NHL Playoffs: Top Five Goalies Set To Compete For the Conn Smythe Trophy

Until last season, there has always been a lot of focus on goaltending heading into the playoffs. Whether it is glorious performances by the likes of Ken Dryden, Patrick Roy or Martin Brodeur, having a stud between the pipes instantly tips the odds on the spreadsheet. 

However, when the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers met in the finals last year, that theory was put into question, as Antti Niemi and Michael Leighton competed for the cup. In fact, three of the final four teams were using goalies that started the regular season on the bench.

The result? The offseason instantly became a buyer's market for netminders and we saw a fundamental shift in how teams approach the most important position on the ice.

In fact, if you take a look at the leading save percentage leaders this season you will see an unprecedented number of goalies above .915%.  

So what will all this mean when the games become real? 

I am here to tell you that last season was a bit of an anomaly and those hoping to reach the promised land without elite goalies will perish.

I count down the top five goalies that could compete for the Conne Smythe Trophy.

5: Antti Niemi

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DALLAS, TX - MARCH 15: Goaltender Antii Niemi #31 of the San Jose Sharks makes a save against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center on March 15, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Some might question whether or not Antti Niemi is an upper echelon goalie, but based on what I've seen I have little reason to doubt if he can carry the Sharks all the way to the finals this season. The interesting part of this equation is the decision by the Blackhawks to walk away from his arbitration hearing in the summer.

Did they not believe he could repeat his success? Was it merely a case of cash-strapped luck? A combination of both?

Either way the Sharks have been the beneficiaries, and tell me who has been a hotter goalie in the second half of the season.  

Niemi might have never had the high pedigree scouting reports during his development, and he didn't have the greatest performance in the finals, but make no mistake about it: the Chicago Blackhawks would not have lifted the Stanley Cup without him.

He was a clear difference maker in every series along the way, and proved that when his team needed a bailout he was there to deliver in spades.

This season he might get the last laugh on the Hawks, and not only be walking away with his second ring in as many years but the Conne Smythe trophy as well.

4: Henrik Lundqvist

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 04: Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers gets set for the opening faceoff against the Boston Bruins at Madison Square Garden on April 4, 2011 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Bruins 5-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty

It might be premature to be including a goalie from a team that hasn't even clinched a playoff spot yet, but if the New York Rangers get in, no one will want to face them. There simply hasn't been a more consistent goalie in the NHL over the past four or five season than Henrik Lundqvist.

Much like the Flyers a year ago, if the Rangers get in at the seven or eight spot, this is a Cinderella team that could ride Lundqvist to the end. 

In fact, Lundqvist could be the Jaroslav Halak of 2011 if they can overcome the loss of Ryan Callahan.

3: Michal Neuvirth

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 22: Michal Neuvirth #30 of the Washington Capitals stretches during an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 22, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Ima

If you've read any of my previous articles about up-and-coming young stars in the league, you will know that I am an unapologetic fanboy of Michal Neuvirth. Plain and simple, this kid has elite talent written all over him, and despite what some of the Penguins players said in the HBO 24/7 series, he is cool under pressure.

When the playoffs start, coach Bruce Boudreau might opt to start with the playoff tested Simeon Varlamov, but if the Capitals are going to make a long run you can be sure that Neuvirth will find his way between the pipes at some point. This is just how Boudreau rolls.

And when Neuvirth gets his chance, there won't be much looking back. 

A rookie that never lost a single series in the AHL is ready to make his mark.

2: Roberto Luongo

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - FEBRUARY 26: Goalie Roberto Luongo #1 of the Vancouver Canucks plays the puck ahead of Gregory Campbell #11 of the Boston Bruins during the first period in NHL action on February 26, 2011 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia,

There will be readers who scoff at the fact that I've included Roberto Luongo and left off Tim Thomas, but I cannot ignore the fact the Luongo has won a gold medal—for Canada at the 2010 Olympics. 

He might not have been the reason Canada won gold, but he did prove that he could come through on the grand stage. 

Has he done it in the NHL playoffs? Absolutely not, but that doesn't mean that he can't. There have been many great players who carried the label "can't win the big one" that eventually topped the mountain. A couple of those names happen to be Peyton Manning and John Elway. You may have heard of them.

The Canucks have never won the President's Trophy in their lackluster history, but this year they are poised to go to the end, and it will not materialize unless Luongo comes through in the clutch.

I'm betting he can—and will.

1: Pekka Rinne

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DENVER, CO - MARCH 31: Goalie Pekka Rinne #35 of the Nashville Predators prepares to defend the goal against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on March 31, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. Rinne had 27 saves as the Nashville Predators defeated the Colo

My number one upset special of the playoffs this season is the Nashville Predators, and the main reason is the undisputed fact that Pekka Rinne has finally arrived among the elite. He stepped his game up in the second half of last season and frankly, he's never looked back.

I would take him on my team before Luongo, Thomas, Halak, Price or any other goalie you want to throw my way. I think he is the best goalie this league has to offer.

He has great agility for his size and never gives up on a play. Find a better goalie with his level of rebound control and the only thing that matches his skill level is his work ethic.

Although the NHL wouldn't like it, I believe Rinne can pull off one the all-time playoff performances and carry this goal-starved team all the way to Lord Stanley.