The symptoms of a league-wide goaltending problem have been popping up for weeks. There’s been a near outbreak of 7-6 games during a time in which it’s supposed to be harder than ever to score.

Carey Price, the best goaltender on Earth, has a .896 save percentage in January. That follows a December in which he put up an .899.

We began to wonder if we were seeing the beginning of the end of Henrik Lundqvist when he gave up seven goals against the Stars, after giving up five goals against the Canadiens, after giving up four goals in consecutive games. However, a mini-resurgence since then suggests he’s not dead yet.

Jake Allen was sent home to reset his season. Ondrej Pavelec was called up to save the Jets' season after the struggles of Connor Hellebuyck.

It’s been a rough go for the league’s goalies -- rough enough that the league average save percentage is now down to .913, the lowest since 2012-13.

For those working closely with goalies on a daily basis, that’s just the canary in the coalmine. They’re viewing this season as the toughest season on goalies in years, maybe decades.