Canucks: Lack Starts Over Miller?
The Vancouver Canucks, who are set to face off against the Calgary Flames, have yet to announce the starting goaltender for Game 1. The choice is between playing Eddie Lack, who has the hot hand, or Ryan Miller, who has experience playing in high-pressure games.
Personally, I pick Miller over Lack any day. He is a seasoned professional who has played in 53 playoff games, as well as on the international stage. What he did for Team USA in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics will always be one of my favorite Miller moments.
But the situation for the Canucks isn’t so black and white. Miller reentered the lineup on April 11 after being sidelined due to a right knee sprain, which happened on Feb. 22. That’s a long time to be out and it would be easy to assume he might still be a little rusty only having been back in action for one game. Miller even admitted that he is not fully recovered. So why chance it?
In his absence, Lack stepped in and posted a 12-6-2 record with a .927 save percentage. For the season, Lack finished 18-13-4 with a .921 save percentage, which is higher than Miller’s .911. However, Miller has the better record 29-15-1.
To be honest, it would make complete sense to go with Lack over Miller in Game 1. The question is, where do the Canucks go from there? As Miller gets back to 100 percent, does the team still play Lack or do it go with the veteran and play Miller?
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I think it all depends on how Lack handles himself. It will be his first playoff start (if Vancouver goes with him). If he can lead his team over the Flames, he may continue to be the No. 1 goaltender. I believe in the playoffs, you have to go with the hot hand even if they lack experience.
When people play the experience card, I always think of the quote “Amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic.” Sometimes experience can be overrated, yet people tend to pick the safer choice (which in this case would be Miller). But many times it’s the long shots (Lack) that pay off.
When the Stanley Cup is at stake teams are less likely to take chances, but maybe they should be more willing to take risks. Other teams are going to be playing it safe, so why not go against the grain and give teams something to really worry about.
via the Canucks website:
“The bottom line is, you go in with the guy that you think has the best chance to win the first game,” Desjardins told the Canucks website. “I think we’re fortunate because we’ve got two real good goaltenders and I honestly feel comfortable with either guy starting, I really do.”
The goaltenders know who will play and, based on the preview posted on the Canuck’s website, it seems that Lack will be the starter. But last-minutes changes have happened. We shall see who’s in between the pipes tonight.