9 NHL players already dominating with their new teams

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 22: Alex DeBrincat #93 of the Detroit Red Wings celebrates his first period goal against the Calgary Flames at Little Caesars Arena on October 22, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 22: Alex DeBrincat #93 of the Detroit Red Wings celebrates his first period goal against the Calgary Flames at Little Caesars Arena on October 22, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
3 of 3
Tampa Bay Lightning, Jonas Johansson
(Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

The NHL has some good goalies playing well with some different teams.

Goaltenders

The Tampa Bay Lightning were dealt a big blow when starter Andrei Vasilevskiy was ruled out for two months early in the season after suffering an injury. Many thought the Lightning would struggle but goaltender Jonas Johansson has stood tall between the pipes.

The 6-foot-5 and 220-pound free agent signee has played above expectations and is single-handedly keeping Tampa Bay in the Atlantic Division race. Not only has he been good, he has been one of the best goaltenders in the league.

He has posted a record of 5-1-3 with a goals-against-average of 2.87 and a save percentage of .916. He is first in saves with 284 and is tied for first among goaltenders in shutouts with 2.

New York Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick has been on a roller coaster ride for the past two seasons. After a lengthy career with the Los Angeles Kings, he was traded to the Blue Jackets, who then turned around and traded him to the Vegas Golden Knights.

He signed with the Rangers this off-season and is playing well. Despite his age, he is playing like the old 2011-12 Conn Smythe Trophy winner.

He has a record of 2-0 with a GAA of 1.42 and a  save percentage of .948. He is fourth in GAA and his save percentage is fourth. Not too bad for a goaltender that most people had retired before the season started.

Los Angeles Kings goaltender Cam Talbot was in the same boat entering the 2023-24 season as Quick. Most, including myself, questioned the signing and wondered if he had anything left in the tank. He answered that question with his play on the ice and silenced the doubters.

Talbot is 6-2-1 with a 2.14 GAA, a .923 save percentage, and one shutout as the Kings have a 7-2-2 record, good for 16 points and third in the Pacific Division standings.