Jason Garrison (left) of the Canucks delivers a hit to Matt Stajan of the Flames during first period NHL action in in Vancouver on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013. (Rich Lam/Getty Images/AFP)
VANCOUVER - If anybody at NHL headquarters is reading this, maybe it's time to create a new statistical category for netminders.
NH — as in, Needed Help.
Give it to any goalie who is the victim of a sub-par performance by their team, left to face a steady stream of scoring opportunities for the opposition.
And while you’re at it, give one to Calgary Flames puck-stopper Leland Irving, who didn’t see a single shot for the first 8:18 and then faced a barrage for rest of the night in Saturday’s 5-1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena.
Under the existing rules, Irving will only get credit for a loss.
The stat-line will show he surrendered five goals on 31 shots. The highlights will show he also made several terrific saves, the kind that make you back up your PVR.
