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New York Rangers: Who should be the Wolf Pack’s starting goalie?

By Sam Prevot

BRIDGEPORT, CT - DECEMBER 17: Dustin Tokarski #35 of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms makes a glove save during a game against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers at the Webster Bank Arena on December 17, 2017 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. (Photo by Gregory Vasil/Getty Images)
BRIDGEPORT, CT - DECEMBER 17: Dustin Tokarski #35 of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms makes a glove save during a game against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers at the Webster Bank Arena on December 17, 2017 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. (Photo by Gregory Vasil/Getty Images) /
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The New York Rangers have many goaltenders competing for not only the NHL backup position, but the AHL starter position in Hartford. Based on statistics, should Dustin Tokarski or Marek Mazanec be the Wolfpack’s starter?

The New York Rangers have multiple goaltenders competing for the backup position behind Henrik Lundqvist this season. The Hartford Wolfpack will choose from that goaltending pool as well to find its starter.

If Alexandar Georgiev earns the NHL backup position, that leaves Marek Mazanec and Dustin Tokarski battling for the AHL starter position.

So should Mazanec or Tokarski be the starter in Hartford?

Both Mazanec and Tokarski have AHL experience and spent last season as AHL goaltenders. Tokarski played 39 regular season games for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the most out of the team’s goaltenders. Mazanec played 20 games for the Wolfpack as backup to Georgiev.

Tokarski had the better save percentage and goals-against average of the two. He had a .915 save percentage in the regular season and a 2.65 goals-against average. Mazanec was not too far off, however, with a .905 save percentage and a 2.97 goals-against average for the year.

Over the course of their AHL careers, Tokarski also has the upper-hand statistically. In 11 AHL seasons, he has a save percentage of .912 and a 2.52 goals-against average. Mazanec has a .908 save percentage and a 2.66 goals-against average in 5 AHL seasons.

Both goaltenders are going into next season off of solid performances and respectable performances throughout their careers. Having said that, only one can claim the Wolfpack’s starter position.

Tokarski seems like the most logical option. He has more experience in the AHL, with 11 seasons under his belt compared to Mazanec’s five. He also has more AHL playoff experience.

Tokarski has more experience in high-pressure NHL situations as well, having replaced Carey Price in the 2014 Eastern Conference Finals, ironically, against the Rangers.

He and Mazanec have similar NHL regular season experience, with 34 and 31 games played respectively. So Tokarski’s NHL playoff performance sets him apart and gives him an advantage. In five NHL playoff games he has a save percentage of .916 and a 2.60 goals-against average.

The Rangers signing Tokarski is indication that they are not as satisfied with Mazanec as they thought they would be. Tokarski has stepped up before in key situations in the NHL, and has consistent statistics through his AHL career. Making him the starter in Hartford would not be a horrible choice by any means.

Mazanec played well last season behind Georgiev, and he can do the same behind Tokarski. It would be somewhat of a waste to sign Tokarski without the intention of making him either the NHL backup or the AHL starter.

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Tokarski’s prior experience speaks for itself. He has had a consistent AHL career and is a great addition to make the Rangers goaltending pool even deeper. He can lead the way in Hartford and Mazanec can back him up.

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