Lindgren allowing Canadiens to delay pressing the panic button
Carey Price's "minor," "day-to-day" injury is apparently serious enough for Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin to sign Antti Niemi - a goalie with a 6.74 GAA and .822 save percentage.
Related: Canadiens claim Antti Niemi off waivers
Factor in that backup Al Montoya is out indefinitely with a concussion, and Habs fans should have good reason to whip out the ol' panic button and start mashing.
But not so fast, Montreal.
Because thanks to a right-handed catching 23-year-old named Charlie Lindgren, those buttons can be put on the shelf - for the time being.
While Bergevin continues to leave fans and experts around the NHL scratching their heads with yet another questionable move, Lindgren is doing his best to put those concerns to rest, as he continues to prove that his strong showing at Canadiens training camp in September was more than just a flash in the pan.
Sure, Montreal took the L against the Blue Jackets on Tuesday night, but Columbus is one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, and Lindgren only allowed two goals on 22 shots for a respectable save percentage of .920.
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Not to mention, through five games, Lindgren has posted solid numbers while earning a 3-1-1 record.
In addition, Lindgren offers the Habs a sense of stability in a position that has been in constant flux over the past two weeks, as the rookie netminder plays with a calming serenity that is quickly earning him the trust of his teammates and coaches.
Few positions in professional sports come with as much scrutiny as playing goalie in the city of Montreal. Dealing with the daily doubts from rabid fans and constant questioning from hounding media is enough to drive any guy mad.
But for Lindgren, none of that seems to matter.
Obviously, expecting Lindgren to be the guy to replace the best goalie of this generation is a very bold - and seemingly foolish - assumption. But that doesn't mean he can't fill the void as a serviceable netminder until Price returns.
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