Saturday, October 24, 2009

Goalie Guru Francois Allaire not having much impact yet


From looking at the Maple Leaf goaltending situation, it doesn't appear the team is reaping any benefits from signing Francois Allaire over the summer to work with the goalies. Allaire is known for his work with Patrick Roy and for developing Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Jonas Hiller in Anaheim. He can't be happy with his start with the Maple Leafs.

The reality is that it takes a long time for a goalie coach to reap his rewards. It's early in the season so Allaire and the goalies have likely only had time to work on how to practice, how to do different drills and prepare for games. It probably has been too early to talk about changing styles. Injuries to the team's top two goalies has only slowed that process further.

But in Leaf Nation patience is definitely in short supply. Still Allaire has to be having an impact eventually. The question will Toronto still be a position to gain a playoff berth when it does happen.