Mark Yetman is steadily quieting any doubts about his ability to be the Halifax Mooseheads’ playoff starter.
The 19-year-old goaltender has been unflappable between the pipes for the Mooseheads through eight games, sitting third in the QMJHL in goals-against average (2.14) and fourth in save percentage (.922), while posting a 6-2 record.
He’s making the saves he’s supposed to make, but he’s also foiling quality, high-percentage scoring chances.
“He’s been making big saves, playing huge,” teammate Brad Marchand said. “We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him. He’s the biggest part of our team — the goaltender’s the biggest part of any team — and hopefully he keeps it rolling.”
Yetman didn’t start a game during a six-week stretch in January and February, but took over the starting duties in late February when 20-year-old Pier-Olivier Pelletier faltered.
He’s been handed a heavy workload — especially given the mid-season layoff — but Yetman hasn’t looked back.
“Right now, the conditioning is perfect,” the 19-year-old Yetman said. “I feel like it’s the first day of training camp.”
Pelletier hasn’t seen a minute of post-season ice time and has started just once in the past four weeks. As Yetman’s statistics show, he’s playing the best hockey of his career.
“It feels good to get the stats up there, but the only thing we really worry about in here is getting the win,” the Mount Pearl, N.L., native said. “Hopefully we can keep it up.”
