GARRIOCH: Justin Peters faces a significant task in establishing stability in the Senators’ goaltending situation.

As the Ottawa Senators geared up to face the Colorado Avalanche at the Canadian Tire Centre on Tuesday night, Justin Peters assumed his new role as the team’s goaltending coach. Peters, 37, was brought up from the club’s American Hockey League affiliate in Belleville on Monday afternoon.

He took over the position from goalie coach Zac Bierk, who was reassigned to a scouting role following Monday’s extensive 57-minute skate. Despite the official explanation, the underlying reality is that Bierk, on the job since 2021, was let go due to ongoing struggles in goaltending performance.

It’s noted that the recent challenges faced by goalies Joonas Korpisalo and Anton Forsberg were not solely attributed to Bierk, but General Manager Steve Staios believed a change was necessary in response to the team’s goaltending difficulties.

The team is making a transition from the old goaltending coach to a new one.

Justin Peters, with 83 NHL games under his belt from stints in Carolina, Washington, and Arizona, is taking on this new responsibility, having been called up from the AHL affiliate in Belleville. Peters has earned this opportunity through hard work, and one of his notable students is the Senators’ top prospect, Mads Sogaard.

Sogaard spoke highly of Peters, stating that Peters has played a crucial role in helping him refine his playing style. The goaltender and coach have developed a close working relationship, with Sogaard traveling from Denmark to Toronto for two consecutive summers to train with Peters.

Sogaard expressed confidence in Peter’s abilities and believes he will succeed in his new role. Throughout the Senators’ organization, Peters is recognized as a well-respected figure. The goalie school Peters runs in Toronto, alongside former NHL prospect Andy Chiodo, has served as a valuable training ground for Sogaard and others during the offseason.

“It’s an opportunity to hit the ice and focus on refining certain aspects of the game that often get overlooked amidst a busy game schedule,” remarked Sogaard, who stays with Peters and his wife during the training camp.

The timing of Sogaard being present when Peters received the call to replace Bierk adds an extra layer of benefit for both of them.

Peters’ dedication to his role was evident last season when he was brought to Ottawa for six weeks while Bierk recovered from a concussion sustained from a puck to the head in San Jose. According to Sogaard, Peters is a coach who puts in the same level of effort as the players in terms of preparation. He described Peters as consistently present at the rink, putting in long hours both before and after games to ensure video analysis and specific drills are prepared.

Sogaard highlighted Peters’ proactive approach, mentioning instances where he would express a desire for specific post-practice drills, only to find them meticulously arranged by Peters the next day. Sogaard expressed confidence in Peters’ promotion, emphasizing his hard work and deserving nature. Despite the uncertainty in Belleville, Peters’ impact on goaltending prospects, including Leevi Merilainen, Kevin Mandolese, and Sogaard himself, has been positive, as reflected in the AHL goaltending statistics.

The goaltending situation in Ottawa has been challenging, with the team struggling to secure crucial saves at pivotal moments in games. Joonas Korpisalo, signed to a five-year, $20-million U.S. deal in July, has an 8-15-0 record with a 3.70 goals-against average and an.884 save percentage. Anton Forsberg’s numbers are slightly better but still challenging, with a 7-8-0 record, a 3.35 GAA, and an.889 save percentage.

The challenge has intensified, with Forsberg being placed on long-term injury reserve due to a groin injury sustained last Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres. Despite this, the positive development is that he’s now mobile, walking the hallways of the rink on Monday afternoon.

Ottawa currently ranks 31st in the NHL, with a disappointing.882 save percentage and holds the 30th position with a 3.67 goals-against average (GAA) after 38 games. A clear indication of a shift in the team’s dynamics is the decision to start Sogaard against the Avalanche.

Korpisalo, with a 4-3-0 lifetime record against Colorado and a 3.58 GAA with an.895 save percentage, has been the preferred choice. However, interim coach Jacques Martin opted to give Sogaard an opportunity, expressing confidence that the young goalie provides a better chance of winning. This decision is noteworthy, highlighting the team’s current dynamics.

The Senators had signed Korpisalo in the summer with the expectation that he would bring stability to the goaltending position alongside Forsberg. Unfortunately, this hasn’t materialized, raising concerns about the team’s five-year commitment to Korpisalo.

While Peters alone cannot address all the team’s issues, he can contribute to the goalies’ recovery process. The statement emphasizes the crucial connection between a good goalie and a capable coach. At present, successful saves and wins are essential to resolving the Senators’ goaltending challenges.