Can Antti Raanta and Scott Darling make a successful transition from backup to starter? The numbers say they can.
Goalies are just different.
Beyond the obvious -- like special equipment and the unique mindset that it takes to step in front of a hurtling disc of frozen rubber -- there are also statistical and analytical issues. While it’s easy to cite a stat like goals against, it’s tough to say what is 100% a goalie’s fault. Sometimes he’s just hung out to dry, but that goal still goes down as a mark against him.
That being said, we’ve got some stats and some context to make the case for Antti Raanta and Scott Darling to succeed in their new roles as starters.