Confirmed with Link: Vokoun is BACK!

[sf expat71]

Just awesome, awesome news. When we first heard about it, especially this being his second blood clot incident, I was worried that he may have to retire. Not only does it sound like he can lead a healthy life, he can do so giving one more go at what he loves to do. I feel good through osmosis.

 

[SidDidNothingWrong]

I think I remember reading an article that said he wants to play again before retiring, so we should get him the cup this year because I have a strong feeling he will be retiring this season.

 

[Big McLargehuge]

There are teams out there that would claim Zatkoff without hesitation. NY Islanders, Edmonton, and Calgary to name a few.

Calgary wouldn't, they have no need as their back-up is Reto Berra. Edmonton wouldn't, they're clearly testing out Ben Scrivens as their goaltender of the future and have a veteran back-up they're paying $2 million to. The Islanders might, but there's never an explanation to their madness.

Regardless, I don't see Zatkoff being waived this season and my statement was meant to apply for the beginning of next season. I expect the Penguins to roll with three goalies once Vokoun comes back as we need a safety net just in case Vokoun is unable to play/play at a high level.

If the Penguins lose him on waivers in September/early October...whatever. Zatkoff isn't a good goalie, he's a cheap back-up who's played a sheltered schedule (3 starts against teams currently in the playoffs as of today; the best of which being Minnesota...oh, and the Penguins score an average of 4.25 goals per game in games he plays in, never scoring fewer than 3). Honestly there's a good part of me that would be happy to see him snagged off waivers, I don't see any upside to him. He's a fringe guy with a history of post-season failure. Meh. If he's placed on waivers that means we have a veteran back-up who's almost assuredly better.

 

[The Old Master]

could now be a throw-in on a trade....if .......

 

[Jag68Sid87]

Calgary wouldn't, they have no need as their back-up is Reto Berra. Edmonton wouldn't, they're clearly testing out Ben Scrivens as their goaltender of the future and have a veteran back-up they're paying $2 million to. The Islanders might, but there's never an explanation to their madness.

Regardless, I don't see Zatkoff being waived this season and my statement was meant to apply for the beginning of next season. I expect the Penguins to roll with three goalies once Vokoun comes back as we need a safety net just in case Vokoun is unable to play/play at a high level.

If the Penguins lose him on waivers in September/early October...whatever. Zatkoff isn't a good goalie, he's a cheap back-up who's played a sheltered schedule (3 starts against teams currently in the playoffs as of today; the best of which being Minnesota...oh, and the Penguins score an average of 4.25 goals per game in games he plays in, never scoring fewer than 3). Honestly there's a good part of me that would be happy to see him snagged off waivers, I don't see any upside to him. He's a fringe guy with a history of post-season failure. Meh. If he's placed on waivers that means we have a veteran back-up who's almost assuredly better.

I completely disagree with every single word here.

But that's OK.

 

[wgknestrick]

As much as I respect the guy and the effort he's given us so far, Losing Zatkoff to waivers will not kill this team. He hasn't shown enough promise to think he will become a starter.

A 5v5 SV% of 90.2% is not going to cut it in this league. Not looking good so far for Jeff.

He is 61 out of 74 goaltenders in 5v5 SV%.

 

[Coach Travis]

I look forward to seeing how he does.

 

[Shockmaster]

Yeah, I really don't see the big deal long term about losing Zatkoff. There will be other backups the Penguins will be able to sign that won't be any worse.

 

[End of Line]

Very happy to hear about Vokoun. I expect a massive ovation for him.

 

[Ugene Magic]

Welcome back, V!

 

[HuskerTornado]

I completely disagree with every single word here.

But that's OK.

Zatkoff has had a couple of good games this year, but in the rest of them, he was either very well insulated or he was a disaster.

I wish he was better than he is, but he's not. And his playoff numbers in the AHL make Fleury's playoff meltdown years look like fantastic displays in stopping pucks.

 

[Jag68Sid87]

His AHL playoff numbers matter very little, and how many disasters has he had? I count maybe TWO, both in the first two months. He has gotten progressively better, despite extremely sporadic usage.

I don't know what more you can ask of a backup.

Vokoun is insurance in case of another Fleury meltdown. Zatkoff's our backup going forward.

Keeping three for a very brief period of time makes way more sense than waiving him.

Besides, after the deadline, rosters can expand beyond 23.