Ranking the 5 Goaltenders Most Likely to Get Hot in 2013 NHL Playoffs

Goaltending always plays a key role in the playoffs and it's not likely to change this year.

Jonathan Quick was sensational in leading the Los Angeles Kings to their first Stanley Cup championship last year. He was steady throughout all four rounds of the playoffs, and he was spectacular when the Kings needed a big save at the key moment. Quick won the Conn Smythe Award as the playoffs MVP.

One year earlier, Tim Thomas had a memorable run for the Boston Bruins. Thomas recorded four shutouts as the Bruins won their first Stanley Cup since 1972, and he also took home the Conn Smythe Award.

This year, the Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins have the inside track to the top spots in their conferences. Both are well-balanced, offensive teams with the ability to light up the scoreboards. It would not be surprising if either team brought home the Stanley Cup.

However, if they do, it seems more likely it will be the result of spectacular play by stars like Jonathan Toews and Sidney Crosby rather than their goaltenders.

Here's a look at the goaltenders who are most likely to get hot and lead their teams in the postseason.

Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings

Jonathan Quick did it once, and there's no reason he couldn't do it again.

Quick has not had the regular season that he did last year, but don't let his 2.49 goals-against average and .898 save percentage fool you. Quick has tasted glory and he liked it.

There's every reason to believe that once the playoffs get underway, Quick will mimic his performance of  last year. Quick had a 1.41 GAA, a .946 save percentage and three shutouts in last year's postseason.

While there may be some head-smacking in the Kings' locker room as to why Quick has not been exceptional during the regular season, all it will take is one good game in the postseason for him to get back on track.

The Kings will probably go into the playoffs as a middle-of-the-pack team, but they will be a very tough out. Whoever faces them will realize that the Kings are loaded once again and they have a potential eraser in the net in Quick.

Craig Anderson, Ottawa Senators

Nobody is thinking about the Ottawa Senators.

This team has been ruined by devastating injuries to Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek this season. The team that finished eighth in the Eastern Conference last year was supposed to sink like a stone by midseason and start selling off assets.

But the Senators have played solid, gutsy hockey all season. They have not clinched anything, but they are solidly in sixth place.

It still seems like a long shot that they will have a long run in the postseason, but if they do, it will likely be the result of strong play by the goaltenders.

Craig Anderson has been slowed by an ankle injury, but he has a 1.53 GAA and a .950 save percentage. If he continues to play at that level in the postseason, the Senators could shock the world.

Backup Robin Lehner has also been impressive with a 2.34 GAA and a .934 save percentage.

Viktor Fasth, Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks have been sensational this season, and they might be the top story in the Western Conference if the Chicago Blackhawks had not gotten off to such a sensational start.

The Ducks have size, strength, scoring and goaltending.

That final factor will most likely be the key to whatever Stanley Cup playoff success they can achieve this season. Viktor Fasth has looked like a true pro since he donned an Anaheim uniform earlier this season.

Fasth has a 14-4-1 record with a 2.21 GAA and a .922 save percentage. Fasth has unusually quick reactions and an understanding of what the shooter is thinking. He could be the type of goalie who gets in opposing shooters' heads and shuts them down.

Fasth has partnered with Jonas Hiller (12-4-4, 2.46 GAA, .908 save percentage) this season, but Fasth should be the top goaltender for Bruce Boudreau's team in the postseason.

Tuukka Rask, Boston Bruins

The Bruins have been getting sensational play in goal for years.

Tuukka Rask has not had any glitches since taking over as the team's No. 1 goalie from Tim Thomas. Rask has remarkable numbers this season. He has a 16-6-4 record, an eye-catching 1.95 GAA and a .927 save percentage.

Rask has also blanked three opponents.

The Bruins have had some difficulty scoring goals and the defense has had a few more breakdowns than head coach Claude Julien is used to seeing. As a result, there will be a lot of focus on the Bruins' goaltending.

If the Bruins are going to come anywhere close to the Stanley Cup they won in 2011, Rask and backup Anton Khudobin are going to have to play spectacular hockey.

Braden Holtby, Washington Capitals

Braden Holtby keyed a first-round playoff upset of the defending champion Boston Bruins last year and he also extended the New York Rangers to seven games before the Capitals were eliminated last year.

Holtby was sensational in both series, tormenting both of his opponents with acrobatic and spectacular saves.

The Capitals were an awful team early in the season and appeared to be headed to the Eastern Conference basement. However, rookie head coach Adam Oates has steadied the ship and Alex Ovechkin has had a rebirth.

The Caps have moved into first place in the Southeast Division, and if they hold on to that spot, they will be the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Holtby has shown he can be an excellent playoff goaltender. He has been ordinary during the regular season with a 2.71 GAA and a .914 save percentage. He has recorded four shutouts.

If the Capitals are going to survive and advance, look for Holtby to have another memorable postseason run.