Boucher: Ben Bishop – On The Verge Of Greatness?

When the news broke of Ben Bishop’s contract extension last Sunday there was much rejoicing throughout Tampa Bay. The Lightning’s goaltending position has been in flux for the better part of a decade and “Big Ben” broke out in a big way last season. Extending his contract provides stability with the parent club and allows prospects the time they need to mature. All of this is great, but it doesn’t herald Bishop’s arrival as an elite NHL goaltender. There are a few big questions that he will have to answer in the 2014-15 season before he can enter that conversation on a yearly basis. (Photos/Susan Ferlita)

Bishop is coming off an incredible first full year as a number one goaltender. He started 63 games, posted five shutouts and became the Lightning’s all-time leader for wins in a season with 37. He also boasted a 2.23 GAA, a .924 SV% and was one of the finalists for the Vezina Trophy. He had some stellar performances but can he do it consistently?

NHL history is littered with one year wonder goalies. One of the most well-known tales is that of Jim Carey. Drafted by the Washington Capitals in 1992, he was called up from the AHL in March of 1995 and went 18-6-3 for the season.  The Caps made Carey their starter for the 1995-96 season and he more than lived up to expectations. In 71 games he recorded 35 wins and nine shutouts with a 2.26 GAA and a .906 SV%. His numbers were enough to capture the Vezina Trophy in 1996.

Unfortunately Carey could never recapture the greatness of his first forays into the NHL. He got off to a slow start in the 1996-97 season and the Caps traded him to the Boston Bruins. After an underwhelming rest of the season, he was sent down to the AHL. He had a solid 1998-99 season with Providence before the Bruins released him. The St. Louis Blues picked him up, he was sent down to the IHL and after two games Carey’s professional hockey career was over.

This isn’t to say that Ben Bishop will follow the same path into obscurity. It’s just a reminder that he has a lot more work to do in order to be considered an elite NHL goaltender. Luckily for Lightning fans, Bishop echoed those sentiments in an interview with NHL.com:

“I had one really good year this year; I think I’ve still got to prove myself,” Bishop told the Tampa Bay Times. “I want to be consistent year in and year out. I don’t want to be a one-hit wonder. I want to be even better this year.”

Health and durability is another big question for Bishop headed into next season’s campaign. He underwent surgery to repair ligament damage in his right wrist in May. The screws were just removed last week and he took shots for the first time this week. He also suffered a dislocated left elbow late in the season that kept him out of the playoffs. His safety was worrisome as opponents were frequently able to make contact with the Bolts’ netminders. Hopefully this was addressed by adding size and grit during the offseason.

Ben Bishop has proven he can handle the job. Can he be an elite goalie capable of carrying a team deep into the playoffs? That remains to be seen. His recent contract extension seems to indicate he believes he can and wants to achieve that status in Tampa Bay. Given the tumultuous history at that position, only time will tell. 

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