NHL Predictions 2011-12: Power Ranking Each Team's Starting Goalies

There is perhaps no position more important in the game of hockey than the goaltender. They are lauded in victory, shoulder most of the blame in defeat and have the most direct impact direct impact on a team's success than any other player on the ice

It takes a special kind of person to be a goaltender—someone with quick reflexes, a tough mental resolve and an ability to be unfazed by hurling themselves in front of hunks of rubber traveling at speeds of up to 100 mph. Every team is looking for one of these players, and the best our often some of the most valuable commodities in the NHL.

By now most teams have determined who their starting goalie will be for the 2011-12 NHL season. Some teams feature proven veterans, while others are banking on young up-and-comers who are taking on the title of "No. 1 Goalie" for the very first time.

With all that said, here are this year's starting goalie power rankings to begin the season.

30. Rick DiPietro

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 26

W: 8

GAA: 3.44

SVPCT: .886

SO: 1

With three goalies currently battling it out on Long Island, goaltending duties could be a shared responsibility this year for the Islanders.

Evgeni Nabokov has certainly proven in the past that he can be an elite goaltender, and Al Montoya has lots of potential, but chances are the man with the biggest contract will get the first crack at the No. 1 job.

There have been few players with as much bad luck as Rick DiPietro over the last few years. Since signing a 15-year, 67.5 million dollar contract, DiPietro has only played two full seasons for the Islanders. Perhaps even worse though is his performance when he has played.

DiPietro will likely be given another shot to claim the starting goalie position at the beginning of the season, but don't be surprised if Nabokov takes over part way through the year, either because of DiPietro's poor play, or an all-too-likely injury.

29. Nikolai Khabibulin

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 47

W: 10

GAA: 3.40

SVPCT: .890

SO: 2

A former Stanley Cup champion with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Nikolai Khabibulin used to be known as one of the best goalies in the NHL.

However, since the lockout Khabibulin's numbers have taken a drop, and it doesn't help that he's playing for a rebuilding Oilers team who, despite sporting a wealth of young talent, are still a ways away from competing for a playoff spot.

Still, a poor defence in front of him doesn't completely explain his numbers last year, and he'll have to step up his game if he wants to hold onto the starting job in Edmonton. Like DiPietro, Khabibulin is another goalie who has some stiff competition for is No. 1 spot. Youngster Devan Dubnyk has looked impressive in the preseason and will likely put some extra pressure on "The Bulin Wall" throughout the season.

None the less, given his experience and contract, the No. 1 job should go to Khabibulin to start the season. Whether he can hold on to it though is yet to be seen.

28. Mike Smith

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 22

W: 13

GAA: 2.90

SVPCT: .899

SO: 1

Mike Smith is still trying to find the kind of success he experienced in the 2006-07 season that saw him put up a 2.23 goals against average and .912 save percentage.

After a trade to Tampa Bay, Smith was expected to be the Lightning's No. 1 goalie, but it never panned out. After four sub-par seasons there Smith decided to sign with the Phoenix Coyotes, who have an opening in goal following the departure of Ilya Bryzgalov.

Unlike Tampa Bay, Smith won't have a lot of competition for his starting job, but that doesn't mean it's going to be smooth sailing. The Coyotes lost some key pieces over the offseason and will likely be one of the bottom feeders in the Western Conference this season, which means Smith is going to see a lot of pucks coming his way.

With few other options in net, Smith will likely be the go to guy for the Coyotes, which means he has a lot of work ahead of him.

27. Steve Mason

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 54

W: 24

GAA: 3.03

SVPCT: .901

SO: 3

After a fantastic rookie year that earned him the Calder Trophy, Steve Mason has had two dismal seasons that he would surely like to forget about about.

Luckily for Mason, the Bluejackets have re-tooled during the offseason and look as if they may challenge for a playoff spot. Still though, Columbus' defence is average at best and it's likley Mason will continue to be depended on to stop a lot of pucks.

Mason's shown he has the skills to be a world class goaltender, he just has to prove he wasn't a flash in the pan. He'll once again be given the No. 1 job this season, and it's his to lose.

With Columbus hoping to make a run at the playoffs, there will be added pressure on Mason to regain his form. Can he? We'll find out this season.

26. Jose Theodore

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 32

W: 15

GAA: 2.71

SVPCT: .916

SO: 1

It seems like a long time ago that Jose Theodore won the Hart Trophy as the NHL MVP. Since then he's played for four different teams and has struggled to regain any sort of success.

