in the world of hockey, few positions are as enigmatic and pivotal as the goaltender. Much like the legendary Dominik Hasek in 1999, today’s netminders are proving to be as unpredictable as they are essential. The 2024-25 season has been no exception, with goalies delivering performances that range from notable to head-scratching.
Connor Hellebuyck, widely regarded as the gold standard for goaltending, continues to dominate the ice.Alongside Jacob Markstrom, he stands as one of only two goalies with a top-10 salary cap hit and a top-10 save percentage.Hellebuyck leads the pack with an impressive.929 save percentage, while Markstrom holds the 10th spot at.913.
anthony Stolarz, currently sidelined due to injury, has also made waves this season. the Toronto Maple Leafs’ backup-turned-starter boasts a .927 save percentage, ranking him second among goalies with at least 15 games played. His modest two-year free agent deal signed last summer now looks like a steal.
Darcy Kuemper, at 34, has found new life after a summer trade involving the Los Angeles Kings and Pierre-Luc Dubois. With a .923 save percentage, kuemper’s resurgence has been a win-win for all parties involved.
Logan Thompson, acquired by the Washington Capitals to fill Kuemper’s shoes, has been a revelation. His .921 save percentage ranks fourth in the NHL, a remarkable feat considering the Vegas golden Knights practically gave him away to clear cap space. thompson’s impending free agency will undoubtedly make him one of the most sought-after players next offseason.
Rounding out the top five is Mackenzie Blackwood, who has quickly become a key player for the Colorado Avalanche. after stints with New Jersey and San Jose, Blackwood’s .920 save percentage has made him a critical mid-season acquisition. Avalanche fans are hopeful he can replicate the success of Miikka Kiprusoff, who famously led the Calgary Flames to the 2004 Stanley Cup Final after a mid-season trade.
1. Washington Capitals (29-10-5) The Capitals’ goaltending duo of Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren was one of the league’s best before Lindgren’s recent injury.Thompson’s increased workload will be a storyline to watch, especially with both goalies set to become unrestricted free agents this summer.
2. Colorado Avalanche (27-12-4) mackenzie Blackwood’s arrival has bolstered the Avalanche’s playoff aspirations. His performance could be the X-factor in their quest for another Stanley Cup.
1. Winnipeg Jets (30-12-3) Connor Hellebuyck continues to dominate the crease,solidifying his reputation as one of the NHL’s elite goaltenders. With a stellar performance over the past season and a half, he’s on track to secure his third Vezina Trophy, putting him in rare company alongside legends like Dominik Hasek, Martin brodeur, and Patrick Roy. Hellebuyck’s consistency and ability to carry the Jets have also sparked discussions about his potential as a Hart Trophy candidate, a testament to his invaluable role in Winnipeg’s success.
2. Edmonton Oilers (28-13-3) The Oilers are a team brimming with talent, but their goaltending remains a lingering question mark. While Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard have shown flashes of potential, doubts persist about their ability to led the team deep into the playoffs. As one analyst put it, “If the Oilers had elite goaltending, the rest of the league would be fighting for second place.” Until Skinner and Pickard prove they can rise to the occasion, Edmonton’s championship aspirations will remain under scrutiny.
3.Vegas Golden Knights (29-12-3) Adin Hill has rebounded from a shaky start to deliver solid performances for the Golden Knights.Despite a slight dip in his last eight games,where he posted a.902 save percentage, Hill has been a reliable presence in net. Backup Ilya Samsonov, on a one-year, $1.8-million deal, has also performed admirably. Both goalies are set to become free agents in July, adding an intriguing layer to Vegas’ offseason plans.
4. Dallas Stars (28-14-1) The Stars are hitting their stride, and Jake Oettinger is a key reason why. Fresh off signing an eight-year, $66-million extension, Oettinger has been extraordinary, boasting a .930 save percentage in his last six games. His backup, Casey DeSmith, has also been reliable, posting a .913 save percentage this season. If Oettinger can maintain this level of play, the Stars’ investment in him will look like a masterstroke.
5. Los Angeles Kings (24-12-5) Since returning from injury on December 7, Darcy Kuemper has been nothing short of spectacular, leading all goalies with a .940 save percentage over 10 games. Health has always been Kuemper’s Achilles’ heel, but when he’s on the ice, he’s a game-changer.With two more years left on his contract at a $5.25-million cap hit,the kings are hoping his current form is a sign of things to come.
