Fansided

Ottawa Senators: Filip Gustavsson deserves to be the starter

By Brett Chaves |
DENVER, COLORADO - NOVEMBER 22: Filip Gustavsson #32 of the Ottawa Senators tends goal against the Colorado Avalanche in the second period at Ball Arena on November 22, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - NOVEMBER 22: Filip Gustavsson #32 of the Ottawa Senators tends goal against the Colorado Avalanche in the second period at Ball Arena on November 22, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The Ottawa Senators are now last place in the National Hockey League, raising more questions about the franchise’s quality of play.

One of the biggest things in question for Ottawa has been the goaltending. The Senators came into this season with high expectations for veteran Matt Murray. However, between injuries and lack of performance, Murray has seemingly failed every one of those expectations.

In five starts for the Senators, Murray is 0-4, allowing 3.1 goals per game and has save percentage  below .900. Considering the prominence Matt Murray once had, this is not where Ottawa expected him to be when they pulled the trigger to trade for him.

While Murray has been lackluster, there is one net minder that has shown since of prominence in 2021: Filip Gustavsson

Here’s why Gustavvson deserves the starting job

At just the age of 23 years old, Filip Gustavsson is making his first appearances in professional hockey. He was acquired back in 2018 from the Pittsburgh Penguins, and since then, has slowly made a name for himself.

After his start against the Colorado Avalanche, Gustavsson currently resides with a 3-4 record, allowing 26 goals on 275 shots. This adds up to a save percentage of .905.

At first glance, these statistics immediately appear better than Murray’s. Gustavsson has held his own as a first-year net minder in the NHL, swinging back and forth from Belleville.

His biggest challenge is fighting for minutes with other backup goaltender Anton Forsberg. Forsberg, like Murray, has also been performing subpar. He currently posts a save percentage sub .890 with a record of 1-3.

Forsberg, however, has one thing over Gustavsson: age. At 28 years old, the Senators have been more apt to go with the older net minders as opposed to the younger talent. Even though he is statistically the best goalie on the depth chart, Filip Gustavsson has been forced down due to the lack of experience.

OTTAWA, ONTARIO – OCTOBER 17: Filip Gustavsson #32 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Dallas Stars at Canadian Tire Centre on October 17, 2021 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ONTARIO – OCTOBER 17: Filip Gustavsson #32 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Dallas Stars at Canadian Tire Centre on October 17, 2021 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Getty Images) /

Considering Ottawa is last place in the league with nowhere to go but up, why not start Gustavsson? Move him from the second spot to the starting role and have him gain those valuable minutes. He’s proven to be fairly successful fending off teams such as the Colorado Avalanche and the Pittsburgh Penguins. He is not going to be gaining NHL experience playing down for the Belleville Senators.

Where to go from here

The Senators are already doing their due diligence on Gustavsson, moving him to the primary backup role and having him rotate starts with Matt Murray.

If Murray is to get injured again, Filip Gustavsson is set to serve as the main starter for Ottawa. Not only is this incredibly valuable, but it’s going to give the coaching staff a chance to get a real glimpse of what he can do with the spotlight on.

For now, the future remains uncertain for the Ottawa net minders. On thing is for certain, though. Keep an eye out for the prominent face of Filip Gustavsson.

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