Erik Kallgren is now 11 games into his NHL career and to say it has been quite the adventure would be putting it mildly.
When he was called upon to make his NHL debut against the Coyotes on March 10th with his team down big, few could have envisioned the positive impact he would bring to a team that was desperate for some stability in the crease. Surrendering a combined three goals in his first three appearances (including a shutout in his debut start), he made good on the chance he earned through a strong showing with the Marlies this season.
Kallgren wasn’t supposed to take over the crease for good since it’s not often a rookie netminder can maintain strong play through his first stint in the NHL. He was given an extended look because of Petr Mrazek’s inconsistent play and subsequent injury, and because there aren’t many other options available once Jack Campbell was cleared to return.
But since his start against the Hurricanes on March 17th, there has only been one appearance where Kallgren posted a save percentage above .900 (April 9th against the Canadiens). Six of those appearances have resulted in a SV% of .870 or lower, and all but one of those games saw him concede at least three goals.
This has been a rough eight-game stretch that has culminated in an uninspiring stat line of 3.70 GAA, a .867 SV%, and a 4-3-1 record. Is Kallgren simply going through a funk or is this who he is?
Scotiabank Arena loves Erik Kallgren pic.twitter.com/TloxQPxZDZ
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) March 16, 2022
For every Jordan Binnington, Matt Murray, and Andrew Hammond who made an immediate impact that carried their team to great heights, there are countless other examples of other rookie goalies who take some time to adj …
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Author: Michael Mazzei / The Leafs Nation