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This. Lyon has been good lately, but the team is playing really well in front of him. His biggest contribution is the fact that the team has enough confidence in him that they can play the run and gun game they want to play. When our boys aren't sure their goalie can make a save they play more conservatively. That doesn't play to our strengths as a team. We're at our best when we play fast and aggressive. Can't do that if you aren't sure your goalie has your back. It was hard fought but Lyon rose to the top and through his play has convinced his teammates he's got their backs. I'm all in on this guy. He may not be the best goalie but he's the right one for this team right now.

Point out a game where Lidstrom played radically differently because MacDonald or Conklin was in net.

Maybe it's all b.s., what do I know? I've just heard enough players talk about it, and seen enough teams change their game to think there's something to it. Osgood taking over for Hasek in 2008 comes to mind. Our team looked day and night different once they had steady goaltending behind them.

Players talk about it all the time. I'm trying to remember the game but just the other night I watched an pre-game interview and a player commented that his team needed to "tighten up defensively" because they had a rookie goalie playing. I've also heard it the other way where a player will say something like "getting Fluery back (or whomever) really allow us to play our game", or things to that end.

Lol what a bunch of total malarkey. 99% of the game is happening so fast and in the moment, no one is considering who is in net when they make a decision. You go out there and play your game, and execute the coaches game plan. Only way I'm playing markedly more conservative is because coach has asked me to. Players focus on doing their jobs, who is in net is not their concern, and I implore either of you to present anything that supports this fanboy superstition of yours.

Nah, it’s true. They play differently for all kinds of reasons. They’re very susceptible to superstition because they’re so particular about how they mentally prepare. No reason to think that they wouldn’t worry about a soft goalie just as much as they worry about how they tape their stick or lace their skates.

On my way back to Howard is Average

13 of 14 pts. And besides Chiarot and Petry, our D is tightening up real nice. Maatta and Holl are a really good 3rd pairing for some reason. They seem to compliment each other well. At 5-6 mil a season for the pair, Im a big fan.

Talks now that Chychrun soured on them and don’t want to extend long term. I bet he loved being on the team before the season started.

Imagine being a sens fan