The Time Is Now For Alex Stalock

Mar 28, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; San Jose Sharks goalie Alex Stalock (32) makes a save against the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Coming into this season, it appeared that a goaltender battle would emerge in San Jose between incumbent Antti Niemi and his backup Alex Stalock. However, the competition never really developed and Niemi has seen his regular share of the action between the pipes. Niemi has started 58 games, while Stalock has started only 16 and appeared in three others.

Now, with Niemi not feeling 100 percent, Stalock has his best opportunity to cement himself as a realistic option in net for the San Jose Sharks. It’s expected that Stalock will receive his third consecutive start when the Sharks host the Colorado Avalanche tomorrow night at SAP Center.

During the past two games, Stalock has looked sharp in stopping 47 of 51 shots, including a highlight reel save against Evgeni Malkin which allowed the Sharks to get back in the game. In 19 appearances this year, Stalock is 7-7-2 with a 2.55 goals against average (GAA) and a .905 save percentage. All those numbers are down from his stellar 2013-14 campaign when he posted a 12-5-2 record with a 1.87 GAA and a .932 save percentage in 24 appearances for San Jose.

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Stalock has responded to the additional work thus far, but he must take full advantage of his current situation. Niemi is an unrestricted free agent after this season and is unlikely to return in teal, while Stalock is still under contract for another season. If Stalock concludes the season in strong fashion, it’s conceivable that he will enter the offseason as the top goaltending option for next year.

In contrast, if Stalock struggles down the stretch, he may be relegated to back up duties again next season. It’s a pivotal point in his career for Stalock who has already battled through so much to even reach this level. Now, with his best opportunity for consistent play in net, Stalock must take advantage to state his case.

In other news, Todd McLellan announced that rookie defenseman Mirco Mueller will miss the remainder of the season, but expects Marc-Edouard Vlasic to return at some point.

McLellan says Vlasic won't play tomorrow, he's day-to-day. Mueller is likely out for the remainder of the season. #SJSharks
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) March 31, 2015

It’s unfortunate because, similar to Stalock, Mueller could have used the remaining six games to continue his development. Mueller has struggled in his initial NHL season both with on-ice performance and injuries. In 39 games, Mueller had one goal and three assists with a minus-eight rating while averaging 16:58 in ice time.

It’s another blow for a Sharks team that is limping towards the finish line in 2015.