Michal Neuvirth’s reputation as a money goaltender continues to grow during the 2009-10 Calder Cup playoffs.
His 2.13 goals-against average is strong, but it ranks third in the league to Hamilton’s Curtis Sanford (1.78) and Manchester’s Jonathan Bernier (1.81). His save percentage (.917) is tied for sixth.
The most important category, though, is victories. The reigning playoff MVP (10-2) is tied with Bernier (10-6), whose season is done, in triumphs and is No. 1 in winning percentage (.833).
Neuvirth is a 21st century AHL version of Billy Smith and Grant Fuhr. All he does is find a way to win, even though the GAA and save percentage numbers may not necessarily top the charts.
Whatever his team needs, the 22-year-old usually delivers.
Need a shutout? He’s produced four, including back-to-back blankings of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in Games 6 and 7 of last season’s East Division finals.
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