McKenna: Ranking the goalie tandems of all 32 NHL teams

Mike McKenna
Mike McKenna(MikeMcKenna56)
McKenna: Ranking the goalie tandems of all 32 NHL teams

Ranking the NHL’s goalie tandems is tricky. It’s about the overall strength of the tandem, sizing up that team’s opportunity to win every night, no matter who is in the crease those 20 or 30 other nights per season while the starter rests.

There have been surprises and goalies out of action. For the sake of this exercise, we decided to use the two primary goaltenders for each team so far this season. There is the odd exception – notably Dallas.

We’ve taken into account athlete history, expected playing time, strength of the team in front of them, travel considerations and more. Of course, it’s all debatable and that’s the fun of it.

This will be a living, breathing list. Your favorite team’s tandem may rise or fall as the season progresses.

Away we go, ranking the NHL’s netminding tandems from top to bottom:

1 (Previous Ranking: 21st) Calgary Flames: Jacob Markstrom & Dan Vladar

The Flames are playing solid defensive hockey, but both Markstrom and Vladar are performing above and beyond the play in front of them. Markstrom has been a beast. And his teammates love him. There were big questions about Vladar coming into the season and he’s exceeded all expectations. He’s 5-1-1 and his numbers back it up. Right now it doesn’t matter who’s in net for Calgary – and that’s a good thing.

2 (Previous Ranking: 8th) Tampa Bay Lightning: Andrei Vasilevskiy & Brian Elliott

Vasilevskiy was fine to start the season but he’s been on fire lately and he’s carrying the mail by starting 21 games. I wasn’t sure Brian Elliott would be able to regain form after a few middling seasons in Philadelphia, but he’s been solid in a limited role. Vasilevskiy sits fourth in goals saved above expected (according to moneypuck.com) and his traditional numbers continue to trend upward.

3 (Previous Ranking 11th) Winnipeg Jets: Connor Hellebuyck & Eric Comrie

Don’t be fooled by Hellebuyck’s .917 save percentage; his 14.5 goals saved above expected is third in the NHL. He’s chewing minutes and at one point went eight games in a row without allowing more than two goals against. Eric Comrie has been a pleasant surprise, going 3-2-0 with a .913 save percentage.

4 (Previous Ranking: 7th) Florida Panthers: Sergei Bobrovsky & Spencer Knight

It’s a renaissance season for Bob in Florida. His 11-2-2 record comes on the back of an especially strong start to the season. Recently, his quality of play has dropped off slightly. Knight has had growing pains in his first full season as a pro. He’s 6-3-2. I think he’s too aggressive with his depth, but he’s learning. He should improve.

5 (Previous Ranking: 19th) Toronto Maple Leafs:  Jack Campbell, Petr Mrazek & et al

First things first – Jack Campbell is a legitimate Vezina Trophy candidate. I never thought I’d be saying that, but he has been phenomenal so far this season. He’s added structure to his game without losing freedom and creativity. No surprise, Mrazek has been hurt. Joseph Woll has given the Leafs a couple good starts. The Leafs would be higher if they had anything resembling a tandem. Right now, it’s the Jack Campbell show.

6 (Previous Ranking: 14th) Carolina Hurricanes: Frederik Andersen & Antti Raanta

Freddy Andersen got a new lease on his career in Carolina and he’s run with it, posting a 13-5-0 record. I love his patience and laid back demeanor. I think the Hurricanes would have liked for Antti Raanta to play more often, but he’d missed time with a concussion. Despite that, he’s 4-1-1. Health is always a concern with him.

7 (Previous Ranking: 9th) New York Rangers: Igor Shesterkin & Alexandar Georgiev

I think Igor Shersterkin has been the best goaltender in the NHL so far this season. The Rangers give up a ton of high danger chances and he has routinely bailed them out. His goals saved above expected is tied for first in the NHL at 14.9. His save percentage is 0.935. Georgiev’s numbers – both traditional and advanced – aren’t good. Yet he’s 4-1-1 on the season.

