Goalies have always fascinated me.  When I was just nine years old, I remember watching Martin Brodeur make save after brilliant save to lead the New Jersey Devils to their first ever Stanley Cup Win.  I credit that 1995 Detroit versus New Jersey finals (Devils swept 4-0 by the way) as the reason that I decided to take up goaltending.  I have not looked back since.

With that said, I plan on doing a continuous piece throughout the season where I will give you my opinion of who are the top five goaltenders in the NHL.  I figured it's early enough to start ranking the goalies, and you'll be surprised to see which names made the list and which didn't.

5. Pascal Leclaire - The Columbus goaltender has been sharp to start the season.  Leclaire is 2-1 in three starts, including back-to-back shutouts, while maintaining a 1.67 GAA and a .942 save percentage.   Leclaire’s  GAA and SV% place him fifth overall in the NHL’s goaltending statistics.

4. Martin Gerber - After losing the starting position in Ottawa last season and being the center of many summer trade rumors Gerber returned to his goaltending role, due to Ray Emery’s off-season surgery to his wrist.  Gerber leads the league with six wins (6-1) companied with a 2.13 GAA and a .936 save percentage.  Gerber has stonewalled a league-high 220 shots, nearly 40 more than goalie in second place.  It also helps to have the league’s most dangerous offense playing in front of you.

3. Cam Ward - Ward has been nothing short of spectacular so far for the Carolina Hurricanes.  After losing the season opener in overtime, Ward has won four straight starts (4-0-1).  His four wins, combined with a 1.79 GAA and .942 save percentage are still not enough to crack the top two.

2. Martin Biron - Does anybody recognize this Philadelphia Flyers team? These guys are sure working hard to erase the memories of last season from their minds and Martin Biron is their number one workhorse.  Biron has started all six games for the Flyers this season and has been unbeatable at times (especially against New Jersey).  In four of his six appearances, he has faced at least 30 shots.  He has five wins, a 1.50 GAA and a .951 save percentage, all of which rank in the top five in the league. He also is tied with two others for the league lead in shutouts with two apiece. And this team managed 56 points last season? Just a remarkable turnaround for Biron and the dangerous Flyers.

1. Tim Thomas - If this guy could score, he would comprise the entire Boston Bruins team.  Thomas is off to a remarkable start.  He has only recorded three wins (3-1), but he has also been the only reason the Bruins can even compete every night.  His three wins are coupled with a stellar 1.26 GAA and a .962 save percentage, both of which are tops in the league. The guy has only allowed five goals in four games played, while facing on average over 30 shots per game.

I don't expect most of these guys to hold their rankings for very long, but if you're a fantasy owner...ride the wave…
Honorable Mention
Niklas Backstrom- The Minnesota Wild goaltender has not been defeated in regulation time this season (4-0-1).  By the way, his 1.38 GAA (2nd in the league) and .945 save percentage (4th in the league) are not too shabby either.

Until next time,

Dude Joel
 

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