there who should be a starter somewhere. Heck we could even throw Torres in. I’m sure they would take him back. PS…Barbs’ performance in the 3rd against Florida is exactly what I’ve been talking about. Thats what got this post started.

Vancouver is already on record saying they wouldn’t look at anything less than a high 2nd rounder or better AND a top 6 forward or defenceman for Schneider. The 2nd rounder from Ottawa and a defenceman would essentially be Schneider for Turris. Good deal. We cannot give up a top 6 forward. This situation is more urgent than most teams because if we miss the playoffs this year I truly beleive we will lose the team.

What do you guys think of Antero Niittymaki? Our goaltending depth is pretty stacked here in SJ with our farm system combined with Niemi and Greiss.

Interested? If so, what do you think Don Maloney could offer Doug WIlson in return?

Smith looking good since his return but don’t expect him to win any shootouts. One of the lowest percentages in the league. BTW…EL in the SO???

I attended the Detroit and Tampa games and I have to say that I feel even stronger about the goaltending situation that looks like it’s going to cost us a playoff spot. Smith is no longer in any of the top 10 categories that the dude mentioned earlier. As a matter of fact he’s 3rd from the bottom in OT/SO losses. That’s where Bryz got us in. But we all know that Bryz couldn’t get it done in the playoffs.

And Smith is 2b at best. Enough is enough. He has to go if we have any chance of making the playoffs.

Huh, Smitty going for an NHL record tonight, most wins in a row allowing 1 goal or less in every game. I DEFINITELY think the Yotes need to start a goalie search.

It was only a matter of time. Way to jinx him with that ill timed post! The boys bailed Smitty out and they owed him. I agree he had a great run and just hope he can stay consistent. He’s needs to be on this stretch run. The search is on hold. For now.

I don’t need to apologize because my evaluation at the time was accurate as is your evaluation now. This is the nature of the game. Glad I was wrong and hope he continues the stellar play. His wandering is the least of my concerns because its an advantage most of the time. He just has to pick up on what teams are jumping on him and causing the turnover ie..Dallas.

Sorry…No can do!!!

It looks like the real Mike smith is back. Can we get that guy back who was disguised as him in February. 1 month doesn’t cut it. That’s been his knock his whole carreer. Signs of brilliance then the exact opposite. You desperate Mike Smith supporters need to wake up! This is the NHL.

PLEASE hurry up Visentin! You can’t come soon enough! And EL in the shootout again? Really?