Bleacher Report’s Joe Yerdon discusses the mid-season grades for every NHL team’s goaltending duos…or trios, in the Red Wings’ case…issuing a middling grade for the Red Wings’ three-headed goalie monster:
Cam Talbot, Alex Lyon and Ville Husso
We know this is about tandems, but you tell the Detroit Red Wings that, OK?
Talbot has been really good for the Wings this season and we can say that about when Derek Lalonde was coaching them and now with Todd McLellan behind the bench, too. His .903 save percentage and 10-9-2 record exemplifies how it’s been for the Wings this season, but according to MoneyPuck.com, he’s saved 2.3 goals above expected in all situations this season. Imagine how rough it would’ve been for Detroit if he hadn’t done that.
Lyon and Husso have taken turns in the net this season as well and Lyon’s .902 in 16 games (14 starts) with a shutout will play every day. Er, play every other day since he’s usually the backup. Husso’s .877 in eight games (seven starts) isn’t ideal, although he’s dealt with injury issues again this year.
Talbot and Lyon with an invigorated Red Wings team in front of them puts them in a place to maybe get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Grade: C-plus
Continued; I’d give the Wings a similar grade. Talbot’s been very good when he’s good, but very bad in some situations; Lyon is streaky, and Husso has been battling injuries and demotions to Grand Rapids, but he just hasn’t been very good at the NHL level.
