Detroit Red Wings already facing difficulties with goaltending situation ahead of the season

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Will Bloggs
September 25, 2024 (9:43)

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Ken Daniels, the play-by-play voice of the Detroit Red Wings, recently joined Sirius XM NHL Network Radio to discuss the team's goaltending situation heading into the upcoming season.

In his conversation with host Steve Kouleas, Daniels revealed that Detroit will likely continue employing a three-goalie system, similar to last season.

"They're going to figure it out as they go along, just like they did last year," Daniels explained, emphasizing that the strategy had worked well for the team previously.

The Red Wings will carry veteran Cam Talbot, Alex Lyon, and Ville Husso, with Talbot joining as a free-agent acquisition to replace James Reimer. Lyon and Husso were part of the goaltending rotation last season, where the team effectively balanced the workload across three goalies. Lyon started 43 games, winning 21, while Reimer secured 11 wins in his 20 starts. Husso, limited by injuries, managed nine wins from 18 starts, though he struggled after Christmas.

The biggest question mark remains Husso's health, as he was hampered by injuries for much of the 2023-24 season.

"He was hurt all year, and then Lyon got overworked," Daniels said, stressing that having Talbot in the fold should alleviate some of that burden.

Talbot brings veteran experience and a reliable presence in the crease, which could help if injuries strike again.

While goaltending depth appears solid, Daniels also noted that Detroit's primary issue last season wasn't just goaltending but team defense. He highlighted that despite offensive improvements, the defense often left the goalies vulnerable.

«Their biggest concern is better goaltending and better team defense," Daniels concluded, summarizing the focus for the Red Wings moving forward.

Source: The Kansas City Star
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