Goaltending insanity.
Watch this.https://t.co/yJNp16iCVD
— NHL (@NHL) February 16, 2016
The Chicago Blackhawks couldn’t stop scoring on the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday, but goaltender Scott Darling was the one to come away with the highlight of the night. Maybe the goaltending highlight of the year, honestly. This heroic diving save on the Leafs in the second period was huge in a game still within striking distance for the opponents and could be one of the most impressive stops of the season.
We don’t get to see Darling play very often because of the stellar work of starting netminder Corey Crawford, but plays like this remind us that the Hawks have a pretty solid backup. Even if the save came against the lowly Maple Leafs, who ended up losing 7-2 to Chicago, it’s still a reflection of Darling’s impressive athleticism and anticipation. For a guy who’s 6’6, it’s not easy to get moving quickly like that.
Darling’s last two appearances came in relief of Crawford. His last start was a loss to the Panthers on Jan. 22, but it’s good to see the goaltender bounce back with a strong effort. After going a perfect 14-of-14 in relief against Dallas in his last game, Darling had another solid effort — highlighted by this save — against the Leafs.