The New Jersey Devils' goaltending situation has been a hot topic this season. With Jacob Markstrom showing signs of decline and Jake Allen, despite better stats, being relegated to backup duties, the Devils have struggled to find consistency in the win column. While defensive lapses have certainly contributed, the lack of crucial saves has been a glaring issue.
But is this just a Devils' problem?
A deep dive into NHL statistics reveals some eye-catching trends. Jake Allen, for example, sits tied for 16th in save percentage with a .906, just a hair's breadth away from league leader Scott Wedgewood’s .916.
Last season, top-tier goalies boasted percentages above .920, yet Allen's .908 was still solid enough for a tie at 14th. Despite Allen's league-average performance, the Devils continue to falter, partly due to Markstrom’s struggles.
His numbers have plummeted, ranking him tied for 29th last season and now 49th. These are concerning stats for a goalie recently extended by GM Tom Fitzgerald.
This brings us to a broader question: Is save percentage still a reliable measure of a goalie’s performance? Wedgewood’s .916 leads the league, a stark contrast to Anthony Stolarz’s top mark last season.
With only 10 goalies above .910, the benchmark for success appears to be shifting. Historically, a .915 save percentage was the gold standard for starters.
Now, a .916 is leading the league, pointing to a trend of declining goalie stats.
The NHL's push for higher-scoring games is no secret. Fast-paced, offensive-minded play leads to more scoring chances and defensive breakdowns.
As a result, fewer goalies are posting "elite" numbers. It raises questions about whether today’s goalies are making the saves their predecessors did.
Markstrom, for instance, seems to play smaller than his stature would suggest.
Perhaps it's time to look beyond traditional stats. Advanced metrics could offer a clearer picture of goalie performance.
When two goalies have similar stats, it’s tough to pinpoint if the issue lies with them or the team’s defense. In the Devils' case, the disparity in goalie performance suggests one isn't cutting it anymore.
Examining high, medium, and low danger chances might reveal more about a goalie's true caliber. If a goalie lets in too many medium or low danger shots, they might not be NHL material.
This discussion goes beyond one perspective. It's worth questioning if our methods for evaluating goalies need an update.
Save percentage once offered a quick assessment, but with league-wide declines, we might need a new benchmark. The Devils, for instance, could set an internal standard for their goalies to meet, avoiding future missteps in contracts with declining players.
What do you think about the dip in save percentages across the league? Is this a one-off season, or a sign of things to come?
What should today’s goalies aim for in terms of save percentage? Are there better metrics than save percentage to evaluate goalie performance?
Share your thoughts below, and thanks for joining the conversation!