NHL: Ranking the starting goaltenders of the Central Division

The NHL’s Central Division goaltenders’ will have their share of highs and lows in 2021.

The Central Division boasts seven starting NHL goaltenders, two of which will not be anointed in their roles until the end of training camp. For these rankings, I will assume that Juuse Saros (NSH) and Malcolm Subban (CHI) will be named the starting goaltenders (Yes, I know what they say about those who assume).

There is a strange mixture of inexperience and veteran goaltenders in the Central that we don’t tend to see in any division. Uncertainty looms over some of the men who will get the opening day nod, but there is talent between the pipes nevertheless.

Again, here is the criteria that I will utilize to help determine these rankings:

• GAA (Goals Against Average)
• SV% (Save Percentage)
• QS% (Quality Start Percentage)
• GSAA (Goals Saved Above Average)
• RBS (Really Bad Starts)
• HDGAA (High Danger Goals Against Average)
• HDSV% (High Danger Save Percentage)

Let’s kick things off with the seventh spot in these rankings.

With the departure of veteran Corey Crawford, Malcolm Subban has been allowed to compete for a starting job for the first time in his career. The Blackhawks’ goaltending situation is currently in flux, but the 26-year old Subban has the most direct path to claiming the starting duties. Subban went 9-7-3 in limited playing time last season, finishing the campaign with a 3.17 GAA and a .890 SV%.

Subban was only credited with a QS% of 36.8 while tallying seven RBS in his 19 starts. His GSAA was a -10.63, so Subban’s numbers don’t necessarily indicate that the Blackhawks will have consistency in goal. There is a glimpse of hope that more consistent playing time can breed better performance, as Subban had a .803 HDSV% and a 1.85 HDGAA.

The Blackhawks announced their rebuild via letter this offseason, exchanging veterans for prospects, picks, and younger players. Although they have managed to piece together an enticing roster of talent young and old, their goaltending appears to be a huge weakness for the 2021 season.