NHL goalies face different pressures when moving from backup to starter
Daily Faceoff Live examined the mental adjustment NHL goalies face when moving from a backup role to a starter’s workload. Former goalie Devan Dubnyk described how expectations and pressure change once a netminder is counted on regularly. The discussion used Leevi Merilainen and Dylan Garand as examples of goalies handling different roles.
Daily Faceoff Live’s panel—Carter Hutton, Devan Dubnyk, and Kevin Woodley—discussed how a goalie’s mindset shifts when a backup becomes a regular starter. Dubnyk recalled his 2015 trade to Minnesota, where he played 38 straight games amid low outside expectations, describing that stretch as an unexpected chance rather than a burden.
He added that after signing a six-year deal, the opening games of the next season required adjusting to being relied upon. The article contrasts Leevi Merilainen’s strong 2024-25 backup numbers in Ottawa (.925 save percentage, 1.99 goals-against average in 12 games) with his starter struggles (.860, 3.51 in 20), while noting Dylan Garand as a current example.
This discussion may help fans, coaches, and young goalies better understand that workload changes can affect performance and mental health, not just technique. Teams could use such insights when developing backup netminders, while media narratives around struggling starters may become more patient. For players, recognizing the pressure shift from occasional appearances to regular starts could support confidence and career longevity. The impact is likely limited to hockey culture, but it may influence how goalies are evaluated and supported.