The Penguins have recalled goaltender Brad Thiessen from the Wilkes Barre-Scranton Penguins.
Thiessen has had a very impressive rookie campaign in WBS posting a 14-14-1 record, in which he led led the team in goals-against average (2.45), save percentage (.914) and shutouts (4).
Here is the official release, I will have more shortly…
The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled goaltender Brad Thiessen from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League, it was announced by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.
Thiessen, 24, completed his first season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, playing in 30 games with a 14-14-1 record. The 6-foot, 180-pound netminder led the team in goals-against average (2.45), save percentage (.914) and shutouts (4).
Thiessen signed with the Penguins on April 8, 2009, and joined the team during their Stanley Cup championship run, providing practice support as a member of the taxi squad “Black Aces.”
Prior to joining the Penguins, Thiessen started three seasons at Northeastern University. He played in 111 games, posting a 52-46-12 record. The Aldergrove, British Columbia native posted an impressive 25-12-4 mark last season with Northeastern, with a 2.12 goals-against average and .931 save percentage.
Why?
That is all I can say, I mean they are going to go with Fleury, is Johnson more than sick?
Solid move, even if he doesn’t play. With the expanded NHL rosters for the playoffs, just being around the team in that atmosphere will give him valuable experience.
OK, the first time I looked at the AHL playoff bracket I missed the Baby Pens…now I have to think it’s a Johnson insurance policy.
Walshy, your initial “Why?” stands.
I think if the Pens won last night maybe they take the chance of an under the weather Johnson as the backup tomorrow or call up Curry instead. At this point they can’t afford to go into that game without their absolute best goaltending options even if it’s at the expense of the baby Pens playoff run. Fleury got the benefit of the doubt yesterday. I don’t expect that to be the case if he falters early on tomorrow. I would think they’re going into that game prepared for the worst case and if BJ isn’t near 100% I guess you have to go with the hot hand as your backup.
The Pens can’t afford to have BJ crapping himself in the locker room if Fleury craps the bed during the game.