Henrik Lundqvist, renowned for his stellar goaltending career, has weighed in on the goaltending scenario for the NHL playoffs, particularly emphasizing the strength of Canadian teams between the pipes. However, his assessment doesn’t bode well for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ netminding situation.
In what he calls “The Hankings,” Lundqvist places Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets, Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks, and Stuart Skinner of the Edmonton Oilers as the top three goalies in the Western Conference.
This assessment aligns with statistical realities, as the Maple Leafs have struggled defensively, with only the Tampa Bay Lightning boasting a worse goals-against average among playoff teams.
Samsonov’s stats, with a goals-against average of 3.13 and a save percentage of .890, do little to inspire confidence, especially against formidable opponents like the Boston Bruins.
Conversely, in the Western Conference, goaltenders like Hellebuyck and Demko have showcased impressive performances throughout the season, making them strong contenders for postseason success.
Hellebuyck, with a stellar 2.39 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage, is even touted as a Vezina Trophy favorite. However, Lundqvist’s ranking of Skinner ahead of other notable goaltenders raises eyebrows, particularly given the competition from players like Jake Oettinger and Juuse Saros.
Yet, Lundqvist emphasizes the importance of assessing save percentage on high-danger chances, shedding light on Skinner’s performance in critical situations. While Skinner may not crack the top five in Lundqvist’s rankings, his inclusion speaks to the potential sleeper picks in the goaltending realm for the playoffs.
With the postseason’s unpredictability, standout performances from unexpected sources can often tip the scales in favor of their respective teams. As the playoffs unfold, goaltending prowess will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in determining the fate of teams vying for hockey’s ultimate prize.
Lundqvist’s insights provide a insight of the strategic considerations and nuanced evaluations that shape the playoff narrative, highlighting the significance of goaltending depth and performance in pursuit of Stanley Cup glory.
