The Athletic’s Cat Silverman weighs in on Red Wings prospect and goaltender Keith Petruzzelli’s up-and-down freshman season with the Quinnipiac Bobcats:
In his first three appearances of the year, the freshman allowed a combined 10 goals, including three on just eight shots in his third appearance on Nov. 10. On Nov. 25, he allowed five goals on 13 shots in 57 minutes of play.
Fast forward to this past weekend, and he started both games of a back-to-back series against Yale, winning both starts and allowing just two goals on a combined 41 shots. His second performance of the two earned the team a berth in the ECAC Quarterfinals, and he looked as confident as he did this time last year.
For the Red Wings, patience here will be key — but that’s nothing new. As InGoal’s Greg Balloch pointed out, it worked for Howard, and it worked for Mrazek. Getting that extra year, possibly two, in the AHL after making the jump from college — which shouldn’t happen this summer, perhaps not even next — will give him a chance to properly transition his game.
For now, though, there’s the World Juniors to look forward to next year. Petruzzelli is likely on the short list for Team USA. And in the immediate future, there’s a pair of games against No. 2 Cornell this weekend.
Petruzzelli is not an immediate fix, but he’s certainly the light at the end of the goaltending depth tunnel that Detroit sorely needs right now.
Continued (paywall)…
Seems odd to play as a back-up most of the year and then get the nod for the playoffs. Haven’t paid much attention to this program…did the starter struggle or get injured?
Either way, good news that Petruzzelli’s is getting this experience.