A different Simpson

I’ve been doing a little research on Tips goaltender Kent Simpson for a feature that’s running in Friday’s paper. Simpson’s numbers have greatly improved of late. Just how drastic has the change been? Here’s a before and after look at Simpson’s numbers, with the cutoff date being just before Everett’s trip to Prince George in late January:

BEFORE

8-24-1-5, 3.77 goals against average, .900 save percentage

AFTER

10-5-0-0, 2.34 goals against average, .932 save percentage

Simpson has allowed more than three goals just once in his past 15 starts, that being when he surrendered four at Tri-City on Feb. 21 before being pulled. Before that he allowed more than three goals in seven of his previous eight starts. Simpson’s numbers, taken just from his past 15 starts, would place him first in the WHL in both goals against average and save percentage.

Simpson himself claims his game hasn’t really changed over the course of the season, that the main reason why his numbers are better recently is because the play of the team in front of him has improved. But whatever the reason there’s been a dramatic change in those numbers, and it’s a big reason why Everett currently finds itself in playoff position.