With Tomas Vokoun leaving for Washington, the Panthers are hoping Theodore can fill the void. However, with one of the weakest line-ups in the NHL, the former star goalie will have a hard time keeping the puck out of the net with any sort of consistency.

His stats in Minnesota were an improvement over previous seasons, but a full season in Florida should see his numbers take another dive. To be fair though, it won't be completely his fault.

25. Ondrej Pavalec

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 58

W: 21

GAA: 2.73

SVPCT: .914

SO: 4

Once a highly touted young goalie, Ondrej Pavalec is still trying to establish himself a top level NHL netminder.

Of course, that's tough to do when you've spent you're entire career with the lowly Atlanta Thrashers (now the Winnipeg Jets). His last two seasons have been respectable, given the circumstances, but how will he cope with playing in a Canadian hockey market?

Pavalec will continue to be one of the busiest goalies in the league, and if he faulters the Winnipeg fans may not be as forgiving as the ones in Atlanta. Pavalec will either rise to the occasion or crumble under the pressure.

Either way, don't expect spectacular numbers from Pavalec this season, as Winnipeg is still a ways away from challenging for a playoff spot.

24. Craig Anderson

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 51

W: 24

GAA: 2.83

SVPCT: .913

SO: 2

After being a career back-up, Craig Anderson got a chance to be a starting goalie in Colorado during the 2009-10 season, and he made the most of it. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to repeat his break-though season and was dealt to the Ottawa Senators.

Anderson had a great stretch after the trade though, posting a 2.05 goals against average and a .939 save percentage, but can he repeat that performance this season?

It might be tough, as the Senators will be hard-pressed to have a winning season with their current line-up. Anderson likely won't have a lot of help in the defensive end either and could see a good deal of shots coming his way.

Expect mediocre numbers from Anderson with a rebuilding Senators squad in front of him.

23. Dwayne Roloson

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 54

W: 24

GAA: 2.59

SVPCT: .914

SO: 4

At 41 years old, Dwayne Roloson looked as sharp as he ever has during last year's playoffs, as he helped the Tampa Bay Lightning reach the Eastern Conference Finals.

Tampa decided to take chance a on the veteran again in the offseason and offered him a one-year deal, and he will likely serve as Tampa Bay's primary netminder this season.

So, can Roloson repeat last years performance, or will his body finally give out?

Tampa Bay figures to be a pretty good team yet again, so he should have a lot of support, but it's likely that his stats will drop off a little bit. However, come playoff time it wouldn't surprise anyone if he found his game again.

22. Niklas Backstrom

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 51

W: 22

GAA: 2.66

SVPCT: .916

SO: 3

After some spectacular seasons, Niklas Backstrom's numbers have leveled off somewhat over the last two years, possibly as a result of Minnesota abandoning the suffocating trap that they used to implement.

Were Backstrom's stats due to his skills, or the Wild's defensive mindset? It was likely a combination of the two, but it appears as of now that Backstrom is merely a serviceable, mid-level goalie.

After a few key acquisitions, including Dany Heatley, the Wild will be looking to secure a playoff spot this season, and Backstrom will be a big part of that. Should he have a good year they may just be able to squeeze into the postseason.

21. Kari Lehtonen

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 32

W: 15

GAA: 2.71

SVPCT: .916

SO: 3

Drafted second overall in the 2002 entry draft, many experts pegged Kari Lehtonen to be a star NHL goalie. However, the Finnish netminder has never quite lived up to his potential.

After an injury plagued career with the Thrashers, Lehtonen was dealt to the Stars where he's established himself as the No. 1 goalie. His 2.71 goals against average and .916 save percentage were certainly respectable, but it's yet to be seen whether he can achieve those types of numbers again.

After losing Brad Richards, the Stars may be poised to take a drop in the standings, and that could also effect Lehtonen's performance.

Lehtonen needs to prove that he's indeed a legitimate No. 1 goalie. He still has the potential to do great things in this league, and another solid season may prove the hype wasn't unwarranted.

20. James Reimer

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 37

W: 20

GAA: 2.60

SVPCT: .921

SO: 3

James Reimer burst onto the scene last year and was one of the few bright spots in the Maple Leaf's' season.

After an impressive showing, the Maple Leafs felt comfortable letting former No. 1 Jean-Sebastien Giguere go to Colorado this offseason. The starting job in Toronto is now Reimer's and he'll be given every chance to succeed.

