The 2020-2021 playoffs have been an education to say the least. Dominate teams like Colorado, who seemed to be unstoppable early in the playoffs, lost their spark. But the one lesson that should be remembered is…
Goaltending is still the most important position.
Carey Price looked to be a shell of what he once was during the regular season, and arguably at times in 2019-2020 as well. But in the playoffs, he has been the difference maker. On the opposite side of the spectrum, consider how many goals in these playoffs were fluky, non impressive shots. For a position that has its flaws magnified by the Jumbotron, mistakes in the playoffs need to slim to none.
As goaltending coaches, we look for tendencies in these pro goalies, trying to identify what is causing a goalies success or lack of it. Below are some notes and story lines we picked up on while watching the best goaltenders in the world battling it out.
The Price is Right
Montreal Canadians
Some thought Carey Price’s best years were behind him. He loses his goaltending coach Stephane Waite of 6+ seasons in March. Could anyone predict this type of run?
Price’s numbers are ridiculous, but the eye test is most important. His calmness throughout each round has clearly given Montreal another level to their game. Price is a league leader in all advanced statistical categories for the playoffs, including 3rd highest wins above replacement, and 3rd in goals saved above expected. Most interesting stat - Price is leading the league in puck freezes above expected, showing how much he actually does dictate the game.
For goalies, watch how Price is always in coverage mode. No matter what direction he is moving, he is ensuring he is covering the high danger areas of the net. This allows Price to take lots of tips, or redirections, in the chest or pads where he can minimize his rebounds. Most importantly, Price is confident in his reads. He is beating pucks to shooters, and is very tight in post coverage plays.
There is no question Price is the backbone of this cup run, but is it sustainable ? Can Price lead Montreal to the promise land ? If he does, the questions about his salary, age and playing ability should be silenced forever.
Varlamov Finding Form
New York Islanders
After struggling against the Penguins, Varlamov has found his form heading into a tough matchup with fellow countryman Andrei Vasilevskiy. Pucks seemed to find ways underneath Varly’s butterfly at times early in the Boston series, but now seems to have much better control in post coverage and butterfly scramble situations.
The only food for thought moving forward is - will another “Marchand like goal” happen in a big moment against Tampa Bay? In a series that looks, on paper, to be just as tight as the Boston series, a couple mistakes by either goaltender could be the difference.
Against the Bruins, Varamov averaged a .935 save % and was the backbone to the all important game 5 win. Can Varly continue his strong play and steal a game against the Bolts ?
Mike Smith’s Interesting Post Positioning
Edmonton Oilers
Multiple times throughout the playoffs, Mike Smith has stayed down in his RVH as the puck has gotten away from the goal line. Smith uses this on faceoffs as well, anchoring his near side foot on the post.
This positioning was crucial on Nikolaj Ehlers Game 3 game winner, and effected Smith in the regular season as well. As the play moves toward the center of the ice off of the face-off, Smith seems to be delayed getting square to the shot angle.
The 39 year old is up for a contract this off season, but does he really fit into the plans in Edmonton. With 2 super star players just hitting their prime, should the Oilers be looking for their next 10 year starter?
If the playoffs have proven anything for teams like Edmonton, Toronto and Washington, it will be that goaltending is what gets you through the important game 5’s when the series is tied 2-2. The margin of error is too small in the NHL, one poor goal in the playoffs can result in series ending swings in momentum.
Whats Next For Jarry, Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins
Moving on from Marc Andre Fleury is looking to be posibly the biggest mistake in franchise history. Matt Murray, did win them 2 cups, however was never able to get through his leaky tendencies both in Pittsburgh and in Ottawa. Jarry was solid in the regular season, but seemed to be swimming in his crease night in and night out against the Islanders.
In the final 4 games, Jarry’s save percentage, a basic, outdated statistic, was never above .900. Because so many factors are not considered in standard save %, such as quality or distance of shots, save % could be inflated. But to post sub .900 in the playoffs will be seen as a red flag for both player and team.
So what is next for the once dominant Eastern Conference franchise ? General Manager Ron Hextall, along with President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke, have some real questions to answer across their franchise. With an aging, but still extremely effective core group, where can they find stable goaltending ? Alex D’Orio has shown he can be a capable goaltender, but is he the best option?
For Jarry, improvements are needed if he wants to be the guy to get Crosby, Malkin and Letang another cup.
Is There a Goaltending Situation in Washington ?
Washington Capitals
Ilya Samsonov and Vitek Vanecek were surprises to some as the 2 goaltenders to handle the load during the 2020-2021 regular season after Henrik Lundqvist was unable to compete. Despite Washington getting into the playoffs, goaltending was still a question mark. Would it hold up ?
The short answer was no. Defensive mistakes hurt the Capitals this postseason, but will they be satisfied with the same tandem moving forward ? With an aging core, Washington’s window is slowly shutting. Craig Anderson did a fine job when called upon, but shouldn’t be considered moving forward. Samsonov was thought of being the next franchise goaltender, but maturity issues along with poor performance this playoff season may have force the Capitals to rethink their 3 and 5 year plans in net.
His performance in the playoffs was not horrifying by any means, making key saves at times. However, as with the the theme of this article, the little mistakes in the playoffs are magnified in the playoffs. Washington needs consistent, reliable goaltending. Samsonov has all the tools to be a starter in the NHL, but will come with hard work this offseason. He will need to be prepared to prove himself, as he has taken a quarter step backwards in his development.
The 2020-2021 playoffs has brought some normalcy into the hockey world. But the game has never stopped evolving during the covid era madness. These playoffs have shown that goals are being scored in a largest variety of ways, and limiting mistakes in these tight series is the difference maker when advancing far in the playoffs
All statistics are from NHL.com and MoneyPuck.com