the west

i'm gonna do them all at once...just to save room. with that said this entry will, most likely anyway, have the biggest gap in numbers as it will take me more than one sitting. i'm lazy. whatever.

CENTRAL DIVISION

St. Louis Blues: Jaroslav Halak (8-2-2, SO 3, GAA 1.79, Save% .932) Ty Conklin (1-1-1, SO 0, GAA 2.73, Save% .898)

When (and if) you're going to talk about Blues goaltending, you have to talk about Jaroslav Halak. The fact that this guy was traded for what amounts to a bag of pucks and a 6 pack is amazing. Looking at his numbers so far, it seems like he's picking up right where he left off in the post season. He shut down both the Penguins and the Capitals, carrying the Canadiens on his back to the Eastern Conference finals. His goals against and save percentage are both excellent, and this is just what the Blues need. They have a young team, and a goaltender who can bail them out of trouble is excellent. His abilities let the people in front of him take some chances that ultimately lead to some success. As it stands right now, the Blues are 5th in West. Despite their horrid start last year, the Blues finished strong but just missed the playoffs. With Halak behind them, I see this team making it in the west. Ty Conklin is a capable back up, and has gone to the cup finals two years in a row, with Pittsburgh and Detroit. While he may have been on the losing side both times, he's somewhat of a good luck charm.

Chicago Blackhawks: Marty Turco (7-5-2, SO 0, GAA 2.73, Save% .911) Corey Crawford (2-4-0, SO 0, GAA 2.64, Save% .908)

There can be no mistake about it, Marty Turco is a stop-gap for the Blackhawks. With the departure of Niemi thanks to arbitration going his way, and Huet being way too expensive to keep, the 'Hawks needed someone, hell anyone, to play goal. Enter Marty Turco. After being told that he'll no longer be needed in Dallas, he took off for the reigning Stanley Cup champions. Not a bad move on his part. Turco is still a good goalie, and with a solid team in front of him, he'll once again prove effective between the pipes. I don't think he will get them to repeat, but that's more of a side effect of the cap more than the play of Turco.
But, I called him a stop-gap didn't I? What the puck am I talking about you ask? Well it seems that the Hawks are going to bank on Corey Crawford to be the goalie of the future, but he doesn't seem ready to handle the load full time just yet. Turco will be able to handle the load a starter would need, and be a good mentor to a younger goalie. While it's a shame he got a bum wrap in Dallas, this new team should help to provide him with a fresh start, and hopefully a better reputation.

Columbus Bluejackets: Steve Mason (5-5-0, SO 0, GAA 3.23, Save% .895) Mathieu Garon (4-1-0, SO 2, GAA 1.28, Save% .951)

Oh Steve Mason, what happened? A Calder cup, and a Vezina nomination. The sky was the limit for this dude. Then, the dreaded "sophomore slump" happened, and it seems that he hasn't been able to get back on track. This team needs him (or someone else, but i'll get into that in a second) to play like it's his rookie season again if they want to get back to the playoffs for the second time in their history. Unfortunately, he's looking like a flash in the pan instead of the next big thing.
Enter Mathieu Garon. A shining star in the junior ranks who never seemed to get transfer his success to the NHL...until now. Will he finally live up to those potential, or will he just be another fluke like Mason seems (see that key word) to be? Whatever the case may be, someone needs to step up for this team. They are in one of the toughest divisions in the league, and if they want to compete they have to play better.

Detroit Redwings: Jimmy Howard (9-1-1, SO 1, GAA 2.15, Save% .921) Chris Osgood (2-2-0, SO 0, GAA 2.76, Save% .893)

Jimmy Howard has his coming out party last year, winning the starting job away from Osgood, and taking the team to the 2nd round of the playoffs. It's up to him this year to prove he's the real deal. Looking at his numbers so far, he is. Detroit has always had solid goaltending, and this year is no different. While Osgood's best years are behind him, he's still able to handle whatever is given to him. Undoubtedly though, Howard will be the man in the cage now, and in the future. With numbers like this, it can't be a bad thing. Oh and if you forgot, he punched Sidney Crosby in the face. That was pretty cool.

Nashville Predators: Pekka Rinne (4-4-2, SO 1, GAA 2.85, Save% .910) Anders Lindback (3-1-1, SO o, GAA 2.76, Save% .917)

The apparent depth of the goaltender position for Nashville is downright scary. Rinne comes up and steals the job away from Ellis last season, and now Lindback comes up this year and is playing exceptionally well. While the goals against on this team is respectable, I like the numbers overall and think that the lack of offense from the Preds so far this season is what's keeping the GAA up.
Also, Pekka Rinne has bit a bit inconsistent to start the year. I think that he's still finding his game this season, and his early lower body injury did little to help him in that regard. The good news is, that if he continues to struggle, it looks like Lindback can step in and Nashville should be ok. The real concern for the Predators lies in their inconsistent offense. Once they find their scoring touch, the goaltending numbers will improve and this team should be one to watch.

