There are still too many questions and insufficient answers in the New York Islanders’ camp. One thing seems certain: Semyon Varlamov is not returning anytime soon. What worries me about Varlamov is whether this could be a reoccurrence injury. We may not see him play very much this season if it is. In the ’60s and ’70s, a goalie could play the whole season. But in today’s league, that can’t happen. I spoke with a couple of my sources, and they informed me that the magic number for starting a goalie is typically around 50 games. Serokin could go up to 55 starts. If you ask him, he would probably say 70 to 80.
Common sense suggests that overworking a goalie during the season is a risky practice. If the New York Islanders become a playoff contender this season, we need Serokin fresh. Hmmmm, maybe New York Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche knew what he was doing after all. What I am referring to is the signing of Big Save Dave, otherwise known as David Rittich.
What you get in David Rittich
Never underestimate a positive influence in the dressing room. That is precisely what you get with Dave. He will be your biggest cheerleader. Dave is what he is: a serviceable backup goalie. Fondly remembered in Calgary as “Big Save Dave” because he’s capable and makes that big save when you need it most.
That being said, one of his major problems is inconsistency. He makes one big save, but in the next minute, lets in a weak goal. If you get the Dave he was in Calgary, the Islanders will be fine in goal. Dave is a stand-up goalie who covers his angles well. He should do well in filling in for Semyon Varlamov.
Matthieu had nothing to lose with the signing of David Rittich and everything to gain. Think about it: Nobody’s expecting the Islanders to do well. If they win, they make the playoffs. If they lose, the draft is even better than last year’s. How would players like Gavin McKenna and Viktor Fyodorov look in an Islander Jersey?
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