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Most underused goaltender in the NHL this season?

December 9, 2019, 1:01 PM ET [7 Comments]
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In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on the most underutilized goaltender in the NHL this season.

Todd Cordell

Tristan Jarry and I’m not sure it is close.

To date, 50 goaltenders have logged at least 450 minutes of ice at 5v5. Jarry slots 1st in total save percentage (.962), 4th in high-danger save percentage (.875), and 3rd in Goals Saved Above average (+10.32), per NaturalStatTrick.com. The Penguins’ stout defensive play surely helps the cause but credit to him for still performing well above expectations.

Jarry’s partner in crime, Matt Murray, ranks 46th in SV% (.899), 27th in HD SV% (.827) and 48th in GSAA (-8.64) – ahead of only Martin Jones and Sergei Bobrovsky.

Despite the fact Jarry has significantly out-performed Murray, the former ranks 50th in 5v5 ice while the latter sits 11th.

Even if Murray was playing at an above average level, there’s no reason for him to be utilized as much as he is. It makes no sense to overtax your starter, especially when the backup is playing at a much higher level.

Sean Maloughney

Going to have to take the Oilers route here and talk about Mikko Koskinen and Mike Smith.

Edmonton opened their season against the Canucks with Mike Smith in net, technically as the starter. Over the first 10+ games of the season, Tippett alternated his goalies every two games, regardless of how they played, and to his credit it worked fairly well.

Now however, that system is no longer working.

Of the 47 goalies who have played at least 500 minutes at 5 on 5, Mike Smith sits 40th with a 0.900 SV% while Mikko Koskinen sits 18th with a 0.924SV%

Two games ago Koskinen made 35 saves against the Kings and was the reason Edmonton won that game. Last game Mike Smith allowed 2 goals on the first 11 shots he faced and floundered in OT.

Until Koskinen starts showing some signs of fatigue, it's in the teams best interests to give him more starts.

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