23-Year Old Chicago Blackhawks Goaltender Makes Hawks Franchise History
The Chicago Blackhawks first started playing hockey 97 years ago so it's pretty surprising that players can still set franchise records. I'm guessing most people wouldn't realize that no Hawks goaltender had won more than two games in a row to start their NHL career. Until now.
Jaxson Stauber improved to 3-0-0 in his NHL career with a 23 save performance in a 4-3 overtime win over the Arizona Coyotes Friday night at the United Center, making him the first goaltender in franchise history to win his first three appearances.
His first start in front of the home fans got off to an inauspicious beginning as he surrendered a goal on the game's first shot and two in the first 12:34.
But his team rallied with three goals of their own over the next two periods to take a 3-2 lead, before the Coyotes tied it with three minutes left. The Hawks rallied from a multi-goal deficit to win a game for the sixth time this season, which is tied with the Canucks, Devils and Ducks for the most among all teams.
In his three starts, Stauber has a 2.29 goals-against average and .926 save percentage. Pretty impressive numbers for any goalie, let alone a 23-year-old rookie. With the future in net unclear, why not give the kid a run at the NHL level? He's certainly earned the opportunity for more playing time.
| POLL | ||
Should Stauber see more playing time this season? | ||
| Absolutely | 97 | 80.8 % |
| No, Tank for Bedard | 23 | 19.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
