#31's #s: 3 games (1 start, 119 minutes), 0-1-0, 2.53 g.a.a., .900 save %.
Take the good: Auld, like Christensen, was another cheap waiver-wire acquisition who jumped in and filled a need. John Tortorella felt he needed a veteran backup and he got one in Auld. The new netminder came right in and held the Caps to just two goals in a fantastic performance at the Phone Booth. Take the bad: Auld's second appearance was in relief of Hank and he gave up a soft goal on 10 shots in 25 minutes. His third and final was 35 minutes against Buffalo at the beginning of April - you recall, the game where Torts shocked everyone by pulling Hank down 3-2. But Torts shocked no one by riding the King so hard for so long, (in fact, I wrote Auld wouldn't play much when we claimed him) and Auld didn't see nearly enough action as the Rangers needed him to. And that was definitely bad.
Take them both and then we have: A capable, underused backup goaltender with one awesome mask.
"The NYR Facts Of Life: #31 Alex Auld - The Journeyman Goalkeeper"
In the world of professional ice hockey, goaltenders are often the last line of defense, facing a barrage of shots and the pressure of keeping their team in the game. Alex Auld, the netminder who wore the #31 for the New York Rangers, was one such player who embarked on a remarkable journey through the NHL. In this article, we will delve into the life and career of Alex Auld, a goaltender whose travels from Thunder Bay, Ontario, to the iconic Madison Square Garden were marked by adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to the game. We will also address frequently asked questions about his career and his time with the Rangers.
Chapter 1: Early Years and Junior Hockey
Alex Auld was born on January 7, 1981, in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. His path to the NHL began in junior hockey, where he showcased his skills as a goaltender. This section will explore his early years in hockey, including his junior hockey career and the development of his goaltending abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Which junior hockey teams did Alex Auld play for before pursuing a professional hockey career?
A1: Auld played junior hockey for the North Bay Centennials in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
Chapter 2: AHL and the Path to the NHL
Like many aspiring NHL goaltenders, Alex Auld honed his skills in the American Hockey League (AHL). This section will discuss his journey through the AHL and the steps he took to reach the NHL.
Chapter 3: NHL Career and the New York Rangers
Alex Auld's NHL career included stops with various teams, including the Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers, Phoenix Coyotes, and others, before landing with the New York Rangers. This chapter will detail his arrival in New York and his role as a backup goaltender for the Blueshirts.
Chapter 4: The Backup Role and Contributions
As a backup goaltender for the New York Rangers, Alex Auld faced the challenges of limited playing time while providing vital support to the team's starting netminder. This section will explore his role and contributions during his time with the Rangers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: How did Alex Auld adapt to the role of a backup goaltender, and what were some of his memorable performances when called upon to start games for the Rangers?
A1: Auld embraced his role, staying prepared and making crucial saves when he was called upon to start games for the Rangers.
Chapter 5: Life Beyond the Rangers
After his time with the Rangers, Alex Auld continued his professional hockey career, playing for various teams and in different leagues. This chapter will explore his post-Rangers journey and his contributions to subsequent teams.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Which teams and leagues did Alex Auld play for after leaving the Rangers, and how did he continue to develop as a goaltender?
A1: Auld continued to showcase his skills in various leagues, further honing his craft as a goaltender.
Alex Auld's journey from Thunder Bay, Ontario, to Madison Square Garden is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required of goaltenders in professional hockey. His time with the New York Rangers may have been marked by the role of a backup goaltender, but his contributions were invaluable in supporting the team's success. Auld's story serves as a reminder that hockey is a sport where every player, regardless of their role, plays a vital part in the team's pursuit of excellence. His #31 jersey remains a symbol of his dedication to the game and his remarkable journey through the NHL, inspiring aspiring goaltenders and fans alike.
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