The Detroit Red Wings have been nothing but inconsistent so far in the 2024-25 season. One thing they have been consistent in is their goaltending carousel between Cam Talbot, Alex Lyon, and Ville Husso. While Husso is recovering from an injury, Talbot and Lyon have taken turns between the pipes. Talbot has played more games, Lyon has been in the net for his fair share, and Husso has been playing more games recently. Will this goaltending carousel hurt this team and their performances going forward?
Red Wings' goalies getting their turns in net
While the goaltenders take turns, the lineup has also had their fair share of lineup changes, looking for chemistry and a spark. Several players have moved up and down the lineup in recent weeks and that has been the same issue between the pipes. The trio has combined for 11-14-14 with a 2.97 goals-against-average, a .901 save percentage, and two shutouts, which are average numbers across the board. However, if Husso's stats are removed, the stats do not look as bad.
Does riding all three goalies help the team? It depends on who is asked but it cannot be healthy as they are continuously rotated in and out. The team cannot play consistent hockey is the netminders are different every game. This is not the first time a team has gone with three goaltenders and it will not be the first time it has not worked out. Yes, injuries and subpar performances require a change but if the results are not deflating why rotate the goaltenders? They need consistency and so does the team. How do we expect Talbot, Lyon, and Husso to get on a hot streak if they play two games and sit for three, then go back to the same rotation?
The goaltending needs to be figured out soon and a final decision needs to be made. Let us not forget that rookie sensation Sebastien Cossa was also part of the mix for a short time, winning in his NHL debut. If Detroit goes with the standard two-netminder tandem, Cossa is waiting in the American Hockey League with the Grand Rapids Griffins is there is an injury,
One of the main questions heading into the 2024-25 season was the goaltending. It still is a bit of a question but Talbot and Lyon are settling as the go to tandem as Detroit seems to be on that same path. A less crowded crease means they can relax and play the position without distress. Husso cannot be the third wheel or be in the AHL with his contract as that takes away from Cossa and his development. With teams looking to shore up their goaltending tandem maybe there is a suitor for Husso. Whether they want to admit it or not, the goaltending trio has effected the team dynamic and needs to be sorted out before it becomes a bigger issue.