Being an NHL goalie is often a thankless task, with fans all too readily forgetting the incredible reflex saves they make to instead focus on the one howler that cost the team a crucial victory. Such is the way in the world of hyper competitive professional sports.
However, there are some goalies who are so good that their reputations alone mean outfield players are intimidated by them, knowing that oft times, even if their shots are inch perfect, the man between the sticks will be up to the challenge.
Here we detail some of the NHL’s best current crop of goalies, all of whom have it in them to win a game single handed, or at least ensure no goals are registered throughout an entire four quarters.
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The depth of goalie talent in the NHL is incredible and should be celebrated as much as possible
Igor Shesterkin
The New York Rangers have a knack for signing extremely talented goalies, having previously made an NHL home for the legendary Swedish stopper, Henrik Lundqvist, and then replacing him with none other than Igor Shesterkin.
The man from Moscow had always been touted as a player who could one day live up to the backing he was given by betting tipsters and sports bettors, and claim the coveted Vezina Trophy. There were some doubts raised when he flattered to deceive in his rookie season, but this season he has been nothing short of miraculous, posting the sort of stats that only truly great goalies can ever wish to attain. It is for this reason that there are many online free bets offers being used to back Shesterkin to keep the Rangers’ foes in check. All bets are now off on him winning the Vezina Trophy, which at this point probably has the first few letters of his name already engraved into it. Hopefully Shesterkin will not be held back from developing his career by events beyond his control off the ice.
Jack Campbell
Campbell’s story is one of unbridled perseverance; after having been picked high up the draft all the way back in 2010, he then fell out of favor with head coaches and ended up being farmed out to teams contesting leagues like the AHL and the ECHL. His career was seemingly set to become a mere footnote in the annals of this great sport.
Then came his big chance with the LA Kings, for whom he showed his true potential during an impressive 2018-19 season. From there he transitioned to the Toronto Maple Leafs and has not looked back since, being lauded as one of the best goalies in the league.
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When hockey goalies finally lay their helmets down after a long season of shot stopping, which of their number will have the honor of winning the Vezina Trophy?
Frederik Andersen
This Carolina Hurricane was jettisoned from Toronto and deemed surplus to requirements after a 2020-21 campaign that saw his form dip and his body begin to betray him. However, the Leafs’ loss is now Carolina’s gain as Anderson has had a rude return to form so far in 2022, posting stats like a .929 SV% and an incredible 2.01 GAA.
The beauty of all this is that Anderson was brought into the Hurricane setup as a replacement for the man who took his place in Toronto. Both Anderson and his new franchise are undoubtedly the ones who had the last laugh when it came to this trade.
Juuse Saros
There are times when goalies must play the role of understudy for years before they eventually get that special breakout moment. It appeared as if Saros would play second fiddle to the great Pekka Rinne forever, but the 26-year-old got his chance during the 2020-21 campaign and has not looked back since.
Nashville Predators fans have not stopped gloating about his performances this season, and gloat they might as the Finn boasts a 2.35 GAA and .927 SV%.
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