NHL Review

There's been a lot of talk about the 2009 NHL Draft lately (considering it is TOMORROW!), all about the Tavareses, Hedmans and Duchenes of the draft, but one essential position is being overlooked. We're talking about goaltenders, damnit! There are PLENTY of goaltenders listed on NHL.com's draft page, but not much is spoken about them. So I'm going to highlight who I think are the top 2 tenders and give a little background on them for you! Using first overall pick from 2003, Marc-Andre Fleury, I will use him as a model to take a look at the top goaltenders coming into this draft.

Now, we all know that first round goaltenders are a rarity. The last first overall goaltender was none other than Stanley Cup Champ Marc-Andre Fleury. Though he is a tremendous goaltender, he still is learning the tricks of the trade in the 'burgh and has his definite ups and downs. That's why first round goaltenders are so tricky; they have great skill but can struggle on getting back to basics. Rebound control is one of the things Marc-Andre HAS to improve on to become a top tier goaltender. Making the little saves, the safe plays and the smart decision of WHEN to get the puck when it is behind your net is something he needs to, and probably will learn in the future.

Top Goalie Prospect #1: Matthew Hackett

Junior League Team: Plymouth Whalers (OHL)

Native Country: Canada

Nephew of former NHL goaltender Jeff Hackett, Matthew is currently playing for the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Despite a poor performance by Plymouth throughout the season, Hackett was able to bail his team out time and time again, somehow leading them to the playoffs through his tremendous play. The Whalers were able to bounce back in the playoffs, beating Sarnia to advance to the second round. Over the course of a season, Hackett competed in 55 games, earning a 3.04 GAA and a .913 save-percentage. In the postseason, Hackett was 6-5-0 and received a 3.01 GAA with a .913 save-percentage. Voted Plymouth's MVP for the 2009 Playoffs, Matthew has been no slouch in his short career as a Whaler and has proven himself on a sub-par team.

Top Goalie Prospect #2: Robin Lehner

Junior League Team: Frolunda Jr. (SWE-JR.)

Native Country: Sweden

At 6' 3" and 220 lbs, Robin Lehner is one of the top goaltenders to come out of Sweden this year. With Frolunda Jr., this netminder recorded a 3.02 goals against average and a .916 save percentage. Robin also competed in the IIHF U-18 tournament, tallying a 2.8 GAA and a 9.13 save percentage. This goalie is a big dude who has an unbelievable wave of motion and is quite flexible for his size. Critics have called this guy one of the strongest draft picks (physicality-wise) which enables him to keep those big power fowards out of his crease.