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15 teams solid in net at NHL trade deadline

By Staff 22/02/2012 10:34:00

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1. NEW YORK RANGERS

Henrik Lundqvist: Has been lights out. Two technical adjustments have taken his game to the next level. Have of you detected what they are? I believe Lundqvist is in the race with Evgeni Malkin for the Hart Trophy. His 42-save performance in Boston was a statement game.

Martin Biron: Never mind the recent loss to Chicago. Biron has been as good on the ice as he is in the dressing room. Excellent goalie partner for Lundqvist.

2. BOSTON BRUINS

Tim Thomas: Thomas is playing like, well, Thomas.

Tuukka Rask: Biding his time. But I have a feeling he'll be No. 1 for the Bruins as soon as next year. Stay tuned.

3. ST. LOUIS BLUES

Brian Elliott: Being named to NHL All-Star Game in Ottawa, where it all started was amazing. But the fact that he's done a career resurrection is even better. Great example of hard work, belief in self and humility. Deserving of his two-year extension.

Jaroslav Halak: Has also rediscovered his game and found a hot groove. The skate lace in his glove pocket and work with a mental skills coach have been two of the keys to his amazing play.

4. VANCOUVER CANUCKS

Roberto Luongo: Has really been hot after another (expected) slow start. Higher glove position has helped him stay a bit more upright and made him play more to his 6-foot-3 frame.

Cory Schneider: I said on Hockey Night In Canada that when he started versus Lightning: "If I'm an opposing GM, especially Steve Yzerman, I'm going after this young man." Has legit enough physical and mental skills to play in the NHL for a long time. That said, the Canucks are poised to make a run for the Stanley Cup, so if I'm them, I don't trade either goalie until the off-season. But then what? I've spoken to two GM's that want Schneider badly. But both feel the Canucks will address this later unless Rick Nash is too tasty to pass up.

5. LOS ANGELES KINGS

Jonathan Quick: This guy flat out earned it. Great success story in every way. Unique blend of speed, athletic ability, flexibility and technique. Reminds me of Miikka Kiprusoff. Kings last in the NHL in goals scored and he was named to the NHL all-star game ? Yes, he is that good!

Jonathan Bernier: Another good young one with potential. Patient, butterfly, hybrid goalie. Good mindset. Bernier is on the radar of several teams, especially Columbus. The Kings need goals and the Jackets need a good goalie (Curtis Sanford has played well, though). Perhaps a Rick Nash package deal fits the needs of both teams.

6. NASHVILLE PREDATORS

Pekka Rinne: One of the best in the business. Is the new prototype.

Anders Lindback: Needs more reps to get a feel for NHL game. I've been told by sources that Nashville won't trade him this season. Next year could be a different story.

7. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Marc-Andre Fleury: Has been this team's rock, especially given the injuries to so many primary and secondary players. Head coach Dan Bylsma said: "Don't know where we'd be without him."

Brent Johnson: Very good goalie with great rapport with Fleury. Good 1-2 punch.

8. MINNESOTA WILD

Niklas Backstrom: Another very good Finnish goalie in NHL. His 49-save shutout this past Sunday was amazing.

Josh Harding: Played very well this season. Definitely on the radar of some teams looking for a youngish goalie that can be a short- or perhaps long-term solution. Has the skill set. I'm intrigued to see how he'd handle the next step in his progression by playing 50+ games per season.

9. MONTREAL CANADIENS

Carey Price: Big, smooth, efficient and clearly Montreal's most important player. A workhorse.

Peter Budaj: Can definitely play. Very good support man for Price and teammates. Good pro in terms of his work ethic.

10. SAN JOSE SHARKS

Antti Niemi: Good size. Quick legs. Competes. Teammates respect him and love playing in front of him.

Thomas Griess: Improved butterfly base makes him more efficient. Sharks have been playing him, which helps to gain confidence and timing. Looks and plays identical style to Johan Hedberg.

11. WINNIPEG JETS

Ondrej Pavelec: Love watching him play. Competes on every puck. Smiles under his mask, even when you'd think he'd be steaming. Improved his reads for depth and rebound control, which can prevent 1-2 goals per game.

Chris Mason: Has played very well this season. Great practice habits and approach.

12. CALGARY FLAMES

Mikka Kiprusoff: Kipper. Enough said.

13. DALLAS STARS

Kari Lehtonen: Excellent goalie. Good example for someone like Steve Mason in Columbus in terms rebuilding his overall game with off-ice, on-ice overhaul.

Richard Bachman: Pleasant surprise.