NORTHWEST DIVISION

Vancouver Canucks: Roberto Luongo (7-4-2, SO 1, GAA 2.66, Save% .914) Cory Schneider (3-0-0, SO 0, GAA 0.90, Save% .969)

Luongo is playing like Luongo, which is a good thing...for now. His real test will come once Vancouver makes the playoffs. Looking at this division right now, it's Vancouver's to lose. While this was the prediction at the beginning of the season, if the playoffs started tomorrow Vancouver would be the only team from their division to make the cut.
The real story is the backup Cory Schneider. A standout at Boston College and with Manitoba in the AHL, winning the AHL equivalent of the Vezina and Jennings trophy in 08-09, has continued his winning ways. There are a few possible scenarios that will play out in the future with this kid. If he continues to play well, teams will come knocking on Vancouver's door. He's under contract until 2012 though, so if he stays to the end of his contract and continues his excellent play, expect someone to put in an offer sheet during his restricted free agency. The most unlikely of scenarios would be that he ends up stealing the job from Luongo, and Roberto has to pack his bags. However, I don't see that happening at all.

Calgary Flames: Miikka Kiprusoff (6-8-0, SO 2, GAA 2.80, Save% .903) Henrik Karlsson (1-1-0, SO 0, GAA 4.32, Save% .847)

.........Once again Kiprusoff is on pace to start 70+ games. This simply can't happen up in Calgary. Given their recent track record of sub par backups and tight races for playoffs spots, I can understand it. The bottom line though, is that in order for the Flames to be successful, Kipper needs to be fresh. He can't be fresh when he's starting almost every game for them. The good news is that Karlsson looks like he could be able to play more than 10-12 games for the Flames. Despite his numbers this season, he has posted decent numbers his last two years in Sweden. If he can carry those kind of numbers over to the NHL, the Flames will have a solid 1-2 punch in net. If he keeps up with this kinda play, expect another long season for Kiprusoff.
The more startling situation in Calgary is the inconsistent play. Losing to Edmonton, beating LA. They haven't had a streak of longer than three wins so far this season. It's gotten so bad that even Iginla's name has come up in trade rumors. Something has to be done in Calgary or it'll be another empty Saddledome come April.

Colorado Avalanche: Craig Anderson (3-4-0, SO 0, GAA 3.15, Save% .907) Peter Budaj (5-3-1, SO 1, GAA 2.67, Save% .907)

Last year's remarkable run really stunned a lot of people. Everyone expected the Avs to finish in the cellar, and they did the exact opposite, finishing 8th in the west. As of right now, the Av's are hovering around .500 and sitting in 12th in the West. The disturbing news is the knee injury to goaltender Craig Anderson. Anderson carried this team last year, and now it looks like it's Budaj's turn to carry the load. The Avalanche need to string together some wins and take the pressure off. Budaj is already playing decent hockey so hopefully the team that a stepping stone to some more wins.

Minnesota Wild: Nicklas Backstrom (7-4-1, SO 1, GAA 1.98, Save% .937) Jose Theodore (1-2-0, SO 0, GAA 3.02, Save% .909)

Nicklas Backstrom is continuing his excellent play up in Minnesota, which unfortunately doesn't really mean much to a team who hasn't made the playoffs since 07-08. Goaltending has seldom been an issue for the Wild, and this year is no exception. This is still Backstrom's team, but the addition of Theodore was a good one. While not their first pick for their backup, Theodore is more than capable of backing up, or even starting if something should happen. Although, I don't think anyone in Minnesota would like that.

Edmonton Oilers: Nikolai Khabibulin (4-9-1, SO 1, GAA 3.97, Save% .879) Devan Dubynk (0-0-2, SO 0, GAA 2.98, Save% .921)

There's not a whole lot you can say about Edmonton's goaltending. Well nothing good anyway. Still, I'll try to find something. Nikolai is still out of jail, but playing in Edmonton can't be much better. Although I'm sure the violation is slightly better since it's not as physical. Dubynk hasn't lost in regulation. I suppose that's good. The Oilers are still a young team, and they're going to give up a lot of goals. I suppose it's going to get better eventually, but for now, there's not much to be optimistic about. Well, maybe there's another lottery pick in it for them.

