Bleacher Report - Articles by Keith Lundquist

Top Ten Goalies in the NHL

Keith Lundquist — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:54:40 -0400

It's the middle of the summer and I'm just as sick of reading articles about Mats Sundin and unlikely trade rumours as you are.

I thought it would be fun and somewhat interesting to write about the top goalies in the league. These are the guys that prove to be their team's most valuable asset.

The goalies that I've listed are who I believe are the top 10, in order from No. 10 to No. 1.

I'm also interested in reading other people's views on this subject. Instead of writing 10 different articles, I've put my listings in one, as you can see.

10. Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh Penguins

Drafted first overall in the 2003 draft, this young guy has taken time to develop into a franchise goalie.

The hockey world got a good glimpse of this kid when he started in net for Canada's World Junior team. He didn't win a gold, but he sure put on a performance. However, the softy he let in against the U.S. in the gold medal game surely glitched his confidence.

His best two seasons were his last two: 2006-07 and 2007-08. He had 69 wins and nine shutouts in 102 games played in the two seasons combined.

Recently, Fleury played a huge part in the Penguins' run to the Stanley Cup Finals, falling short to the Red Wings.

Even though his team is full of superstars, Fleury is a proven NHLer with a hopeful career

Awards: 2008 Eastern Conference Champion, first-overall choice in 2003 NHL Entry Draft

Stats:173 GP, 76 Wins, 11 Shutouts, 2.95 GAA, .905 Save Percentage

9. Vesa Toskala, Toronto Maple Leafs

Like Kiprusoff, this Finnish goalie started his career backing up San Jose's Evgeni Nabokov. After giving Nabokov a run for his money for a couple of seasons, Toskala was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Leafs were a lot different compared to the Sharks. Toronto had failed to reach the playoffs for a few years and the team was rebuilding.

Eventually, Toskala beat Andrew Raycroft for the starting job, and Vesa proved to everyone that he was No. 1 when he brought the Leafs from the bottom to just shy of a playoff spot. With a good team in front of him, Toskala can have a lot of success in the NHL.

Awards: None :(

Stats: 181 GP, 98 Wins, 11 Shutouts, 2.49 GAA, .910 Save Percentage

8. Rick Dipietro, New York Islanders

Arguably the best American goalie in the league, Dipietro has an impressive resume in the NHL and internationally. Dipietro has played in two World Junior Championships, two World Championships, one World Cup, and the 2006 Olympics for the U.S.

As a starting goalie for the Islanders, Dipietro has provided many solid performances, and has helped the team recover from years of playoff drought. Must I mention that he was also drafted first overall in the 2000 NHL Draft??

Awards: First Overall in 2000 NHL Entry Draft

Stats: 268 GP, 116 Wins, 14 shutouts, 2.78 GAA, .905 Save Percentage

7. Jean-Sebastian Giguere, Anaheim Ducks

The big, robotic goalie we've all come to know as J.S. Giguere has found a spot on my list of top ten goalies. For years, I have been critical of this goalie's style, but I found it in my heart to make him No. 7 in recognition of his accomplishments in the NHL.

Giguere has helped his team to the Stanley Cup Finals twice, and received the Conn Smythe on his first try and the Stanley Cup on his second try. Giguere is a huge reason for the Ducks' success the last few seasons.

Awards: 2007 Stanley Cup, 2003 Conn Smythe Trophy

Stats: 411 GP, 191 Wins, 29 Shutouts, 2.43 GAA, .915 Save Percentage

6. Marty Turco, Dallas Stars

Here's a goalie who has put up impressive numbers year after year and has yet to receive a major award. This two-time All-Star continues to bring development and improvement to the Dallas franchise, even though the team hasn't won a cup since 1999.

He was Dallas' MVP during the team's run for the Stanley Cup this last season, before losing to the eventual champs, the Red Wings.

Awards: Two-time All-Star, 2003 NHL Second Team, 2006 Olympian

Stats: 382 GP, 207 Wins, 33 Shutouts, 2.15 GAA, .913 Save Percentage

5. Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames

Starting his career behind Nabokov in the Shark Tank, Kipper was a catalyst for the new era of Finnish goalies. He got his break in Calgary, where he took over as a starter in 2003.

He carried the team to the playoffs and fell short of the Stanley Cup to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He is a Vezina winner and is part of the three-man core of the Flames, along with Iginla and Phaneuf.

