5 best saves through 2 rounds of the Stanley Cup playoffs
Shot-blocking may be all the rage this time of year, but the art of absorbing pucks is made beautiful by the men in masks.
Here are the five best saves through two rounds of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
5) Andersen's Angle
Frederik Andersen had his share of detractors heading into the tournament, but he's done nothing to support the claim that he's incapable of leading the Anaheim Ducks to a Stanley Cup.
Andersen went a perfect 4-0 in Round 1 - an unblemished record that wouldn't be without this miraculous glove save on Winnipeg Jets forward Bryan Little in the fading moments of Game 3.
4) Darling's Denial
With Corey Crawford having dipped back into a state of unconsciousness, it's possible we've seen the last of Scott Darling. But unlike many Stanley Cup-winning backups - who might as well be doodling on the clipboard they hold at the end of the bench - Chicago's will have earned his inscription.
Darling was outstanding in his first three playoff appearances versus the Nashville Predators, but his best moment came with the score tied late in Game 1, when he denied Ryan Ellis with a violent post-to-post stop.
3) Halak's Hustle
Goaltenders strive to be in control, to remain in their gaps. But the most spectacular saves come when all hell breaks loose.
This was the case for Jaroslav Halak, who looped back into the crease after an unlucky bounce on the dump and made a spectacular combination stop on Jay Beagle with his pad and blocker.
2) Preternatural Price
The world's best, at his.
With the Montreal Canadiens clinging to their existence with the clock ticking down late in Game 5, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Valtteri Filppula took a cross-ice pass - only to be met with Carey Price's outstretched glove hand.
The save was absolutely sublime; its brilliance only appropriately illustrated in slow motion.
1) Mrazek's Magic
It's funny how these things work.
After almost literally being head-faked out of his own blue paint, Detroit Red Wings goalie Petr Mrazek went from goat to G.O.A.T. (well, greatest through two rounds, at least) with the paddle on Brian Boyle.
- All videos courtesy the NHL's Youtube page