15 teams solid in net at NHL trade deadline
Written by on February 22nd, 2012 in Latest News.
Henrik Lundqvist: Has been lights out. Two technical adjustments have taken his game to the next level. Have of you detected what they are? I believe Lundqvist is in the race with Evgeni Malkin for the Hart Trophy. His 42-save performance in Boston was a statement game.
Martin Biron: Never mind the recent loss to Chicago. Biron has been as excellent on the ice as he is in the dressing room. Brilliant goalie partner for Lundqvist.
Tim Thomas: Thomas is playing like, well, Thomas.
Tuukka Rask: Biding his time. But I have a feeling he’ll be No. 1 for the Bruins as soon as next year. Stay tuned.
Brian Elliott: Being named to NHL All-Star Game in Ottawa, where it all started was incredible. But the fact that he’s done a career resurrection is even better. Fantastic example of hard work, belief in self and humility. Deserving of his two-year extension.
Jaroslav Halak: Has also rediscovered his game and found a hot groove. The skate lace in his glove pocket and work with a mental skills coach have been two of the keys to his incredible play.
Roberto Luongo: Has really been hot after another (expected) slow start. Higher glove position has helped him stay a bit more upright and made him play more to his 6-foot-3 frame.
Cory Schneider: I said on Hockey Night In Canada that when he started versus Lightning: “If I’m an opposing GM, especially Steve Yzerman, I’m going after this young man.” Has legit enough physical and mental skills to play in the NHL for a long time. That said, the Canucks are poised to make a run for the Stanley Cup, so if I’m them, I don’t trade either goalie until the off-season. But then what? I’ve spoken to two GM’s that want Schneider terribly. But both feel the Canucks will address this later unless Rick Nash is too tasty to pass up.
Jonathan Quick: This guy flat out earned it. Fantastic success tale in every way. Unique blend of speed, athletic ability, flexibility and technique. Reminds me of Miikka Kiprusoff. Kings last in the NHL in goals scored and he was named to the NHL all-star game ? Yes, he is that excellent!
Jonathan Bernier: Another excellent young one with potential. Patient, butterfly, hybrid goalie. Excellent mindset. Bernier is on the radar of several teams, especially Columbus. The Kings need goals and the Jackets need a excellent goalie (Curtis Sanford has played well, though). Perhaps a Rick Nash package deal fits the needs of both teams.
Pekka Rinne: One of the best in the business. Is the new prototype.
Anders Lindback: Needs more reps to get a feel for NHL game. I’ve been told by sources that Nashville won’t trade him this season. Next year could be a different tale.
Marc-Andre Fleury: Has been this team’s rock, especially given the injuries to so many primary and secondary players. Head coach Dan Bylsma said: “Don’t know where we’d be without him.”
Brent Johnson: Very excellent goalie with fantastic rapport with Fleury. Excellent 1-2 punch.
Niklas Backstrom: Another very excellent Finnish goalie in NHL. His 49-save shutout this past Sunday was incredible.
Josh Harding: Played very well this season. Certainly on the radar of some teams looking for a youngish goalie that can be a small- or perhaps long-term solution. Has the skill set. I’m intrigued to see how he’d handle the next step in his progression by playing 50+ games per season.
Carey Price: Huge, smooth, efficient and clearly Montreal’s most vital player. A workhorse.
Peter Budaj: Can certainly play. Very excellent support man for Price and teammates. Excellent pro in terms of his work ethic.
10. SAN JOSE SHARKS
Antti Niemi: Excellent size. Quick legs. Competes. Teammates respect him and like playing in front of him.
Thomas Griess: Improved butterfly base makes him more efficient. Sharks have been playing him, which helps to gain confidence and timing. Looks and plays identical style to Johan Hedberg.
11. WINNIPEG JETS
Ondrej Pavelec: Like watching him play. Competes on every puck. Smiles under his mask, even when you’d reckon he’d be steaming. Improved his reads for depth and rebound control, which can prevent 1-2 goals per game.
Chris Mason: Has played very well this season. Fantastic practice habits and approach.
12. CALGARY FLAMES
Mikka Kiprusoff: Kipper. Enough said.
13. DALLAS STARS
Kari Lehtonen: Brilliant goalie. Excellent example for someone like Steve Mason in Columbus in terms rebuilding his overall game with off-ice, on-ice overhaul.
Richard Bachman: Pleasant surprise.
14. FLORIDA PANTHERS
Jose Theodore: Still getting it done.
Scott Clemmensen: Has played well, too.
J.S. Giguere: Brilliant right from start of season.
Semyon Varlamov: Very skilled. Inconsistent year, though. Could and should be a real excellent one.
