The NHL Playoffs have a nasty tendency to show a team’s weaknesses. Facing the Vegas Golden Knights, the Utah Mammoth realized they lacked physicality and, more importantly, goalie depth. It became evident that Karel Vejmelka’s energy dissipated as the playoffs wore on. In his last three games of the postseason, Vejmelka allowed the Golden Knights to score 15 goals on him.
While all the goals weren’t entirely his fault, fans understood the goalkeeper’s exhaustion. Throughout the season, Veggie blossomed into the Mammoth’s ironman because goalie-mate Vitek Vanecek struggled so much. Vanecek only managed a record of 5-13-3 and a save percentage of .883. With many of his starts ending in a loss, the Mammoth were forced to start Vejmelka in 63 games (69 if you add the playoffs).
Incoming Reinforcements
After his lackluster year with Utah, Vanecek left the team for the New York Islanders in free agency. Enter Sebastian Cossa. On draft night, the Mammoth traded the twenty-third overall pick to the Detroit Red Wings for the goaltender. The trade was a much-needed breath of fresh air for both Utah and Cossa.
Utah acquired an elite AHL goalkeeper with high upside. Now that Cossa has the opportunity to show what he can do in the NHL, one question remains: Can the goaltender truly translate his skills to the major leagues and help the Mammoth’s depth issues?
Cossa on the Right Track
Good news for Mammoth fans: Cossa continues to develop properly in the minors. Drafted fifteenth overall in the 2021 NHL draft, the goaltender came into the league with high expectations. While he struggled at times in the minors, his strengths ultimately overshadow his weaknesses.
In three full years with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Cossa averaged a 0.913 save percentage. A similar AHL save percentage to NHL starters Darcy Kuemper (0.928) and Cam Talbot (0.918). With such an incredible save percentage, the goalie posted 2,993 saves. Not to mention, Cossa became the first Griffins goalie to earn back-to-back AHL All-Star selections.
What Cossa Brings to the Table
Being 6-foot-6-inches has its perks, and according to scouts, Cossa possesses a natural ability to fend off puck-rebound shots. This ability becomes especially important when you see Vejmelka struggle with goals rebounding last year (only a .810 save percentage when faced).
Cossa uses his large frame to glide side to side, negating opportunities for greasy goals. Cossa is also a puck hawk, possessing keen vision and awareness to swallow up any shot from distance. Another asset is his age. At age 23, the goalie still has time to develop. With Vejmelka in front of him and being his teacher, there’s no telling what kind of goalkeeper Cossa can evolve into.
Proving the Doubters Wrong
As mentioned earlier in this article, Cossa does have some strikes on his AHL report card. He relinquished the starting goalie position to running mate Michal Postava due to poor play. Postava ended up starting for the Griffins in the AHL playoffs. Cossa was rumored to get some postseason playing time, but it ultimately didn’t happen (because the Griffins were eliminated in the division finals).
It’s fair to have concerns about Cossa’s game based on his late-season struggles this year. Fans have to remember: every goalie goes through a rough stretch. That’s why you have two of them playing.
Frederik Andersen wouldn’t have won a Stanley Cup without Brandon Bussi, and Bussi wouldn’t have made it to a Cup without Andersen. Not to mention, Cossa in his lone NHL game helped the Red Wings beat the Buffalo Sabers in a shootout. This makes him the first goalie in NHL history to win a debut game in a shootout while relieving his starting goaltender.
Exciting Times Ahead
After years of turnover, the Mammoth finally looks to have some consistency at backup goalie. Though Cossa has a lot to prove, fans and pundits alike can’t deny his resume.
He’s a two-time AHL All-Star, averages an immaculate save percentage, and he got his team in the lone NHL game he played. Cossa is ready to take the next step in his development, and with Veggie manning the helm, he can ease into his role. With the season starting soon, Mammoth fans can get excited to cheer Cossa’s name at the Delta Center after an incredible win.
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