The Detroit Red Wings got a huge home win against the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday night. The win catapulted the Wings back into first place in the Atlantic Division, one point ahead of the Boston Bruins and two of the Montreal Canadiens.
The win was a solid, all-around effort by everyone on the ice. But one player stood out: Goalie Cam Talbot.
Talbot’s performance this season has been stellar. The 38-year-old netminder was somewhat of an afterthought after the Red Wings traded for John Gibson this past summer. But Talbot hasn’t let that situation faze him. He’s racked up eight wins in 11 games to go with a 2-64 GAA and an .897 SV%.
But beyond the raw numbers, Talbot has been brilliant when he’s needed to. On Tuesday night, the Red Wings’ netminder made a fantastic save that’s got to be a candidate for the save of the year.
Check out the save here, as shown on the official NHL channel.
The game was 3-2 with about three minutes or so left in the third period. The Kraken made a nifty play to steal the puck from rookie blueliner Axel Sandin-Pellikka. Tolvanen’s quick shot was met by an even quicker glove save from Talbot.
The save not only spared Sandin-Pellikka’s hide, but it also preserved the lead for the Red Wings. Captain Dylan Larkin added an empty-netter to seal the win.
Talbot the unquestioned Red Wings starter
When the Red Wings traded for Gibson, the expectation was that the former Anaheim Ducks netminder could take over the starting job. Meanwhile, Talbot remained with the team as the backup/insurance.
Well, that insurance has certainly come in handy this season. While Gibson has had some decent outings, he hasn’t been close to the starting netminder GM Steve Yzerman envisioned. Talbot, meanwhile, has been playing well above his pay grade.
The Red Wings have been fortunate to get the goaltending they’ve gotten from Talbot. Without his strong performance this season, the Wings would be run-of-the-mill yet again. But things have come together. The scoring has been there when needed, while the D has vastly improved.
The only thing missing was solid goaltending. Interestingly enough, that has come from Talbot. As long as the veteran netminder stays healthy, the Red Wings should have a good opportunity to remain atop the Atlantic Division.
And that’s the biggest question at this point. The Red Wings will need to show they have the staying power to compete with experienced clubs like the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Boston Bruins in the Atlantic Division.