This past summer Tyler Richards took some time off from the WLA, and New Westminster Salmonbellies. For many Vancouver Stealth fans this left some questions to be answered. Would the T-Rich we have all grown accustomed to show up to camp, still be productive between the pipes, and have the passion we have seen in seasons past?
This early in the season Richards appears to have two weaknesses. First of which has been a style of play that T Rich is accustomed to: That being his coming too far out from the pipes at times, leaving his back shoulder and cage open for an easy rebound goal. Second would be his ill-advised penalties, so far this season accumulating four minutes. Although this stat is just a reformation of his passion for the game, it does leave one to wonder if it will cost the Stealth a game. As many believed it did down the stretch in 2013.
With acrobatic moves like the phenomenal save just before the half against Edmonton Saturday night at the LEC, he appears to already be playing playoff ball. Pumping up the crowd and his team on the way to the locker room. It is that sign of leadership that drives the team to perform, and leaving fans in awe.
Standing 200 saves behind All Time Saves leader Rob Blasdell in Stealth history it is safe to say that Richards will take over that record shortly before or after midseason. His 51-save performance in Saturday night’s one-goal loss to a very talented undefeated Edmonton squad was amazing to say the least. He is clearly working hard to be the best keeper in the NLL today. This has translated to big points for those that purchase him in the NLL FANTASY CHALLENGE.
Five games into the season with the Stealth sitting in third place in the West (2-3 overall, 1-3 division). Richards is in second place in saves and fourth overall in goals against. With a five-goal swing in their three losses it’s safe to say that Richards appears to be the constant that keeps the Stealth in the game week in and week out. Once the offense starts to fire on all cylinders and the defense tightens up the Stealth should be making a strong push towards the playoffs and maybe even the Western Division Title.
