So let's just ignore how the goals were created? First goal was a snipe by Skinner were Fast decided to hug Lundqvist instead of contesting the shooter. Second was a well placed backhand and backhands are always very hard to read for a goalie. It hit the perfect spot, in the corner just above the pad and underneath the glove. Third he had no chance on, extremely well placed and he saw nothing. No goal was a bad goal, maybe he could've had the first with some luck, but the other two? Nope. I don't see how he could've saved either of the last two goals, Skinner was on fire.
Lundqvist has always started slow, but I find it funny it is never mentioned the team usually plays defensive dumpster fire hockey during this time as well, usually for much longer than Lundqvist himself struggles.
AV's system killed Luongo and he hasn't exactly given Lundqvist any favours. AV creates chances, but give up alot of grade A chances as well, especially with immobile defensemen.
Lundqvist hasn't exactly shined, but the team hasn't given him a chance to shine either. Our opponents always get the time and space to shoot high with accuracy, we never do. That's the huge difference. Of course opposing goaltenders will shine when all we muster offensively is pucks along the ice, which all butterflies stop. Hence the "oh another backup looking like Hasek against us." Maybe because the team makes every opposing goalie look like Hasek with the kind of shots he thrives saving, while giving the own goalie a nightmare?
Price has great support in Montreal to make his job easier, Luongo had none in Vancouver and Lundqvist has none in New York. So yes, it's a huge waste to have Lundqvist in net in NY with the current system, you could just as well have an average goalie and expect to allow at least three goals every game, two if Lundqvist has a great game. How that is a game winning hockey concept in the game today is beyond me. If you have a $8.5m world class goalie in net and ignore that, of course it's a huge waste cap wise, tactically and strategically.
Goaltenders shine in systems like they had in Boston and have in Montreal. Let the goalie see every puck, take away the rebounds and don't give opponents time and space in the slot, which is a positional defense (I still have no idea how AV believes a man to man defense is a good idea, especially with this squad). During those circumstances, Lundqvist would have no problem to do his job and then the team wouldn't need 4-5 goals for every win.
This team will get nowhere with this tactical system, it's horrendeus. At best it'll be another first round exit in the playoffs. I only hope Lundqvist is traded, because he's a waste here, the team could play any goalie in net, as the goalie isn't part of AV's system. He just prays the goalie will save his huge systematical flaws and Luongo couldn't, neither can Lundqvist.
If AV is fired things would look alot better.
