Austin Lotz named CHL's best

Everett Silvertips goaltender Austin Lotz was judged the best goaltender in the entire CHL last week as he was named the CHL Goaltender of the Week.

Lotz made two starts last weekend, both against Seattle. He allowed just one goal in each of those games as Everett won both 2-1. Lotz turned aside 72 of the 74 shots he faced, good for a .973 save percentage. For the season Lotz is 7-12-0-1 with a 3.35 goals against average and .900 save percentage.

Is Lotz settling in as the No. 1 now? After serving as Kent Simpson's backup last season as a 16-year-old rookie, he was anointed the No. 1 heading into the season. Early on he seemed to struggle in the adjustment to being the go-to guy. But he seems to be playing better now. In his last six starts he's 4-2 with a 1.91 goals against average and .944 save percentage. Saturday's game in Everett was about as solid a performance as I've seen out of Lotz this season. He's known as an active goalie who makes spectacular saves, but because of that sometimes gets out of position. But Lotz held his position well Saturday.

More goaltending like that from Lotz the rest of the season would be a big deal for the Tips as they seek to extend their string of making the playoffs to 10 straight seasons.