However, while Bobkov was away at NHL camp with the Anaheim Ducks, Houser proved that he deserved the starters job. It was given to him and he ran with it.
Houser appeared in 54 regular season games posting a 30-19-4-1 record with a 3.32 goals against average and a .904 save percentage. His goals against average place him 15th overall in the OHL and fourth amongst draft eligible goalies. His save percentage was eighth overall and second amongst draft eligibles while his wins were fifth and first respectively. Houser was first both overall and in draft eligible goaltenders in shoot out wins with an 8-1 record.
Houser showed on many occasions to be able to steal games for the Knights. Heading into the playoffs against eventual Cup Champion Owen Sound Attack, it was widely considered that for the Knights to have any chance, Houser would have to stand on his head.
And Houser did just that. Despite 1 bad outing, Houser turned aside wave after wave of Attack opportunities. It was because of Houser's efforts the Knights were able to take two games from the Attack. And if it wasn't for the lack of Knights' offense, he probably could have stolen at least one more game.
Houser finished the playoffs with a 2.71 goals against average (6th) and a remarkable .940 save percentage. (1st)
While Houser didn't make our preseason top five draft eligible goaltenders, he certainly proved during the regular season that he belonged. His playoff performance didn't just re-enforce it, it placed an exclamation mark on it.
Photo courtesy of lfpress.com
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