Goalies struggle as Wranglers lose exhibition
Goaltending always has been a strength of the Wranglers, but the position is now a weakness for Las Vegas with its ECHL season opener a week away.
German goalie Jan Muenster gave up two soft goals in the first eight minutes of the Wranglers’ 4-3 preseason loss to Bakersfield on Thursday night at the Orleans Arena.
Boston University product Stephan Siwiec also allowed two goals, including the eventual game winner — an unassisted, shorthanded goal by Mike Hofstrand with 4:23 left to play.
Muenster stopped 18 of 20 shots, and Siwiec turned away 10 of 12.
“Our goaltending was very average tonight,” Wranglers coach Glen Gulutzan said. “It’s definitely going to be an area of concern for us. We’ve got two guys here, but we are looking for a No. 1.”
The Wranglers featured one of the top goaltending tandems in the league last season with Mike McKenna and Kevin Nastiuk, but both goalies are playing in the American Hockey League this season, with McKenna leaving Las Vegas for Portland, Maine, on Wednesday.
“That was very surprising,” Gulutzan said. “I’ve never seen a guy get signed by another hockey club sight unseen, when he didn’t even go to their camp. It’s pretty amazing, but it’s good for Mack to get an opportunity.”
Gulutzan said Muenster and Siwiec will get a good look, but they’re basically contending for a reserve role as the Wranglers continue to look around.
“Muenster’s got a little more experience than Stephan, but they’ve got to battle it out,” Gulutzan said. “These games are important for them.”
Former NHL player Peter Ferraro had a goal and an assist for the Wranglers, and rookies Matt Beaudoin and Jason Dest added a goal apiece.
The Wranglers play at Bakersfield on Saturday in their second and final preseason game this season.