Most 'skilled' goalies in the NHL?

[jcairns]

While watching tonight's Habs - Bruins game, I got into a discussion with other GMs in my league about the most skilled goalies in the world.
Two different consensus were reached, 50% supporting each ranking:
(1) Price; (2) Lundqvist; (3) Quick; (4) Rask
and...
(1) Lundqvist; (2) Price; (3) Rask; (4) Quick

So, what about you? How would you rank the top 4 goalies in the NHL based purely on skill? Not by NHL record, not by wins, not by fantasy value. Just sheer talent. Thought this would be an interesting discussion.

[doulos]

If I was drafting an NHL team I would take:
1) Price
2) Lundqvist
3) Rask
4) Quick

[MXHockey]

Quick for me, only starting SC champion of the bunch.

[havanablast21]

For me...
Price
Rask
Lundqvist
Quick

[Dobber]

Quick is a major product of the system. We're talking just skill here. He's Top 3 thanks to system, but merely Top 5 or 6 based on skill. So for me it is:

Rask
Price
Lundqvist
Schneider
Quick
Halak
Bernier
Bishop

and then we get into a mish-mash of goalies who can thrive or fail based on system. I think I got everybody, just off the top of my head.


And for the 6 years leading up to this one, King Lundqvist was on top. His skills have eroded just a tad.

[forumname]

I think Schneider has to be on the list

[jcairns]

Quick is a major product of the system. We're talking just skill here. He's Top 3 thanks to system, but merely Top 5 or 6 based on skill. So for me it is:

Rask
Price
Lundqvist
Schneider
Quick
Halak
Bernier
Bishop

Nothing to really disagree with your list as this is a pretty subjective thing, but I gotta say: That's a big vote of confidence for Halak. He's in top company. I wouldn't have pegged him that high, personally. I can definitely see Schneider in the 4th spot though in lieu of Quick.

[0PucksGiven]

Price
Rask
Lundqvist
Schneider
Quick
Varlamov
Bernier
Bishop
Miller

[MXHockey]

What exactly does "skill" mean here.........versatility? A guy that can survive regardless of system? Most acrobatic? Fastest glove hand?

[0PucksGiven]

What exactly does "skill" mean here.........versatility? A guy that can survive regardless of system? Most acrobatic? Fastest glove hand?

The answer is:
"D" - All of the above

[MXHockey]

Is Tim Thomas "skilled"?

Hasek - most skilled ever?

Tretiak?

Fuhr?

Curtis Joseph?

[Fast Tony DeNiro]

I think Price is the most technically sound goalie in the league. His form on his butterfly is perfect, and he is amazing at moving while in that butterfly. His pad slides and skate pushes are completely beautiful, just so fun to watch.

Rask and Schneider would probably follow in terms of technique. Solid, upright, great movement in all directions either on their feet or off. Lundqvist gets the job done obviously but I'm not sure I'd call him one of the most "skilled" in the sense that I'm getting from the OP. Lundy is a lot closer to Niemi than he is to Price in terms of technique. Same with Quick....he lives off of reaction time and flexibility.

[Shiva Blaster]

I'd have Lundy as #1 on my list based on pure skill....with how deep he plays in his net, he has to be amazingly skilled with superior reflexes to put up the type of numbers and consistency that he has.

[havanablast21]

What exactly does "skill" mean here.........versatility? A guy that can survive regardless of system? Most acrobatic? Fastest glove hand?

Yup. This is what I think of when contemplating the description of "most skilled". I think the OP may be asking us to think of who may be the best goalie independent of the system he plays in. The most robust combo of all these elements you list. That's what I considered when listing my top 4.

[havanablast21]

Is Tim Thomas "skilled"?

Hasek - most skilled ever?

Tretiak?

Fuhr?

Curtis Joseph?

They all are possibly... But the question asked who in the NHL? I took that to mean presently. He said nothing about All Time. Unless you suggesting some comparative elements. But I just focused on who I felt was the best in the NHL today.