I don't think the Yotes have ever gone into a postseason with a goalie tandem as lethal as Raanta & Kuemper. As far as keepers go, these guys are assassins.
I'll admit that there were times this past season when I wasn't convinced that the coaching staff was completely dialed in. However, I also understood that I was only hearing cliches and 20 second soundbites from them so it was hard to know for certain. That being said, with each article of yours that I've read I'm getting a little more confident because I'm hearing more detail from the coaches than is typical. I'm certainly more hopeful in the Coyotes chances today than I was late in the season.
Great work getting and sharing deeper thoughts from the coaching staff.
The good news - 15 other teams with the same problem, starting cold goaltenders... the better news is the Coyotes have a great tandem. I gotta think they're going to be comfortable using both, depending on how each series is playing out.
I gotta think they need to take advantage of both of them. There's no telling when "anyone" could get hurt. Especially with a long layoff. Riding Kuemper to the ground then having to ride Raanta the same way would be a disaster. They both need ice time to be in playing shape, and we need to have the ability to rely on either one consistently at the drop of a hat (or groin injury). Obviously I'd hope they both stay healthy, but we're the Yotes so the hockey gods aren't with us.
I'm sure this is coming in a later "series preview" article, but just thought I'd ask now. Any idea who starts in Nashville's net? Saros was on a tear before the shut-down, but Pekka Rinne is... Pekka Rinne.
NIce work Craig. When it comes to goaltending, I think the Coyotes have to be one of the top 3 or 4 tandems in the league. Hopefully, the offense can support the excellent net minding.
The Kuemper/Raanta tandem is fantastic but it would be great if the Coyotes could actually draft a starting-caliber goaltender. It's been nearly 25 years, and the best goalies they've drafted are Robert Esche, Louis Domingue, and Scott Darling. It's actually quite remarkable that they have not drafted a single starting goalie in their history. On the other hand, nobody is better at poaching other teams discarded goalies and turning them into all-stars. Bryz, Smitty, even Dubnyk was good for them, along with their current duo. They're fortunate that the goaltending has been as good as it has been for so long considering their inability to draft the position.
It sure doesn't suck to maybe have to choose between playing Kuemps or Raanta if it comes to that.
Tocc has to feel pretty good marching into an arena with that paddock full of stallions.....I mean goalies. All 4 of them!
The goaltending part of the roster is STACKED!
Love these boys. Injuries and all. Both are not only elite athletes, they are both good teammates! Raanta always so happy.
And I have to give a shout out to Hill and Pro. They are the "backups" IMO, and are killin' it in Tucson. I have confidence their contribution will be valuable.
Good to have you back Craig, easily the best Coyotes beat writer! Looking forward to your insights moving forward. Glad to see the team is still giving you access despite being independent.
Great stuff! It would be nice to have both of them healthy for an extended period of time. With the workload presented to teams in this format, having a 1A and 1B goalie could be the key. Oh, and having Kessel and Hall scoring more won't hurt either .
Do you know how Kuemper and Raanta are doing health-wise? Obviously they were both out for extended periods during the regular season. Do you expect them both to be 100% come August? (Thanks for another great article.)
In the case of Antti Raanta, perhaps they should take the term “bubble” more literally and encase him in an actual inflatable bubble. Just to be safe. I suppose even in that scenario he’s not totally safe. Could get a report that he’s week-to-week from drinking coffee that was too hot, or suffering whiplash from a particularly intense sneeze.
I don't think the Yotes have ever gone into a postseason with a goalie tandem as lethal as Raanta & Kuemper. As far as keepers go, these guys are assassins.
I'll admit that there were times this past season when I wasn't convinced that the coaching staff was completely dialed in. However, I also understood that I was only hearing cliches and 20 second soundbites from them so it was hard to know for certain. That being said, with each article of yours that I've read I'm getting a little more confident because I'm hearing more detail from the coaches than is typical. I'm certainly more hopeful in the Coyotes chances today than I was late in the season.
Great work getting and sharing deeper thoughts from the coaching staff.
The good news - 15 other teams with the same problem, starting cold goaltenders... the better news is the Coyotes have a great tandem. I gotta think they're going to be comfortable using both, depending on how each series is playing out.
I gotta think they need to take advantage of both of them. There's no telling when "anyone" could get hurt. Especially with a long layoff. Riding Kuemper to the ground then having to ride Raanta the same way would be a disaster. They both need ice time to be in playing shape, and we need to have the ability to rely on either one consistently at the drop of a hat (or groin injury). Obviously I'd hope they both stay healthy, but we're the Yotes so the hockey gods aren't with us.
Great article Craig!
Worth. Every. Penny.
Love that you're finding a way to continue giving us updates Craig.
Stay safe out there.
I'm sure this is coming in a later "series preview" article, but just thought I'd ask now. Any idea who starts in Nashville's net? Saros was on a tear before the shut-down, but Pekka Rinne is... Pekka Rinne.
NIce work Craig. When it comes to goaltending, I think the Coyotes have to be one of the top 3 or 4 tandems in the league. Hopefully, the offense can support the excellent net minding.
The Kuemper/Raanta tandem is fantastic but it would be great if the Coyotes could actually draft a starting-caliber goaltender. It's been nearly 25 years, and the best goalies they've drafted are Robert Esche, Louis Domingue, and Scott Darling. It's actually quite remarkable that they have not drafted a single starting goalie in their history. On the other hand, nobody is better at poaching other teams discarded goalies and turning them into all-stars. Bryz, Smitty, even Dubnyk was good for them, along with their current duo. They're fortunate that the goaltending has been as good as it has been for so long considering their inability to draft the position.
The Coyotes goaltending is the key for them to make a run
I'm just excited to wear my new Kuemper jersey!! 😁👍
It sure doesn't suck to maybe have to choose between playing Kuemps or Raanta if it comes to that.
Tocc has to feel pretty good marching into an arena with that paddock full of stallions.....I mean goalies. All 4 of them!
The goaltending part of the roster is STACKED!
Love these boys. Injuries and all. Both are not only elite athletes, they are both good teammates! Raanta always so happy.
And I have to give a shout out to Hill and Pro. They are the "backups" IMO, and are killin' it in Tucson. I have confidence their contribution will be valuable.
Good to have you back Craig, easily the best Coyotes beat writer! Looking forward to your insights moving forward. Glad to see the team is still giving you access despite being independent.
Great stuff! It would be nice to have both of them healthy for an extended period of time. With the workload presented to teams in this format, having a 1A and 1B goalie could be the key. Oh, and having Kessel and Hall scoring more won't hurt either .
Do you know how Kuemper and Raanta are doing health-wise? Obviously they were both out for extended periods during the regular season. Do you expect them both to be 100% come August? (Thanks for another great article.)
In the case of Antti Raanta, perhaps they should take the term “bubble” more literally and encase him in an actual inflatable bubble. Just to be safe. I suppose even in that scenario he’s not totally safe. Could get a report that he’s week-to-week from drinking coffee that was too hot, or suffering whiplash from a particularly intense sneeze.