6. Colorado Avalanche (27-17-1) The Avalanche made waves this season by overhauling their goaltending mid-campaign. First,they acquired Scott Wedgewood from nashville in exchange for Justus Annunen. Then, on December 9, they pulled off a blockbuster trade, bringing in Mackenzie blackwood from San Jose. These moves signal Colorado’s commitment to shoring up their netminding as they push for another deep playoff run.
8. Toronto Maple Leafs (27-16-2) The Toronto Maple Leafs’ goaltending situation has been a rollercoaster this season.Anthony Stolarz, who started strong with a.927 save percentage, underwent knee surgery in December, leaving fans anxious. Joseph Woll has stepped up admirably, delivering solid performances and occasionally shining under pressure. The Leafs’ primary focus is ensuring both goalies are healthy and rested for the playoffs,allowing them to pivot quickly if their initial choice struggles.
9. Minnesota Wild (27-14-4) Filip Gustavsson, once a trade candidate last summer, has emerged as a standout for the Wild, ranking sixth in Moneypuck’s goals saved above expected (12.8). Despite some recent hiccups, his performance has been a pleasant surprise. Meanwhile, marc-Andre Fleury, the NHL’s oldest player, continues to impress in his backup role, boasting a .910 save percentage in 14 appearances.Fleury remains one of the league’s most reliable second-string goalies.
10. Carolina hurricanes (26-16-3) The Hurricanes’ goaltending saga feels like a never-ending cycle. Frederik Andersen has been stellar when healthy, posting a .932 save percentage, but his availability has been inconsistent. Pyotr Kochetkov has shown promise but hasn’t yet reached the heights many expected. As last season, six different goalies have suited up for Carolina, highlighting the team’s ongoing search for stability in the crease.
11.Florida Panthers (26-16-3) Spencer Knight’s ability to handle a heavier workload is a key storyline for the Panthers. With a .913 save percentage in his last four games, he’s showing signs of growth.However, Florida still relies heavily on Sergei bobrovsky, last year’s Vezina finalist, who has struggled this season with an.899 save percentage. Keeping Bobrovsky fresh for the playoffs is crucial for the Panthers’ postseason aspirations.
12. New Jersey Devils (26-15-5) Jacob Markstrom has been a game-changer for the Devils. Acquired after New jersey’s persistent pursuit, the 35-year-old Swede ranks fifth in goals saved above expected (14.1) this season. His steady presence has solidified the Devils’ goaltending, providing a foundation for their success.
13. Tampa Bay Lightning (23-16-3) Andrei Vasilevskiy is rebounding after a slow start to the previous season. The Lightning’s star netminder is regaining his form,offering hope for a deep playoff run. His ability to perform under pressure remains a cornerstone of Tampa bay’s championship aspirations.
15. Columbus Blue Jackets (21-17-6) The columbus Blue Jackets are defying expectations this season. Despite being pegged as a likely bottom-tier team, they’re in the playoff conversation. However, their goaltending has been a glaring weakness, with an .880 save percentage in all situations—the second-worst in the league.if they hope to maintain their surprising push, addressing this issue will be critical.
16. Ottawa Senators (22-18-3) Leevi Merilainen has emerged as one of the most compelling stories in the NHL this year. The 22-year-old goaltender has been a revelation, posting a .942 save percentage in his three starts in 2025. This places him just behind Darcy Kuemper (.974) and Marc-Andre Fleury (.952) among goalies with at least three games played. Merilainen’s heroics have been pivotal for the Senators,who were reeling from a four-game losing streak before his arrival. With Linus Ullmark sidelined due to injury, Merilainen stepped up to deliver three consecutive wins, possibly saving Ottawa’s season. The Senators now have reason to believe they’ve found a reliable tandem in Ullmark and Merilainen.
17. Montreal Canadiens (21-18-4) sam Montembeault continues to solidify his reputation as a top-tier NHL goaltender. Now in his third season of consistent performance, his inclusion on Canada’s 4 Nations Face-Off roster underscores his growth from a waiver claim in 2021-22 to a bona fide starter. Meanwhile, Jakub Dobes has been a revelation since his AHL call-up at Christmas. The rookie has gone 3-0-0 with a staggering .959 save percentage, including road victories against powerhouse teams like Florida, Colorado, and Washington. Dobes’ emergence has provided the Canadiens with a much-needed boost, giving them a reliable backup option behind Montembeault.
14. Calgary Flames (21-15-7) Dustin Wolf is proving why he was one of the most highly touted prospects in the AHL. The young netminder is having a standout season, positioning himself as a potential Calder Trophy finalist. Standing at six feet tall,wolf is also challenging the notion that smaller goalies can’t excel in the NHL. Only Juuse Saros, at five-foot-11, is listed as shorter among NHL goalies. Wolf’s performance has been a radiant spot for the Flames, who are leaning on his talent to stay competitive in a tough Western Conference.
