Goaltender Dan LaCosta has won two critical games for the Columbus Blue Jackets - beating the Western Conference points leader in one and shutting out a longtime Blue Jackets' nemesis in the other.
How will the franchise reward the Labrador City native for such a sparkling effort?
It might be with a trip back to the minors.
LaCosta stopped 31 shots in his second NHL start Tuesday night to lead the Blue Jackets to a 3-0 win over the Colorado Avalanche. Unfortunately for LaCosta, he's not the only rookie goalie posting shutouts for Columbus this season.
He is playing for the Jackets on emergency recall while rookie of the year candidate Steve Mason fights off mononucleosis. Mason could come off injured reserve for a Friday game against the Detroit Red Wings. By league rules, LaCosta would have to be re-assigned to the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League because he was called up to replace Mason.
"I understand the situation," a smiling LaCosta said. "Mase has done nothing to warrant not playing every single game. He's been great all year and it's his job. I'm just up here trying to fill in and do the best I can."
LaCosta's best has included stopping 59 of 61 shots against San Jose and Colorado.
"It's pretty surreal," said LaCosta, 22, a restricted free agent this summer. "This time last week, if someone would have told me this would have happened, I would have said 'no chance.'
"It's great right now and I'm just going to enjoy it as much as I can."
LaCosta's fine showing might not be enough to keep him in NHL
Dan LaCosta
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Published on
February 12, 2009
- Published on July 1, 2010
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Tom Reed
HOCKEY
Goaltender Dan LaCosta has won two critical games for the Columbus Blue Jackets - beating the Western Conference points leader in one and shutting out a longtime Blue Jackets' nemesis in the other.
How will the franchise reward the Labrador City native for such a sparkling effort?
It might be with a trip back to the minors.
LaCosta stopped 31 shots in his second NHL start Tuesday night to lead the Blue Jackets to a 3-0 win over the Colorado Avalanche. Unfortunately for LaCosta, he's not the only rookie goalie posting shutouts for Columbus this season.
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Comments
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- Craig
- - July 2, 2010 at 15:04:06
Hats off to this poised young man. I was fortunate enough to witness the game in Colombus while in the area on business Tuesday night. The tempo was initially flat for the first couple of periods and he was not overly tested. The third period was a different story and pulled off the shut out by making solid saves late in the game. I guess the Av's were intimidated with two Newf's in the house. The CBJ's should really take a hard look at this kid and consider a permanent role. Daniel...not that you will see this blip, but enjoy it while you can Big Guy!
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- Spencer
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:52:23
Good work, Danny! Well deserved.
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- Mike
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:49:22
Well done Dan. After how you played in those two games, you're bound to get another shot. Keep working hard.
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- CJ is grumpy
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:45:23
Bluejackets aren't keeping LeClaire with Mason coming on like he has. After the trade this summer there should be a shot at that backup job in Columbus Danny boy. Good on ya! - Lab City too
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- Craig
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:53:10
Hats off to this poised young man. I was fortunate enough to witness the game in Colombus while in the area on business Tuesday night. The tempo was initially flat for the first couple of periods and he was not overly tested. The third period was a different story and pulled off the shut out by making solid saves late in the game. I guess the Av's were intimidated with two Newf's in the house. The CBJ's should really take a hard look at this kid and consider a permanent role. Daniel...not that you will see this blip, but enjoy it while you can Big Guy!
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- Spencer
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:36:39
Good work, Danny! Well deserved.
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- Mike
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:31:18
Well done Dan. After how you played in those two games, you're bound to get another shot. Keep working hard.
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- CJ is grumpy
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:24:52
Bluejackets aren't keeping LeClaire with Mason coming on like he has. After the trade this summer there should be a shot at that backup job in Columbus Danny boy. Good on ya! - Lab City too
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