BTP: DIAMOND DOG OF THE DESERT
Louis Domingue made a brief NHL appearance last season in Arizona playing in 7 games, starting 4 of those. He had a very unimpressive record of 1-2-1 with a 2.73 GAA and .911 SP but with Coyote starter Mike Smith going down to injury, the doors opened up for the talented rookie and he has made the most of this opportunity under Head Coach Dave Tippett. Tippett has always been known to have goalies perform at a high level under his tutelage (look at Smith’s numbers in 2011-2012 his first year back in Phoenix) and Domingue is proving that point once again.
At 23-years of age, Domingue has shown such poise in leading the Coyotes on a 7-2-1 in his past 10 games and has settled in after a rough first start back this season losing 7-5 to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He responded with a 1-0 shutout the next game out against the NY Islanders. HE has gotten 16 points out of a possible 22 and has the Yotes in second place in the ultra-competitive Pacific division.
Domingue has had stints in both the QMJHL and ECHL along with time in the AHL. He showed some promise in the Quebec league posting impressive win numbers along with a solid year in the ECHL but really hasn’t translated into anything in the AHL but it appears he has grabbed the bull by the horns with his recent play.
Without a proven track record in the minor leagues, one doesn’t know how the coaching staff will handle the situation when Smith returns, but as long as he is winning and posting better than average metrics, they may not have a choice with the team being competitive and in the thick of things than to keep him in the crease while he continues to gain points for the club. The Coyotes play 5 of the next 7 and 7 of next 9 at home so if you are in need of some goaltending help, take a flier on Domingue as the Arizona Coyotes seem to be a surprise team this season.