Dallas Stars Goalies: Two Starters Is Better Than One

This season the Dallas Stars have been the benefactors of having two starting-caliber goaltenders at their disposal for the first time in the last decade or so. In the past the Stars have consistently put the pressure of the season on the starting net minder’s back, as opposed to spreading out the workload. This season, however, Dallas doesn’t have to worry about that.

The Stars are an impressive (4-1-0) through their first five games and both goalies have shown their skills at various points. Kari Lehtonen is (3-0-0) in his three starts, while Antti Niemi finds himself (1-1-0) with his one loss coming in a game against the Colorado Avalanche that the Stars would like to forget.

Having a great back-up is a hot commodity in the hockey world, but having two players that could each hold starting positions is incredible for the following reasons.

#3 Balanced Team Play

An issue a lot of teams face with one designated starter is that the back-up gets limited playing time making the team uncomfortable with his style of play.

Despite their best efforts, systems don’t always play out the same way with each goaltender because they all have their own unique components to their game. Whether it’s a solid ability to play the puck, or a likeness for avoiding defensive zone face-offs each player is different and miscommunications often result in goals against.

Two goaltenders that split time more evenly completely eliminates this issue. The defense and forwards have a better idea of what to expect and can therefore better adjust their play to match that of the net minder.

This means the Stars can focus more on the substance of their defense and less on their communication with the goaltenders, something that will inevitably save Dallas time.

#2 Fighting for the Crease

Friendly competition within a locker room is something a lot of athletes thrive on. It encourages them to train and play their best, while also benefiting the team, a win-win in nearly every case. That’s exactly what the Dallas Stars have going on between no. 32 and no. 31 respectively.

The battle forces each goaltender to be on his game when he starts and it also elicits a fear in him that poor play may lead to him spending the next game wearing a baseball hat instead of a goalie mask.

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There’s also the added bonus that both net minders are Finnish, which only adds to the competitive nature. All of that combines to create motivation that is only going to benefit the Stars and the skills of both Lehtonen and Niemi.

#1 Every Season is a New Battle

Luckily for the Stars, they’ve got both Niemi and Lehtonen signed through the end of the 2017-2018 season. That means their friendly rivalry for starter will most likely continue until the Stars make a decision on whether or not to sign them to extensions.

That being a few years away means Dallas can benefit from either both goalies playing for contracts, or both playing to better their situation in the free agency market. Either way these two Finnish goaltenders will be Dallas Stars for the next few years and they’ll start each season ready to battle it out once again.

Takeaway

It’s nearly impossible to tell which guy is the starter only a handful of games into the season and just because Lehtonen has been getting the nod doesn’t permanently mark his name on the position. As far as the Stars and their two talented goaltenders should be concerned the spot is entirely up for grabs, so let the battle of the Finnish net minders continue.

Do you think the Dallas Stars will have an official starter soon or will they just split time throughout the season until they’re absolutely sure? Leave your thoughts in the comments and, as always, thanks for reading!

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