The Goaltending Foxhole, Part Four

Now this is where things get fun. We’ve already looked at the first three levels of goaltenders. Please, feel free to go back and read them if you haven’t already. Today, we take a look at some of the game’s top goaltenders that have a quirk or have struggled in crunch-time. Some of these guys don’t fall into the “Talented But Unproven” category, simply because their talents have been on display for more than half of a season. Yet, I’m still not entirely sure what to make of them. This section will be called:

The Enigmas

Ondrej Pavelec
The man that has been tapped as the Jets’ goaltender of the foreseeable future, Pavelec has impressed me on more than one occasion with the Atlanta/Winnipeg franchise. He’s also made me shake my head on more than one occasion at his play. I know his team has been awful defensively since he’s been with the big club, but he’s been prone to bad goals as well.

If Sergei Bobrovsky is going to be an NHL number one goalie, it may not be in Philly

Sergei Bobrovsky
Bob came out of nowhere to be an early season stud for the Flyers in 2010. Then, it appeared that he got a little worn down by the longer NHL schedule, and he wasn’t near as strong in the latter part of the season. Played well overall, the Peter Laviollette decided to play hot potato with his goalies in the playoffs. Now Bobrovsky sits behind Ilya Bryzgalov in the Philly net. Tough breaks for Bob.

Ray Emery
The oldest member of the list, Emery has backstopped a team to the finals, battled injuries and personal demons only to fight his way back to form last year. Emery doesn’t get the benefit of the doubt here because of the amount of time he was on the shelf over the last few years. We won’t know if he can take a team to the Finals the same way he did with Ottawa in ’07. Unless someone loses each of their current goalies.

Craig Anderson
A guy that played a few pretty good seasons as a backup into a starting gig, Anderson was at his very best when he helped take Colorado back to the playoffs in 2010. The biggest problem for Anderson since then is the fact that he’s been playing for some of the worst defensive teams in the league in Ottawa and last year’s version of the Avalanche. Anderson’s numbers this year haven’t been great, but he’s stolen a few games for the Avs.

Michal Neuvirth is currently learning behind Tomas Vokoun in Washington

Michal Neuvirth
The only thing getting Neuvirth on this list is the fact that he was the guy last year in Washington. Neuvirth was great in the regular season and against the Rangers in the playoffs. But since the Tampa series, Neuvirth has been incredibly bad for a good team. If he’s going to be the guy going forward for the Caps, he’s got to show more.

Semyon Varlamov
The talent is there, without question. But injuries and the inability to get in a groove have held Varlamov back over the last few years. This season, the Avalanche gave up a ton to get him from the Capitals, and they’ve been rewarded with inconsistent play thus far. It’s been the story of his career. But, from reading The Goalie Guild (which had a big help in the inspiration for this list), the Avalanche don’t have a goaltending coach for Varly. Hopefully, he’s been listening to J.S. Giguere.

Without Brian Elliott, the Blues may be one of the league's worst teams

Brian Elliott
Before you call me an idiot for putting Elliott this high, hear me out. The guy has been a good goalie since he came into the league. Not great, but good. He helped get the Senators to the playoffs a few years ago with some great play. He was atrocious last year for two of the league’s worst teams in Ottawa and Colorado. St. Louis took a flier on him this year, and they’ve been rewarded with outstanding play from Elliott. Elliott helped take Wisconsin to a national title as a senior, and he was even playing well before Ken Hitchcock arrived in St. Louis. I can’t put him higher though, because I don’t know if this will keep up and the Blues go back to the guy they’re paying a lot of money to. Speaking of him…

Jaroslav Halak
What the hell happened, Jaro? He never had a chance to take the top spot in Montreal, takes the Habs on a magical playoff run two years ago, gets a chance in St. Louis to be the top guy last year and plays very well early. Then, the wheels fell off and Halak hasn’t been able to re-gain the form he showed at times in Montreal. He’s been victimized by bad goals, yet he makes a save or two per game that brings you out of your seat. I know he’s capable of getting white-hot, but that hasn’t happened for quite some time. Thanks, Jaro, but you can take a seat.

