The Daily: NHL Network Ranks the Netminders

The NHL Network continues its countdown, now placing the league’s best goalies in 1-10 order. There shouldn’t, again, be any surprise that the Blackhawks didn’t appear on the list since they’re in a full rebuild.

But some of the names show just how important play between the pipes is when it comes to contenders and pretenders.

Ilya Sorokin comes in third on the list, prompting NYI Hockey Now’s Andrew Fantucchio to write that the netminder is without question the most important player on the roster. Boston’s Linus Ullmark clocks in at sixth, which seems awfully low for the reigning Vezina Trophy winner. Some dumb luck for the Blackhawks? Five of the ten are all within the division, sprinkling in just a little more challenge for a team that’s trying to to move forward, especially in goal scoring.

But the old saying always goes to be the best, you have to beat the best. Guess it applies here, too following the NHL Network rankings.

What are your thoughts on our Top 10 Goalies Right Now list? #NHLTopPlayers pic.twitter.com/8qPjnlXCNA

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) August 27, 2023

Blackhawks In Case You Missed It

• Remember the old Blackhawks-Canucks playoff series where Chicago often tormented the Canucks, right down to Game 7 of the 2011 NHL Playoffs? Though the Canucks would prevail, it was often a one-sided series
• The Big 10 Blackhawks now know when they’ll play one another along with Connor Bedard training with the stars in the latest Notebook
• Should the Blackhawks name a captain in 2023-24?

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Turns out that maybe the Boston Bruins will be perfectly content with their current 1-2 punch at center

Buffalo: Terry Pergula is now the team president for the Buffalo Sabres

Colorado: If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. The Colorado Avalanche are bringing in an old enemy on a PTO

Detroit: Filip Zadina believes the Detroit Red Wings brought him along too quickly. An interesting take knowing the “Red Wings Way” of often allowing prospects to over ripen

Florida: What will the opening roster look like for the Florida Panthers?

Montreal: The old saying goes quality of quantity. The Montreal Canadiens should look at dealing their large swath of prospects to bring in some quality players.

Philadelphia: Matvei Michkov has worn #39. What other Philadelphia Flyers have donned the number?

Pittsburgh: A new TV deal to cover the Pittsburgh Penguins games.

San Jose: A list of what has to go right for the San Jose Sharks to surprise some people this season

Vegas: A look at the Vegas Golden Knights spread throughout international play