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New York Islanders Thomas Greiss Needs a Backup

By Rebecca Attard

Feb 16, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders goalie Thomas Greiss (1) plays the puck against the New York Rangers during the first period at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders goalie Thomas Greiss (1) plays the puck against the New York Rangers during the first period at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Just when we thought the New York Islanders goalie situation had been resolved, we find ourselves facing a new issue.

As we all know, the New York Islanders spent the first half of the season with the nightmare that was the three goalie situation.

It became clear the New York Islanders did not want to part with goaltender Jean-Francois Berube who had to clear waivers in order to be sent down. However, he didn’t start a game until December 17th and has only started five other games since then.

Problem

It’s pretty evident that Berube has not been a reliable NHL caliber goalie. He has given up four goals in two of his last three appearances. Definitely not what you want to see, even if it is the backup goaltender.

New York Islanders

As a result, Thomas Greiss has had to be stellar day in and day out despite the heavy workload. Right now the New York Islanders are looking at risking burning out Greiss.

With the game in Edmonton Greiss has started four games in the last six days.

Last Sunday’s blowout loss to Calgary was not on Thomas Greiss, granted. But that still doesn’t change the fact that he needs a backup the New York Islanders can turn to.

Let’s face it, the schedule isn’t going to get lighter and with the early hole the Islanders have dug for themselves, there’s very little margin for error.

Solution

Meanwhile, Jaroslav Halak has been lights out in Bridgeport with the Sound Tigers. His numbers speak for themselves.

Since being sent down Halak has a 14-3-3 record with a .931 save percentage. With only 18 games left in a span of 34 days, the New York Islanders could use some stability in goal.

In my opinion, the best way to go about this is to call up Halak to backup Greiss. Berube will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. So I don’t see why the Islanders are so eager to hang on to him.

Next: Doug Weight is the Answer for the Isles

Regardless of how and if this situation is resolved, Thomas Greiss is this team’s number one goaltender. He has repeatedly stood on his head and kept his team in a position to win even when the rest of the team did not show up to play.

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