Poggemon: Gotta Save’em All
September 28, 2008
Total Pro Sports - Back when Tuukka Rask was traded to the Boston Bruins during the 2006 draft for Andrew Raycroft it made most people shake their heads and wonder why the Leafs gave up so much for a one year wonder. It then turned the spotlight onto the Leafs 3rd round pick in the 2004 draft Justin Pogge. Justin had a disappointing first season in the AHL and it started to fuel a lot of differing opinions on the net minder. Some still say he's the future #1 for the Leafs while others say he'll be nothing more than a backup in the NHL. I say he still is the future #1 for the Leafs and suggest to the people that think otherwise to take a look back at Pogge's history.
Justin Pogge was just a young backup with the Prince George Cougars when he first joined the WHL. However, over time he became more familiar with the game and started to earn more and more starts. He eventually took over the #1 spot and flew up the draft rankings when the Leafs selected him 90th overall. He continued his excellent play into the next season and was traded to the Calgary Hitmen at the trade deadline which lead to his breakout season. In the 2005-06 season Justin posted an impressive 1.72 GAA, 11 shutouts and 38 wins to go along with his WJHC Gold, Tournament MVP and WHL & CHL Goaltender of the Year awards.
After his impressive last season in the WHL Pogge jumped over to the AHL and struggled to adjust to playing with men as the Marlies backup. However, just like he did in the WHL, he worked hard and improved the next season in a split role with Scott Clemmensen posting a 2.34 GAA, 4 shutouts and 26 wins. He's now heading into this season as the Marlies #1 and will be watched closely by the Leafs management.
Now I'm not saying Justin Pogge will be the next Ed Belfour, Patrick Roy, or Martin Brodeur but as his history shows, now is too early to write him off and the career backup talk is premature at this point.
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4 Responses to “Poggemon: Gotta Save’em All”
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With the addition of Toskala last year do you think Pogge will actually be given a chance in T.O.
I dont think so, hopefully his talent doesnt go to waste. And he is given a shot to be a #1 on another team.
Man, we need a GOOD goalie so badly. Curtis Joseph was the closest thing we had to a superstar goalie in YEARS, and he was already past his prime.
It’s a shame that a team like the maple leafs doesn’t have a top 2 goalie during all times. Brodeur should have been here years ago. Ridicolous, this is exactly why we don’t win Stanley Cups anymore.
Yes I do think Pogge will be given a chance. The reason why they got Toskala, aside from the fact Ferguson thought they had a shot at the playoffs, was to take some of the pressure off Pogge to make the jump to the NHL right away. With Toskala as the #1 Pogge can be eased into the starters role rather than jumping in right away like Fleury did in Pittsburgh. The Bruins are doing the same thing with Rask as well having Fernandez and Thomas.
True, although Belfour was very solid when he played for the Leafs as well. But I don’t think you need a superstar goalie to win the Cup. Detroit proved that last year, the Ducks the year before, Tampa in 2004, etc. The key is to have a great team in place, not just a great goalie