Because the 2024-25 NHL season approaches its ultimate stretch, the league’s high goaltenders have emerged as key components of their groups’ success. This season has seen established stars and rising abilities make their mark between the pipes, with a number of netminders placing up spectacular numbers and making game-changing saves night time after night time.
Connor Hellebuyck
On the forefront of this yr’s goaltending elite is Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets. The 31-year-old American has been phenomenal, main the league in a number of key statistical classes. The 2-time Vezina winner (2020 and 2024) has 29 wins in 38 video games, a stellar 2.02 goals-against common, and an excellent .927 save proportion; Hellebuyck has been the spine of the Jets’ success this season. His league-leading six shutouts additional reveal his potential to utterly shut down opposing offenses on any given night time.
Hellebuyck’s constant excellence has made him the pure Vezina Trophy front-runner and the favourite to be Crew USA’s beginning goaltender within the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off match.
Filip Gustavsson
At +2500 odds, the second spot on this elite group belongs to Filip Gustavsson of the Minnesota Wild. The younger Swede has taken a major step ahead this season, cementing his place among the many NHL’s high goaltenders. Gustavsson’s potential to make essential saves and supply stability within the internet has been instrumental in holding the Wild aggressive in a troublesome Central Division. Gustavsson is 18-10-3 with a 2.58 GAA, three shutouts, and a .913 save proportion.
Jacob Markstrom
Jacob Markstrom isn’t far behind Hellebuyck within the goaltending hierarchy. The Swedish netminder has discovered new life after being traded to the New Jersey Devils in June. The Swedish netminder has silenced critics who questioned his hefty contract, placing up numbers that rival the very best within the league. His 21 wins rank him 4th within the league, and his 2.20 GAA is fifth. Markstrom’s resurgence has been a key issue within the Devils’ robust season, and his efficiency has earned him the second spot in lots of goaltender rankings. Markstrom is a +3500 underdog at most sportsbooks.
Jake Oettinger
Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars rounds out the highest 4, persevering with to construct on the promise he confirmed in earlier seasons. The 26-year-old American has posted spectacular numbers, with 23 wins in 35 video games, rating him second within the NHL, with a 2.26 goals-against common and a .914 save proportion. Oettinger’s consistency and skill to make massive saves in essential moments have made him a cornerstone of the Stars’ success. His robust play has additionally put him in competition for a beginning function on Crew USA, though he faces stiff competitors from Hellebuyck.
Andrei Vasilevskiy
Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning completes the highest 5. The 2019 Vezina Trophy winner continues to excel regardless of current issues about his workload. Again surgical procedure in 2023 sidelined him for over two months, however he appears totally recovered. His potential to raise his recreation in high-pressure conditions and his observe file of success preserve him within the dialog of elite NHL goaltenders.
No one is a Lock
It’s value noting that the goaltending panorama is ever-changing, with a number of different netminders making robust instances for inclusion within the high tier. For example, Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers has proven flashes of brilliance that remind observers why he was thought of the highest goalie within the league only a season in the past. Sergei Bobrovsky of the Florida Panthers has additionally had a resurgent season, constructing on his robust playoff efficiency from the earlier yr and serving to lead the Panthers to a different profitable marketing campaign.
Because the season progresses, the efficiency of those high goaltenders will probably be essential in figuring out their groups’ playoff fates. Stealing video games and offering consistency within the internet turns into much more important because the stakes rise. For gamers like Hellebuyck and Oettinger, their regular-season success may translate into key roles for his or her nationwide groups in worldwide competitions.
The evolving nature of goaltending within the NHL can also be evident in groups’ methods. Many golf equipment are transferring in the direction of a tandem strategy, recognizing the significance of getting two succesful goaltenders to navigate the grueling NHL schedule. This pattern has allowed groups to maintain their high netminders contemporary for essential video games and playoff runs.
As we glance in the direction of the playoffs and past, the goaltending storylines will stay a focus of NHL discussions. Whether or not it’s established stars sustaining their elite standing, rising abilities making their mark or sudden heroes rising, the boys between the pipes will play a pivotal function in shaping the outcomes of this NHL season and people to return.