Cory Schneider
Yes, this choice does break the rules listed at the top. But it’s my list and I can do what I want with it! There’s no question the Schneider is going to be a number one goalie somewhere in the NHL. No one knows if it’s going to be in Vancouver or elsewhere though. He’s been lights-out this season playing in relief of Roberto Luongo. He was also great last year and was called upon to take over for Luongo in a clinching playoff game. If I’m any team that needs a plan in net for the future, I would get on the phone with Mike Gillis right now. I’m talking to you, New Jersey.

Tuukka Rask
Rask is being very patient behind Tim Thomas. He has the chops to be a top guy, and he took the Bruins to a series win in 2010. He was also in net for the team’s collapse against the Flyers that year too, so I have to dock him for that. He fits in above Schneider because we’ve seen more of Rask over the last few years.

Mike Smith is thriving in the Desert this season

Mike Smith
Now that he’s out of goaltending hell in Tampa, we’re finally able to see what Smith can do as a goalie. He’s healthy and he’s been great for the Coyotes this year. As good as he’s been this year, it has yet to be seen how he does over an entire season. He’s also fun to watch because of how well he handles the puck. Talk to me in a few months with Smith.

Corey Crawford
It took him some time, but Crawford now has a stranglehold on the Chicago net. He was a blast to watch last year, and he nearly won the team’s game seven in Vancouver last year by himself. He continues to get better, and it may not be too long before Crawford is one of the league’s elite goaltenders. My only concern is how quick his coach likes to give his goalies the hook. All it takes to possibly put Crawford back on the bench is a 4-5 game stretch of poor play.

Kari Lehtonen
I had an incredibly hard time trying to figure out where to put Lehtonen. He’s been great since he arrived in Dallas, nearly taking a lesser-talented team to the playoffs last year. He also got out to a great start this season for the Stars. From what I had been told, it was because he dedicated himself to getting in shape and getting healthy. That gives me the idea that he could give up if things are going south. He battled injuries and some bad hockey teams while in Atlanta, but was good the year he took them to the team’s only playoff appearance. He responded by getting abused by the Rangers in his only playoff action. So until he can prove that he’s worthy of being a top goalie, I have no choice but to put him here.

Jonathan Quick
Another guy that’s been great since he was handed the keys to his team, Quick is putting up great numbers for the Kings once again this year. He’s also got to deal with Jonathan Bernier behind him, who could take that spot at any time. My biggest issue with Quick is how badly he’s fallen apart in the playoffs. Yes, he stole LA’s two (nearly three) wins last year against the Sharks in the playoffs. But he was taken to the woodshed by Vancouver the year before, and had he not collapsed in game three against San Jose, who knows how that series ends. Yes, I was smiling the entire time I typed that. Perform in the playoffs, young man.

Jonas Hiller
When he’s good, he’s really good. But Hiller’s high points came the year he led the Ducks to a playoff win as an 8-seed (my smile is no longer present) and last year before he came down with vertigo. Hiller returned this year to what has turned out to be a pretty bad Ducks team, and his numbers have suffered. I’m not going to throw the guy to the wayside, he’s still plenty talented and can steal games if he gets hot. Catching with his right hand is also a different look for shooters. But I need to see him put together a long stretch before thinking about moving him up.

Antti Niemi is the only goalie in this section to have started for a Stanley Cup winner

Antti Niemi
While I had a friend tell me he thinks Niemi deserves to be an elite goalie, I can’t put him there yet. Yes, he’s won a Stanley Cup. Yes, he’s carried two teams to great seasons. But his Cup had more to do with the team in front of him than anything, and he’s been leaky in a few playoff series over the last two years (LA and Vancouver last year, at times against Philly in ’10). So until Niemi can put together a season AND playoff season where he’s lights-out, then his ascension to the elite could come quickly. For my own sanity, I hope it’s this season. The good news is that he’s been superb for the Sharks this season and is a big reason why they’re the top defensive team in the West as of right now.

