Potential Vezina nominees as we approach the stretch drive. List is not in any particular order.
Pavel Kopecky (49 GP, 26-17-5, 2.97 GAA, .908)
Perhaps the front runner at this point. Has led a resurgence in Atlanta with his brilliant goaltending. Kopecky has been among the best in the league for many years; this may be the season he finally gets his due.
Lon Brisson (53 GP, 37-14-2, 2.89 GAA, .905)Last years top goalie is back at it after a slow start. Benefits from playing behind a good team, but nevertheless Brisson has stabilized a previously tumultuous position for the Isles. Prior to his arrival the Isles leaked goals by the boatload; since his acquisition they have been among the leaders in goals against. Its not a coincidence.
Stew Leroux (36 GP, 20-13-3, 2.80 GAA, .902)
Part of arguably the best 1-2 tandem in the league. Benefits from playing behind a top flight defense, but make no mistake; Leroux is a star regardless of who he is playing behind.
Jari Ronkainen (56 GP, 31-23-2, 3.04 GAA, .903)
6’6 Finnish sensation continues to play well as he approaches his 40th birthday. Incredible agility and speed, especially for such a large man.
Raphael Hamel (56 GP, 19-26-11, 3.16 GAA, .895)
The entire Devils organization is having a disappointing year and Hamel is no exception. Has not been poor, but hasn’t played up to his own lofty standards. That being said, the Devils are still in a position to make a run, and Hamel is still the best goalie in the league. With 30 games remaining, he can turn it around.
Super Backups
Pekka Kujala (17 GP, 13-3-1, 2.33 GAA, .918)
Saved the Kings season with spectacular goaltending when Leroux went down.
Jamison McLaughlin (26 GP, 10-8-7, 2.61 GAA, .904)
May no longer belong on this list as he appears to have seized the starting role.
Kerkko Nurmi (12 GP, 5-4-1, 3.13 GAA, .897)
Fizzled as a starter but is a fine backup.
Aku Hakkinen (15 GP, 8-4-2, 3.31 GAA, .895)Hakkinen is a former starting goaltender for Nashville coming off a couple of rough seasons. This was a make or break year in terms of his NHL future and Hakkinen has rebounded nicely.
Looking to rebound. These guys are great goalies having off years.
Donn Locke (53 GP, 18-26-6, 3.84 GAA, .894)
Much of the blame can be attributed to the rapidly declining team in front of him- in fact, the 23 year old keeper is posting the best save pct of his 3 year career. It’s all the more impressive when you consider his backup Joel Maurer (a pretty good goalie himself) is sporting an .871 save pct.
Igor Korneev (50 GP, 19-22-9, 3.71 GAA, .884)One of the best in the league, Korneev was expected to catapult the Red Wings to the upper half of the conference, not struggle to keep his goals against under 4. He’ll rebound.
Etienne Flaman (48 GP, 18-22-6, 4.04 GAA, .881)
Perennial Vezina contender is having a nightmarish year and is allegedly on the trading block in Columbus. If he gets moved to a different situation he’ll be a contender to rebuild in a big way.
Dishonorable mentions. These are the guys channeling their inner Hardy Astrom.
Sam Eichenberger (42 GP, 13-22-4, 4.05, .873)
Eichenberger has been regarded as a solid, unspectacular starter for a number of years, but his game has careened off a cliff this season.
Jeff Wesley (55GP, 10-38-5, 4.32 GAA, .876)
Wesley was regarded as a can’t miss prospect when drafted 4th overall a few years ago, however his young career has been following a disturbing downward trend. Despite his struggles, the 6’3 puckstopper has top flight talent and should recover, but he needs to be put into a position to succeed.
Jeff Mayer (14 GP, 2-5-0, 4.39 GAA, .846)
Did the Bruins hire Dave Reese as their goalie coach? Mayer won the backup job out of camp after a solid showing in the AHL, but he has looked completely lost at the NHL level.
Guy Gomez (12 GP, 5-6-0, 4.50 GAA, .868)Having his second straight poor season. He’ll be in tough to keep his roster spot. Would probably be great at dodgeball.