The Winnipeg Jets have announced this morning that Ondrej Pavelec’s lower-body injury is more serious than previously expected, which has opened the door for Al Montoya to slide into the starter role for at least the next two games.
Pavelec out, Montoya to start in goal for Jets’ next two games http://t.co/1PJtAOPsWi
— Winnipeg Free Press (@WinnipegNews) March 15, 2014
Furthermore, the team has recalled goaltender Michael Hutchinson from the AHL’s St. John’s IceCaps to back up Montoya while Pavelec rests up.
Hutchinson has lit the NHL's developmental league on fire in the past two months, registering a .923 save percentage to rank among the AHL's leaders. He has recorded 15 wins for the IceCaps who have carved out a fourth place position in the league's Eastern Conference.
While it’s highly unlikely we will Hutchinson in action during his stint, the news is important as it seems he has usurped the incumbent Edward Pasquale as Winnipeg’s third goalie on the totem pole he would get the chance to show his promise at the NHL level if Pavelec misses extended time.
Ed. Note: I should probably read up on the IceCaps a little more as Pasquale is out with a season-ending surgery. I'm an idiot.