The young goalie has set a high standard for himself, and it will be tough to match last year's numbers, especially over the course of a whole season. That doesn't mean he can't do it, but there's bound to be some bumps and hiccups throughout the year.

Toronto fans are hungry to get back to the playoffs, and their ability to make it there rests solely on whether or not Reimer can establish himself as a true starting netminder.

19. Miika Kiprusoff

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 71

W: 37

GAA: 2.63

SVPCT: .906

SO: 6

Miika Kiprusoff may not be the goalie he was a few seasons ago, but he will once again be the man the Flames lean on as they try and make a push fot the playoffs.

After a bit of a resurgence in 2009-10 season, Kiprusoff struggled once again last season. He's still a dependable goalie, and at times can show flashes of brilliance, but the younger generation of netminders appear to be passing him by.

Kiprusoff should put up decent numbers in front a defensive minded Calgary team this season, but he's simply not capable of carrying the squad on his back like he used to

18. Semyon Varlamov

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 27

W: 11

GAA: 2.23

SVPCT: .924

SO: 2

Semyon Varlamov's skills have never been in question, unfortunately he's never been healthy long enough to really show whether or not he can be a quality starting goalie.

After several injury filled seasons, and the acquisition of Tomas Vokoun, Washington shipped Varlamov to Colorado, who's been desperately trying to find someone to stabilize their goaltending situation since the retirement of Patrick Roy.

Varlamov has all the makings of a star goalie, and in Colorado he should have the opportunity to prove he can handle the rigours of being the go-to guy in net.

If he can play an entire season he could have success, but he has a history of injury and it's likely that he goes down at some point this year.

17. Jimmy Howard

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 63

W: 37

GAA: 2.79

SVPCT: .908

SO: 2

After a stellar campaign during the 2009-10 season, Jimmy Howard saw his numbers decline last year.

Playing behind one of the best teams in the League, Howard could still only manage a mediocre season. None the less, he is a good goalie, and whether he regains his form or not he's likely to be successful playing with the Detroit Redwings.

Howard still has room to grow as well. At 27 he's still young by goalie standards and should keep improving over the next few seasons.

Expect a bounce-back year for Howard this year, as he will likely put up similar stats to his first season as Detroit's No. 1.

16. Martin Brodeur

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 56

W: 23

GAA: 2.45

SVPCT: .903

SO: 6

It wasn't that long ago that Martin Brodeur was considered the best goalie in the NHL, but not even Brodeur can fend off that effects of time.

That being said, Brodeur's sub-par numbers last season weren't all his fault. The Devils had their worst season in a long time, and there was little the future hall-of-famer could do to stop the tailspin.

So can Brodeur bounce back? Quite possibly, but it's likely we've seen the last of his Vezina calibre seasons.

If New Jersey can become a playoff contender again it's likely Brodeur can put up some decent statistics, but he probably can't be depended on to carry the team like he did a few years ago.

15. Corey Crawford

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 57

W: 33

GAA: 2.30

SVPCT: .917

SO: 4

It appears that the Chicago Blackhawks have finally found their No. 1 goaltender. Corey Crawford emerged as a legitimate starter last season, recording fantastic regular season numbers and putting up a valiant effort in the first round of the playoffs.

With Chicago looking like they will once again be a top contender, Crawford should be able to repeat his success from last season, assuming he's the real deal.

Crawford will start the season as Chicago's No. 1 and should be given a great deal of playing time. If he lives up to the standard he set for himself last year it could be a career season for the young netminder.

14. Jonathan Quick

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 61

W: 35

GAA: 2.24

SVPCT: .918

SO: 6

With the Los Angeles Kings looking like they might contend for the top spot in the Western Conference, there will be a lot of pressure on Jonathan Quick to repeat his success from last season.

His 2.24 goals against average and .918 save percentage made it a career year for Quick, and it may be hard to pull off a season like that again. However, Quick is still young and he continues to improve, so it wouldn't shocking if he has another great season like that in him.

With the Kings' expectations likely much loftier than in seasons past, fans are expecting a lot out of him this year, and another good season by Quick could mean a great season for the Kings.

13. Jaroslav Halak

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 57

W: 27

GAA: 2.48

SVPCT: .910

SO: 7

Jaroslav Halak started last season on fire, much like he had ended his final season in Montreal. However, as the year wore on Halak's number's leveled out a little bit, although that was bound to happen while playing for the lowly Blues.

