NHL Goalie Tandem Power Rankings: Who's Leading the League for the 2023-24 Season?

As the NHL season reaches its final stretch, it's time to take a closer look at the performances of the league's goaltending tandems. The recent trade deadline saw minimal movement in net, with most teams opting to stick with their established starters rather than making bold changes. This decision could very well haunt some franchises when the playoffs roll around.

With rosters finalized, we’re diving into the goaltending dynamics of all 32 NHL teams, evaluating their top duo in net. Notably, while save percentages and other statistics play a vital role in these assessments, the overall quality of play and historical performance are equally significant factors.

Here’s how the goaltending tandems stack up as we head into the playoff push:

1. Winnipeg Jets

Connor Hellebuyck continues to dazzle, recording an impressive 43.23 goals saved above expected (GSAx), making him a frontrunner for his third Vezina Trophy. His backup, Eric Comrie, has held his own with a .914 save percentage, despite facing insufficient goal support. Hellebuyck's performance alone solidifies Winnipeg's top position.

2. Anaheim Ducks

Lukáš Dostál has emerged as a standout, clocking in with 27.13 GSAx, while veteran John Gibson provides reliable depth. With the Ducks allowing numerous high-danger chances, both goalies have exceeded expectations and look poised as a formidable tandem.

3. New York Rangers

Despite a tumultuous season for the Rangers, Igor Shesterkin remains exceptional, with 26.53 GSAx. Though Jonathan Quick's play has been inconsistent, he still provides crucial backup, allowing New York to maintain a competitive edge in net.

4. Washington Capitals

Logan Thompson's stellar season, marked by 28.3 GSAx and a .916 save percentage, has secured him a lucrative extension. Together with Charlie Lindgren, who performs well when called upon, they present a strong two-headed monster in goal.

5. Toronto Maple Leafs

With Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll both ranking in the top 20 for GSAx, Toronto boasts a balanced tandem. Stolarz, recovering from injury, has optimal postseason potential thanks to his style against long-distance shots, while Woll offers young talent and poise.

6. Tampa Bay Lightning

Andrei Vasilevskiy has reclaimed his spot among the elite with a .920 save percentage. Leading the league in starts, he carries a heavy load due to limited depth behind him, raising concerns about his playoff endurance.

7. Dallas Stars

Jake Oettinger is once again showing elite potential, supported well by Casey DeSmith, whose solid performances allow for a carefully managed workload heading into the playoffs.

8. Florida Panthers

Sergei Bobrovsky's experience in high-pressure situations, highlighted by prior stellar playoff performances, provides the Panthers confidence, despite season averages that suggest league-competitiveness.

9. New Jersey Devils

Acquisition of Jacob Markström and Jake Allen solidified a once-weak position for New Jersey. Both goalies have proved pivotal this season, transforming the team’s fortunes in net.

10. Colorado Avalanche

GM Chris MacFarland's trades to secure Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood have paralleled the Avalanche's resurgence. Blackwood appears revitalized as he continues his development behind a solid team structure.

11. New York Islanders

Ilya Sorokin faces an uphill battle with high-danger shots against, but displays remarkable skill when called upon. The potential pairing with Semyon Varlamov could return the Islanders to elite status if health permits.

12. Montreal Canadiens

Remarkably, Sam Montembeault ranks among the top goalies for GSAx over the past few seasons, providing a silver lining despite the team’s struggles. Behind him, young prospects show promise for the future.

13. Calgary Flames

Dustin Wolf's breakout season redefines the goalpost in Calgary, showcasing spectacular numbers, while veteran Dan Vladar provides steady backup in a time of transition.

14. Vegas Golden Knights

Adin Hill's inconsistency in goal has been a talking point this season, yet flashes of brilliance remind fans of his potential. Ilya Samsonov's role as a backup needs evolution for stability.

15. Vancouver Canucks

With Thatcher Demko often sidelined, Kevin Lankinen's evolution as a replacement has been a pleasant surprise, reshaping the team's goaltending outlook.

16. Ottawa Senators

Linus Ullmark's transition from Boston to Ottawa has seen similar statistical successes, but staying healthy will be essential as the Senators chase a playoff spot.

17. Los Angeles Kings

Darcy Kuemper’s revival in Los Angeles is a testament to coaching and teamwork, but will need to maintain form for the postseason. David Rittich serves as a valuable insurance policy.

18. Chicago Blackhawks

With a growing focus on the future, the Blackhawks are stockpiling talent in net, including Spencer Knight, who is expected to be a franchise cornerstone.

19. Carolina Hurricanes

The duo of Pyotr Kochetkov and Frederik Andersen has yielded reasonable numbers, but questions persist given the inconsistency during the season.

20. Seattle Kraken

Joey Daccord’s remarkable save percentage contrasts sharply with Philipp Grubauer’s decline, urging the Kraken to find a reliable support system moving forward.

21. Minnesota Wild

Filip Gustavsson's drop in performance since January raises questions about his playoff viability. Marc-André Fleury's experience is invaluable yet requires backup from a developing talent.

22. Nashville Predators

Juuse Saros’s struggles signify a perplexing season for Nashville. With questions hanging over his performance, concern grows about the team's future in net.

23. Boston Bruins

Jeremy Swayman’s rollercoaster season highlights the pressure of expectations, as he attempts to re-find his footing post-backup days.

24. Utah Hockey Club

Karel Vejmelka's new deal reflects the Coyotes' belief in his potential. Even as he struggles with consistency, there’s promise in his longer-term development.

25. Buffalo Sabres

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s inconsistency presents challenges for Buffalo. Support for the young goalie remains crucial as trade acquisitions reshape the future.

26. St. Louis Blues

Jordan Binnington's stellar past has not carried into this season as hoped, leading to uncertainty in the crease alongside struggling backup Joel Hofer.

27. Edmonton Oilers

Frustrations build as Stuart Skinner battles through a rough patch, while lack of depth in net puts additional pressure on his performance as the postseason approaches.

28. Detroit Red Wings

Confusion surrounds the leadership in goal after various trades and acquisitions, leading to more questions than answers amid ongoing struggles.

29. San Jose Sharks

With a focus on the future, San Jose aims to cultivate talent in goal despite the current roster struggles. Yaroslav Askarov's early flashes of brilliance keep hope alive.

30. Columbus Blue Jackets

Despite a surprising offensive surge, the goaltending situation remains worrisome, as both Elvis Merzlikins and Daniil Tarasov fail to deliver consistent results.

31. Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh's goaltending carousel leaves much to be desired, possessing three netminders with subpar performances.

32. Philadelphia Flyers

Unquestionably at the bottom, Philadelphia's goaltending woes have been profound, prompting a need for a much-needed rebuilding phase in the position as they look toward the future.

As we approach the playoffs, the performance of these goaltending tandems may very well be the deciding factor in who advances in the relentless battle for the Stanley Cup. Stay tuned, as the road to the playoffs unfolds!