Is it time for the Arizona Coyotes to name a true starting goaltender. Through the start of this season, coach André Tourigny has been using a strategy that continues to become more and more common in the NHL: Playing both goaltenders equally. So far, Karel Vejmelka and Connor Ingram have started eight games respectively but it’s been clear who’s been the better goalie. Vejmelka has really struggled as of late as he’s lost his past six games granted one of them came when he was forced to come in during the first period for Ingram. On the other side of things, Ingram has won his last five games showing what he is capable of and making his case to be the full time starter. Ingram also has the edge in the GAA department with a 2.75 compared to Vejmelka’s 3.08 and in SV% as he is sitting at .918 in contrast to Vejmelka’s .906 save percentage. Despite being the primary backup last season, Ingram has improved from just one year ago and is just performing as the better goaltender. To the defense of Vejmelka, he’s been forced to face a couple playoff caliber teams in the Western Conference over the course of his past few games including the Dallas Stars, and Los Angeles Kings. André Tourigny spoke prior to the Coyotes matchup against the Jets. Still though, Ingram has been winning and it may be smart for Tourigny to start riding with the hot hand more as opposed to switching off goalies every game. This doesn't mean benching Vejmelka however. Vejmelka has proven he is very much capable of carrying a heavy workload and will continue to be a valuable piece for this Coyotes team. If Ingram keeps winning, it will be hard to deny him the starting goaltender position or at least give him more starts over Vejmelka. The Coyotes end off their road trip tonight in Winnipeg with Vejmelka in net but it’s unclear if Tourigny plans to stick with the same strategy going forward or keep riding his two goalies equally.
