Backup goalies are becoming even more important in the NHL

Daily Faceoff reports that NHL teams are increasingly relying on high-quality backup goaltenders, frequently adopting a 1-A and 1-B tandem system where starts are split near evenly. On a recent episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton discussed how the backup role has transformed from occasional appearances into an essential component of modern team success.

Yaremchuk and Hutton highlighted recent performances by Washington Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren and Dallas Stars netminder Casey DeSmith as proof of dependable goaltending depth. Hutton argued that having a capable backup who can reliably win difficult, high-pressure starts is critical, noting that teams lacking tandem depth fall behind their competitors.