The Vegas Golden Knights goaltending controversy could get more interesting in the coming hours. After netting his team a 3-0 shutout last night against Vancouver, Robin Lehner would seem like a solid candidate to start again tonight for Game 4 of their series. However, Lehner is 1-7-1 in his career on second nights when he plays both ends of a back-to-back series. That could allow the opportunity for veteran Marc-Andre Fleury to get the start tonight.
In fact, NHL.com’s John Shannon reports that there is an internal belief that Fleury will get the nod against Vancouver in Game 4. However, Vegas coach Pete DeBoer refused to confirm that belief:
“I’m not going to confirm any lineup decisions we’ve made,” said DeBoer (via Las Vegas Review-Journal’s David Schoen). “You’ll see tonight. We’ve got a plan, and we’re going to continue on the path that we know is the right one for our group.”
However, considering that DeBoer and Vegas management has continued to claim that it is a 1 and 1a situation, a Lehner start would likely negate that stand. Fleury, on the other hand, has appeared in just two appearances so far in the playoffs. If he does start tonight, The Athletic’s Jesse Granger notes it will be his first appearance in 14 days, his second game in 23 days and his third game in 174 days.
An official word isn’t likely until just before gametime.
- Speaking about unknowns, TSN’s Rick Dhaliwal reports that Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers was skating today, although there is no word on whether the blueliner is available for Game 4 tonight against the Golden Knights. Myers, out with a shoulder injury since Aug. 14, wasn’t expected to be ready until later this week, according to The Province’s Patrick Johnston, who added that the two-day break after this game could benefit him. However, Dhaliwal suggests there is a possibility that he could be ready tonight depending on how he responds to treatment. Again, he will be a game-time decision.
- In an interview with The Athletic’s Daniel Nugent-Bowman (subscription required), Edmonton Oilers general manager Ken Holland admitted the Oilers will keep with a tandem goaltending situation. However, he also added that while he was pleased with the team’s goaltending for much of the season, he still needs time to assess whether they will make any changes, especially since veteran Mike Smith is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. The Edmonton Journal’s Kurt Leavins adds that Smith is likely to be re-signed by the Oilers if Holland can find a way to upgrade Mikko Koskinen and his $4.5MM contract. If the team can unload Koskinen, that could improve Smith’s chances of staying in Edmonton. Otherwise, the team would likely look to let Smith walk and hope to find an upgrade in net after that.
DarkSide830
if only AV was willing to use both his goalies…
66TheNumberOfTheBest
Elliot blows and Hart is a future star…and pretty good in the present…
Why would he do that?
manos
Oilers need a real starter. Koskinen and Smith are not the solution. Lehner, Murray, Markstrom would all be upgrades.
66TheNumberOfTheBest
It is borderline insane that Oilers will continue to spin their wheels with a mediocre D corps and subpar goaltending while McDavid (not to mention Draisital) withers on the vine.
Murray, Holtby, heck what about Fleury? Anyone. I know they are stuck with Koskinen, but they have to do better.
jimtrott44
Gladly send you Raanta and Ekman-Larsson for your 1 and Bouchard.
sweetg
Seriously the only way they move Koskinen is either include something of value or take back bad contract. Koskinen is paid too much to be a backup goalie which is what he is.
The Mistake of Giving Eugene Melnyk a Liver Transplant
Good luck to Florida if they hire Chirelli
GoLandCrabs
Im shocked Lehner has played that many back to backs. Teams rarely play the same goalie on back to backs.