Primer: Understanding emergency backup goaltenders

Last week, for the first time in NHL history, an emergency backup goaltender stepped into an NHL game and earned a win.

David Ayres, a 42-year-old Zamboni driver and operations manager for the AHL's Toronto Marlies' Coca-Cola Coliseum, suited up for the Hurricanes in Toronto after James Reimer and Petr Mrazek were injured with 29 minutes remaining in the game. Ayres stopped eight of 10 shots faced, including a shutout in the third period, to come away with the win.

It's one of the greatest stories in the league this season. Naturally, much like with the John Scott All-Star selection and the existence of spin-o-ramas, the NHL is looking to squash the fun.

"I think it's a fair question," NHL…