Eenie, Meanie, Miney, Goalie

On Monday, the Anaheim Ducks picked up Justin Pogge from the Leafs for a conditional draft pick in 2011. Since it’s the offseason and anything hockey related is a blessing, I’ve been thinking about this pick up that the Ducks made. They already have two good goalies in Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Jonas Hiller—so are they just looking for a goalie that can mature in the minors?

Currently they have 2 goalies with the Bakersfield Condors (ECHL affiliate) and 6 others in the system so adding Pogge as #9 just seems a bit excessive. It certainly wasn’t his numbers that impressed the Ducks. He played 7 games at the NHL level last season which netted him only one win and a whopping 4.35 goals against average. His AHL numbers were slightly better with 26 wins in 52 games and a 2.70 GAA. He’s still a young guy at the age of 23, so he still has some time to really pick up his game and get his feet beneath him. Obviously, the Ducks are willing to give him some time to bloom. Or are they just looking for a new backup?

“You have to have three goalies, your third has to be somebody that the organization is comfortable (with), who can play and can win. This is what we think we have in Justin.”
- David McNab, senior vice president of hockey operations

I’m calling bullshit. I think it all comes down to this: the Ducks are ready to part ways with Jiggy. Up until last season, I didn’t think that was possible. With last season’s performance (3.10 GAA and .900% save percentage), I’m not sure anymore.

I realize that JS went through some very rough personal things last season, his father Claude Giguere passed away in mid-December. I’m sure the Ducks are taking his personal problems into consideration, but it was those unfortunate circumstances that allowed Anaheim to see Hiller’s potential. And I’m pretty sure they liked it. Can you blame them?

It’s all very simple: Hiller had a 2.39 GAA with a .919 save percentage with a great playoff performance. Most importantly, he was able to build confidence. Not only did he strengthen his self-confidence, he earned the respect of the team in front of him. At this point, the Ducks can’t send Hiller back to the #2 spot. To be honest, he doesn’t really belong there. Chemistry isn’t the easiest thing to build—when you find it, you don’t screw with it.

I think Anaheim may have a goalie up for sale and I’m sure there will be a few potential buyers. But at $6 million for next season, will anyone be willing to pay that price?

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