So the third round of the NHL playoffs is under way and if anyone every questioned the value of goaltending this time of year, this is a prime example. Jonathan Quick of the LA Kings, Phoenix's Mike Smith, the Rangers Henrik Lundqvist and even the Devils Martin Brodeur have all played exceptional in these playoffs and have carried their teams thus far, especially the former three. There have been othere stand out performances too from the likes of Braydon Holtby in Washington who almost knocked off King Henrik and the Rangers. This is when every inch of ice in contested and traffic in front of the net looks like rush hour in Toronto.
It's one of the most demanding roles in sports and has such a disproportionate impact on the game because of it's nature. They give their team a much needed mental boost at times as well as the confidence to know if they make a mistake he's go their back. It's safe to say these series may well be won and lost by the men in goal and in the respect who do you give the edge too?
Quick has had limited experience in big games but has been cool calm and collected, and his team is play as well in front of him as they have all season.
Smith singlehandedly seemed to knock out Chicago and Nashville and if LA can't find an answer for him they may suffer the same fate. He moves well for a big guy and handles the puck extremely well.
Lundqvist has proven himself before in the regular season and on the big stage of the Olympics but has had limited success in the playoffs. However, he seems a man possessed and with two big game 7 wins already I wouldn't want to face him when it matters most.
Martin Brodeur is the old legend who has had an impressive career, maybe the best ever, and had many doubting him coming into the playoffs. However shaking off a few shaky performances in round one he stepped up and is giving his team a chance to win every game.
Whoever hoists Lord Stanley's mug in June will certainly be able to thank the man between the pipes.
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