8 (Previous Ranking: 18) Dallas Stars: Braden Holtby,  Jake Oettinger & Anton Khudobin

What a mess in Dallas, but amazingly, it’s working! General manager Jim Nill announced on Saturday that Ben Bishop’s career is over due to injury. Braden Holtby looks like a starting goalie again. Jake Oettinger sits just outside the top-ten in goals saved above expected and is proving he has no business in the minors. I don’t know what’s going to happen in Dallas. But they’re in good shape if they continue to play Oettinger and Holtby. The unlikely hero of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs – Anton Khudobin – appears to be the odd man out. 

9 (Previous Ranking: 13) Minnesota Wild: Cam Talbot & Kaapo Kahkonen

I think Cam Talbot – like the Minnesota Wild – is underappreciated. His game is cleaner and more controlled than in years past. He’s won 15 of 20 starts and has a .920 save percentage. Kahkonen is 4-1-1 on the year, but it’s been against weak opponents. His -2.6 goals saved above expected is a pause for concern.

10 (Previous Ranking: 25) St. Louis Blues: Jordan Binnington & Ville Husso

Early in the season, Binnington kept the Blues from plummeting in the standings with his outstanding play. He’s since come back down to earth and his .912 save percentage reflects it. But Binnington has gotten points in 11 of 16 starts. Husso might only be 3-2-1 on the year but his .927 save percentage is noticeable. He’s been the Blues best player in several games.

11 (Previous Ranking: 24) Pittsburgh Penguins: Tristan Jarry & Casey DeSmith

Jarry should be getting love in the Vezina Trophy race. I don’t think Pittsburgh is in a playoff spot without him carrying the load – backup Casey DeSmith has struggled in limited action. Jarry’s .934 save percentage and 11.1 goals saved above expected – on a Penguins team that’s been missing big names for much of the season – should have more people talking. Jarry’s .911 save percentage on high danger shots is tops in the NHL.

12 (Previous Ranking: 17th) Los Angeles Kings: Jonathan Quick & Cal Petersen

I didn’t see this one coming: Jonathan Quick has reasserted himself as the No. 1 goaltender of the Kings. Quick still plays the game in a unique, freeform manner, but he’s been in a zone all season. Surprisingly, Petersen has struggled. His 3.10 goals-against average is in stark contrast to Quick’s 2.11 GAA.

13 (Previous Ranking: 5th) Vancouver Canucks: Thatcher Demko & Jaroslav Halak

The Canucks have been hot garbage defensively but somehow Demko & Halak have managed to maintain respectable numbers. Demko’s .915 save percentage and 10 wins in 22 starts is somewhat astonishing. Halak’s 0-4-1 record doesn’t reflect his .910 save percentage.

14 (Previous Ranking: 1st) New York Islanders: Ilya Sorokin & Semyon Varlamov

Barring a miracle, it’s a lost year for the Islanders. One bright spot has been Sorokin, who despite his team’s struggle to win games has been very good. He owns a .924 save percentage in his second season in North America. Learning English has improved his communication. Semyon Varlamov started the year injured and has yet to find his game.

15 (Previous Ranking: 12th) Nashville Predators: Juuse Saros & David Rittich

Saros has complete control of the crease in Nashville and continues to put his team in contention for a berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. I like the precision in his movements – it leads to his consistency and top-end puck tracking ability. Rittich’s numbers took a hit from one bad game where he allowed six goals. But he’s hardly seen the net.

16 (Previous Ranking: 22nd) Washington Capitals: Ilya Samsonov & Vitek Vanecek

Samsonov has been the go-to goaltender for the Capitals of late and he’s starting to show why he was chosen 22nd overall in the 2015 NHL Draft. He’s won 11 of 12 starts. Injuries have slowed his progression, but he’s finally looking comfortable in North America. Vanecek has had a disappointing year. His -2.7 goals saved above expected is a big reason why he’s only won four of 13 starts.

