2013 NHL Conference Finals: Power Ranking the Remaining Goalies

During the later rounds of the NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs, having a quality goaltender like Jonathan Quick defend the six feet of space between two sturdy bars of steel can be the difference between life and death.

Games are tighter, intensity is higher and every mistake has the potential to be a game changer. The conference finals are the final step for two teams in each conference, and only one will have the chance to compete for Lord Stanley's cup.

The four remaining teams are each here for different reasons, and each hopes their netminder can lead them to glory in the Stanley Cup Final. Here are the top remaining goaltenders in the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs.

4. Tomas Vokoun, Pittsburgh Penguins

Before you bring up that Tomas Vokoun has a 1.85 GAA and a great record thus far in the playoffs, consider the following: While Vokoun's play thus far has been very impressive, he has not had to make many difficult saves thus far.

He hasn't been under a ton of pressure, and that is partially because he is being supported by the NHL's top offense. Vokoun has had the luxury of tending goal for a team that can light the lamp on occasion.

Another thing to consider with Vokoun is his quality of competition. He has put up some tremendous stats, but they have been against inferior competition. Against the Islanders, Vokoun didn't face much resistance, and the same could be said about his series against the Senators.

It is impressive that he has only lost one game, but his true colors will remain, or will be revealed against the Boston Bruins. Vokoun is a good goaltender who has played well, but he isn't one of the top remaining goaltenders. 

3. Tuukka Rask, Boston Bruins

Tuukka Rask had an up-and-down first round against the Toronto Maple Leafs, but he came alive against the New York Rangers. Sans a hilarious fall in Game 3, Rask was flawless against the Rangers.

Rask stepped up his play when the Bruins needed him to, and he finished the series with a 1.86 GAA. The Rangers' offense had trouble scoring during the playoffs, and Rask was a big reason why. Right now,Rask is in a groove, and this young netminder is starting to solidify his status as a starting goaltender.

2. Corey Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks

It is safe to say that Corey Crawford has effectively silenced many of his critics. Crawford has performed admirably for the Blackhawks in the 2013 playoffs, and he had a great Game 7 against the Detroit Red Wings.

Last year Crawford imploded in the playoffs, and it was thought that he couldn't handle the pressure. The team even considered signing Martin Brodeur to replace him, and maybe that lit a fire underneath Crawford.

Crawford's athleticism and determination has made him successful in the playoffs, and he currently has a 1.70 GAA. The Blackhawks and Crawford will have their hands full against the Los Angeles Kings, and the series will feature amazing goaltending.

1. Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings

Jonathan Quick set the bar high for himself when he went on a dominant 16-4 run during the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs. He won a Conn Smythe for his efforts, and his dominance in 2013 makes him the current front-runner for the award.

Thus far the Los Angeles Kings have had trouble scoring, and Quick's play has carried the team into the conference finals. Quick has an 8-5 record with a 1.50 GAA, a .948 save percentage and three shutouts. His play thus far has helped the Kings, and if he wins another playoff MVP award, Quick will make history.

If successful, Quick would become the third player in NHL history to ever win back-to-back Conn Smythes. Hall of Fame goaltender Bernie Parent was a back-to-back winner with the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1970s, and Mario Lemieux did it with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991 and 1992.

Right now Quick is completely locked in. He is seeing and stopping almost every puck thrown his way, and shooters should congratulate themselves if they can hit the twine. It is fair to say that Quick is becoming a clutch playoff goalie, and at age 27, he still has many great years ahead.