Blackhawks' emergency backup goalie Scott Foster is back!

Emergency backup goaltender an part-time Zamboni driver David Ayres absolutely took the world by storm in early 2020 when he was pressed into action during a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes. And, while Ayres looked incredibly shaky for the Hurricanes in relief of goalies Petr Mrazek and James Reimer, he came away with the win, making 8 saves in an improbable 6-3 victory. Ayres was celebrated both on the ice and in pop culture following the historic victory and he certainly enjoyed his 15 minutes of fame. 

Buuuuuuuuuuut what people forget is that Ayres wasn't the first emergency backup to make a splash in the NHL. No, that distinction goes to Scott Foster of the Chicago Blackhawks. Foster looked solid for the Blackhawks in relief of injured goaltenders Anton Forsberg and Collin Delia turning aside all 7 saves he faced in solidifying a 6-2 Blackhawks victory over the Winnipeg Jets. The thing is, Foster played just 14 minutes so he was not credited with the win in the NHL's official statistics. Still... the guy was the hero of the day.

Well, guess what?

Foster is back, baby!

The accountant with NHL dreams joined is still Chicago's emergency backup goalie and with the visiting Ottawa Senators suffering an injury to starter Cam Talbot just before puck drop this evening, we could see Foster pressed into action once again. Talbot was made a scratch by the Senators just before game time and AHL goaltender Kevin Mandolese will likely not make it to the game in time. That means that if backup Mads Sogaard goes down with injury then we could see Foster back between the pipes in an NHL game!

I don't wish ill will on anyone and this Sogaard kid seems like a good kid but... well... tonight would be a great night for him to get a stomach bug is all I'm saying. Give me chaos! Give me Scott Foster! I appeal to you Hockey Gods!