I know the lack of reliable goaltending has been discussed before, but I noticed something recently. I got so used to seeing .910-.915 as the mark of an average-to-good goaltender and anything around .920 and beyond being elite that the current lull in goaltending really bothers me. Now, I understand that part of the reason is not a decline in talent but a reduction in equipment, calling penalties, and a general focus on offense. BUT...
Who is a reliable goaltender nowadays (season-to-season)? What should the benchmark for a good season be?
Before, we had the likes of Lundqvist, Price, Quick, Rinne, Rask, Bobrovsky, Miller, Bobby Lu and before that the likes of Brodeur, Kipper, Roy, Hasek, etc. Going far into the past we have the high-flying 80s and early 90s which seem more like today.
Bob is still around, but he is aging and has been inconsistent and admitted the big contract got to him a little.
EDIT:
I guess I should mention Helle, Shesty, Vasi and Saros as being current great goaltenders, but it used to be there was a surplus of quality goaltending. Now? Poof! Gone.
Who is a reliable goaltender nowadays (season-to-season)? What should the benchmark for a good season be?
Before, we had the likes of Lundqvist, Price, Quick, Rinne, Rask, Bobrovsky, Miller, Bobby Lu and before that the likes of Brodeur, Kipper, Roy, Hasek, etc. Going far into the past we have the high-flying 80s and early 90s which seem more like today.
Bob is still around, but he is aging and has been inconsistent and admitted the big contract got to him a little.
EDIT:
I guess I should mention Helle, Shesty, Vasi and Saros as being current great goaltenders, but it used to be there was a surplus of quality goaltending. Now? Poof! Gone.