18. Detroit Red Wings (20-19-4) The Detroit Red Wings have relied on a trio of goaltenders this season, with Alex Lyon, Cam Talbot, and Ville Husso each starting at least six games since December 1. Lyon, who showed promise under new coach Todd McLellan after Christmas, has been sidelined again with an upper-body injury. His .885 save percentage remains the best among the three, highlighting the team’s ongoing struggles between the pipes.
19. Vancouver Canucks (19-14-10) Thatcher Demko’s injury has been somewhat overshadowed by othre headlines, but its impact on the Canucks cannot be understated. Demko has appeared in just eight games this season, leaving Vancouver to rely on backup Kevin Lankinen. Lankinen has exceeded expectations, posting a .903 save percentage in 29 starts after being signed as insurance during training camp.With Demko set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026,the next 18 months will be critical for both the goalie and the team.
20. New York Rangers (20-20-3) Igor Shesterkin is set to make history next season with the highest cap hit for a goalie in NHL history at $11.5 million. While shesterkin hasn’t posted a save percentage above .916 as his Vezina-winning campaign in 2021-22, his second-half performance last season was instrumental in the Rangers’ success. New York will need him to replicate that form as they push for a playoff spot this spring.
21. Boston Bruins (22-19-5) The Bruins’ once-enviable goaltending duo of Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman has been dismantled,with Ullmark traded to the Senators. swayman, despite a lengthy contract negotiation, has yet to fully step into the role of a reliable starter. At just 25 years old, he has the talent and experience to turn things around, but Boston needs him to deliver consistent performances over the next 12 weeks to secure a playoff berth.
22. St. Louis Blues (21-20-4) Jordan Binnington has long been considered the frontrunner to start for Canada in the upcoming 4 Nations tournament, but his recent performances raise questions. Neither his conventional stats nor advanced metrics suggest he’s a lock for the role. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Joel Hofer represents the future for the Blues, and the team is hopeful he can take a meaningful step forward in the coming year.
23. Philadelphia flyers (19-20-6) The Flyers’ goaltending woes are well-documented, with the team posting the league’s worst all-situations save percentage at .871. Samuel Ersson (.871), Aleksei Kolosov (.847), and Ivan Fedotov (.870) have all struggled to provide stability in net. Philadelphia’s playoff hopes hinge on finding a solution to their goaltending crisis sooner rather than later.
NHL Goalie Spotlight: Midseason Updates on Key Teams and Their Netminders
Table of Contents
- 1. NHL Goalie Spotlight: Midseason Updates on Key Teams and Their Netminders
- 2. Anaheim Ducks: A Dynamic Duo in Net
- 3. Pittsburgh Penguins: A Shaky Situation
- 4. Nashville Predators: Balancing act for Saros
- 5. Buffalo Sabres: Luukkonen’s Rollercoaster Season
- 6. Utah Hockey Club: Vejmelka’s Heavy Load
- 7. Seattle Kraken: Daccord’s Standout Performance
- 8. New York Islanders: Sorokin’s Struggles
- 9. NHL Teams Struggling to Find Their Footing: A Deep Dive into San Jose and Chicago
- 10. San Jose Sharks: A glimmer of Hope in Yaroslav Askarov
- 11. Chicago Blackhawks: The laurent Brossoit Conundrum
- 12. what’s Next for These Teams?
- 13. Which goaltender, expected to find their groove in the playoffs, has the potential to be a difference-maker?
As the NHL season reaches its midpoint, the performance of goaltenders across the league has become a focal point for many teams. From rising stars to seasoned veterans, the crease has been a battleground of consistency, resilience, and occasional surprises. Let’s dive into the latest updates on some of the league’s most talked-about goalies and their teams.
Anaheim Ducks: A Dynamic Duo in Net
The Anaheim Ducks (18-21-5) have found themselves leaning heavily on their goaltending tandem of John Gibson and Lukas Dostal. gibson, a veteran with a proven track record, ranks third in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes among goalies with at least 15 games played. Simultaneously occurring, Dostal, a rising talent, sits just behind him in fourth place.Their combined efforts have been a rare bright spot for the Ducks this season.
Pittsburgh Penguins: A Shaky Situation
Over in Pittsburgh, the Penguins (18-20-8) are facing uncertainty in the crease. Tristan Jarry’s recent waiver clearance speaks volumes about the team’s confidence in their current goaltending setup.Both Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic have posted identical.886 save percentages, prompting the institution to give promising rookie Joel Blomqvist a chance to prove himself at the NHL level.
