Every position and player on an NHL roster has their role and their part to play in order to make the team successful. Perhaps one of the most difficult positions is that of the goaltender. He can steal a game, but he can also lose a game with a deflating goal at the wrong time. With training camp just around the corner and rosters starting to take shape, here is a look at the projected starting goaltenders and back-ups in the Western Conference.
Anaheim Ducks- Jonas Hiller
Although it was J.S Giguere who helped lead the Ducks to their first Stanley Cup, he soon fell out of management's good graces and young Jonas Hiller inherited the starting job. Last season Hiller was given a new contract and Giguere was traded, cementing Hiller's place as Anaheim's starter.
Calgary Flames- Mikka Kipprusoff
Perhaps the only reason that the Flames were a few points out of a playoff spot last season was the play of Mikka Kipprusoff. He's been one of the better players in the Flames line-up over the past few seasons, and will counted upon again for a Calgary team that hasn't gotten better. The Flames have a couple of good goalie prospects in the system, but haven't yet signed an NHL capable back-up.
Chicago Blackhawks- Marty Turco
When the salary-tight defending champs decided to pass on the $2.75-million-dollar-a-year Antti Niemi, they went with a veteran, signing Marty Turco to a one-year deal. Turco had some good seasons with the Dallas Stars, but struggled the past couple years, prompting the Stars to cut ties with him. He's looking to bounce back and will hopefully succeed behind a strong Blackhawk defense. Assuming Cristobal Huet is banished to Europe, either Corey Crawford or Hannu Toivonen will be the back-up.
Colorado Avalanche- Craig Anderson
One of the best parts of the young Av's surprising run to the playoffs last year was the stellar play of Craig Anderson. After spending his career as a back-up, Anderson thrived in his first season of being a starter. Colorado will need another great year from him as they hope to build upon last season's success. Peter Budaj will likely be Anderson's back-up.
Columbus Blue Jackets- Steve Mason
The season after his Calder winning campaign was one to forget for Steve Mason. But the Jackets are confident it was nothing more than a sophomore slump, and Mason will back in form this year. Back-up Mathieu Garon played well when he was called upon, and could find himself with more starts if Mason stumbles out of the gate.
Dallas Stars- Kari Lehtonen
The Stars made a trade for injury prone starting goalie Kari Lehtonen last season, thus it was expected he would become the number one guy in Dallas after the team cut ties with Marty Turco. Lehtonen, a former first-round pick, has never lived up to his top billing due to injury, but he is said to be 100% healthy and ready to help the Stars win. Dallas better hope he stays healthy, as the much maligned Andrew Raycroft is their only capable back-up.
Detroit Red Wings- Jimmy Howard
Fresh off a Calder nomination, young Jimmy Howard is ready to prove he is a legit number one goalie in the NHL. The Wings were in danger of missing the playoffs during last years campaign, but Howard's solid play was one of the reasons they were able to qualify for the postseason a record 19th consecutive time. Veteran Chris Osgood will likely be the back-up.
Edmonton Oilers- ?
With Nikolai Khabibulin possibly facing jail time for a DUI, the starting job for the Oilers is in question. Last season, after Khabby was injured, the Edmonton net was shared by rookies Devan Dubnyk and Jeff Deslauriers. Dubnyk's numbers were better, but the two will probably be competing in training camp for the starter's role.
Los Angeles Kings- Jonathan Quick
The Kings had a very successful year in 2009-10, and young Quick was one of the reasons for that. His stellar play helped the Kings into the playoffs, and while he still as a lot to prove, the future looks bright for Los Angeles' goaltending. Back-up Erik Ersberg is capable of numerous starts, and prized prospect Jonathan Bernier is knocking on the NHL door.
Minnesota Wild- Niklas Backstrom
After signing an expensive contract, much has been expected from Backstrom, who had been thriving under a defense-first system in Minnesota. But with a new offensive philosophy in place, some are already questioning if Backstrom can be considered an elite goaltender. He has a very talented back-up in Josh Harding which will certainly breed some healthy competition.
Nashville Predators- Pekka Rinne
Rinne has been putting up some great numbers over the past couple years, earning him the undisputed number one job in Nashville. After Dan Ellis left in free agency, there's a question mark regarding the back-up. The Preds have some excellent prospects in Jeremy Smith and Chet Pickard, but they might still be a few years away.
Phoenix Coyotes- Ilya Bryzgalov
Bryzgalov earned himself a Vezina nomination last season, and could have easily been a Hart candidate as well for his stellar play. The Coyotes had their best year since moving to Phoenix thanks in large part to Bryzgalov. Jason Labarbera will probably back-up, although prospect Al Montoya has been making his case to play for the big club.
San Jose Sharks- Antero Niittymaki
After cutting ties with long time starter Evgeni Nabokov, the signing of Niittymaki was a curious choice. His numbers over the years have been respectable, but he has yet to consistently lead a team to greatness. With rookie Tomas Greiss as his back-up, the pressure is on for Niittymaki to provide the Sharks with solid goaltending.
St. Louis Blues- Jaroslav Halak
Perhaps one of the biggest steals of the offseason, the Blues acquisition of playoff hero Jaroslav Halak was a low risk investment. Costing only a couple of unknown players, the Blues got a goalie who can steal games, and playoff series all on his own, and at age 25 is a perfect fit for a young Blues team. Many wonder if last years heroics were a blip on the radar for Halak, but he has put up consistently good numbers throughout his career. Ty Conklin remains a solid back-up for St. Louis.
Vancouver Canucks- Roberto Luongo
Despite solid NHL numbers, at age 31 Luongo has yet to lead his team past the second round of the playoffs. And the Canucks have a very good team this year, meaning expectations will be even higher in Vancouver, heaping more pressure on Luongo. Prized prospect Cory Schneider will likely get his first look at the NHL, as Luongo's back-up.
Marcia Di Michele - In addition to Suite101, Marcy is also a writer for TheHockeyWriters.com and blogs for Sports Illustrated's Fannation page. Marcy has been ...
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