On the spot: they don't garner many headlines, but in a moment's notice, backup goalies can become key players.

Publication: Hockey Digest

Publication Date: 01-SEP-04

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COPYRIGHT 2004 Century Publishing

SO, YOU THINK MANNY Legace's biggest job with the Red Wings is to sit between Dominik Hasek and Curtis Joseph in the locker room and act as a peacekeeper. And you think the only contribution Corey Schwab made to the Devils' Stanley Cup run in 2003 was to play Eminem's "Without Me" in the locker room after each victory. You hear the name Martin Gerber and you're thinking baby food, not backup goalie for the Mighty Ducks.

These Rodney Dangerfields at the end of the bench might not garner much respect--consider that Legace's name was spelled "Lagace" on the Stanley Cup two years ago--but they have an important, difficult, and ultimately thankless job.

They come in all shapes and sizes. Some, like Schwab, the Flames' Jamie McLennan, the Blue Jackets' Fred Brathwaite, and the Stars' Ron Tugnutt are older veterans who have found their niche behind All-Star goalies. Legace, of course, fills that role behind two All-Star goalies. Other backups, such as the Senator's Martin Prusek or the Sharks' Vesa Toskala are a little younger and hope to the be a No. 1 somewhere, someday. Guys such as the Bruins' Felix Potvin and the Coyotes' Brian Boucher have been No. 1 goalies during various points in their careers and still aspire to hold that spot.

This small brotherhood of backups must be ready to play at all times. They must be able to swallow their pride and replace the No. 1 goalie in a blowout situation. They must be sharp when the coach turns to them the night before a game and says, "You're in tomorrow." They must be ready because all it takes is one pulled hamstring and the starter is out for...

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