17 (Previous Ranking: 28) Boston Bruins: Jeremy Swayman & Linus Ullmark

I think Swayman is destined for stardom in the NHL. He’s done it at every level previously. He’s been streaky, but Swayman currently boasts .922 save percentage. Ullmark started slowly, but has won three of his last four games. Despite the recent success, he still has a -1.3 goals saved above expected. If Ullmark can stay healthy I’d expect that number to improve.

18 (Previous Ranking: 27th) Philadelphia Flyers: Carter Hart & Martin Jones

What started off well has recently gone down in flames as the Flyers lost 10 straight games before rebounding for wins in Vegas and Arizona the last two nights. Like last season, they’re hanging their goalies out to dry. Hart and Jones were both in the top half of the league analytically until the slide. Hart was smiling and confident. Jones was back on track after being bought out in San Jose. I’m not sure where it goes next.

19 (Previous Ranking: 6th) Vegas Golden Knights: Robin Lehner & Laurent Brossoit

Lehner carried the Golden Knights early in the season when the team had a myriad of injuries, but lately he’s looked passive and frustrated. He’s won only three of his last eight starts and owns a 3.10 goals-against average. Despite that, he still has a 2.2 goals saved above expected. The Golden Knights have been very loose defensively. Brossoit has won four straight games and his relatively quiet style seems to be a good fit in Vegas.

20 (Previous Ranking: 15th) Columbus Blue Jackets: Elvis Merzlikins & Joonas Korpisalo

These two goalies have been battling for the top job for a while now and  Merzlikins has now claimed it. Columbus is scrappy, but the only reason it’s within striking distance of a Stanley Cup Playoff spot is Merzlikins. Korpisalo has yet to find the structure necessary to be consistent in the NHL. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli recently listed Korpisalo as his No.1 trade target in the NHL.

21 (Previous Ranking: 23rd) Anaheim Ducks: John Gibson & Anthony Stolarz

Gibson has played often and gotten points in 15 of his 21 starts. But he’s allowed four or more goals eight times this season and his -1.0 goals saved above expected is concerning. I think his aggressive depth and flow works against him, especially on lateral plays. But he’s the guy in Anaheim. Stolarz owns a .928 save percentage and a 2.2 goals saved above expected in seven starts.

22 (Previous Ranking: 29th) San Jose Sharks: Adin Hill & James Reimer

It feels like the Sharks are trying to force Adin Hill into being an NHL starter, but I’m not sure he’ll ever reach that status until his skating improves. Hill has started 14 games and only won six. His goalie partner, James Reimer, has started 13 and won eight. He owns an impressive 7.7 goals saved above expected. The Sharks would likely be in a playoff spot if they had played Reimer more often.

23 (Previous Ranking: 10th) Chicago Blackhawks: Marc-Andre Fleury & Kevin Lankinen

It couldn’t have been a worse start in Chicago for the three-time Stanley Cup winner Fleury. His first win of the season came in his sixth game. The Blackhawks might have been the worst 5-on-5 team I’ve ever seen under since-fired head coach Jeremy Colliton. Fleury’s -3.9 goals saved above expected is a byproduct of it. But he’s won seven of his last 10 starts and his .913 save percentage continues to rise. Lankinen has had a season to forget thus far, but should improve.

24 (Previous Ranking: 16th) Detroit Red Wings: Alex Nedeljkovic & Thomas Greiss

I still think Carolina was crazy for letting Nedeljkovic go. But that’s water under the bridge. He’s found a new home in Detroit and has taken over the net. In 16 starts, he’s only allowed four or more goals on three occasions. Ned’s 4.3 goals saved above expected is impressive and his puckhandling is a major deterrent to opposing teams’ forechecks. Greiss has really struggled – his .889 save percentage and -4.2 goals saved above expected is surprising.

