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: Washington Capitals

Washington Capitals

A Look Back at 2010-11
Once again, the Capitals found themselves at the top of the Eastern Conference standings once the regular season was over with. But much like another team in the NHL, who will remain nameless at this moment, the regular season means nothing. It’s all about the playoffs. And it was hard to think that the Caps wouldn’t do well in the playoffs, since they went from a wide-open, run-and-gun team to a defensive-minded squad that could suffocate you to death. Michal Neuvirth, Semyon Varlamov and Braden Holtby were outstanding in net all year and they were able to handle the New York Rangers with ease in the first round. That, however, is where the good news ended, as they were shut down and swept by the Lightning in the second round. One person that wasn’t to blame was Alex Ovechkin, who left it all on the ice in each game against Tampa. Ovechkin handled the new system well, although his point total dropped massively in the regular season. No questions need to be raised about Ovi. However, someone needed to fill out a missing persons report for Nicklas Backstrom in the playoffs, because he was invisible in each round. Neuvirth also felt the pain, as he was schooled early and often by the Tampa shooters. There was much disappointment at the end of the season, and rightfull so. Grade: D (I don’t care how well they did in the regular season, no one was on the Caps’ level last year.)

A Look Ahead to 2011-12

Nicklas Backstrom has a lot to prove after no-showing in the playoffs last year.

Forwards
Tell me if you haven’t heard this one before: the Capitals are loaded up front. Don’t worry, I’ll wait. Once again, they boast a group that should be able to score in bunches, as well as play a solid checking game. The Russians Alex, Ovechkin and Semin, will lead the goal scoring charge. We should all know by now what we’re going to get out of Ovechkin. Lots of goals, even though his totals dropped last year, lots of energy and a guy that you don’t want to miss when he touches the ice. Semin has always been a curious case to me. He has all-world talent, yet not the drive to be one of the league’s best. Semin is back on a one-year deal, and he should be seeing dollar signs if he comes out and crushes it this year. Backstrom should be nice and ready for the year after he took an early vacation once the regular season ended last year. Brooks Laich cashed in after some solid seasons for the Caps and will center the second line once again. Mike Knuble is nearing the end of his career, but should still get his usual 20 goals. After that is where we should see some change. Joel Ward had a great playoff for Nashville last year and earned a big contract as a result. The Caps also got Troy Brouwer from Chicago to add some sandpaper and Stanley Cup experience.  Those two will join up-and-comer Marcus Johansson and veterans Jason Chimera, Matt Hendricks and Jeff Halpern. Johansson could have a breakout season this year, if he earns the ice time. One player to keep an eye on is youngster Evgeny Kuznetsov, who caught the attention of many with his performance at last year’s World Junior Championships for the gold-medal winning Russians. If he chooses to leave Russia, why not give the kid a chance to get in and learn from Ovechkin and Semin for his first season? He should be the guy that eventually takes Knuble’s spot on the top line. While they lost Jason Arnott, Boyd Gordon, Marco Sturm, Matt Bradley and Eric Fehr, I feel that this unit got better with who they brought in. I would love to see them open things back up on offense though. Grade: A-

John Carlson impressed many in his first full season.

Defense
For the longest time, the Caps were considered a team that didn’t play much defense. This season, they will send out their best unit yet. Mike Green was hampered by injury last year, and he’s vital to the team’s offensive machine. That was never more evident than his series against the Rangers, where he averaged a point per game. John Carlson and Karl Alzner each had breakout seasons in their first full NHL campaign. Dennis Wideman came over from Florida and brought his massive shot with him. Roman Hamrlik joins the team this year and should have another season where he quietly goes about his business, which is always solid. Jeff Schultz remains the team’s best shut-down defender. John Erskine isn’t afraid to bring the hammer and drop the gloves. And Tom Poti, who should get a chance to play somewhere else this year as the team is already loaded on D, is not the worst insurance plan for the Capitals to have ready. Oh, and they also have another top prospect in Dmitri Orlov waiting in the wings. Talk about a bevvy of riches. They could even handle a pair of injuries to this unit and still be fine. If they do have any leaks, that also shouldn’t be a problem. Grade: A- (You tell me where their holes are. I can’t find any.)

Tomas Vokoun took a discount for a chance to win a Cup in Washington.

Goaltending
Neuvirth enjoyed a breakout season last year and Holtby showed that he could hold his own in net, which led to Varlamov being the odd man out in the Capitals net. Caps GM George McPhee absolutely fleeced the Avalanche for Varlamov, getting what could (probably will) be a lottery-pick in next year’s draft, as well as a second rounder. Butafter Neuvirth was shelled by the Lightning in round two, there was feeling that he might not be the guy for the future. So McPhee continued his brilliant off-season by adding the best goaltender on the free agent market in Tomas Vokoun. Vokoun has spent his entire career playing for offensively challenged teams in Florida and Nashville, and although he might have deserved a bigger contract, he took a one-year deal for a chance to win a Cup. Throw in the fact that he will have a season to mentor his young countryman in Neuvirth, and the Capitals may have struck gold with this deal. Vokoun’s workload will probably be lighter, as the team will want to give Neuvirth his starts, but he should be ready to go come playoff time. Again, there are no holes in this department. Grade A+ (Getting Vokoun for $1.5M was a steal for a top-10 goalie.)

Prediction
In 2009, they fell to the Cup champs in Pittsburgh. In 2010, they ran into a red-hot Jaroslav Halak and the miracle Canadiens. In 2011, they were stymied by a 41-year old goalie. While everyone thought they had no business losing last year (and really, they didn’t), this year it’s Cup Finals or bust. If they don’t make a deep run into May and June, heads will roll in the nation’s capitol. It’s your best chance, Caps, show us what you can do. 1st in Southeast, 1st in East.