According to Harrison Mooney in a post on Yahoo Sports' Puck Daddy blog, this video provides all the explanation needed as to why the Winnipeg Jets should buy out Ondrej Pavelec.
Mooney also points to Pavelec's declining save percentage to make the case that the Jets are better off without him.
While I think Mooney's makes some valid points, I believe the Pavelec situation is a little more complicated.
Against Toronto, the Jets may have dominated the flailing Leafs, but Pavelec looked disinterested. This video shows what may be the most egregious example this season of a goaltender who may not have a high enough competition level.
When the Jets are down and out of a game, it seems to me Pavelec becomes disinterested and allows soft goals. Now that the Jets are statistically eliminated from the playoffs, it could explain why he doesn't seem to care.
Pavelec can be unreliable, and there were numerous stretches throughout the season where he seemed unable to make a big save when his team needed it.
Pavelec's faults are well documented, but I do believe he is a talented goalie, a clear cut above backup Al Montoya despite what the stats indicate. When Pavelec is at the top of his game I do believe he can be a number one goaltender in the NHL.
Ultimately, the decision will be made by the Jet's coaching and management staff. If they don't believe Pavelec can realize his potential in Winnipeg they should pursue other options, whether through a trade or buy out.
If the Jets do go down that road, it may be very difficult to acquire a new number one goalie.
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