Stanley Cup Playoffs: Will Goalie Rotation Revolutionize NHL Strategy?
In the Stanley Cup playoffs, rotating goalies is a rare sight as coaches traditionally stick to one starter, but this season could see a shift towards a true goalie rotation strategy.
By the Numbers- 25 consecutive games saw Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman rotate for the Boston Bruins.
- Carolina Hurricanes have not started the same goalie in consecutive games in their last 25, alternating between Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov.
No coach has yet dared to try a planned goalie rotation in the playoffs due to the inherent risks and challenges associated with such a strategy.
State of Play- Teams have used multiple goalies in playoff runs due to injuries, not planned rotations, with recent Stanley Cup champions also showcasing this trend.
- Coaches emphasize the need for team buy-in and specific circumstances to successfully implement a goalie rotation strategy in the playoffs.
As the playoffs progress, the decision-making on goalie rotations will be a key point of interest to see if any coach takes the bold step of predetermining a rotation for postseason success.
Bottom LineWhile rotating goalies in the playoffs presents challenges, the potential benefits of maintaining fresh goaltenders and strategic advantages may pave the way for a shift in traditional playoff goalie deployment strategies.
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