One of the fun things to do as a journalist is to go back and look at your preseason predictions when a season is complete. To recap the year article by article to get a feeling for how the season played itself out is often entertaining and almost always humbling.
The power rankings and early season analysis is particularly fun. Based on last year’s early projections, Patrick Marleau should have won the Art Ross Trophy by a mile and the Chicago Blackhawks….Wait. Bad example. A shortened season made each game more important during the sprint to the playoffs. Chicago’s historic run transcended any season though with their undefeated streak setting the tone for the Stanley Cup run.
This season has started out with similar optimism from several unlikely locations. The Colorado Avalanche appear to have found the right coach, the Calgary Flames are undefeated in regulation through their first five as well. Each of these surprising clubs has their own formula for success, but long-term sustainability starts with goaltending. Here are the top five early season goaltending studs.
5. Semyon Varlamov, Colorado Avalanche
I would rank the Avs backstop higher if I wasn’t certain that there was a groin pull in his immediate future. Perhaps the arrival of a goaltending legend has helped the fragile Russian learn the importance of stretching among other goalkeeping nuances. Through his first four games Varlamov is 4-0-0 with a 1.00 GAA and .970 save percentage. Enjoy it Avalanche fans, it probably won’t last.
4. Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins have to be thrilled that there young goaltender is playing so well to start the season. With Tomas Vokoun out indefinitely, the Pens needed Fleury to step up and be the goalie that helped them claim the 2009 Stanley Cup. Expectations are certainly tempered for the Pittsburgh faithful. Wins are great in October, but they’ll want to see Fleury play like this in the playoffs next spring.
3. Jonathan Bernier, Toronto Maple Leafs
It looks like Toronto might have finally found their goaltender of the future in Bernier. That is terrible news for everyone else in the Eastern Conference. The Leafs have raced out to a 5-1 record in large part due to the play of their offseason prize acquisition. Bernier has solidified his hold on the starting job over James Reimer with several stellar performances, a 4-1-0 record, .946 save percentage and a 1.75 GAA.
2. Tuukka Rask, Boston Bruins
The Bruins goaltender is playing like he has something to prove for the Stanley Cup runner-ups, something that Bruin fans will love. The 26-year old Finn has been sensational for Boston posting some impressive numbers through his first five games. A 3-2-0 record doesn’t stand out, but his .951 save percent and 1.41 GAA are among the best in the NHL thus far.
1.Antti Niemi, San Jose Sharks
Topping our list is a fella who knows how to win and could be creeping into his prime as the best goaltender in the NHL. With a Stanley Cup under his belt, Niemi knows how to win, and at the ripe age of 30, has some of his best years ahead of him. It’s hardly a coincidence that the Sharks are 5-0-0 with plenty of goal scoring and their trusty Finn in between the pipes. If they can maintain the pace throughout the season the Sharks have to be considered as favorites to knock the Blackhawks from their perch.