Awards: 2006 Vezina and NHL First All-Star Team, 2004 Western Conference Champion, 2004 World Cup Finalist, 2006 Olympian

Stats: 309 GP, 159 Wins, 26 Shutouts, 2.37 GAA, .915 Save Percentage

4. Evgeni Nabokov, San Jose Sharks

After mentioning him twice, it's about time we arrived at Nabokov. He is the survivor of the San Jose goaltending controversies.

After being named Rookie of the Year in 2001, Nabokov had a few average seasons. But, in 2004, he carried his team to the Western Conference finals and proved that he could be a franchise goaltender.

In my opinion, he should have won the Vezina this previous season, but lost to Martin Brodeur.

Awards: 2001 Calder Trophy and NHL All-Rookie team, 2008 Vezina Nominee, 2006 Russian Olympian

Stats: 430 GP, 208 Wins, 40 Shutouts, 2.37 GAA, .911 Save Percentage

3. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers

It is safe to say that this Swedish netminder has emerged to become one of the elite goalies in the NHL and the World. The Olympic Gold medalist, World Champion, and three-time Vezina nominee is the face of the New York Rangers and a fan-favorite with only three years of NHL experience.

King Henrik ruled throughout the Swedish Elite League before putting on a show and ending a playoff drought in the Big Apple. Also, I was fortunate to meet him when the Rangers came to Vancouver, and he is probably the most attractive goalie in the league—not that it makes him any good.

Awards: Three-Time Vezina Nominee, Swedish Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion, 2006 NHL All-Rookie team

Stats: 195 GP, 104 Wins, 17 Shutouts, 2.27 GAA, .917 Save Percentage

2. Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks

Playing in my city, Vancouver, isn't the reason why this guy is No. 2. Luongo is one of the best because of his timely saves, competitiveness, consistency, and ability to make 40 saves a night.

In Florida, Luongo adapted quickly to the abundance of shots and team dependence. He then was the guy that turned the Canucks around, after being traded for city-favourite Todd Bertuzzi. He carried the team to a Northwest Division title in his first year there and put on an astounding performance in the 2007 playoffs, before getting eliminated by the eventual champs, Anaheim.

Luongo has also won numerous World Championships, and has established himself as a top goalie on the international stage. It's a matter of time til this guy wins the Vezina.

Awards: 1999 World Junior Championships Best Goalie, 1999 World Junior Champion, 2004 NHL Second All-Star Team, Three-time all-star, 2007 Vezina Nominee, 2004 World Cup Champion, 2006 Olympian

Stats: 490 GP, 197 Wins, 38 Shutouts, 2.60 GAA, .919 Save Percentage

1. Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils

Shocking, eh? I bet no one saw this coming.

Anyways, here's my number one guy. Three Stanley Cups and four Vezina trophies is enough to put this guy here.

What a lot of people don't recognize about this goalie is that he has missed the playoffs only once in his long and extraordinary career. He has tallied 96 shutouts, second behind Sawchuk, and he is creeping up on Patrick Roy's record for most wins.

He is the sole reason why the Devils have been one of the most successful teams in the last dozen years.

Awards: [Take a deep breath] 3 Stanley Cups, 4 Vezinas, 4 William Jennings, 2002 Olympic Gold, 2004 World Cup Champion, 1994 Calder Trophy, 11-time All-Star, 2004-05 World Champion

Stats: 968 GP, 538 Wins, 96 Shutouts, 2.20 GAA, .914 Save Percentage

Honorable Mentions:

Jose Theodore (Washington Capitals), Cam Ward (Carolina Hurricanes), Pascal Leclaire (Columbus Blue Jackets), Tim Thomas (Boston Bruins)

Wow, I spent a long time on this article so you better have enjoyed it! Feel free to post your opinions and comments (be nice).

Vancouver Canucks: Not as Bad as it Looks

Keith Lundquist — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:36:57 -0400

It has been one week since the free agency period began, and a lot of disappointment has been shed over the media and fans of the Vancouver Canucks.

GM Mike Gillis stated that he would be making bold moves, leading people to believe that he would sign some big names like Marian Hossa, Jaromir Jagr, Sean Avery, Mats Sundin, Ryan Malone, or Pavol Demitra. As you know, none of these players have signed with Vancouver, however, Demitra is expected to sign with the team soon and Mats Sundin is on hold as he makes a decision on his career's future.

It was clear at the end of the Canucks' disappointing season that the top priority for improvement was offense and scoring. It seemed like a simple task at first, but many other teams like the Oilers, Rangers, Red Wings, and Lightning had the same objective as the Canucks and they managed to sign the top forwards in free agency or trade for some.

