The Winnipeg Jets just received some big news. Steve Mason is out with yet another concussion. He hasn’t been overly effective, and this leaves another opportunity for a different goaltender to pick up his spot.
It’s a big day for Michael Hutchinson, as he just got called up. After being demoted in training camp, he has been lighting up the AHL. Hutch had an outstanding record of 14-2-1 on the Moose. He turned heads of other teams in need of a goalie on the trade front, but nothing was done about it. With a .942 save percentage, and a 1.94 GAA average, he was bound to get a second chance.
Will he stick?
The main question Jets fans are asking is, “Will he stick?” It’s a valid question. His time up with Winnipeg was last year wasn’t too pretty. Everyone knew that he’d be going down to the AHL, but nobody really thought he’d be back. He’s back, and I think he’s here to stay, especially with poor play from backup, Steve Mason. All Hutchinson needs is half of what Andrew Hammond had in the 14/15 season, and he’s set.
I mean, come on, it can’t be that hard to outplay Steve Mason at the moment. Hutch only needs a decent showing, and he could take back his backup spot on the Winnipeg Jets.
What a relief he could be…
Poor play is never fun to watch, but it’s worse when only one aspect of your game causes you to lose. Watching Mason lose every night he hits the ice is not entertaining whatsoever. Clearly every night isn’t horrible, as Hellebuyck starts almost every game, but he can no longer do that.
Talking about Hellebuyck makes me think about another important subject I need to address. He receives lots of starts. Mason doesn’t. It completely makes sense. Hellebuyck receives a bit too many starts though, and I think with his lack of experience he could tire out. If he tires out, this leaved the Jets in a deep hole. Like I mentioned earlier, one failing aspect of your game can cost you, especially being your goaltending. There’s always the chance that he lasts as long as we can go, but there’s also the chance he doesn’t. Hutchinson could be the saviour to that problem. He just needs to be a solid backup the Winnipeg Jets can rely on.
Jets Fans Should Be Excited
Calling up Michael Hutchinson could completely end our goalie issues. He has an opportunity to show what he’s worth again, and he’s hungry. Even what he had to say should alone prove that:
"“Being sent down is getting demoted. There’s no way of sugar-coating it. It sucks. I was pissed off. There’s still days when you come to the rink and you’re still pissed off that you’re down there. You can just sulk and let your game turn to crap, or you can use it as motivation and to prove the people that put you there wrong, and show that you should be up at the NHL level. So that’s what I’m trying to do, is prove people wrong.”"
Personally, this has been a day I’ve been waiting for, for a long time. I can’t wait to see him start playing again.
Next: Steve Mason Sidelined with Concussion
Say Hutch takes a bit of the load off Hellebuyck. This gives Connor time to sit back a bit and take a breather. With Hellebuyck staying fresh, we can keep our team rolling, and more importantly, confident.