Ottawa Senators Season Preview: Goalies
By Daniel Bruce
AHL Starter: Joey Daccord
The full-time starter in Belleville last season following his ECHL demotion to start the season enjoyed a stellar season, outpacing all other goalies in Belleville with a 0.915 SV% and a 2.61 GAA, no other goalie on the team had over a 0.897 SV%, posting a 15-6-3 record to boot.
Daccord clearly takes position as the third on the depth chart as he’s surely ahead of Filip Gustavsson and Kevin Mandolese.
It’s pretty certain that Daccord will at least appear in a few games in the NHL due to injury, rest or Covid concerns. Daccord will be the top goalie on the taxi squad and will likely remain on it before the AHL’s February 5th start date at the minimum.
2020-21 3 NHL Games
AHL Backup: Filip Gustavsson
A rough start to his first two full seasons in the organization never posting a 0.890 SV%, concern was necessary as his play didn’t warrant any confidence.
Admittingly struggling through his first two full seasons in the organization, if Gustavsson is to break out this would be the year and he appeared on that path on Loan to Sodertalje SK. Posting an 11-7-0 record along with strong numbers (0.919 SV%, 2.30 GAA). With all of the problems created by Covid-19, Gustavsson will see his fair share of ice.
2020-21 Prediction AHL/Taxi Squad
AHL Fringe/ECHL: Kevin Mandolese
The 2020 QMJHL Goalie of The Year comes in likely as the 3rd string for Belleville and the starter for Brampton of the ECHL.
Mandolese could also occupy a spot on the taxi squad for a fair amount of the season as Ottawa would rather put him there over the AHL tandem of Daccord/Gustavsson
2020-21 Prediction: Fringe AHL/ECHL Starter