Once again the NY Islanders have questions in the net. While Rick DiPietro was playing almost true to his elite form, one bad over-extension and he again out of the line-up.
While this was the perfect opportunity for Sound Tigers #1 goalie, Nate Lawson, to show what he could do at the NHL level, things haven't exactly turned out the way it was expected for "Nate the Great." Since the end of last season, Garth Snow said that it would be Nate to back up a healthy Rick DiPietro should Dwayne Roloson no longer be on the roster. (Yes, yes. Everyone knew that Dwayne was not long for the Island as the 41-year-old goalie was in the last year of his two-year, $5 million contract.)
Lawson has had some success in Bridgeport (although not much, 3 wins in 10 games) and at the AHL level as a whole. But his first two starts for the Islanders have been less than stellar. They have actually been horrendous.
Of course, Hockey is a team sport and it is not all Nate's fault. However, his first NHL numbers will put him squarely at the bottom of the NHL goalie stats.
Enter Kevin Poulin, the 20-year-old prospect from 2008 that has been quietly getting better and better. This season in Bridgeport he has played 14 games and won 10. Called up as an insurance policy on the past road trip, he thought he'd be able to enjoy a game from the vantage point of the bench.
When Lawson gave up two quick goals on two shots, Jack Capuano tapped him on the shoulder and the youngster made his NHL debut without fanfare or expectation. Sink or swim. That's the NY Islanders way.
Well, swim he did. Kevin Poulin has shown that at age 20, he can stand up to the speed of the NHL. With Rick DiPietro's return slated for this week during their home stand, (Yes, that's what both I and Newsday's Katie Strang was told by Garth Snow. Although I doubt Ms. Strang was asking because she had a double-or-nothing bet riding on Rick's return as I did.) the question becomes which goalie to send back on the ferry. Do we keep Nate Lawson, the more experienced AHL goaltender, who by rights should be the next in line? Or do we leap-frog over him and keep Kevin Poulin up knowing he's been solid as a starter?
Would that be rushing a 20-year-old or is he NHL ready? Keep in mind that Rick DiPietro made his NHL debut at 19. And Kevin Poulin is actually only the SECOND youngest goalie to make an NHL debut. There is one that is five days younger than our hot prospect.
The question wouldn't be as important if not for the questionable health of Rick DiPietro. "Rick is 'our guy'" as John Tavares told reporters post game when he had to leave. They want him back in goal and in the locker room. If he plays smart, that's where he could stay. The question: Who will be sitting on the bench waiting for the rest of this season.
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