25 (Previous Ranking: 3rd) Colorado Avalanche: Darcy Kuemper, Pavel Francouz, & Jonas Johansson

Will the real Darcy Kuemper please stand up? My pick to win the Vezina Trophy might be 11-5-0 on the season, but he hasn’t touched the ceiling of his game. His -4.4 goals saved above expected is near the bottom of the league and his .904 save percentage is well off his .916 career mark. Jonas Johansson hasn’t found a groove and got blown up for eight goals against by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Pavel Francouz might be back soon. The Avalanche need him.

26 (Previous Ranking: 20th) New Jersey Devils: Mackenzie Blackwood & Jonathan Bernier

The Devils goaltending has been okay at best this season. Blackwood’s .911 save percentage has largely been buoyed by two shutouts. He’s allowed three or more goals in eight of his 13 starts. Bernier is 4-4-1 on the season but now is out with a hip injury. Prospects Akira Schmid and Nico Daws have ripped up the AHL and will likely be called upon.

29 (Previous Ranking: 26th) Edmonton Oilers: Mike Smith, Mikko Koskinen, & Stuart Skinner

Smith has only played three games, Skinner has shown flashes and Koskinen remains the most frustrating goalie in hockey to win 12 of 15 starts. Even if Smith gets healthy, I can’t imagine the Oilers not looking for help in goal at the trade deadline. Koskinen’s -2.6 goals saved above expected and .907 save percentage are worrisome. I think Skinner has a high ceiling, but I’m not sure he’s ready to carry the load. His numbers are solid but he’s only won two games. And he’s allowed 11 goals combined in his last three starts.

27 (Previous Ranking: 2nd) Montreal Canadiens: Carey Price, Jake Allen & Samuel Montembeault

No knock on Allen, who’s done everything he can to save the Habs from complete disaster. But this team misses Carey Price immensely. Allen has faced more than 40 shots four times this season, including a 50-shot nightmare against Pittsburgh. Ironically he won that game. Montembeault was picked up off waivers from Florida to start the season and has struggled.

28 (Previous Ranking: 32) Arizona Coyotes: Carter Hutton, Josef Korenar, Karel Vejmelka, Scott Wedgewood

Given the team in front of the Coyotes goaltenders, I should probably have them higher on the list. It’s an insurmountable task. The wins aren’t there but Vejmelka – a complete unknown going into this season – has turned in a few quality performances. Wedgewood has stabilized the crease after the Coyotes claimed him off waivers from the New Jersey Devils. Hutton will be back soon. Bottom line: their team is awful and these guys are trying their best.

30 (Previous Ranking: 30th) Buffalo Sabres: Craig Anderson, Dustin Tokarski, Aaron Dell, et all

I’m sure Sabres fans would like Anderson and his 4-2-0 record back from injury as soon as possible, but that doesn’t seem likely. Tokarski won the backup job out of camp over Dell and that decision looks smart now. He’s outperformed Dell by a landslide. The Sabres recently traded for Malcolm Subban from the Blackhawks, only to see him get injured. Now Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen gets a turn. Bottom line: who knows what’s going to happen next in the Buffalo crease.

31 (Previous Ranking: 31st) Ottawa Senators: Filip Gustavsson, Anton Forsberg, & Matt Murray

Another year, another goalie flushed away. Matt Murray is in the AHL with the Belleville Senators after starting the year 0-5-0. Filip Gustavsson has won three games in 10 starts. Both goaltenders own a -4.1 goals saved above expected. I don’t think the Senators have the roster to let any goalie truly succeed, with or without a COVID ravaged lineup. Forsberg has won four straight games. Maybe he can turn things around for the Sens.

32 (Previous Ranking: 4th) Seattle Kraken: Philipp Grubauer & Chris Driedger

Philip Grubauer is last in the league – by a wide margin – with a -17.3 goals saved above expected and his .887 save percentage doesn’t look any better. His aggressive depth worked in Colorado, but it’s been a burden in Seattle. Too often I see Grubauer moving into shots, not having his feet set and struggling to track the puck accordingly. He’s not coming up with saves on rush chances. Simply put, Grubauer looks like he’s trying too hard. Driedger has allowed four goals against in three of his five starts.

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