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TSN Hockey Analyst

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TSN Hockey Analyst Jamie McLennan gives his weekly thoughts on five goaltending stories as the regular season is under way. 

1) BRIAN ELLIOTT - Not a memorable start to the season for him allowing six goals in a 7-4 loss to Edmonton on Opening Night. He has the opportunity to be the starter in Calgary after splitting duties in the net in St. Louis with Jake Allen. He's shown that he can excel in a duo, but he must demonstrate now that if he's been handed the reins, he can be 'The Guy.' 

He'll have good support in Chad Johnson, who's arguably one of the best No. 2 goaltenders in the league. But make no mistake, if the Flames are going to make the playoffs this season, Elliott is going to have to show he's capable of carrying a starter's load of 55 to 60 games. One thing that impresses me about Brian is his work ethic - he's a student of the game and has worked hard at his craft, he's consistently gotten better as he has matured as a goalie. 

We'll see how he responds on Friday in the Flames' home opener against those same Oilers.

2) FREDERIK ANDERSEN - Again, another good goaltender with an opportunity to become a clear cut No. 1 with a change of scenery. He's going have to do it in the fish bowl that's Toronto, and allowing five goals in his first game in blue and white will certainly draw some attention. The hockey hotbed of the NHL has become known as a goalie graveyard lately, with non-playoff teams that have been extremely taxing on their goaltenders.

 Andersen has a lot of size and raw skill, but he's also only started a career high of 53 games - two seasons ago. He'll be the go-to guy for the Maple Leafs as they look to try and grow as a young core. 

It will be easier said than done, as his mental and physical resolve will be tested mightily this season. 

3) THE DALLAS STARS - Kari Lehtonen and Antti Niemi are coming off a very inconsistent season where they each had 25 wins, but played see-saw in net throughout the playoffs. And it didn't end well. 

They can't take all of the blame, as the Stars were terrible defensively in front of them. But one of these two goaltenders has to provide the type of stability that this team is looking for in goal - not just for the regular season, but for an extended run in the playoffs. A team can sense when the goaltender doesn't have confidence and can play differently in front of them. 

I expect Lehtonen to push forward and grab the job, but will it be enough so that GM Jim Nill doesn’t go looking outside the organization for another goalie? 

4) THE TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING - Ben Bishop becoming an unrestricted free agent next season poses yet another challenge for general manager Steve Yzerman (who's worked off-season miracles with Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman and Nikita Kucherov). He'll either sign him, trade him, 'sign and trade' him or sort out something creative if the team feels Andrei Vasilevskiy isn't ready for starting duty later this season or next (I believe he will be). 

With expansion looming, you'll see many general managers trying to be creative to make sure they don't lose assets they want to keep. This case is no different.

5) THE WINNIPEG JETS - With Ondrej Pavelec waived and placed in the American Hockey League, the door is wide open for Connor Hellebuyck to become the starter and grow with this young team. 

In the 26 games last season, he's shown he has the makings of a starter but he needs experience and opportunity. Michael Hutchinson will bridge any bumps in the road his young goaltending partner has throughout the season. Hellebuyck has size, agility and strong positioning, but he has to slow his game down in certain instances. And that will come with more confidence and games under his belt.