Halak is still one of the most talented goalies in the League, as his seven shoutouts showed last season, and at just 26 there's likely still room for improvement.

As the go-to guy in net, and one of the faces of the St. Louis franchise, the pressure is on Halak to help turn this team around.

St. Louis will likely miss the playoffs once again, but look for Halak to improve on last year's statistics.

12. Anti Niemi

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 60

W: 35

GAA: 2.38

SVPCT: .920

SO: 6

Going into last season, some experts wondered if Niemi was as good as his performance in the playoffs the year before would suggest. The answer was yes, for the most part.

Niemi put up fantastic regular reason numbers, recording a 2.38 goals against average and a sparkling .920 save percentage, although his shaky performance during the playoffs still have some asking questions of the former Stanley Cup winner.

Still, Niemi got the Sharks to the Western Conference Finals, and although he wasn't great he was good enough in most games.

If Niemi can put together another regular season like the last one, and repeat his playoff performance from his Stanley Cup winning season, he may just take the Sharks one round further this year.

11. Jonas Hiller

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 49

W: 26

GAA: 2.56

SVPCT: .924

SO: 5

Perhaps one of the most underrated goaltenders in the league, Jonas Hiller has consistently put up great numbers over the past few seasons with the Anaheim Ducks.

Other than a strange bout of vertigo part-way through last season, it was an outstanding year for the Swiss goalie that saw him post his second best save percentage (.924) and his highest shutout total (5). He was also named to the NHL All-Star Game for the first time in his career.

Anaheim will once again challenge for a playoff spot, and with virtually the same team as last year there's no reason to believe Hillar can't have a similar kind of season as he did the year before.

10. Ryan Miller

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 66

W: 34

GAA: 2.59

SVPCT: .916

SO: 5

Ryan Miller had a career year during the 2009-10 season, putting up an amazing 2.22 goals against average and a .929 save percentage. He would go on to win a silver medal with team USA at the Olympics, and was awarded the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's best goalie.

While last year was still another solid season, it was certainly not up to the standard he set for himself during that brilliant year. So can Miller reach those heights again?

If you look at Miller's history, his stats from last year are actually pretty consistent with his career numbers. This isn't to say he's not a great goalie. He's still one of the League's best, although his Vezina Trophy-winning year was likely an anomaly.

Buffalo looks to be a contender in the East this season though, and Miller will be a big part of that, so expect Miller's stats to improve slightly this year.

9. Tomas Vokoun

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 57

W: 22

GAA: 2.55

SVPCT: .922

SO: 6

Long known as one of the best goalies in the NHL, Tomas Vokoun has been buried down in Florida where the team's consistent poor play has obscured Vokoun's skills.

That will change this year though, as Vokoun signed the Washington Capitals in the offseason and looks to all be the No. 1 goalie on one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.

After he adjusts to seeing significantly less pucks thrown his way, Vokoun should settle into a career year with the Capitals, unless the pressure of actually being expected to win games gets to him.

Either way, Vokoun's the best goalie Washington's had in a long time and he'll be hard-pressed not to have a good season with the Caps.

8. Marc-Andre Fleury

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 65

W: 36

GAA: 2.32

SVPCT: .918

SO: 3

Marc-Andre Fleury had one of his best seasons to date, as he posted his lowest goals against average (2.32) and second highest save percentage (.918).

Perhaps most amazing about his accomplishments last season though was the fact that he achieved them all while playing behind a decimated Pittsburgh line-up.

With Malkin healthy again, and Crosby likely to return at some point during the first quarter of the season, Pittsburgh will once again be a top contender in the East, and that can only mean good things for Fleury.

Expect Fleury to repeat his performance from last year as Pittsburgh tries to challenge for the Stanley Cup once again.

7. Cam Ward

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 74

W: 37

GAA: 2.56

SVPCT: .923

SO: 4

Cam Ward was easily one of the Hurricanes' most valuable players last season, playing in 74 games and earning 37 of Carolina's 40 wins.

One of the best big-game goalies in the game today, Ward is likely hoping that some key offseason acquisitions can help bring the Hurricanes back to the playoffs, the stage where Ward originally made his mark on the league and helped the team win the Stanley Cup back in the 2005-06 season.

The addition of Brian Boucher should also be good for Ward, who likely won't have to play quite so many games now that he has an experienced back-up playing behind him.

A slightly better team in front of him, and a better back-up behind him, could mean a career year for Ward this season.

