Jan 3, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres goalie
Michal Neuvirth(34) reacts after giving up a goal against the New York Rangers during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Buffalo Sabres Goaltenders – C
Jhonas Enroth won the right to start the regular season as the number one goalie, and then his play elevated him to the very clear number one goalie for the Buffalo Sabres.
Both goalies have performed admirably at times this season, with Jhonas Enroth out performing Michal Neuvirth. With zero support in front of them however from the skaters on the team, they are often grabbing pucks from behind them on a regular basis.
The Buffalo Sabres have some choices to make at the goaltender position. All three of their “NHL” ready goaltenders are in the final year of their deal. Is Andrey Makarov ready to step into the NHL and learn the ropes from a veteran free agent that will be willing to sign as the Buffalo Sabres climb out of their rebuilding phase?
For Neuvirth, this hasn’t been a very good season for him to be an attractive number one goalie option for teams looking to fill that position come July 1. Jhonas Enroth is going to be a very attractive option for teams looking for a number one guy, but only if he has a reliable number 2 behind him that is going to suit up for 20-25 starts a year, and get 12-13 victories in the process.
If I am either Enroth or Neuvirth, your looking for the Buffalo Sabres to give you a solid two year bridge contract as the number one goalie next season – and bring in a seasoned veteran backup while one of their prospects in the crease is ready for the NHL.