The Mars Volchenkov
Registered User
Just one year ago, this guy was considered one of the top goaltending prospects in the world. He had just come off two great seasons in the AHL, and his last year of junior was named CHL Goalie of the year.
With the 2004 season locked out to begin the year, it seemed Emery lacked motivation, knowing that he had no chance of moving up to the NHL, and it showed in the AHL. He was off to a terrible start, the worst of his AHL career. As the season went on, he was slowly improving, but not playing to his full potential. Then, the NHL announced the season had officially been canceled, and it seemed Emery's play picked up. He was was much better for the rest of the season, and even won goaltender of the month to finish the season. Although the B-Sens were eliminated in the first round, it had nothing to do with Emery, who was their best player.
Still, even after picking it up to finish the year, it was considered a sub-par year for Emery and people were down on him. People questioned whether or not his temper was getting the better of him and taking away from his play.
No one knew what to expect from this guy coming into training camp this year. Martin Prusek was traded to make room for Emery to back up future Hall of Famer Dominik Hasek. Some fans were worried as to whether or not Emery could regain the form of his first two AHL seasons. He came into camp with a good attitude and played great in preseason. Still, fans were a little worried.
Heading into tonight, Emery was 3-0 with a 2.96 GAA and a .906 sv. pct. After tonight, those numbers will all improve. In Emery's 10 game NHL career, he is still undefeated. Montreal has only lost 5 times this season, 2 of which were against the Sens, with Emery in net for both. He's looked great so far this season, playing with tons of confidence.
I believe this guy is once again solidifying his status as one of the top goaltending prospects in the league. He's obviously not played as much as Lundqvist and Labarbera, and he's got a great team in front of him, but when he's been put in, he's showed he can play at this level and you can see why people were so high on him. It's very possible he will become Ottawa's starting goaltender next season.
I'm done now.
With the 2004 season locked out to begin the year, it seemed Emery lacked motivation, knowing that he had no chance of moving up to the NHL, and it showed in the AHL. He was off to a terrible start, the worst of his AHL career. As the season went on, he was slowly improving, but not playing to his full potential. Then, the NHL announced the season had officially been canceled, and it seemed Emery's play picked up. He was was much better for the rest of the season, and even won goaltender of the month to finish the season. Although the B-Sens were eliminated in the first round, it had nothing to do with Emery, who was their best player.
Still, even after picking it up to finish the year, it was considered a sub-par year for Emery and people were down on him. People questioned whether or not his temper was getting the better of him and taking away from his play.
No one knew what to expect from this guy coming into training camp this year. Martin Prusek was traded to make room for Emery to back up future Hall of Famer Dominik Hasek. Some fans were worried as to whether or not Emery could regain the form of his first two AHL seasons. He came into camp with a good attitude and played great in preseason. Still, fans were a little worried.
Heading into tonight, Emery was 3-0 with a 2.96 GAA and a .906 sv. pct. After tonight, those numbers will all improve. In Emery's 10 game NHL career, he is still undefeated. Montreal has only lost 5 times this season, 2 of which were against the Sens, with Emery in net for both. He's looked great so far this season, playing with tons of confidence.
I believe this guy is once again solidifying his status as one of the top goaltending prospects in the league. He's obviously not played as much as Lundqvist and Labarbera, and he's got a great team in front of him, but when he's been put in, he's showed he can play at this level and you can see why people were so high on him. It's very possible he will become Ottawa's starting goaltender next season.
I'm done now.