The final line of defense in hockey is the goaltender. They can be the difference in a team streaking to the medal round or flaming out in the round-robin format. With all of the talent on display next month in Sochi, every edge will be magnified.
With the traditional powers boasting a world-class keeper, it seems like the hot hand could provide the biggest advantage. The same way a hot goaltender can push a team through the playoffs, any one of the following goaltenders can play out of their mind for a two and a half week period. Here are the masked men that are fully capable of stealing a medal in this year’s Olympics.
Henrik Lundqvist, Sweden
Until proven otherwise the “King” has to be the favorite among the international goaltenders. The location of the international games seems to have a direct effect on the performances of both teams and players. With a stacked lineup in front of him, Lundqvist could be an early favorite to win the MVP trophy.
Jonathan Quick, United States
No official word on whether Quick will be named the starter for the Americans, but he seems to be in the best form among the other net minders on the roster. It would be his first Olympic tournament as the number one and Quick has proven that he can rise to the challenge as a big game player.
Carey Price, Canada
Price is believed to be second on the depth chart for Team Canada, but I believe he’ll finish the tournament in goal for the Canadians. He has been as good, and often better than his countrymen in the Montreal goal this year. He is at his prime at age 26, eight years younger than Luongo, five younger than Mike Smith. Simply playing in Montreal has given him the experience of playing in a pressure cooker every night.
Tuukka Rask, Finland
Arguably the best goaltender in the world over the last 18 months, the Boston goalkeeper will lead Finland towards the gold medal in Sochi. He’ll have his work cut out for him with all of the pucks that will be flying his way. Unfortunately for Rask, the Bruins’ defense isn’t playing in front of him.
Jonas Hiller, Switzerland
Speaking of wishing you had a different team in front of him, Hiller will be wishing he had the NHL’s top team, the Anaheim Ducks in front of him. Switzerland shocked the hockey world with their finish at the 2013 World Championships. However, with most of the world’s best players participating in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Swiss might be a bit over their skis.
Semyon Varlamov, Russia
Like Roberto Luongo in 2010, Semyon Varlamov will have the pressure of starting for the host nation in their quest for gold. The Russian team imploded in 2010 after being considered a favorite in Vancouver four years earlier. The Russian team is top loaded at the forward position with some liabilities on the blue line. If they expect to contend Varlamov will have to be as sharp as he was for Colorado at the beginning of the year.
Jaroslav Halak, Slovakia
The Slovakian team has a fighting chance at making some noise in Sochi this year. With massive defenseman Zdeno Chara clearing the crease like a personal Zamboni, Halak could be the star of the 2014 tournament. The St. Louis Blues backstop has had a mediocre season to date but seems to be finding his form at the right time. So far in January Halak has a save percentage of .935 posting five wins in seven games.