If you’re a good back-up goaltender in the NHL on above average team that is stuck behind a top-notch ‘tendy, playing time can often be a rare occurrence. Even though you're getting paid a ridiculous amount of money to sit on the bench with a ballcap and clipboard, virtually every goalie wants to see as much game action as they can. Watching your partner excel is a bittersweet notion, as you quietly await your turn in net.
Newly acquired Hurricanes goaltender Scott Darling knew that all too well in his time in Chicago posting a .923 career save percentage in 75 games over the last three seasons. The netminder was acquired by the Carolina in April, and was then subsesquently signed to a four-year extension.
The 28-year-old had a terrific yet very candid article in the Player’s Tribune this summer detailing his battles with alcohol while trying to work his way through various levels of semi-professional hockey before securing a back-up spot in Chitown. Upon being traded to the ‘Canes, the Illinois raised goaltender hilariously negotiated with Derek Ryan to make sure he could wear the No. 33 he donned with the Blackhawks.
With training camp just around the corner, Darling is putting in the final reps of his off-season workouts, and he’s now breaking in his new set of pads. Darling is a devoted member of the Brian’s team, the equipment company that strictly makes “goalie’s only” gear.
The Hurricanes have done a great job of controlling possession over the last three years, and limited teams to the second lowest shots on goal per game over that stretch, which speaks volumes to their young defensive core and talented forward group. However, their struggles in the net have been well documented, and it's limited the club of firing on all cylinders. Last year, the team combined for save percentage of .905, well below the league average of .913.
Carolina is looking for Darling stabilize the net with an increased workload, much like Cam Talbot and Martin Jones did with the Oilers and Sharks, respectively. If Darling is able to hold the fort, look for the Hurricanes to be a team that quietly competes for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference this season.
(h/t to Brian's Custom Sports)