Jimmy Howard
This guy is on the fast-track to an elite level. I even hate having him here. Howard took the league by storm as a rookie, but he regressed a little bit last season, posting less than impressive numbers. Howard erased any concern that his team had about him in the playoffs, posting solid numbers in 11 games. This season, he’s gotten off to a great start and has kept the Red Wings in the hunt for the top spot in the conference. The only issue I have, and this is based off the times I’ve gotten to see him the most (the playoffs against San Jose), is that he’s prone to giving up a bad goal that can swing some momentum. He appears to be the Red Wings’ guy going forward though, so all is good in Detroit’s net.

Ilya Bryzgalov hopes to get his game turned around in time for the playoffs

Ilya Bryzgalov
Bryzgalov just missed out on the elite level, and anyone that’s seen him play in Philly this year can understand why. He was outstanding in Phoenix for four years, posting great numbers for teams that aren’t as talented as others in the league. However, we could be seeing that those results were a product of Dave Tippett’s system since Mike Smith is having success. There’s no question Bryzgalov is a talented goalie. He’s openly said he’s had some confidence issues in Philly so far, and now we’re starting to see Sergei Bobrovsky get more playing time. He demanded big money, got it, and is slacking. It’s almost as if he’s using the more talented team in front of him as an excuse to let his guard down. That’s not how it works, in the end you still have to stop the puck, Breezy.

Well that covers it for The Enigmas. We’ve finally reached the elite. Come back tomorrow, when I reveal the one goaltender that I want in net for one game only.

And please, react to me! I enjoy the feedback.

2011-12 NHL Season Preview: Philadelphia Flyers

Philadelphia Flyers

A Look Back at 2010-11
Coming off a surprise trip to the Stanley Cup Finals, the Flyers looked to get back to bring Philly the franchise’s third Cup. The offense was stellar, the defense held up reasonably well, despite not having Chris Pronger for long periods of time due to injury. Even the goaltending appeared to be headed in a new direction as young Sergei Bobrovsky performed at an All-Star level for the first part of the season. *Knock knock* Oh, hold on, someone’s at the door, I’ll be right back. Hello? IT’S THE PHILLY CURSE BITCH, AND I’M BACK AGAIN! Sure enough, the wheels fell off the Flyers net, Bobrovsky had trouble handling the long NHL season, Brian Boucher was inconsistent, and Mike Leighton was hurt most of the year. Because of that, they went from a lock as the East’s top seed to a two-seed. Not bad, but not where they should have been. Their goaltending roller coaster continued into the playoffs, as three goaltenders were used, and not because of injury. That’s bad. Real bad. Had it not been for some poor play by Buffalo, they shouldn’t have gone as far as they did. Boston wiped them out and barely broke a sweat. Oh what could have been… Final Grade: D

A Look Ahead to 2011-12

Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds and Jakub Voracek, have some big shoes to fill in Philly.

Forwards

Heading into this offseason, I thought the Flyers were set at forward. Then, someone spiked GM Paul Holmgren’s drink one night and he dealt Mike Richards and Jeff Carter away during a “Hangover” style bender (at least that’s what I like to assume just for personal entertainment). I know they were looking to shed salary to sign a goalie, but that was borderline insanity. In all honesty, after stepping back and looking at the deals, they got maximum value in each, snagging Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier in the process. That’s a plus. The negative is that they’re much smaller and will have to rely on their speed. Think a better version of Montreal. But that skill is THICK with Danny Briere, Claude Giroux and Schenn likely to start the season at center. The wings also look much different with Jakub Voracek, and Wayne Simmonds joining Scott Hartnell and James van Riemsdyk, who is poised and ready to be a star in this league. Oh yeah, they signed some guy named Jagr too. Look, I know Jaromir Jagr used to be a top talent, and he even showed he still had something left in the 2010 Olympics. Can he do it in today’s league though? I’m skeptical, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Jagr as one of those turn-back-the-clock performances. Max Talbot comes over from Pittsburgh and joins Blair Betts, Andreas Nodl (another candidate to have a breakout year) and youngster Zac Rinaldo to provide some defense. They will miss Darroll Powe greatly, but these guys should still be fun to watch. Grade: B

