Site Map3 Goaltending Units That Will Surprise in 2024-25
Which teams will have impressive goaltending groups in the upcoming season?
There’s plenty of unpredictability heading into the new season. It makes this time of year, with the season around the corner, a good one to make predictions, wrong ones that is.
Looking ahead, some goaltending units will be great and others not so much. A few teams will be carried by their goaltending and others will be let done because of it. There are some surprise units heading into this season so let’s look at a few of them.
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals aren’t a good team, with glaring weaknesses across the board. It might not matter as the goaltending will make them competitive. Sure, they traded Darcy Kuemper this offseason but the trio they are rolling with is capable of getting them back to the playoffs.
Charlie Lindgren was great last season with 11.3 goals saved above average (GSAA) and is the presumed starter. Logan Thompson was acquired in the offseason to be a reliable backup and he should be just that. Then there’s Hunter Shepard as the third-string option who has impressed in his time in the NHL. So, watch out for this group!
Edmonton Oilers
Last season proved that the Edmonton Oilers are more than just their star power. They have a complete team that can and will compete for the Stanley Cup. They have depth, a good defense, and most importantly, reliable goaltending.
That goaltending is led by Stuart Skinner, who notably found his groove when Kris Knoblauch was hired as head coach. He can be asked to carry the weight as the starter. On top of that, Calvin Pickard is a proven backup.
The Oilers are looking to return to the Final and the goaltending will be the reason why. Skinner was great during the playoff run last season and can lead the way once again.
Utah Hockey Club
For the hockey hipsters out there, this group isn’t a surprise. The Utah Hockey Club (still pending a nickname) was good last season with Connor Ingram in particular impressing. However, this might be the season where they both continue to improve and show the national audience that they are great.
It starts with Ingram, who is incredible and one of the best in the league that nobody talks about. He had six shutouts last season to go along with 5.2 GSAA. Then there’s Karel Vejmelka who can start if needed. This duo will be a great one.
The team is in Utah for its inaugural season in Salt Lake City and with new ownership, they are looking to make some noise. If they do, it will be because of their goaltending.
