Stephen R&interval; Sylvanie-Imagn Photos
With the NHL’s 2024-25 common season now nicely underway, there are some statistical surprises – notably in relation to which goalies are thriving.
However whenever you have a look at netminders with a few of the finest save proportion numbers within the league, you’ll see names you aren’t accustomed to seeing with such spectacular numbers on the NHL stage.
Veteran Ilya Samsonov has a .932 save proportion in 4 appearances, in addition to a 3-0-1 report. In fact, Samsonov was despatched packing by the Maple Leafs this summer season after flaming out in a rollercoaster season final yr. Samsonov additionally has a strong 2.21 goals-against common – and for his present wage of $1.8 million, he is been an excellent discount up to now.
Equally, Vancouver Canucks addition Kevin Lankinen was tied for second in SP alongside Dallas Stars star netminder Jake Oettinger earlier than Saturday at .941. Even after Saturday’s 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, nevertheless, Lankinen has a stellar .930 SP and 1.95 goals-against common. He is performed 5 of the Canucks’ seven video games, together with every of the final 4.
Lankinen signed a one-year contract late within the pre-season for simply $875,000. With Canucks star goalie Thatcher Demko nonetheless not prepared for motion – and with teen Arturs Silovs shedding his first two video games – Lankinen has been an incredible addition to Vancouver.
Detroit Purple Wings netminder Alex Lyon was a wholesome scratch within the Purple Wings’ season opener earlier than the staff assigned Ville Husso to the AHL for wage cap functions. Lyon has achieved a pleasant job in 5 appearances, placing up a .940 save proportion, 2.05 goals-against common and 5 targets saved above anticipated, per moneypuck.com.
Lyon’s 2-2-0 report after Saturday’s 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres is nothing spectacular, however he is come up huge in vital moments, identical to goalie associate Cam Talbot, to assist Detroit win video games it had no enterprise of successful. The Purple Wings popping out with a 1-0 win towards the New York Islanders final Tuesday after being outshot 30-11 is theft.
Different fascinating goaltenders who seem within the prime 15 save percentages embody Toronto Maple Leafs addition Anthony Stolarz (.927), Calgary teen Dustin Wolf (.924), Anaheim Geese starter Lukas Dostal (.936) and Dallas Stars backup Casey DeSmith (.936)
Wolf is simply adjusting to the NHL stage, as he has simply 21 video games of regular-season expertise, however he is appeared fairly promising and thrilling in internet with a 3-1-0 report. DeSmith is on his third staff in three seasons, however he’s availed himself nicely since becoming a member of Dallas on a three-year, $1-million-per-season contract this summer season.
Dostal virtually performed as many video games as John Gibson final season. However with the latter recovering from appendicitis, Dostal has taken cost of the crease for a rebuilding membership with a 3-2-1 report. Even within the losses towards Colorado, Los Angeles and the New York Rangers, Dostal recorded at the very least a .918 save proportion in every case. And Stolarz may very nicely grow to be the Leafs’ common starter this season until Joseph Woll improves in his subsequent appearances.
To this point, acquainted goaltending stars embody Connor Hellebuyck (.940), Jake Oettinger (.938), Ilya Sorokin (.936) and Igor Shesterkin (.926). Frederik Andersen had an excellent return to the crease final common season after a blood clotting difficulty, and that is persevering with this yr with a .941 save proportion. Juuse Saros (.908) and Jeremy Swayman (.900) have stood tall in some video games however may use some enchancment within the lengthy haul.
The actual guessing sport is questioning whether or not Samsonov, Lankinen, Wolf and the opposite rising names talked about can proceed to carry out on the stage they’re at the moment at.
Let’s put it this manner – if any of them are within the hunt for the Vezina Trophy because the NHL’s prime goaltender, quite a lot of folks can be amazed. However stranger issues have occurred, and that’s why we’ll be watching keenly to see how the goalie wars shake out. It’s already been crammed with surprises, and the important thing query from now onward is consistency.
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