PACIFIC DIVISION

Los Angels Kings: Jonathan Quick (10-1-0, SO 1, GAA 1.52, Save% .944) Jonathan Bernier (2-2-0, SO 0, GAA 2.26, Save% .922)

After last year's playoff exit, certain people questioned Jonathan Quick's performance. Personally, I thought he played well enough, and the Kings looked overwhelmed by the Canucks. So the offseason led to questions about Bernier eventually taking over the starting job, should Quick continue to underachieve. Well, Quick has responded with the best record in the league so far. He is at the top or near the top of every goaltending statistic at this point. As a result the Kings are 2nd overall in the league and leading the Western Conference.
Bernier has also played well even though he has been on the ice for most of the Kings losses. Everyone's saying the future is bright in LA, and they're right. If the youngsters keep playing like this, and they get some consistent scoring up front, the future could be now. LA will make the playoffs and with goaltending like this they will easily win their division. Possibly the west when all is said and done. Part of me wants to tell you to expect the other shoe to drop, but honestly, I don't see it happening. The Kings are legit. Watch for Lombardi to be a buyer towards the end of the year into the All Star break. They will also be looking to add come the deadline.

Dallas Stars: Kari Lehtonen (7-6-0, SO 0, GAA 2.89, Save% .907) Andrew Raycroft (1-1-0, SO 1, GAA 2.22, Save% .943)

I think it is safe to say that the Stars surprised everyone coming out of the gate, but have since come down to earth. Kari Lehtonen has been, statistically speaking, exactly what you expect. When it's all said and done, I don't see Dallas as a much better team than Atlanta, relatively speaking. Yes, that'll annoy you Stars fans out there, but given the change in direction towards the youth movement, you can't expect Lehtonen to give you more of the same. Over his career I've actually supported him, as he is a decent goalie who has played on sub par teams.
The key to both Lehtonen's and the Stars success lies in his health, which is a bit of a tall order considering his track record. if he stays healthy the Stars can be successful, if he falters, I don't think Raycroft will be the answer. While an adequate backup, when coupled with the starting load, Raycroft hasn't looked impressive. Dallas is in a transition/rebuilding period, and the same can be said for their goaltending. Here's hoping Stars fans...it's all you can do.

Anaheim Ducks: Jonas Hiller (8-5-2, SO 0, GAA 2.83, Save% .920) Curtis McElhinney (2-2-0, SO 1, GAA 2.98, Save .924)

Jonas Hiller is the Ducks. Ever since Hiller has won the starting job from Giguere, he's run with it. Anyone who's seen this kid play knows how good he is. Unfortunately, the team that's in front of him has been struggling the past few seasons. The Ducks are troubled with a defense that sorely misses Neidermeyer and Pronger, and an offense that is carried by Ryan-Getzlaf-Perry. Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu have also played well, but they are nearing the end of their careers. Especially Selanne who has flirted with retirement for the past few years.
McElhinney is the "X-factor" here. With a solid collegiate and AHL career, he has seemingly struggled in the NHL. His best season was last year, and Anaheim is banking on him continuing to build on that and be a dependable backup. At the end if the day, it all comes down to Hiller.

San Jose Sharks: Antero Niittymaki (6-1-2, SO 0, GAA 1.80, Save% .929) Antti Niemi (2-4-0, SO 0, GAA 3.73, Save% .878)

The Sharks made a splash (ugh that was an untentional terrible joke) in the off season by acquiring Antti Niemi after Chicago let him walk away due to the ruling in arbitration. Neimi ended up signing for less than than amount award during the process, which has to chap the Blackhawks ass. That is until they saw his performance this season. His stellar offseason play has given way to pedestrian play this season. Not exactly what the Sharks were hoping for, but it has given away to a pleasant surprise from another offseason signing.
Antero Nittymaki has long been a goalie who has been thought of as a starter, only to fold under the pressure. Right now, it seems that he is taking his opportunity and making the most of it. Apparently, Niittymaki is finally healthy and no longer suffering from hip problems that plagued him earlier in his career. It should prove interesting to watch this potential goaltending battle, although if Niitty keeps playing the way he has, and Niemi continues to under perform, it shouldn't be much of a contest.

Phoenix Coyotes: Ilya Bryzgalov (6-2-5, SO 0, GAA 2.93, Save% .915) Jason LaBarbera (1-3-0, SO 0, GAA 3.45, Save% .904)

Last season's Cinderella story, seems to be on the verge of turning back into a pumpkin. Wow, that was terrible too. Whatever. The most telling stat listed here is the 5 overtime losses for the 'Yotes. They can't close out games, and they're struggling to score. Bryzgalov is an excellent goaltender, but even the best can only stop so many before they let one in. As of right now, only three players in Phoenix have 10 or more points.
I have no reason to think that Bryzgalov isn't capable of stealing a few games, but despite the recent three game win streak, the Coyotes need to find a way to get more consistent offense. Both Stempniak and Wolski were point per game players since being acquired at last year's trade deadling, and each have 9 points. Phoenix needs to start winning in regulation, that's the key. Their goaltending will be fine.