A few months ago, I wrote an article saying that the Penguins would be searching for answers in net. During the preseason, Tomas Vokoun was lost to a blood clot in his pelvis. The veteran netminder, coming off a strong 2013 playoff stint with a .933 save percentage and a stout 2.01 GAA, looked to be pushing Marc-Andre Fleury for the starting netminder coming into the 2013-14 season. In the wake of Vokoun’s absence, Fleury, to this point, has regained his form and claimed his role as the starting netminder in the Burgh. With Vokoun out, Jeff Zatkoff is providing the depth in net.
Before the start of the season, many expected the Penguins to go out and sign a veteran backup goaltender. Vokoun might not be able or even want to return this season, as his health would be his primary concern. Zatkoff is in his sixth professional season, his first at the NHL level, and was propelled into the back up role for the Penguins. This raised questions for many, considering the Penguins are loaded with talent, but with a sizable question mark in net.
Through 28 games, the question mark in net has started to decrease in size. Fleury, coming off a solid performance with a shutout win against the Lightning, holds a 14-7-1 record with a .918 save percentage and a 2.06 GAA. Zatkoff is 4-2, also coming off a solid performance against the Panthers, quite possibly his best of the year. Unfortunately for Zatkoff, his performance against the Panthers over the weekend was overshadowed by the four point night of Evgeni Malkin. Malkin has been on a tear as of late, as his 21 assists in the month of November were the most of any player since Wayne Gretzky accomplished that same feat in 1996.
Last month, Zatkoff made his NHL debut for the Penguins against the Panthers, which resulted in a loss. Since that time, Zatkoff has improved his record to 4-2 with four straight victories, a .901 save percentage and a 2.80 GAA. On Saturday night, the Penguins did not play a complete game, as they were out-shot 40-22 against a young Florida Panthers team. On paper and in highlights, the best player of the night could easily go to Malkin. Malkin was brilliant, as he recorded a goal and three assists and now sits only a point behind Sidney Crosby for the scoring lead.
“Our best player was Jeff Zatkoff,” coach Dan Bylsma said of his rookie backup goaltender following his performance Saturday night. Byslma, who has also fallen under scrutiny as of late, holds a seven point lead in a very competitive Metropolitan Division. Zatkoff is among six players who were slated to start for the baby Pens this year. And for that, Zatkoff is proving his worth.
