NHL Playoffs 2013: Strengths and Weaknesses of Each Remaining Goaltender

Goaltending will play a huge role in the remaining games of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

It appeared the Los Angeles Kings had a significant edge in the goaltending department over the other three teams still playing in the NHL's version of the Final Four, but Jonathan Quick allowed four goals in Game 2.

That ended the myth of impenetrability. Here's a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the five goalies still playing. (Pittsburgh is using two goalies.)

Corey Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks

Corey Crawford has been more than adequate in goal for the Chicago Blackhawks through the first two-plus rounds of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

His numbers have been outstanding. Crawford has moved past Jonathan Quick after the first two games of the Western Conference Final, leading the league with a 1.67 goals-against average in the postseason and a .938 save percentage.

Strengths: Crawford is a big goalie at 6'2" and 208 pounds and he uses his size well. He will cut off the angle and prevent opponents from having a good look at the vulnerable areas of the net. Crawford understands how the offense wants to play and has excellent anticipation.

Crawford has quick reactions and is rarely beaten when he gets a decent view of the shot. He also does a fine job of passing the puck to his defense, and he is a competent puck-handler.

TSN.ca analyst Jamie McLennan, a former NHL goalie, said that Crawford "continues to play with a ton of poise in the net."

Weaknesses: When Crawford has problems, it's usually with second shots. Crawford's rebound control is not always what he wants it to be. While he has been solid in that area in the first two games against the Kings, he gave up a rebound goal to Mike Eaves in Game 6 to Detroit that he should have been able to direct to the corner.

Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings

Jonathan Quick is a not a machine, and he is not perfect.

Quick proved he was human in the second game of the Western Conference Final against the Chicago Blackhawks when he gave up four goals before the game had reached the halfway point.

Quick had been the front-runner for the Conn Smythe Trophy before his poor performance in Game 2, which prompted Los Angeles Kings head coach Darryl Sutter to pull him from the game.

Even with that poor game, Quick has a 1.76 GAA, a .940 save percentage and an NHL-leading three postseason shutouts.

Quick won the Conn Smythe Trophy last year in leading the Kings to the Stanley Cup.

Strengths: Quick depends on his athleticism and quickness more than any other goalie. He uses his excellent reactions and superior movement to stop shots. At the core of Quick's talent is his explosive leg strength. He can slide side-to-side faster than any other goalie, and that allows him to get to some shots that many other goalies wouldn't have a chance to stop.

Weaknesses: We are going to throw out his performance in Game 2 as a fluke. He gave up the opening goal when he left room on the short side and gave up the second goal on the long side. That's not how he usually plays.

Quick is not the best puck-handler. Some of his passes lack the crispness needed to be completed, and he will look indecisive at times when he has the puck on his stick. That cost him in the Kings' opening round series against the St. Louis Blues when he lost the puck behind his net and Alex Steen turned it into a game-winning overtime goal.

Tuukka Rask, Boston Bruins

Tuukka Rask does not usually get thrown in with the first rank of goaltenders, but he has been solid and steady throughout the playoffs for the Boston Bruins.

He had a bit of a struggle with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round, but he had little trouble in the second round with the New York Rangers. He was at his best in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final against Pittsburgh when he posted his first playoff shutout.

Rask has a 1.99 GAA and a .935 save percentage.

Strengths: Rask is a tall goaltender at 6'3", and he excels at using his size to cut off the angle on the shooter and block the net. Rask also has the reactions and the quick glove hand to pluck hard shots. Rask often does a good job of peering around bodies and can usually find a way to see the puck when other goalies would be screened.

Weaknesses: Rask will have some indecisive moments. He can play the puck and pass it well at times, but he will also look shaky from time to time. When he handles the puck well, he is an asset to the defense, but when he struggles in that area he will turn the puck over, and that will lead to scoring opportunities.

He may not always protect the post when he believes his defense has the puck, and that led to a goal against the Rangers.

Tomas Vokoun and Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh Penguins

Tomas Vokoun was thrown into the battle midway through the first round when Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma was unhappy with starter Marc-Andre Fleury's performance.

Vokoun started Game 5 of that series against the New York Islanders, and he remained in goal until he gave up three goals against the Bruins in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final.

Fleury returned to action for the first time in relief of Vokoun, and he gave up three goals on 14 shots against the Boston Bruins in 43:24 of action.

Vokoun has a 2.26 GAA and a .929 save percentage in the postseason, while Fleury has a 3.52 GAA and an .883 save percentage.

Strengths: Vokoun is a confident goalie—and that's a big part of being successful. He excels at putting the last goal in the past and not dwelling on mistakes. Vokoun has excellent anticipation and can make quick moves from side-to-side that will allow him to make highlight-reel saves.

Weaknesses: Vokoun does not always get his pads down flat on the ice. This will allow some shots to leak through and get underneath him. This happened on the opening goal against Boston in Game 1 when David Krejci's shot got through him and into the back of the net.

TSN.ca analyst Jamie McLennan said Vokoun looked "uncomfortable and shaky all game long" after the Game 1 defeat vs. Boston. McLennan also pointed out that Vokoun does not always play tight to his posts, which could cost him on shots that get jammed at the net.

When Fleury is on his game, he is quick and athletic. In his return to action against the Bruins, Fleury looked shaky and unsure of himself.