Making The Grade – Alex Auld

EXPECTATIONS

Alex Auld was brought back to Ottawa by GM Bryan Murray to be a back up to current starter Craig Anderson, and allowing Robin Lehner to develop for another year in Binghamton.  He signed with the Senators knowing he would only get 15-20 games (if things went well) and would prepare for that diminished load.

THE HIGHS

Auld was a team player and although it wasn’t a good season for him personally, he didn’t seem to make any waves in the dressing room and seemed like a good team player despite being forced out of his role with the late season arrival of Ben Bishop to take over the backup role.

THE LOWS

Auld’s failure to impress resulted in the acquisition of Bishop.  His inability to perform on the ice resulted in Anderson playing 21 straight contests, because Paul MacLean lacked the confidence in Auld’s ability to put together a solid outing.  Then he got his chance to assume the starter role after Anderson’s hand injury, but dropped the ball and Bishop was brought in from St. Louis.  Auld never got back in the net after Feb 25th.

THE STATS

Auld started 8 games, and appeared in 14 for the season. He went 2-4 in 6 decisions with a .884 SP and 3.35 GAA.

THE GRADE

Given the expectations and the role Auld was expected to have, in my book, the final grade for Alex Auld  in the 2011-12 season is:

F