Three months ago, I wrote an article titled “Writing on the wall” in regards to Penguins net-minder, Marc Andre-Fleury. In this article, I spoke of the the trials and tribulations that Fleury was working through as he was benched in favor of Tomas Vokoun during the 2013 playoffs, but that he was also shunned by his homeland of Canada for Olympic team tryouts. Twenty-one games into the season, Fleury has had a solid campaign for the Penguins, and for that reason, I would like to take a look at Fleury’s numbers to date along with the five goaltenders that were invited to Canada’s Olympic tryouts.
Braden Holtby: The Washington Capitals are off to a strong start as they sit in second place in the Metropolitan division. Alexander Ovechkin has been on fire as he is tied for the lead with 17 goals in the NHL. Braden Holtby has been steady in net, as he has appeared in 16 games, posting a 10-6 record, a .925 save percentage and a 2.62 goals against average.
Roberto Luongo: Roberto Luongo has appeared in 18 games this season for the Vancouver Canucks. During that time, Luongo has posted a 9-6-3 record with a .912 save percentage, and a 2.36 goals against average.
Carey Price: The Canadiens net-minder has appeared in 17 Games posting a 7-8-2 record. However, Price’s record should not dictate what kind of season he is having as his save percentage is .936 and he carries a sturdy 2.05 goals against average.
Mike Smith: The Phoenix Coyotes are off to a great start as Mike Smith currently posts a record of 12-3-3. Smith has a respectable save percentage of .917, however his goals against average of 2.87 ranks him 31st in the league.
Corey Crawford: The Chicago Blackhawks continue to impress and until proven otherwise, have to be the favorite to win Lord Stanley. Corey Crawford has a ton of talent in front of him as he currently holds a 13-3-3 record. Crawford’s 13 wins are best in the NHL right now. However, Crawford like Smith of the Coyotes has some average numbers as well. For instance, his save percentage of .910 ranks 26th in the league and his goals against average of 2.42 ranks 22nd in the league.
Marc Andre-Fleury: Through 21 games this year, Fleury has appeared in 18 games posting a 12-6 record. At this point in the season, Fleury has been consistent for the Penguins as he holds a save percentage of .921 and a stout goals against average of 2.00.
Martin Brodeur: Martin Brodeur, along with Fleury was also not invited to the Olympic tryouts. The 41-year-old ageless wonder continues to impress as has been the main reason why the Devils continue to claw back into the Metropolitan race. Brodeur has appeared in 11 games posting a 6-3-2 record with a .919 save percentage and an impressive 1.98 goals against average.
This week, team Canada and Russia were picked as the favorites to take gold at Sochi. No surprise there, as both of these teams are completely stacked with superstars. That being said, tough decisions will be made, as a lot of great players will be left off rosters.