Leaving the team's lineup so far this summer are forwards Brendan Morrison and captain Markus Naslund. Despite having disappointing seasons, these two forwards will certainly be missed in the changing room and on the ice.

However, the absence of the veteran forwards has left room for young players with tons of potential and scoring ability to flourish. Mason Raymond, Ryan Shannon, Michael Grabner, Patrick White, and Cody Hodgson are several names that highlight the Canucks roster of young, offensive prospects.

Some additions to the forward lineup are Kyle Wellwood, Steve Bernier, Ryan Johnson, and Darcy Hordichuk. Wellwood and Bernier are two young forwards who can bring the offense that the Canucks need while Johnson brings some attributes similar to Morrison's (penalty killing, face-offs, and speed).

As for Hordichuk, this player brings grit and toughness, which is vital in a very competitive and tough Northwest Division. Mark Cullen was also signed as a free agent, but is expected to play between the Canucks and the Manitoba Moose.

Already in the lineup are the Sedins, Taylor Pyatt, Ryan Kesler, Alex Burrows, Jeff Cowan, and Matt Pettinger. Each of these players are dispersed among the four forward lines and provide much needed depth, especially the checkers like Kesler and Burrows.

It's comforting to know that the team's strengths haven't been tampered with this offseason as the defense and goaltending remains the same as last season. However, the tragic death of Luc Bourdon has dampened the Canucks' bright future for defensemen. With one of the best goalies in the world and a solid and experienced defense, the Canucks have filled two areas key to a winning team.

There is still hope for the team's lack of experienced scoring forwards. As I mentioned before, Pavol Demitra has declared that Vancouver is his preferred destination.

Mats Sundin is also available still and it will be extremely difficult for the 37-year-old Swede to reject a two-year $20 million deal with the Canucks. In my opinion, it's too much for a player out of his prime. But, if the Canucks could land him, it would be a huge boost to the experience of the team.

Now that Naslund has left, there remains a question of captaincy. I feel that Mattias Ohlund deserves the "C", whether Sundin or Demitra sign with the team or not. He has been on this team the longest and carries the most experience of all of the d-men.

As Gillis mentioned, there is no need to panic. The Canucks can still be a competitive team this season and for many more to come.

Defense, Please: How the New York Rangers Can Win the Stanley Cup

Keith Lundquist — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 13:29:12 -0500

So the 2007-2008 NHL season is at the halfway mark, and teams are starting to think about preparing for the playoffs.

One of those teams is the third-place New York Rangers.

Of course, the Rangers need to actually make the playoffs first—but by the looks of things, it seems they'll accomplish that.

After all, you have to have a pretty awful won-loss record not to make the postseason in the NHL.

There was a time, however, when doing so a challenge for the Blueshirts. The Rangers fortunes went quickly downhill after they won their first cup in 54 years in 1994. Rather than maintaining a competitive club like their cross-river rivals, the New Jersey Devils, the Rangers tanked, and more often than not failed to make the postseason.

In recent years, however, the Rangers have assembled a roster that could very well compete for a Stanley Cup—thanks to their unparalleled ability to spend and their shrewd acquisition of talented Swedish goalie Henrik Lundquist.

After signing forwards Scott Gomez and Chris Drury last summer to offset the unfortunate loss of center Michael Nylander, the Rangers should easily make the playoffs in 2008.

But what do they need to do to make a good run at the Cup?

Their first concern should be achieving consistency from their top scorers: Jagr, Gomez, Straka, Shanahan, Prucha, Hossa, and Drury.

This talented bunch needs to produce to compensate for the second point of concern, New York's lack of talent on the backline.

Overall, I think the defensemen on the team are good, but the Rangers lack that experienced, powerhouse defenseman that all Stanley Cup contenders have to have.

Marek Malik, Paul Mara, Michal Rozsival, and Fedor Tyutin are solid players, but on most teams they wouldn't be on the top two lines.

The Rangers should strongly consider acquiring someone like Rob Blake, Ed Jovanovski, Joni Pitkanen, Mathieu Schneider, or Filip Kuba to fill the void.

With Lundqvist in net, the goaltending issues are taken care of. With leaders like Jagr, Shanahan, Drury, and Straka, New York doesn't have to worry about leadership.

But if the Rangers want to win the Stanley Cup, they must upgrade on defense.

It's now up to GM Glen Sather, the architect of the Edmonton Oilers dynasty, to make the next move.