End of a Nightmare for Denis

After the trade from Columbus to Tampa Bay, it was all downhill for Marc Denis' career. It appears that he has hit rock bottom, after being placed on waivers by the Lightning today, and is expected to be bought out if not claimed by another team.

After struggling in his first season with the Lightning in 2006-2007, posting a record of 17-18-2, he followed it up with a dismal 2007-2008 campaign. He owned a record of 1-5 in 10 games, with a 4.05 goals-against-average, and a 0.859 save percentage before being sent down to the Lightning's AHL affiliate in Norfolk. Even there he only won 11 times in 32 games.

For a goalie who is supposed to be hitting his prime at age 31, Denis is far from it. He showed flashes of greatness for Columbus, when he was playing behind a brutal squad for years, so everyone knows that he has the talent, it's just a matter of putting it together in the right situation. He may be in the AHL for the rest of his career, or in Europe, but I still think an NHL team should take a flyer on him, and send him to their AHL squad.

If Denis does get another shot, he better not blow it, because it could be his last.

UPDATE: Denis has signed a contract with the Montreal Canadiens. He'll likely start the year in Hamilton. He's replacing Yann Danis who signed with the Islanders (Denis to replace Danis???) Welcome to Hammertown, Marc!

Tough Times in Minors for NHL Castoffs Cloutier and Denis

Sometimes a trip to the minors to "get your game back" can be a demoralizing experience, especially if you struggle. When you play such a critical position as goaltender, where confidence means everything, it may ruin your career. Two goalies going through that right now are the Los Angeles Kings' Dan Cloutier, and the Tampa Bay Lightning's Marc Denis. It's tough to watch, a little like a car accident. Of course you never want to see something like this happen, but you're watching through your hands. We all know that when they are on their game, Dan Cloutier and Marc Denis can be quality goaltenders, but unfortunately, right now they are not. As a result, they are struggling badly at the AHL level.

Cloutier was sent down to the Manchester Monarchs at the start of the season, and has been splitting time with Erik Ersberg. He has appeared in 12 games posting a dismal 3-8 record, but it gets worse. Cloutier has a 3.50 goals against average and a .875 save percentage. That is absolutely awful if you're not sure what those stats mean. I truly hope he can find out what exactly the problem is, because you never like to see a goaltender struggle like this. Hopefully he can work with his coaches, pinpoint his issues, and make the slow, painful climb back to the NHL. Situations like these has put many a goaltender on the retired list, and I believe Cloutier has plenty left in the tank.

Denis was sent down recently, after clearing waivers. He had only 1 win in 10 games (coincidentally enough, the 1 win came against the Leafs) and his play was slipping. Tampa Bay is not a bad defensive team, and we all know about their goaltending woes. They decided that something needed to be done, and sent Denis down which was the correct move. When they acquired him from Columbus, they had thoughts of him taking over the #1 role which wasn't too far-fetched. He was a very solid goaltender. Nothing flashy, but he could get the job done. I'm not sure what went wrong and when, but something changed. That's why he finds himself where he is. Playing below-average hockey for the Norfolk Admirals. Denis has a 1-1-1 record in 3 games with Norfolk. Okay, not bad right? Well look at his save percentage and goals against average, .872 and 3.24. That's not the Marc Denis we knew in Columbus, and with the World Junior squad in 1996 and 1997.

That's the story of two goalies who we all hope can get their game back, but right now the outlook isn't so good. I really can't say what I expect to happen. It's all up to the players whether they make it back or not, but one thing is for sure, it's not an easy task. It may be harder for them to make it back to the NHL then it was to make to the NHL the first time.