Raycroft-Razor Re-Sharpened

Louis Pisano by Scribe Written on November 06, 2009
SAN JOSE, CA - SEPTEMBER 18:  Goalie Andrew Raycroft #30 of the Vancouver Canucks in action during their preseason game against the San Jose Sharks at the HP Pavilion on September 18, 2009 in San Jose, California. Joe Loprieno #42 is playing defense for the Sharks.  (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Andrew Raycroft seems to be rejuvenated after being shuffled around the league and is playing the game the way he did in his rookie year where he was awarded the Calder Trophy with the Boston Bruins.

This acquisition is paying dividends for the Canucks with the injury to their number one goal tender and captain Roberto Luongo.

Raycroft has played in seven of 17 games for the Vancouver Canucks this year with five of those being starts in which he has posted a 4-1 record, including a shut out of the red-hot Colorado Avalanche team he played for the season previous.

His save percentage is .936, good for second overall and having only given up nine goals, his goals against average is a miniscule 1.60.

Many Leafs fans must be wondering where this stellar play was when he was wearing the blue and white.

Most of this is quite surprising because the Vancouver Canucks have been hit hard by the injury bug and are missing sniper Pavol Demitra, Daniel Sedin, and most recently Michael Grabner, Jannick Hansen, Alexandre Bolduc and now Steve Bernier (day to day illness).

The Canucks have had to adopt a more defensive style of play with the injuries to the offensive side of their game and it seems to be working in favour of goaltender Raycroft.

How long he can keep this up is anyone’s guess, but as it stands, he’s playing some great hockey.

Momentum and confidence are factors that can’t really be measured. Right now, he has those in spades.

Whether the Canucks, missing as many players as they are, can keep playing this well remains to be seen.

As the players slowly return they may just get better and live up to the pre-season expectations that many around the league had for them. 

 

Vote Now! - Author Poll

Does Raycroft fall flat on his face previous to Luongo's return?

  • Yep he is playing way above his ability!
  • No he's a solid goalie!
vote to see results
Results - Author Poll

Does Raycroft fall flat on his face previous to Luongo's return?

  • Yep he is playing way above his ability!

    35.3%
  • No he's a solid goalie!

    64.7%
  • Total votes: 17
(0)
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written on November 06, 2009 Opinion

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