Chris Pronger struggled with injuries last season. The Flyers need him to be healthy.

Defense
This area remains strong for the Flyers. They can still produce points and play with an edge. Chris Pronger absolutely has to stay healthy all year long. He’s still elite at his age, but his body can’t keep betraying him like this. Kimmo Timonen, Braydon Coburn, Matt Carle and Andrej Meszaros will play every night. Timonen continues to be one of my personal favorites on D. He isn’t flashy, big or nasty, he’s just steady every year. Andreas Lilja is a veteran that can play in the final spot, but my money is on youngster Erik Gustafsson. He’s been good in the AHL, and I feel that he’s earned a chance to play with the big club. This defense isn’t getting any younger, so give the kid a chance to play. Grade: B+ (Still deep, still nasty)

Goaltending
Normally, this is where Philly fans would start tying a rope to their ceiling fan like a noose. Those people have seen more negative things written about their goaltending than anyone should have to (even me, and I’m a Sharks fan that had to sit through Evgeni Nabokov’s inevitable croak in the playoffs every year for nine years). Don’t believe me? Let’s look at some of the names that have seen significant time in the Philly net since Ron Hextall’s first tenure ended: Tommy Soderstrom, Brian Boucher, Sean Burke (at the end of his career), Pete Peeters (ditto), Hextall (again), Jeff Hackett, Ray Emery, Michael Leighton, Robert Esche (good before the lockout caused him to have a meltdown), Martin Biron (actually, he was OK), Antero Niittymaki, Garth Snow, John Vanbiesbrouck, and the always entertaining Roman Cechmanek. Know how many of those guys led the Flyers to at least the East finals? Only Esche in 2004, the Leighton-Boucher combo in 2010, Boucher on his own in 2000, and Hextall in 1995 and 1997.

My friend Kevin will now wander into oncoming traffic while holding two torches after covering himself in jet fuel. Sorry bro, I couldn’t help myself.

Ilya Bryzgalov got his money, now he has to be the stable goalie the Flyers haven't had for years

Now for the good news. Ilya Bryzgalov has arrived. Sure, the Flyers foolishly dealt two money centers to get him (only one would have worked), but they got their goalie. He’s playoff tested with both Phoenix and Anaheim and brings a swagger and sense of humor that Philly fans will eat up. That said, he has had to be good every single night for the last four years in Phoenix for a team that never scored and for fans that no-showed to all the games. He needs to stay motivated to be successful. The best news for Breezy; the fans love their team, a human owner actually exists and loves his team, the guys in front of him can score a ton, and the is guaranteed not to see Detroit in the first round (this year at least, depending on what they do with the Wings once relocation happens). On top of their shiny new goalie, it gives Bobrovsky the chance to learn from a fellow Russian, play well enough when called upon and eventually get a starting job down the line. Similar to what Cory Schneider is doing in Vancouver. It looks good in a Philly net, for once. Grade: B+ (Despite his troubles in the last two playoffs, Bryzgalov is worth that money.)

Prediction
This isn’t the re-incarnation of the Broad Street Bullies. This team still has some of that toughness that Philly is known for, but this team will rely more on skill than anything. The young talent will go a long way in determining how well this team does, and for that, I can’t give them the division’s top spot. 2^nd in Atlantic, 4^th in East.