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'The Hamburglar' robbing opposing AHL shooters at rapid pace in hot streak
Then and Now
Hammond talks about leading the Sens to a playoff berth as a rookie by compiling a 20-1-2 record in the 2014-15 season:
“As far as consistency in my game, I think it’s about as good as I ever felt. I think about my game, I’m as confident as I was then. It’s a different level, too, but at the same time, I feel like the goaltender I was then I’m getting back to. I feel very good about that. Right now, I definitely feel more confident than ever about how I’m playing and just knowing what I do to be successful. Last year, I got a chance to play again regularly. This year, I’m just building off that. I just think this year, maybe more than others, I’m not worrying about the team around me as much. I’m just worrying about my job and understanding at the end of the day, my job’s just to stop the puck. Whether it’s a breakdown or a routine save, it’s my job to make those.
On not facing a lot of shots
"It’s both a blessing and at times it can be a struggle, too, because you’re trying to keep your focus. But I think in a lot of ways it’s definitely been great for me because you just really are able to focus on your own game and making sure that you’re there for those routine saves and understanding that there’s going to be breakdowns.”
Should the Sabres call him up if Hutton continues to struggle? Hammond is on a one-way NHL contract. He'd have to clear waivers if he's recalled on a non-emergency basis and they want to send him back down. Johansson might be a better choice for that reason. But with UPL ready to graduate to Rochester, the time is ripe for Botterill to make a goaltending move. The Sabres can't continue to concede a loss every time Hutton starts and keep their playoff hopes alive.
ROCHESTER – Having recorded four shutouts in his last 10 starts, Andrew Hammond might be the American Hockey League’s best goalie right now.
Hammond, 31, has compiled a 7-2-1 record with a 1.40 goals-against and a .947 save percentage since Nov. 1 with the Americans.
Hammond has developed a rhythm in Rochester that he hasn’t felt in a long time. Overall, he has played 16 games, compiling a 10-3-2 mark with a 2.21 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage.
He’s on pace to play 45 games, the most since he appeared in 48 contests between Ottawa and the Binghamton Senators in 2014-15.
In Hammond and prospect Jonas Johansson, the Amerks possess arguably the league’s best goaltending tandem.
Then and Now
Hammond talks about leading the Sens to a playoff berth as a rookie by compiling a 20-1-2 record in the 2014-15 season:
“As far as consistency in my game, I think it’s about as good as I ever felt. I think about my game, I’m as confident as I was then. It’s a different level, too, but at the same time, I feel like the goaltender I was then I’m getting back to. I feel very good about that. Right now, I definitely feel more confident than ever about how I’m playing and just knowing what I do to be successful. Last year, I got a chance to play again regularly. This year, I’m just building off that. I just think this year, maybe more than others, I’m not worrying about the team around me as much. I’m just worrying about my job and understanding at the end of the day, my job’s just to stop the puck. Whether it’s a breakdown or a routine save, it’s my job to make those.
On not facing a lot of shots
"It’s both a blessing and at times it can be a struggle, too, because you’re trying to keep your focus. But I think in a lot of ways it’s definitely been great for me because you just really are able to focus on your own game and making sure that you’re there for those routine saves and understanding that there’s going to be breakdowns.”
Should the Sabres call him up if Hutton continues to struggle? Hammond is on a one-way NHL contract. He'd have to clear waivers if he's recalled on a non-emergency basis and they want to send him back down. Johansson might be a better choice for that reason. But with UPL ready to graduate to Rochester, the time is ripe for Botterill to make a goaltending move. The Sabres can't continue to concede a loss every time Hutton starts and keep their playoff hopes alive.
