Monday, March 2, 2015

Meet Michal Neuvirth

photo by zimbio

Also, earlier today, the Islanders announced the acquisition of goalie Michal Neuvirth from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Chad Johnson and a third round pick.

Johnson, who the Islanders signed to a two year contract on July 1st was just never really able to find his game here.

Neuvirth represents a big upgrade from Johnson for the Islanders.  On a poor Buffalo team this season, Neuvirth posted a 2.99 GAA and a .918 save percentage.  That save percentage is more than 20 points higher than Chad Johnson.  Neuvirth also faced an average of 39 shots per game with Buffalo, a number that should decrease pretty significantly with the Islanders.


I was very surprised by this move, and the more I see it the bigger fan I am of it.  I didn't think the Islanders would give up on Johnson, but I am pleased they did.  Although he had started to play better recently, to say this year was a struggle for Chad Johnson would probably be a rather large understatement.  Neuvirth should get pretty decent time as the Islanders look to rest Jaroslav Halak down the stretch for the playoffs/

No comments:

Post a Comment