One of the Worst Goalie Situations in the League
When NHL analysts weren’t commentating on the lack of elite talent at the center position, they were insisting that goaltending would indeed be the downfall of the team. This was most certainly a valid criticism. The net has always seemed to be a sore spot in Carolina, and they have consistently struggled to find any sort of consistency at that dire position.
The old regime had left the new one with the Scott Darling debacle, and an aging Carolina veteran. There where prospects, but none close to being ready to man the NHL crease. This forced the front office to look outside the organization with two primary goals; find someone cheap, and make sure they’re experienced.
That came in the form of Petr Mrazek, and later Curtis McElhinney. What Rod Brind’Amour and Don Waddell did with the goaltending situation for the 2019 Hurricanes was nothing short of a miracle. They couldn’t lure away top free agents, nor should they have been willing to write the check they would have required; all while the previous tandem had seen their days numbered.
Hurricanes hope to re-sign both Petr Mrazek, Curtis McElhinney. https://t.co/FXi6FFvYcO pic.twitter.com/D5GU2rKjQE
— theScore (@theScore) May 21, 2019
These two players, with the help of a truly incredible defensive corps., carried the Hurricanes from the new year to the playoffs. There is no certainty that these two men are the long-term answers however; again, McElhinney is 35, and Mrazek’s late playoff meltdown displayed his ability to let the goals pile on.
Don Waddell and that management group have a decision to make. These players have earned a second opportunity, but one that may not come in Raleigh. Yet, if we know anything from this time last year, it’s that this organization should be trusted to make the right call.