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NHL Starting Goalies To Look Out For In The Playoffs

By · Updated 3 weeks ago
NHL
nhl-starting-goalies-to-look-out-for-in-playoffs

The Stanley Cup playoffs have just got underway, and already the tension is building as teams look to reach the pinnacle of the NHL. One position where players will need to stay calmer than most is the goalkeeper. Goalies in NHL are as important as the players that are scoring the goals to lead teams to the Stanley Cup. But, who are the best goalies remaining in the playoffs?

Andrei Vasilevskiy

The Tampa Bay Lightning remain among the favorites to win the Stanley Cup this season, and one of the reasons for that is their excellent goalkeeper. Andrei Vasilevskiy has played 302 games in his NHL career, and has been on the losing side on just 83 occasions.

May 22, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA;Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) looks on against the Florida Panthers during the second period in game four of the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 22, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA;Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) looks on against the Florida Panthers during the second period in game four of the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

He has a save percentage of .920 from those games and has earned 26 shutouts. This season he has started 42 games in the NHL regular season and had a save percentage of .925. The playoffs have already started with the 26-year-old in good form, as he has a save percentage of .919 and has made 197 saves.

Philipp Grubauer

The Colorado Avalanche are sailing through the NHL playoffs at present, and one player that has certainly made the difference in the biggest moments has been Philipp Grubauer. The 29-year-old is one of the most important players at the franchise, and has played 214 NHL games during his career. Overall, he has a save percentage of .920, and has kept 18 shutouts. His regular-season form this term was impressive, as he started 39 of the 40 games that he played, and kept seven shutouts, and had a save percentage of .922.

May 19, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender Philipp Grubauer (31) is introduced before game two of the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the St. Louis Blues at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
May 19, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche goaltender Philipp Grubauer (31) is introduced before game two of the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the St. Louis Blues at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The post-season has been very straightforward for the Avalanche to this point, as they sailed past their opening round series against the St Louis Blues. Grubauer played in all four games, and made 110 saves. He did concede seven goals in the four-game series, but he still has a very respectable save percentage of .936. His performances could be crucial if the Avalanche are to win the Stanley Cup this season.

Jack Campbell

The fight for the starting goalie position at the Toronto Maple Leafs has made for compelling viewing this season, but it looks as though Jack Campbell has received the nod in that particular battle. The 29-year-old started 22 games in the regular season, and was on the losing side on just two occasions. He had a save percentage of .921, and kept two shutouts. He is yet to make 100 NHL career appearances but could be a vital component for the Leafs if they are to end their long wait for Stanley Cup success this season.

May 20, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jack Campbell (36) takes to the ice at the start of game one of the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 20, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jack Campbell (36) takes to the ice at the start of game one of the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

He has played three of the Toronto post-season games, and has won twice and lost just once. Campbell has made 82 saves during these three games, and has allowed just four goals. He has an excellent save percentage of .951. It raised eyebrows when Campbell was given the nod over veteran goalie Frederik Andersen, but it is a decision that is paying off for the franchise to this point.

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