Round 2 Goalie Analysis

We're finally into the second round of playoffs, one step closer to the raising of the Stanley Cup. Phoenix is up 2-0 on Nashville, after Rinne has a rough start in game 1, he doesn't get the ability to redeem himself last night in their 5-3 loss.With one Vezina nominee in one net and a future nominee at the other end of the rink, you would think this game would come down to whichever goalie could hold their team in it. This series is going to come down to the team that can learn to score the most goals and right now the Coyotes have figured out the secret to Pekka Rinne. Mike Smith is anxious on the other end, I'm sure, wondering when the Predators will swoop in attempt to break him down.

Philadelphia wins their first game against New Jersey, contrary to the PHX/NSH series where goalies are the stars, this series is full of doubts in both nets. Bryzgalov has had a rocky playoffs so far; double digit goals, bad five hole goals, bad puck control. It's hard to say how he will manage to hold himself together, whereas Brodeur's confidence has never been in question, only his ability to keep up with the new generation of hockey. After being pulled in Round 1, he has managed to redeem himself with their foray into Round 2, but realistically PHI should've won this game long before it was over. This series is going to come down to the goalie that makes the last save.

Jonathan Quick might be the one to skate out of this round with a victory. As the third Vezina nominee, his performance is definitely a focus for this series, and in game 1 he made it clear that St. Louis is going to have to work harder and faster to beat this agile goalie. After Halak's unexpected injury Elliot has stepped up and helped his team get into the second round, but will he have to step back after the announcement that Halak will only miss two games out of this series before he returns. Will his absence make him a good choice for first string goalie again or will he find it difficult to step back in? Can the eighth seed beat out the second in the second round?

Finally we will step into MSG and relive the 'Holtby Sucks' chant that went through the building after New York won their first game. Poor Braden Holtby, third strong goalie in for the playoffs, trying to make a name for himself. Yes, he has made some great saves these playoffs, but he's also let in some ugly goals. I find it hard to believe that he's going to be able to stand up to the Rangers as well as he did with Boston, who struggled to play well in their return to the playoffs. And in opposite net we have Henrik Lundqvist, the impeccably dressed goalie extrordinaire that has worked for years to be where he is, waiting for his opportunity to raise the cup. New York is the top seed in the East and an easy favourite for the Cup this year. Rookie vs. Veteran, whose team will take the win?