As with many other Senators fans, the memory of Lalime's game 7 meltdown is still, and will always be, fresh in my mind. But like the Afghanistan vet who returns home and winces every time a car backfires in the grocery store parking lot, I can't help but feel as though I've seen some scary "flashes from the past" with Leclaire in the net the past few days.
This man, remember, was supposed to be the long-awaited answer to the problem that's seemingly as old as Frank Finnigan himself. He had the talent of Emery, without the attitude problems, the style of Hasek, without the unreliability, and held as much as promise as Lalime did before Joe Nieuwendyk fired successive beach balls between his legs.
I'll admit that, in giving up Antoine Vermette to get him, Bryan Murray wasn't exactly selling the club short. Vermette was going nowhere with the Sens and, thanks to a change in scenery, has managed to turn things around in Columbus this season.
But still. Come the fuck on. This is just getting ridiculous.
I was a skeptic about the acquisition at first but quickly had my mind changed by Leclaire's stellar play early in the season. Then he gets the flu. Then his save percentage drops below .900 and, while, here we are.
I think what is most frustrating about this is the fact that Leclaire could be so good. He displays flashes of brilliance all the time. Without him, the Senators would be even more mediocre than they are right now.
Is it so much to ask for the Senators to have a reliable goaltender for once? Someone who shows up to practice on time, gives his team a chance to win, and doesn't let in the softies.
And the fact that Ray Emery was at the other end on this one - while I just can't think of a more ironic kick in the fucking balls.
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