Protecting the net is no worse than the second most important role in the NHL. Sure, goal scorers get all the glory. But teams won't win in hockey if they're letting up too many points. The sport is low-scoring by nature, which means every single goal counts. It's only right, then, that we update our ranking of the best NHL goalies right now.
Many hockey bettors might not think this is a super important analysis. They care more about who's going to win the Stanley Cup—about the performance of teams in general. But identifying the best NHL goalies in 2021 can mean a great deal when betting on hockey futures.
Sites like BetOnline and Bovada usually offer odds on who will win the NHL's MVP award, which is given out in the form of the Conn Smythe Trophy. Goalies are a part of that conversation. And while not every sportsbook provides lines for the Goalie of the Year hardware, determining who might win the Vezina Trophy is an exercise aided by taking stock of the league's top net-minders.
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Ranking Best NHL Goalies in 2024
The criteria for our rankings will aim to be all-encompassing. We are looking at recent performances from the 2022-23 season and the current 2023-24 campaign. We're also heavily weighting advanced metrics like save percentage and goals saved above average. And finally, we'll be baking in a few subjective forecasts, as we attempt to predict the value of each goalie moving forward.
As usual, this goalie pyramid will begin in reverse order and works its way up. So strap in, folks. We'll be moving quickly.
Let's ride.
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10. Jeremy Swayman, Boston Bruins
Stuck behind Ullmark in Boston, the 24-year-old would be a starter on many teams. Early career 2.24 GAA and .920 SV% show tremendous promise. Could Swayman push to become Boston's undisputed number 1 in 2023-24?
9. Filip Gustavsson, Minnesota Wild
The 25-year-old surprised as Minnesota's backup last season with a stellar .931 SV% in 39 games. Was it a fluke? Gustavsson will need to prove 2022-23's form was no aberration.
8. Alexandar Georgiev, Colorado Avalanche
Finally given the starter reigns in Colorado last season, the 27-year-old flourished. Can he avoid the regression fate of recent Avalanche goalies? The 2023-24 season will test Georgiev's breakout credentials.
7. Jake Oettinger, Dallas Stars
Just 24 years old but showing the technical ability and composure of a veteran to become a model for young goalies. Regressed a bit in latest playoff showing. Look for a bounce back from Oettinger after last year's playoff letdown.
6. Juuse Saros, Nashville Predators
Size doesn't matter for the electric 5"11 Saros, whose quick feet and veterans composure make him a top 10 mainstay and Vezina candidate. Expect his numbers to remain stellar behind a middling Predators roster.
5. Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets
The 30-year-old veteran has established himself as one of the NHL's best for years, a Vezina winner and 2-time runner up. Questions remain about where he'll play next season. Wherever he lands, Hellebuyck will be a key addition.
4. Linus Ullmark, Boston Bruins
At 30-years-old, burst onto the scene with an incredible 49 appearance, 1.89 GAA campaign that earned him the Vezina. Sustainability is a question. Ullmark will need to prove 2022-23 was no fluke.
3. Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning
Didn't have his greatest regular season and struggled in playoffs but the 2-time Cup winner has the pedigree to remain amongst the elite. Expect a motivated Vasilevskiy next season.
2. Igor Shesterkin, New York Rangers
Struggled at times after his award-winning 2021-22 season but the 27-year-old is still elite and capable of being the best goalie in the world. He will look to regain his top form in 2023-24.
1. Ilya Sorokin, New York Islanders
Led the Islanders to the playoffs with stellar numbers, including a 2.33 GAA and .924 SV%. Hasn't won the Vezina yet but it's only a matter of time. At just 28 years old, his best years may still be ahead.
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