6. Carey Price

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 72

W: 38

GAA: 2.35

SVPCT: .923

SO: 8

Fans were puzzled last offseason when the Montreal Canadiens decided to trade Jaroslav Halak and install Carey Price as their starting goalie. However, the move looks brilliant now after Price bounced back with his best season to date and has emerged as one of the league's top goalies.

Price was tied for the league lead in wins last season with 38 and posted his best goals against average (2.35) and save percentage (.923) to date. He'll be counted on heavily once again to help get the Canadiens back to the playoffs.

But can Price repeat his performance from last year? He's been known to crumble when things aren't going his way, and the love/hate relationship the fans have with him has, at times, been quite a burden.

However, it appears that Price has conquered is demons and it's quite likely we'll see another great season from the rising star.

5. Ilya Bryzgalov

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 68

W: 36

GAA: 2.48

SVPCT: .921

SO: 7

For the last two season the Phoenix Coyotes have surprised everyone and made the playoffs. So what was their secret? Ilya Bryzgalov.

For two years the Russian goaltender took the team on his back and carried them all the way to the postseason. This year, however, it won't be all up to Bryzgalov as he's signed in Philadelphia, a team that looks to be one of the best in the Eastern Conference.

With a solid defence in front of him that includes All-Star Chris Pronger, and dependable back-ups behind him in Sergei Bobrovsky and Michael Leighton, Bryzgalov should have a much easier time this season.

Expect a great statistical campaign for Bryzgalov this year.

4. Henrik Lundqvist

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 68

W: 36

GAA: 2.28

SVPCT: .923

SO: 11

Since entering the NHL in the 2005-06 season, Henrik Lundqvist has consistently put up elite numbers and has become known as one of the best and most dependable goalies in hockey.

Last season was another great year for the Swede, as he led the League in shutouts with 11, and recorded his highest save percentage to date (.923).

With the New York Rangers looking to improve this season there's no reason to think Lundqvist can't equal, or even surpass last year's numbers. He'll once again vie for the Vezina Trophy and will likely be in the top-five in most statistical categories.

3. Robert Luongo

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 60

W: 38

GAA: 2.11

SVPCT: .928

SO: 4

If this list was based solely on skill and athleticism, then Roberto Luongo would likely be at the top. The only thing holding him back at this point is his lack of success in big games.

Luongo had his best season with the Canucks last year and brought the team all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals. However, with his team up 3-2 in the series, Luongo floundered in the last two games, ultimately leading to the Boston Bruins taking home the league's most coveted prize.

There's no doubt that Luongo will once again be one of the NHL's best regular season goalies. With the Canucks poised to again challenge for the Presidents Trophy, and a solid defence in front of him, another great season is pretty much a given.

Where Luongo will really be judged though is in the playoffs. Can he win the "big game?" We'll find out this season. 

2. Tim Thomas

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 57

W: 35

GAA: 2.00

SVPCT: .938

SO: 9

Is it possible for a goaltender to have a better season than Tim Thomas did last year?

The Boston goalie won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's best goaltender, the Conn Smythe as the playoff MVP, and the Stanley Cup. He also set the single-season League save-percentage record (.938), and led the NHL with a goals-against average of 2.00

Logic would dictate that Thomas is undeniably the League's best goaltender, and that may be the case, but after a closer look there are actually a lot of question marks surrounding his season this year.

First, there's his inconsistency. After his last Vezina Trophy-winning season Thomas lost his starting job to Tuuka Rask. Then there's his age. At 37 it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect a bit a of decline in his numbers.

Thomas will certainly be the Bruins starter to begin the season, but with Rask still right behind him on the depth chart there's always a chance he could lose his job again if he slips up.

1. Pekka Rinne

2010-11 NHL Regular Season Statistics:

GP: 64

W: 33

GAA: 2.12

SVPCT: .930

SO: 6

Pekka Rinna has been a solid starting goalie for the Nashville Predators over the last two seasons, but he really found his game last year.

Rinne was near the top in virtually every goaltending statistic, which earned him his first Vezina Trophy nomination. His play in last year's postseason also turned some heads, as he helped the Predators advance past the first round for the first time in team history.

At just 28 years old, Rinna is still growing as a goaltender, which is a scary thought for NHL shooters. Nashville will look to improve on last season's success, and Rinne will be a huge part of that as he will likely be the piece the team builds around for years to come.

Expect an equally good year from Rinna this year as he enters the season as the Vezina favourite.