Achi news desk-
LAS VEGAS: Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy said he’s still trying to figure out how to handle the goalie situation, whether to play both or give the bulk of the work to one over the other.
And then which one over the other?
Logan Thompson and Adin Hill have compelling cases to be in net when Vegas begins its Stanley Cup title defense. There are also equally compelling reasons why one should step aside while the other takes over.
Cassidy has split the starts down the stretch, and Thompson has been the better goaltender lately, but Hill’s play in the postseason last year was one of the main reasons why the Knights now have a championship banner hanging. at T-Mobile Arena.
“I think (Thompson’s) mindset is good going into the playoffs,” Cassidy said. “He hasn’t played playoff hockey, so that’s another animal. So to say, ‘OK, Logan, you’re going to be the guy,’ (but) he’s never played, is that fair to him, especially after what Hilly did last year?
“If we give it to Hilly and say, ‘OK, do it,’ well, Logan has played pretty well lately and played more because he’s been healthier. So is that the right way to go? You will probably in some way, shape or form see both men. That’s not because of bad play, either. That’s probably the best way to go about where they are at the moment and how their seasons have gone.”
Cassidy added that the opposition would not consider much for the 27-year-old’s start.
Thompson has been used to fighting for everything he has accomplished in hockey, taking an unorthodox path to the NHL. In 2021, he became the first goalkeeper from U Sports – Canada’s version of the NCAA – to play in the league since 1994.
Thompson made the All-Star Game in 2022-23, his official rookie season, but lower-body injuries forced him out of the lineup for most of the second half of the season. He entered this season as a fullback, but with Hill’s health problems, Thompson has taken advantage to help lead the Knights to the playoffs for the sixth time in seven years.
Over his last 11 games, Thompson has allowed a 2.14 goals against average with a .926 save percentage. Take away two games where he allowed a combined 10 goals, his save percentage rises to .949.
“Last year, individually, it was frustrating to miss the second half of the year and not be able to put the jersey back on,” said Thompson. “So I’m just happy to be in the room and put the shirt on every day and be a part of it.”
Cassidy said some credit has to go to the improved defensive play in front of Thompson as well as the fact that the Knights are tied for third with the fewest penalty minutes per game at 7.4. And, Cassidy said, Thompson is motivated to play in his first postseason.
“I think it’s under control maybe better than at the beginning of the year,” Cassidy said. “So that tells me his technique is probably solid.”
Hill was the player the Knights turned to last postseason when Laurent Brossoit was injured in Game 3 of the second round series against Edmonton. Not only did Hill keep Vegas alive, he went 11-4 with a .932 save percentage and 2.17 goals per game.
His star playing carried over into this season when Hill went 10-2-2 with a 1.87 GAA and .935 save percentage before suffering a lower body injury.
He had a similar four-game stretch in January and February, posting a 4-0 record with a 1.75 GAA and .947 percentage, but Hill has battled injuries and inconsistent play since then. Going back to Feb. 12, he is 5-9 with a 3.76 GAA and .876 save percentage entering Thursday night’s regular season finale against Anaheim.
“His numbers aren’t as good the last ‘x’ of games than they were at the beginning,” Cassidy said. “We can’t hide from that. But his game isn’t looking bad right now. Pucks find their way in, whether it’s through some holes or bounces or whatever. So he’s got to stick with it mentally and go through those challenges because we know what he’s capable of.”
Hill, who acknowledged his play could be better, said he could draw on the success of last season’s playoff experience.
It will soon be decided whether Hill will get another chance to repeat that postseason run or play more of a secondary role.
“I’ve never seen a team rotate a goalie in the playoffs, so we’ll see,” Hill said. “I’ll take it day by day.”
___
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – Associated Press)
