The Florida Panthers envisioned the James Reimer storyline differently than it has played out so far this season. Time is of the essence already between the pipes.
The 29-year-old veteran seemingly had a large enough sample size to run with the Panthers starting job, while fellow goaltender Roberto Luongo tended to injuries and occasional rest.
Reimer’s numbers early on this season are very alarming in comparison to last year:
- 2016/17: 39 starts, 18 wins, 16 losses, 5 OTL/SO, 2.53 GAA, .920 SV %
- This season: 8 starts, 3 wins, 4 losses, 1 OTL/SO, 4.00 GAA, .890 SV %
The Morweena, Manitoba product inspired his team around him last year with timely athletic saves and big game performances — like, for instance, October 30th 2016 with an excellent 34-save effort in a 5-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings. Early into this young season, Reimer has failed to make the big stop as frequently thus being pulled twice recently.
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"“Reimer is a starter in the NHL, no doubt about it. He looks amazing, better than even he did last year.”"
What has not been amazing is the Panthers defense (league worst 4.14 GA/G heading into their matchup versus the Buffalo Sabres). From my viewpoint, the difference between last year and this year is the goaltending — namely, Reimer — not bailing out the below average young d-core nearly as often as they did last year.
Reimer needs to start normalizing his numbers soon — 5 on 5 play would be a good start:
How good is #FlaPanthers backup goalie James Reimer? A look at some of the league's backup goalies (or goalies with similar cap hits) and their save percentages at 5v5: pic.twitter.com/fVSZBwPuiq
— this account will self destruct (@ptp_hockeyOld) November 11, 2017
Even former Panthers beat-writer George Richards weighed in recently during the Columbus Blue Jackets/Florida Panthers tilt:
So far: James Reimer four goals on 19 shots; Antti Niemi three on 13. Dale Tallon is not happy. May be some #FlaPanthers changes coming.
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) November 3, 2017
One has to wonder with Reimer’s icy start to the year, does that push the organization to force feed Luongo even more starts, thus pushing age and injury concerns to the back burner, in order to salvage a possible lost season?
Maybe this tactic from last season is worth bringing back to practices (pictured below):
.@FlaPanthers goalies now using white pucks to improve focus...you really lose sight of them on the ice. pic.twitter.com/ythRR9bz8S
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) September 15, 2016
Reimer’s ability to keep his emotions in check has been absent of late, visibly showing outward frustration on the bench. Entering a critical point in his career, it will be interesting to see which direction Reimer’s tenure with the Panthers heads towards.