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Top-5 goaltenders in the Western Conference?

December 1, 2020, 10:29 AM ET [5 Comments]
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In this edition of the hotstove, we rank the top-5 goaltenders in the Western Conference.

Todd Cordell

1. Connor Hellebuyck - Of the 17 goaltenders to play in 42 games or more, Hellebuyck ranked 1st in save percentage – and 4th in high-danger save percentage – at 5v5. This despite the Jets finishing 29th in xGA per 60.

2. John Gibson - He was not great last season. I’m not going to suggest otherwise. But, having been well above average in each of the four seasons prior, I’m willing to give him a pass considering the team he was playing behind. I expect a big bounce-back from one of the most talented in the NHL.

3. Darcy Kuemper - He missed a good chunk of the season with injuries, however, he was in the Vezina conversation through the first few months. Has posted a .925SV% or better in consecutive years while playing for a team that gives him little run support.

4. Robin Lehner - 29 netminders played in 80+ games over the last two seasons. Two posted a higher 5v5 save percentage. He was great in New York, he was great in Chicago and, for a short period of time (thus far), he was great in Vegas.

5. Ben Bishop - Didn’t finish the year in fine fashion but I think Bishop is one of the more underrated goaltenders in the league. Has managed a .916SV% or better in three straight years and is among the best vs high-danger shots.

Sean Maloughney

1.) Connor Hellebuyck - Despite how bad the Jets were defensively last season, Hellebuyck still stood tall with a 0.922SV% and a Vezina Trophy to his name.

2.) Robin Lehner - Lehner has always been a consistent netminder but has really receieved recognition over the past few seasons. A .930 SV% with the Islanders in 18/19 and a 0.924 SV% for the Golden Knights last season in the playoffs at 5 on 5. Lehner has succeeded Fleury in Vegas and will be the starter next season.

3.) Anton Khudobin - While his playoff performance alone was enough to put him on this list, his ability goes well beyond that. Khudobin over the past three seasons has a better SV% at 5 on 5 (0.934) than any other netminder. The only thing that kept him from being higher for me is the fact that he has never played more than 50% of the games for his team.

4.) Darcy Kuemper - A great goalie on a bad team. Kuemper has posted high numbers on a Coyotes team that has lacked.... well almost anything of note. Injuries are the biggest issue with Kuemper but even though he finished with only 29 games last season he still finished 7th in Vezina voting.

5.) Jordan Binnington - I am one of those who considers Binnington's season last year a bad year more than his first year being a fluke. While only 6'1 the athletic netminder moves better than most in the league and I believe he still deserves a spot on this list.

Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com and MoneyPuck.com

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