Surprises among NHL goalies

Some new names have emerged at the head of the goalie league, but a couple of veterans remain in a class of their own.

The biggest breakout has been Brian Elliott, who has been phenomenal in St Louis. He graduated from barely backup status to challenge Jaroslav Halak for the Blues' starting job.
Elliott, who bounced from Ottawa to Colorado last year, leads all NHL goalies with a 1.61 goals-against average (GAA) and boasts a .940 save percentage (SP).

No one saw this coming from the 26 year old who entered the season with a career 2.90 GAA.

Elliott is not alone in his surprising success. Mike Smith went from Tampa Bay's starter to being in the minors last season, and it appeared his NHL days might be over. But he got a chance with Phoenix, and his on-ice results are catching up to expectations.

Los Angeles' Jonathan Quick and Detroit's Jimmy Howard took another step towards joining the netminding elite, while Boston's Tuukka Rask and Vancouver's Corey Schneider continue to show they are ready for No 1 duty if Tim Thomas and Roberto Luongo, respectively, ever falter.

However, the New York Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist (1.77 GAA, .941 SP) and Flames' Mikka Kiprusoff (2.28, .922) - both perennial Vezina Trophy contenders - are clearly the top best-goalie candidates.

They might merit Hart Trophy support as league MVP if they continue to carry their clubs. The Rangers lead the East, while the Flames are pushing for a play-off position in the West.