dunwoody_joe said:
I had heard that other great goalies could do that for their clubs, but I've never closely followed a team with such a goalie to understand the phenomena. I hesitate to say this but here goes: Kari reminds me very much of Ken Dryden. His style, his efficiency, his size and his effect on a team--even the way he stands when he takes a rest.
Now if we can only find a Robinson, Lamaire and Mahovlich (a Lafleur we already have!).
It is a very bold statement. And as someone who has grown up during the Dryden era, those are tough skates to fill.
And yet, I can't help but understand and even agree in part with you. Yes, Lehtonen is the closest I have ever seen to Dryden and Roy as far as sheer presence in net. It's not just amazing talent. There is something more there, it seems.
It is of course awfully early and young goalies can go through stretch where they are unbelievable. The true test is consistency in excellence.
But so far, I think you have a case.
And
if it so happened that Lehtonen can carry himself that way, he will be more important than Kovalchuk, more important than Heatley. He could be the most valuable player in the NHL.
I think this was the case with Roy. I think he was the most valuable player in this league. He was the best player for the Avs and the reason they won their cups (same with the Habs but that is common knowledge). All this talk about Sakic being a leader is pathetic and laughable. Sakic wouldn't even be able lead a group of boyscouts 20 meters in the woods to take a dump.
But of course, Lehtonen's value will reveal itself over time. I will be particularly curious to see his first awful performances in the NHL. Those are usually the key moments, it's how you bounce back from this that tells the story.
I'm not overly optimistic because Drydens and Roys don't grow on trees but it would be amazing if he could pull it off.