Despite a 1-2-0 start to his tenure with the Winnipeg Jets, Clay Stevenson is proving to be a valuable waiver-wire acquisition and, perhaps more importantly, a reliable NHL backup.
None of his first three contests wearing a Jets sweater have been particularly easy, but through each one, Stevenson has demonstrated something that doesn't always show up on the scoresheet - poise.
For argument’s sake, Winnipeg's 5-1 loss to Anaheim was more of a team loss than anything else. And in this afternoon's matchup against the defending Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, Stevenson helped keep things relatively even through much of the contest.
Facing a potent Hurricanes offence, Stevenson delivered several timely saves, giving his teammates an opportunity to remain in the thick of things for much of the 60 minutes.
And let's not forget his performance last week in Pittsburgh, where he was stellar between the pipes in helping the Jets secure a victory over the Penguins.
The former Calder Cup champion with the Hershey Bears appeared in his eighth career NHL game this afternoon, and just his third as a Winnipeg Jet.
Claimed off waivers from the Washington Capitals shortly before the season began, the Alberta native has found himself with an opportunity to establish his place at hockey’s highest level.
And so far, he’s making a pretty compelling argument.
Affectionately known as “Mud,” Stevenson isn't being asked to steal the spotlight. He’s being asked to provide stability, compete hard, and give his teammates a chance to win whenever his number is called.
Through three appearances, he’s demonstrated that he’s more than capable of doing exactly that.
Sometimes a goaltender's value isn’t reflected in his win-loss record, but rather in the confidence he provides to the players in front of him.
And for Clay Stevenson, that’s a pretty encouraging place to start.
