Many say hockey is becoming a young man’s game. Unfortunately for the Colorado Avalanche, nobody told the Anaheim Ducks. Wednesday night’s contest saw the Ducks best the burgundy and blue by a score of 3-0.
With a scoresheet reminiscent of an All-Star game circa 2003, the Ducks received goals from Sheldon Souray (age 36), Saku Koivu (38), and Francois Beauchemin (32). Also chipping in with an assist was the ageless wonder Teemu Selanne (42).
The team did have a rookie goaltender minding the net in Viktor Fasth, but even he is at least a decade older than the typical Calder candidate at the age of 30.
Although he was playing in only his fourth NHL game, he has Fasth has significant experience in Europe. Last season, Fasth won the Honken Trophy as the Swedish goaltender of the year; joining last season's Vezina winner (NHL's top goaltender) Henrik Lundqvist as the only players to win the award in two consecutive seasons.
Anaheim signed Fasth to a one-year deal worth $1 million, to provide insurance behind incumbent starter Jonas Hiller. Seeing as Hiller played in an astounding 73 games last season (a career high); Fasth figured to spend most of his time on the end of the bench donning a baseball cap.
Such was the case during the first five games of this season (all Hiller starts); but Fasth did finally see action in game six, and he hasn’t looked back since. As Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov knows from their time together in Washington, Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau likes to play the hot hand in net. There is none hotter than Fasth.
While last night marked his first shutout, Fasth has taken the NHL by storm as of late. Undefeated in four starts, the Swedish netminder currently leads the league in both goals against average (0.98) and save percentage (.962).
Casting aside all 31 shots the Avalanche mounted, Fasth easily captured the victory for the Ducks. With his incredible play, he is also quickly capturing the attention of people around the league, and the hearts of the Ducks’ faithful flock.
Coupled with an offense that ranks second in the league, Viktor Fasth has the Ducks flying high in Anaheim.
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