With the recent rise in his level of play, Canadiens goalie Cristobal Huet is beginning to silence critics who claimed the French netminder was a one year wonder.
Huet's main claim in his climb to elite heights are his GAA and save percentage stats, which after an average start, are back to where they sat last season. Many pointed to the fact that Huet essentially played but half a season for their doubt in the validity of his final numbers.
While Huet's stats with the L.A. Kings were decent enough prior to his trade to Montreal, it must be noted that while the game has gained a more free flowing style, the stats have improved contrary to most goaltenders.
Huet is once again tops in save %, with a .932 ratio. Last season, he led the league in winning the Roger Crozier Saving Grace award, with .931 stats. His GAA is currently 2.20, on a par with 2005-06 when he ended with the exact same numbers.
After alternating two game stints with David Aebischer, Huet has seemingly wrestled the starters role that most thought he would be given come October. While winning his last four starts, he has relived Aebischer in back to back appearances that ended in loses.
The defensive stragegy of the Canadiens D consists of keeping shooters to the outside lanes while blocking whatever shots possible. This has allowed for good vision on the initial shots while neatly cleaning up rebounds. This system is imperitive on goalies stopping the first shot, while the D - men do the dirty work - Janni Niinimaa included.
Now that both the injured Francis Bouillon and Mathieu Dandenault have returned from injury, the Habs D will be even more stable than it has been in the first 20 games. Look for Huet's numbers, as well as those of Aebischer's, to get evem more attractive as games pass.
What Huet offers the Canadiens is a very relaxed style and demeanor. Conversely, the defenseman, who are known to give up a high quantity of shots during a game, can continue in this manner as Huet has regained form.
A flash in the pan? Doubtful!
4 comments:
I ride a fine line, of wishing well on a goaltender, and wanting my guys to do well. Abby is one of my guys, but it's nice to find, not onle Huet doing well, but the MSM not calling the ball on this one.
BTW, holly $#!+, am I humbled. What is something I wrote doing in your sidebar? I get better at writing every post, but I am still not that goood of a writer (I barely re-read the "crap" I wrote). I am flattered.
And, BTW, glad you are back in the game. Hockey deserves this blog.
Man, your new site concept is good! I love your sidebar! Yeah!
I thought Huet was done earlier this season, but he really is coming back. The Habs are relying on him
What really is amazing me about the Habs goalies is that they take turns sucking.
These comments of yours should not only be included on many a blogsite, but yours as well. It is as concise and straight from the heart as anything I've seen said concerning bloggers and writers.
You are way better at what you do than you give yourself credit for, but I like you humble as you are.
LOL, I have to get up for Poke Check's tourney in 3 hours. I ought to sleep first, no?
As far as Abby goes, hope he plays great here, fetches a nice return before moving on, and loses in 7 games to the Habs in 2008 final!
Thanks, Zan!
Your last comment notwithstanding - they only take turns sucking against the Leafs. That will be rectified!
Glad you like the site! I think it's gotten a more professional coat of paint. I still refuse to kiss ass and adverstise, though, LOL!
Hope it always says it's worth $0.00.
Hope the red text doesn't hurt your eyes. It was blue for a day but looked too much like a Leafs blog!
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