[MrOctober5]

zeus3007 Wrote:Now that I have defended Jags, I'm going to let everyone know my opinion on some of the goalies mentioned that I do not feel should be on this list.

1. Giguere- Yes, he won the Conn Smythe (when he didn't really deserve it), and yes he has won a cup. So what, Cam Ward has won a Cup and a Conn Smythe, and I don't see anyone throwing his name out there (and neither am I). Look at the evidence. He plays on a defense first team, with 2 of the top 5 d-men in the league on the ice for half of the game clearing any rebounds that he gives up. He isn't really sound positionally when compared to the other top tier goalies. Jags already mentioned the god-awful pads. Basically, yes, Giguere is on a team that has won a lot of games. But, aside from their first miracle cup run, Giggy has not had to stand on his head to do it, he lets the rest of his team win the games for him. And as per the miracle run, you cannot go by one cup run to explain how good a goalie is. If you could, then I would be on here explaining how Cam Ward, Dwayne Roloson and Ray Emery are all great, top tier NHL goalies because they had a great cup run a few years back.

2. Osgood- I think he is likely the most underrated goalie in the NHL, but I would not classify him as a top 5 goalie. He is solid, but he is not a game stealer like some of the other guys out there. End of my Ozzy discussion, I really respect him, but I don't consider him the best.

3. Kipper- 18 months ago, I probably would have agreed with him as number two (or number three) but Kipper wasn't even a top 10 goalie last season in my opinion. If he bounces back, then I would consider him, but I don't expect that to happen while Keenan is in Cowtown.

4. Nabokov- easily the best season in the West last year, but I don't think one season as the top goalie in the conference should instantly get him recognition as number two. I won't rag on his play, as I really like Nabokov, but in my opinion he is likely fourth or fifth on the list. I would like to see some of the other guys with crappier teams play on a team like SJ and see how they compare to Nabby.

5. Lundqvist- Top three since he arrived, could very well be the best in a few years. He has been prone to streaky play though, at times he is the best, at other times, he is the reason his team loses.

6. Luongo- Let me start by stating that I HATE THE CANUCKS. That is why it hurts me so bad to say that Luongo is, in my humble opinion, the second best goalie in the world. And you can throw all the stats out there that you want, stats do not change the fact that Bobby Lou has played on garbage teams for his entire career, minus one year (sorry Nucks and Panthers fans, no offense I hope). Luongo steals more games than any other goalie in the NHL. Without him in Florida, Ovechkin would be a Panther, only one of a long number of first overall picks that Florida would have had. And the bad part is, that it wouldn't have even been close. The Panthers would have rivaled the late 70's Caps, late 80's/early 90's Nordiques, or even the Sens expansion team records. Without Luongo last year, Vancouver would likely have had a top three pick. And if they didn't have Luongo coming into this season, I would bet almost everything I own on the fact that John Tavares will be Canuck come next summer. Luongo is that good. It doesn't take anything away from anyone else's favorite goalie, its just that Luongo is so freaking good.

Rant over. Other guys in the running for number two that have not been mentioned, Rick Dipietro (don't laugh, watch him play, and consider who plays in front of him. Very impressive), and Dan Cloutier...lol, just kidding, sorry Clouts fans (if any exist anymore).

I agree. Especially with your closing statement about Ricky. I have been saying it all along. If he had an actual Defense to play in front of him, the Isles could go deep into the playoffs. Mark my word.

[njdevilsfireonice30]

JJ68RW90 - Great post up there about equipment... have you got a picture of Brodeur and Giguere side by side or "hugging" after the '03 Finals? Giguere was the Michelin man! I still think he's pretty good, but his equipment is ridiculous.

[jaromirjagr68rw90]

njdevilsfireonice30 Wrote:JJ68RW90 - Great post up there about equipment... have you got a picture of Brodeur and Giguere side by side or "hugging" after the '03 Finals? Giguere was the Michelin man! I still think he's pretty good, but his equipment is ridiculous.

I used to have that picture, but I can't find it anymore (I'm very disorganized usually)...if you have a good one, feel free to post it...but I had a good one, but somehow lost it...

[jimbo0413]

In my opinion it's Luongo or Lundqvist. I would love to have either of these guys backstopping my team on any given night. Luongo is amazing and I don't care what the stats say or don't say about him. I'm an Avs fan so don't call this a homer pick by any means.

Lundqvist has played 3 seasons in the NHL and has been nominated for the vezina in each. If that's not consistency I don't know what is. He is a great young goaltender and by the time his career is done he'll be mentioned with the greats of all-time.

That's not to take anything away from guys like Turco, Nabby, Kipper, Giggy, Fleury, Dipietro or Raycroft (just kidding. I had to mention his name now that he's an Av. one can dream i guess) but for me I'd say Luongo and Lundy are both in the top 3 right now.

[zherdev1111]

dglvr Wrote:Jaromir or what ever you never ending name is your post always seem to be argumentive so get a life already, gee!

he knows more about hockey than you will probablly ever know and has some of the best points on the boards

[zherdev1111]

zeus and jagr are right
i think we need to put this conversation on hold untill the leauge takes care of the padding situation
and stop calling louongo"bobby loo" it makes you sound dumb:roll:

[jaromirjagr68rw90]

zherdev1111 Wrote:

dglvr Wrote:Jaromir or what ever you never ending name is your post always seem to be argumentive so get a life already, gee!

he knows more about hockey than you will probablly ever know and has some of the best points on the boards

Thanks Z! If it's any consolation, I've always been a HUGE Zherdev apologist in his "I'll just take my ball and go home" days...he's always had my full support just on his incredible talent alone...

[cburt]

I'd say it's a toss up between Nabokov and Lundqvist. I might give Nabby the slight edge as he should have won the Vezina this year. Lundqvist is also awesome and keeps pouring out the great stats, and seems to be getting nominated for the Vez every year - he will win it one day.

[zherdev1111]

jaromirjagr68rw90 Wrote:

zherdev1111 Wrote:

dglvr Wrote:Jaromir or what ever you never ending name is your post always seem to be argumentive so get a life already, gee!

he knows more about hockey than you will probablly ever know and has some of the best points on the boards

Thanks Z! If it's any consolation, I've always been a HUGE Zherdev apologist in his "I'll just take my ball and go home" days...he's always had my full support just on his incredible talent alone...

awesome i have a feeling hes really going to reach his true potential with the rangers its a shame about jagr though i think nik could have learned alot from him

[toskalatml]

To sum it up IMO, Lundqvist, Luongo and I think Price will mature this year and become one of the elite goalies of the NHL soon.

Honorable mentions, Marty Turco, Evgeni Nabokov, Rick DiPietro