x

Already member? Login first!

Comments / New

Arturs Irbe suits up, Enroth makes amazing backwards save

Posted on by Andy Boron

At the end of the first intermission in last night’s Buffalo Sabres game, starter Michal Neuvirth did not make it out of the locker room for the second period, which wasn’t too unusual, but likely signified an injury. Jhonas Enroth took over on the ice, but that left the Sabres one emergency goalie short in the rare case that Enroth also went down. And with a snowstorm of epic proportions in Buffalo, it’s not like they could just call someone local to pop in for a night.

But luckily, the team had one person already in the building who could suit up – goaltending coach Arturs Irbe. The 47-year old Irbe hadn’t suited up in seven years, but, bringing back memories of Sabres great Ryan Vinz from last year, strapped on some pads at the request of Ted Nolan, and celebrated Latvian independence day in style.

The story of how Irbe went from behind the bench to on it from Chris Ryndak of Sabres.com is pretty great:

“We started scrambling, looking for options and it’s a snow day, No. 1. And No. 2, it’s Independence Day for Latvia, for our tiny country today,” Irbe said after the game. “Ted said, “Arch, why don’t you be our security net just in case?’

“I said, ‘Ted, I haven’t donned a uniform in seven years.’

“He said, ‘It’s doesn’t matter. Now you will.’

“I went about my business, started second period and thought I’m just going to be on standby.”

Irbe ended up signing a professional try-out contract, strapped on a pair of Enroth’s pads, put on a glove and blocker that used to belong to Ryan Miller and was given a helmet from parts unknown.

But Irbe wasn’t the only goaie with a memorable moment – Jhonas Enroth made an incredible save with his back to the play late in the second period to keep the Sabres up by one.

Quite a night for the Sabres netminders.

Talking Points