Much like his performance at the end of last season Keith Kinkaid is playing like every game is game seven. This time it is the start of the season. The Devils and Kinkaid are playing like every game matters.
Go back to the last April. The Devils were getting sloppy and losing some easier games. However, behind backup goalie Kinkaid, he carried the team on his back and provided the support to get over that late season hump and helped push his team into the playoffs.
Now here we are four games into the young season and he has two shutouts in four games, including twenty-four stops during Tuesday’s night game. His teammates are showing that he has given them the ability to score goals and know that they should have a comfortable lead.
The goalie in hockey is so important that they can carry a team. The Devils remain the only undefeated team in hockey, and Kyle Palmieri is scoring like a madman.
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With the teams best start since 1995, fans may start looking for Kinkaid to start most of the games this season. Why ruin a good thing? Coach John Hynes currently has the hottest goalie and team in hockey. No need now to mix things up.
For Kinkaid, all he has to do is what he is doing. The pressure looks to be off as he plays fresh every game and helps rally his teammates. He is comfortable knowing he has his teams back and they have his. Having a hot offense helps him out, however the defense on his side also has helped with two shootout this season. There will be struggles, but for now Kinkaid is the goalie of choice. No need to think otherwise.