There’s just no winning for Monty is there? Doesn’t rotate goaltending in the playoffs? “What an idiot! Why wouldn’t you do what worked all year??”
Says he plans to:
“What an idiot!! Doesn’t he know that would never work ever??!”
Maybe it’s just not an easy decision?
I've been critical of Montgomery but it's not an easy decision at all.
Goaltending is their strongest suit.
You must admit that strict adherence to rotation in the playoffs -- assuming that's the plan, and I have my doubts -- is unconventional and fraught with challenges.
Typically, you go with the hot hand regardless, and when push comes to shove, this may prove the case.
But it's also true that this isn't a typical tandem. A strong argument can be made that both are excellent No. #1 goaltenders. It's an unseal circumstance.
Perhaps more important, neither are experienced playoff performers, and neither have had playoff success.
It's not fair but contemplating Linus Ullmark's physical and mental stamina over consecutive regular season starts, never mind playoff starts, is an entirely legitimate question.
Given that, maybe strict rotation is the way to go with this particular tandem. Armchair critics like me couldn't argue that Montgomery overtaxed one or the other with mental or physical fatigue.
As you say, it isn't an easy decision because it 'a novel situation and many factors must be considered.
It's a fascinating state of affairs and it makes me nervous.
Sincere good luck to all involved.
We shall see,