The 2011-12 season will be even harder for my Stars yet I have always supported my players’ advancement of their careers. It’s what the AHL is really all about, developing young talent for the NHL since not everybody can land a spot at 18.
I figured Bachman getting Raycroft’s job was inevitable. Last year, Krahn almost beat Raycroft and he had lousy knees. However, my confidence in Bachman grew. Firstly, he was the top goalie in the ECHL for 2009-10. Secondly, he had a winning debut season with us in 2010-11 which was amazing because he was supposed to be the backup. Lastly, he also failed to push out Raycroft by inches in camp this Fall.
How will this make the season in Austin harder? We’re already missing a key forward (Vincour) who could provide some points and a defenseman (Larsen) whose youth couldn’t hurt. The loss of a decent goalie only smarts more. I haven’t given up yet. Contrary to some, I won’t consider 2011-12 a losing season until we’re past the 50-game mark and I see the points tally then.
For now, I want to salute Bachman. Hell, the AHL did before the holiday break…he won five out of seven games when he started with Dallas in a pinch, a rather incredible feat. May his time with the Dallas Stars being successful and when he comes back to Austin, it will only be for a conditioning stint.
I would like to welcome Andrew Raycroft to our city. It’s a bummer he was waived and sent down. Maybe his time with us will be the beginning of a comeback or second wind. Good things happened to Matt Climie after a season in a Stars jersey. Yes, I know, Todd Ford and Krahn weren’t so fortunate. Raycroft could put us over .500.