Let me lead off by stating that the two goaltender in this year's Stanley Cup Finals are both Vezina candidates and quite possibly the best players on their respective teams. A big change from last year's Leighton versus Niemi show. However, over time it has shown that solid goaltending makes for a smooth spring jog to the finish.
The goalie market isn't as deep as it has been in years previous, but neither are the teams who are in need of a goaltender. The top two teams spotlighted are the Washington Capitals and our Philadelphia Flyers. Teams outside of the media chatter included the Oilers, Ducks, Lightning, Coyotes and Blackhawks.
The goalies set to become available include Tomas Vokoun, Ilya Bryzgalov, Marty Turco, and Dwayne Roloson. Leaving a few over-shadowed that could become the next stars between the pipes. These are some names to look out for come July 1st.
Thomas Greiss, an promising young goaltender who served as Nabokov's backup and up until the point when the Sharks signed Niemi was set to share the starting job with Niittymaki. Greiss has shinned at every level and has adapted well to North American hockey since coming over in the 2006-07. This passed season the 25 year old was assigned to Brynas of the Swedish Elite League (SEL) where he posted a GAA under 3.00 and a save percentage over .900 in 32 games.
Mike Smith, once a blue-chip now a question mark in Tampa Bay. The hockey world got a glimpse into Smith's potential last Saturday when he stole Game 4 from Boston going 42 minutes stopping all 21 shots that came his way. Then in Game 5 he suffered the loss after two goals that were clearly not his fault, one-timers with not defensive help.
The 29 years old's time in Tampa has been depleting to say the least. He has been plagued by bad teams in front of him and a front offfice that was always looking for an upgrade. He's one of the guys who would be an interesting experiment if he got placed behind a tough defense like that of Philly's or Washington's.
Jose Theodore, now this name may go straight through your ears and cause sickness but the 35 year old may have something left in him. Hear me out guys, Theodore proved that he was still able to steal a game this season when he versed the Dallas Stars in the final game of the regular season, with Dallas in a do or die situation. Theodore stood tall stopping 26 of 29 shots in route to a 5-3 win at home.
This season, his first with Minnesota, Theodore went 13-11 with a goal against average of 2.71, his 2nd lowest since his hay-day in Montreal. Jose still has the make to become a very solid 50-60 games starter next season.
Mark Dekanich, this 25 year old product of the Nashivlle Predators system is primed to make an impact at the NHL level. Dekanich has posted gaudy stats in the AHL with Milwaukee, this past season he set career bests in both GAA with 2.02 and save percentage with .931% in 43 games. It's tough to say if he will be let go, he's NHL ready however Rinne is Vezina ready. Dekanich will need half of a year to adjust to the NHL grind but he is one helluva prospect.
Spread the word on these guys and impress your friends and family members with this knowledge. Eh maybe not, but thanks for reading.
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