Can Halk Hack it?

As my good man Dave mentioned in his blog, a devastating blow has been dealt to the habs with the loss of Huet. Sometimes, however it is in the eye of adversity where teams are able to rise above and make a name for themselves.

While Mr. Aebischer is a fine replacement, I believe Montreal management (and quite frankly Montreal fans) are looking for a Savior to this spiraling season.

Enter Jaroslav Halak, the future in the Montreal nets according to most.

Halak is an ultra competitor, who is leading the AHL in goaltending with a sparkling 2.00 GAA and a 9.32 save percentage. While not the ideal netminder in terms of size, he makes up for it in his effort, but can that transpire into success at the NHL level?

Montreal is rich in history of young goaltenders making their mark and leading their franchise to great heights. While the pessimist will say another body jumping onto a sinking ship will only make it sink faster, the optimistic few are hoping this change may be enough to spark a dramatic late season surge.

Not to put any extra pressure on a 21 year old about to start in his first NHL game down the playoff stretch drive on a team struggling to make the playoffs in a hockey mad city rife with expectations and unforgiving fanatics, but if he comes out of the gate with a substandard outing there is little chance he will get the opportunity to redeem himself this season with Abby waiting in the wings.

So no pressure Jaro- we're rooting for you... for now.

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