Red Wings’ Goalie Woes Mount as Cossa’s Preseason Struggles Persist
As the Detroit Red Wings navigate the early stages of the preseason, the spotlight is shifting towards their goaltending situation, which has become a topic of concern among analysts and fans alike. The franchise made a strategic move this offseason by acquiring veteran goalie John Gibson, who is expected to step into the starting role, with Cam Talbot slotted in as the backup. Meanwhile, Sebastian Cossa, a highly regarded prospect, is vying for a spot on the roster but has faced criticism for his performance so far.
Cossa’s Rocky Preseason Performance
Max Bultman, a Red Wings analyst, has expressed disappointment in Cossa’s play during the preseason, highlighting specific moments that raised alarm. In a recent outing, Cossa surrendered four goals on just 20 shots. Bultman pointed out that the circumstances surrounding two of those goals were particularly troubling.
“Radim Mrtka’s goal came off a cross-slot pass on the rush, which can be tough. But Cossa was still square to the 18-year-old defenseman when he shot it, and it just got through him,” Bultman noted. The analyst also referenced a critical misstep during Buffalo’s fourth goal, where Cossa appeared out of position and struggled to regain his balance, ultimately allowing Thompson to capitalize for an easy score.
While Bultman acknowledged that it’s early in the exhibition season and cautioned against overreacting to a few poor performances, he emphasized the importance of a strong start for Cossa, especially after a disappointing finish to the previous season. “For a player who could really use a strong start this year, I haven’t seen that yet,” he stated.
Implications for Cossa’s Future
Given Cossa’s struggles, it seems likely he will begin the season in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins. The former first-round pick faces pressure to improve his game before he can seriously contend for an NHL roster spot. The development of young talent like Cossa is crucial for the franchise’s long-term success, but immediate results are necessary to keep him on the radar for the Red Wings.
Gibson and Talbot: A Dual Approach in Goal
As Detroit looks to solidify its goaltending strategy, head coach Todd McLellan has refrained from confirming Gibson as the unequivocal starter. Instead, he emphasized the need for both Gibson and Talbot to share the workload. “I don’t know who our starter is. Obviously, Gibson is really important. But teams are proving year after year now that you need two guys to get the job done,” McLellan remarked. “We plan on playing them both and we expect a lot from both of them.”
Gibson, with two years remaining on his substantial eight-year, $51.2 million contract, is expected to carry a significant load. While he possesses the potential to elevate the team’s performance, McLellan recognizes that having both goalies in peak form is essential for achieving success throughout the grueling NHL season.
Cossa’s Potential and Future Outlook
Cossa, selected 15th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, is viewed as a future cornerstone for the Red Wings’ goaltending position. Grand Rapids Griffins head coach Dan Watson believes Cossa has the tools necessary to make an impact in the NHL, asserting, “He’s committed, dedicated. He wants to get better. He wants to be the guy.”
Watson remains optimistic about Cossa’s development, stating that his growth during this season in Grand Rapids will be pivotal. “We’re looking for him to take that next step and be a good starting goaltender for us in Grand Rapids. If not, he’s going to be in Detroit,” he added.
As the preseason unfolds, the Red Wings’ goaltending landscape remains a critical aspect to monitor, with the team looking to balance veteran experience and youthful promise as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
