Rask or Bishop.

[RizzeeDizzee]

You didn't happen to look at the goalie splits when looking at this data did you? It would be interesting to see if Hitchcock rode the hot hand and had timeshares in net, or a clear starting goalie.

Ask and you shall receive:

2002-03 Flyers - 57 starts for Cechmanek, 25 for Esche
2006-07 Blue Jackets - 50 for Norena, 23 for LeClaire, 6 for Conklin, 3 for Boucher
2011-12 Blues - 46 starts for Halak, 36 for Elliott

What we don't know for 2006-07 and 2011-12 is who started the games before he took over. But for the one season where he coached the entire year, one goalie did get the nod 57 times. So yeah, probably don't pencil in Bishop for more than 60 starts, if that. But how many goalie will have more than that anyway?

[Referee3083]

So yeah, probably don't pencil in Bishop for more than 60 starts, if that. But how many goalie will have more than that anyway?

That's exactly where I was trying to get to with my question. In my opinion, I could see Lethonen getting 30+ starts this year. Bishop, when healthy, was great for Tampa Bay, but they had a strong D-core and were a shot suppression team. Dallas' Defense is much weaker and while I don't doubt that Hitch will improve that, I think it takes time for Bishop to adjust to facing more shots per game than in Tampa. Coupled with Lethonen being a capable goaltender, and Hitch likely riding the hot hand, I have a lot of questions around how many games Bishop actually starts, how many quality starts he has and how many wins he'll actually get.

[Kabonov]

Like i said Rask is the safer bet.
Defensive systems with offensive talented team (usually mean a big adjustment period)

[skinnypete88]

Ask and you shall receive:

2002-03 Flyers - 57 starts for Cechmanek, 25 for Esche
2006-07 Blue Jackets - 50 for Norena, 23 for LeClaire, 6 for Conklin, 3 for Boucher
2011-12 Blues - 46 starts for Halak, 36 for Elliott

What we don't know for 2006-07 and 2011-12 is who started the games before he took over. But for the one season where he coached the entire year, one goalie did get the nod 57 times. So yeah, probably don't pencil in Bishop for more than 60 starts, if that. But how many goalie will have more than that anyway?

Rizzie I have to ask, and I don't mean to put you on the spot but does this change where are you ranking Bishop?

Open floor for everyone who was firmly in the Bishop camp

[RizzeeDizzee]

I like Bishop tons in SV% leagues - right there around top 5. In straight SV leagues, probably still top 10.

[BeauRyker]

Some pretty interesting food for thought:

Goals allowed by 2001-02 Flyers (the year before Hitchcock took over) - 192
Goals allowed by 2002-03 Flyers (Hitchcock's first year at the helm) - 166

Goals allowed by 2005-06 Blue Jackets (the year before Hitchcock took over) - 276
Goals allowed by 2006-07 Blue Jackets (Hitchcock took over after game 20) - 244

Goals allowed by 2010-11 Blues (the year before Hitchcock took over) - 228
Goals allowed by 2011-12 Blues (Hitchcock took over after game 13) - 155


That can't just be coincidence.
Season ticket holder from '98- present. I've seen Hitch work his magic. I'm a fan.
I think the defense is gonna surprise people.
Between these two, I'll take Bish in a heartbeat.....which by the way, I've done in 3 drafts so far.

[Referee3083]

[COLOR=#333333]
That can't just be coincidence.
Season ticket holder from '98- present. I've seen Hitch work his magic. I'm a fan.
I think the defense is gonna surprise people.
Between these two, I'll take Bish in a heartbeat.....which by the way, I've done in 3 drafts so far.

I completely agree that it's not just a coincidence. I don't doubt that Hitch will improve Dallas' defense. But that's the thing, Hitch has made his magic work, despite who he's had in net. In only one of those 3 seasons listed, did Hitch have a goalie start more than 50 games. To me, the bigger question is who is actually in net while the defense improves. If the defense is better, but Bishop only starts 45 games because the coach is rotating his goalies in and out, is Bishop still the better option over Rask (who we know with greater confidence will be the starter in Boston and get 60+ games)?

[RizzeeDizzee]

Some pretty interesting food for thought:

Goals allowed by 2001-02 Flyers (the year before Hitchcock took over) - 192
Goals allowed by 2002-03 Flyers (Hitchcock's first year at the helm) - 166

Goals allowed by 2005-06 Blue Jackets (the year before Hitchcock took over) - 276
Goals allowed by 2006-07 Blue Jackets (Hitchcock took over after game 20) - 244

Goals allowed by 2010-11 Blues (the year before Hitchcock took over) - 228
Goals allowed by 2011-12 Blues (Hitchcock took over after game 13) - 155


That can't just be coincidence.
Season ticket holder from '98- present. I've seen Hitch work his magic. I'm a fan.
I think the defense is gonna surprise people.
Between these two, I'll take Bish in a heartbeat.....which by the way, I've done in 3 drafts so far.

The data is even more impactful when you see some of the names of the goalies involved - Norena, Niittimaki......

[Wonko]

I completely agree that it's not just a coincidence. I don't doubt that Hitch will improve Dallas' defense. But that's the thing, Hitch has made his magic work, despite who he's had in net. In only one of those 3 seasons listed, did Hitch have a goalie start more than 50 games. To me, the bigger question is who is actually in net while the defense improves. If the defense is better, but Bishop only starts 45 games because the coach is rotating his goalies in and out, is Bishop still the better option over Rask (who we know with greater confidence will be the starter in Boston and get 60+ games)?

Just FYI I read recently that Cassidy is hoping to keep Rask fresher and healthier by limiting him to around 55 games this season.

[tweetdrivr]

Just FYI I read recently that Cassidy is hoping to keep Rask fresher and healthier by limiting him to around 55 games this season.

Until the Bruins hit the home stretch as a bubble team and they ride Rask like a stone pony hoping to even make the playoffs.

[BeauRyker]

If a goalie is working, Hitch leaves him alone. In '98/99, Belfour played 84 games (counting the playoffs). '99/'00, 85 games. Of course they did have one hell of a defense in front of him.

Different times, different teams....we'll just have to wait and see I guess, and hope for the best.

I reference Belfour, because he was really the last tier 1 goalie they've ever had, IMHO.

[tweetdrivr]

If a goalie is working, Hitch leaves him alone. In '98/99, Belfour played 84 games (counting the playoffs). '99/'00, 85 games. Of course they did have one hell of a defense in front of him.

Different times, different teams....we'll just have to wait and see I guess, and hope for the best.

I reference Belfour, because he was really the last tier 1 goalie they've ever had, IMHO.

No love for Turco? Dude was great for a number of years...

[Wonko]

Until the Bruins hit the home stretch as a bubble team and they ride Rask like a stone pony hoping to even make the playoffs.

Hehe. True enough

[Referee3083]

If a goalie is working, Hitch leaves him alone.

Yup, you're right, and that's the $1,000,000 question...is Bishop going to work, and how long of a leash does he get knowing that a capable Lethonen can step in?

[tweetdrivr]

Lehtonen's last three:
.903/2.94
.906/2.76
.902/2.85

Capable? Hmmmm....not so sure about that one.