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Is Mac Back or Do Toronto Maple Leafs Give Sparks a Chance?

By Nicholas Lucciantonio

BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 15: Curtis McElhinney #35 and Garret Sparks #40 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skate off the ice following their 5-2 victory against the Buffalo Sabres in an NHL game on March 15, 2018 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 15: Curtis McElhinney #35 and Garret Sparks #40 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skate off the ice following their 5-2 victory against the Buffalo Sabres in an NHL game on March 15, 2018 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs backup goalie Curtis McElhinney has one year left on his contract. 

McElhinney has done what’s expected of him so far in his Toronto Maple Leafs career, but is that enough? McElhinney has been with the team since being claimed off waivers from the Columbus Blue Jackets in January 2017. Since then he has done more than expected for the Leafs, performing a lot better than the 35-year-old did in Columbus.

Mike Babcock uses Mac mainly for a back-to-back game and the only other time he usually plays is when Andersen is out hurt. This, however, may be a mistake.  The Leafs played Andersen in over 65 games, and while he had a great season, that is a lot of games for a goalie.  McElhinney played great when called upon, but  If the Leafs were more comfortable with their backup, they may be able to play Andersen less and keep him rested in anticipation of the playoffs.

Does Toronto need something more than a fill-in? Yes, a backup goalie doesn’t play that often, but the Leafs need a goalie that can lighten the load for Frederik Andersen. When McElhinney stepped in for Freddy the past two seasons, he played to his best ability and more often than not sealed the win for the Leafs. As well as McElhinney played, it would be beneficial to the team to have a goalie they can play more often than just when it’s absolutely necessary.

Sparks is Showing What He’s Got

Garret Sparks has emerged as a force to be reckoned with leading the Toronto Marlies to the Calder Cup finals. Sparks held an impressive 0.936 SV% and a 1.96 GAA during the 2017/18 regular season, with similar numbers in the playoffs. Most believe he should get a shot at the backup position with McElhinney entering the final year of his contract and Sparks approaching the prime of his career.

The Chance Might Already be His

With Mac almost entering his forties, he is past his prime and won’t be getting much better. Giving Sparks an opportunity can give the organization an idea of whether he can backup Freddy or stay in the minors. One way or another he needs a chance to prove himself and that chance should be this upcoming season.

Andersen played two back-to-back 66 game seasons, which is more than necessary. With a goalie like Sparks ready to relieve him, Freddy can get more rest and play to the best of his ability without over-working himself.

Next: Should the Leafs Re-Sign Plekanec

In conclusion, Sparks deserves the chance to be the backup goalie for the Toronto Maple Leafs, but with the way his cup run is going, he might already have it in the bag.

stats from hockey-reference.com, theahl.com

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