The changing of the guard

Some unexpected names join the ranks for top goalies

By Dave Ricci

Let the race for the Vezina Trophy begin! OK, it’s too early to start talking about who’s going to win the award for outstanding goaltender. But after the first month of the NHL regular season, the top spots in most goaltending categories are dotted by names not familiar with the penthouse.

Manny Fernandez has helped the Minnesota Wild get off to one of the best starts in the NHL. While Kevin Weekes, a career No. 2 man, has come on strong to unseat Arturs Irbe from the top spot in Carolina. Martin Brodeur played I all of the Devils’ first 13 games. He’s picked up one shutout, but on two occasions he was less then a 1:20 from collecting another shutout.

Jocelyn Thibault is perhaps the biggest shock in net this season. While some experts continue to question if he has what it takes to be a No. 1 goalie, Thibault has quietly compiled some incredible numbers, including a league-leading three shutouts.

After Nikolai Khabibulin landed in Tampa, some people snickered and thought he made a huge error in judgement. Looks like the joke is on them. Instead of wallowing in the basement, the "Bulin Wall" has helped the Bolts off to their best start in years.

In Dallas, Marty Turco has posted two shutouts and 1.82 GAA, helping Stars fans forget about Ed Belfour. And what about Eddie "The Eagle?" So far he’s one of the biggest busts of the year with 2.69 GAA and a 4-5-2 record. But those look like Vezina worthy numbers compared to Chris Osgood. After helping the resurgence on the Island last season, as of mid-November Ozzie has a robust 3.81 GAA.

In Montreal, last year’s MVP and Vezina winner Jose Theodore (2-5-2) is trying to fight off the challenge of Jeff Hackett (4-0-2). While Curtis Joseph (5-4-2, .899 save percentage) finds Manny Legace (3-1-0) nipping at his heels in Detroit.