Former netminder Irbe key to Sabres' goaltending success

Former goaltender Arturs Irbe, a veteran of 13 NHL seasons, may be responsible for the Buffalo Sabres' goaltending success.

Prior to being traded, both Jhonas Enroth and Michal Neuvirth saw improved results under the goaltending coach. 

The duo performed so well that the Sabres were able to get decent compensation in return for the pair at the trade deadline, receiving two conditional 2016 third-round picks, and goaltenders Anders Lindback and Chad Johnson, in return for Enroth and Neuvirth.

Since Lindback has taken over the starter's role with the Sabres, his numbers - wins aside - have been sparking. His save percentage has increased from .875 to .925, while both Enroth and Neuvirth have seen declines in their save percentages since being traded.

“He’s doing a tremendous job with all the goaltenders this year,” Sabres head coach Ted Nolan said of Irbe to John Vogl of Buffalo News. “Lindback is no different. You just see the progression of him getting better and better and better. His confidence is really coming. Between Lindback’s work ethic and Arturs’s teaching, I think he’s doing a tremendous job.”

Lindback agreed with Nolan's assessment of Irbe.

“He’s been really good,” Lindback said. “Obviously, he played so many years. He knows what it’s about and he knows the situation.

“It’s so little time here so you can’t do any major changes, but he’s just been there and we try to work on basics and get the fundamentals in. He’s really precise with paying attention to details every day and stay sharp at any time. He’s on me right away if I don’t. So far it’s been really good.”

Irbe, a former goaltending coach for the Washington Capitals, came to be on Nolan's staff after the Latvian worked with the Sabres head coach during the 2014 Olympics. 

Latvia surprised the world thanks to impressive work between the pipes from Edgars Masalskis and a remarkable 55-save performance from Kristers Gudlevskis against Canada.