Nashville Predators: Balancing act for Saros
Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators (14-22-7) has been a workhorse, playing more games than any other goalie since the 2021-22 season.Though, with an eight-year extension set to begin next summer, the Preds must carefully manage his workload to ensure longevity. Enter Justus Annunen,a 24-year-old Finnish netminder acquired from Colorado,who has impressed with a .923 save percentage in seven games.His presence also maintains Nashville’s tradition of having an all-Finnish goaltending duo.
Buffalo Sabres: Luukkonen’s Rollercoaster Season
Buffalo Sabres fans had high hopes for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen this season, but the 17-22-5 team has yet to see consistent performances from their young goalie. After a strong second half last year, Luukkonen has struggled to replicate that form.The Sabres will be hoping he can rediscover his rhythm as the season progresses.
Utah Hockey Club: Vejmelka’s Heavy Load
Karel Vejmelka has been a cornerstone for the Utah Hockey Club (18-18-7), shouldering a significant portion of the team’s goaltending duties. Connor ingram,who recently returned to the team after a personal absence,will look to provide support in the crease. The team is hopeful that the second half of the season will bring stability and success for their netminders.
Seattle Kraken: Daccord’s Standout Performance
Despite the Seattle Kraken’s (19-23-3) struggles, Joey Daccord has been a standout performer. Ranking 10th in goals saved above expected, Daccord has been a reliable presence in net. His efforts have been a silver lining for a team searching for consistency.
New York Islanders: Sorokin’s Struggles
Ilya Sorokin of the New York islanders (17-19-7) has not lived up to expectations this season. After posting a .924 save percentage in his first three NHL seasons, his current .902 mark is a significant drop-off. Backup Marcus Hogberg has stepped up,but the Islanders will need Sorokin to regain his form if they hope to turn their season around.
As the NHL season continues, the performance of these goaltenders will play a pivotal role in shaping their teams’ fortunes. Whether it’s veterans finding their groove or young stars stepping up, the crease remains one of the most critical positions in hockey.
NHL Teams Struggling to Find Their Footing: A Deep Dive into San Jose and Chicago
As the NHL season progresses, some teams are finding it harder than ever to climb the standings. Among them, the San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks are facing significant challenges, with their performances leaving fans wondering if a turnaround is possible.
San Jose Sharks: A glimmer of Hope in Yaroslav Askarov
The San Jose Sharks, currently sitting at a disappointing 14-26-6 record, are in the midst of a ground-up rebuild. However, there’s a silver lining in the form of 22-year-old goaltender Yaroslav Askarov. acquired from Nashville in the off-season, Askarov has been a beacon of hope for the Sharks. In just eight games, he’s managed an impressive .917 save percentage (SP), showcasing his potential to be a cornerstone of the team’s future.
“It’s all about hope in San Jose,” says one analyst, and Askarov is delivering just that. His performance has been a rare bright spot in an otherwise tough season, giving fans something to look forward to as the Sharks continue their rebuild.
Chicago Blackhawks: The laurent Brossoit Conundrum
Simultaneously occurring, the Chicago Blackhawks, with a 14-28-2 record, are also struggling to find their footing.The team had high hopes for goaltender Laurent Brossoit, who was signed in the off-season to help stabilize their defense. Unluckily, Brossoit has yet to play a single game for the Blackhawks due to two knee surgeries. His return timeline remains uncertain, leaving the team in a precarious position.
Even when brossoit does return, expectations are tempered. “It’s challenging to imagine he’ll swoop into the crease and play like the guy who posted a .927 SP in 34 games with Vegas and Winnipeg during the past two seasons,” notes a hockey insider. The Blackhawks’ struggles highlight the challenges of relying on a player recovering from significant injuries.
what’s Next for These Teams?
For both the Sharks and Blackhawks, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. San Jose’s rebuild hinges on young talents like Askarov stepping up,while Chicago’s hopes rest on Brossoit’s eventual return and ability to regain his form. Fans of both teams are left clinging to hope,but the reality is that patience will be key as these franchises work to turn their fortunes around.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on these two teams to see if they can overcome their struggles and start climbing the standings. For now, it’s a waiting game, with the promise of better days ahead.
Which goaltender, expected to find their groove in the playoffs, has the potential to be a difference-maker?
Ce of goaltenders will remain a critical factor in determining the success of their respective teams. Whether it’s a veteran finding their groove, a young netminder stepping up, or a team grappling with inconsistency, the crease is where games are often won or lost. Keep an eye on these goalies as the playoff race heats up—they could be the difference-makers in the quest for the Stanley Cup.
