Michal Postava is getting his first NHL start, and Detroit Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan is throwing him straight into the fire against Edmonton.
The Red Wings have made a surprising goaltending decision ahead of Monday night's matchup against the Oilers, turning to an untested rookie against one of hockey's most dangerous offenses.
According to NHL insider Jason Gregor, Postava will make his NHL debut in Edmonton, where Connor McDavid is putting together an absolutely ridiculous start to the season.
McDavid already has 33 points in 11 games, including 8 goals and 25 assists. That's an incredible 246-point pace over a full NHL season.
For a goaltender who hasn't faced a single NHL shot, there aren't many tougher assignments. McLellan is asking Postava to handle an opponent capable of taking over a game almost single-handedly.
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And the timing raises questions. Detroit is coming off a 4-1 loss to Calgary, making this a particularly interesting moment to experiment with its goaltending situation.
Detroit's gamble puts Michal Postava under immediate pressure
The Oilers enter Monday with an 8-2-1 record and 49 goals scored. Their offense has been relentless, even after suffering a 7-2 loss against Toronto on Saturday.
That defeat could make Edmonton even more dangerous. McDavid and his teammates have an opportunity to respond against a rookie experiencing NHL competition for the first time.
Detroit, meanwhile, sits at 4-4-3 and has surrendered 34 goals. Defensive reliability remains a concern, especially against opponents with Edmonton's offensive talent.
The decision also puts McLellan under the microscope. Giving a young goaltender his opportunity is one thing. Choosing McDavid and the Oilers as his introduction is something entirely different.
Postava won't have the luxury of easing into NHL action. Edmonton's speed through the neutral zone, controlled entries and dangerous power play can overwhelm even established starters.
The Red Wings will need disciplined defensive coverage, smart puck management and considerably more offensive support than they provided against Calgary.
There's also a psychological element. A strong performance could give Postava immediate confidence and strengthen his case for future opportunities in Detroit's crease.
But if Edmonton's stars take control early, McLellan will face serious questions about exposing an inexperienced goaltender to such a demanding assignment.
For Postava, this is the biggest opportunity of his career. For Detroit, it's a bold decision with plenty of potential consequences.
Are the Detroit Red Wings making a mistake starting Michal Postava against Connor McDavid?
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