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Friday, September 19, 2008

Tackling the Training Camp: The Goalies

Posted by mprestia at 1:40 AM

Alright well lets get right back into it with the Goalies. It seems pretty straight forward what Leaf Management are doing with their goaltenders this season. There are 6 goaltenders in camp with the biggest competition coming in the lower ranks of the organization

At the NHL level I think the story is pretty clear. Vesa Toskala is the guy, he is the Leafs only real impact player and the success they have this year will largely depend on how many games he is able to steal for the Leafs.

Backing up Toskala is the Leafs very own prodigal son, Curtis Joseph. He made a very costly misstep when he left the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2002, injury and drama ensued, he was never able to be the player he was in Toronto but it has all come full circle. Joseph is back for the farewell tour, he will be looked upon for leadership on an inexperienced team this year as he sails towards the horizon and a job off ice with the Leafs organization next season.

This is a make or break year for Justin Pogge, it will be his third as a pro and while he was not the best of the Marlie goaltenders last season he had a very respectable year. The Leafs are hoping that he can take it to the next level and step up and be that undisputed number one goalie for the Marlies this season. Unlike last year, Leaf Management expect Pogge will be in a position to be the number one call up for the Leafs in case of injury.

The real competition at the goaltending position is between a trio of goaltenders looking to be the guy to push Justin Pogge in the AHL. The Leafs rookie goaltenders Michael Ouzas and especially former Red Deer Rebel James Reimer will be fighting for a job with the Toronto Marlies. For insurance though the Leafs have invited minor pro veteran Adam Munro to camp to perhaps provide more stability in goal with the Marlies this season. Munro has 17 games NHL experience with the Blackhawks and has played over 100 pro games in the minor leagues. If Munro is able to earn a job with the Marlies it is likely that both Reimer and Ouzas will end up with the Leafs new ECHL affiliate, the Reading Royals.

That is it for my Leaf training camp preview, I'll be updating the camp roster regularly on the sidebar and I'll be doing a season preview once the roster seems to be a bit more finalized once the pre-season is in full swing.

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