Goaltending is set to play a significant role in the remaining games of the second-round series between the Vegas Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks, which is currently tied 2-2. Carter Hart’s form has been a talking point, with periods of strong play interspersed with inconsistency.
Hart’s Inconsistent Performances
Carter Hart was the Golden Knights’ standout player in the first two games, which helped his team secure a split at T-Mobile Arena. During those first three games of the series, Hart blocked 89 of 94 shots, resulting in a .947 save percentage. However, there have been instances, such as in Game 4, where shots from distance have eluded him.
This inconsistency has resulted in a minus-3.18 GSAx for Hart, ranking him third-worst among goalies in the playoffs. He has had more complete efforts for Vegas, but inconsistency has been a problem. Lukáš Dostál has also had an up-and-down series.
Where Hart Excels and Where He Struggles
Hart has performed well on chances near the crease, achieving a .867 save percentage on high-danger shots, above the league average of .830. He has not had to make many acrobatic lateral saves. Instead, he has relied on positioning and composure to block shots resulting from rebounds and broken plays.
However, Hart’s performance declines as shots come from further away. He has struggled with wrist shots from mid-range, where he has been beaten cleanly underneath his gloves several times. His .762 save percentage on shots from the mid-slot is below the league average of .897, and his long-range numbers are comparable.
Dostál’s Contrasting Strengths and Weaknesses
Dostál’s statistics present a contrast to Hart’s. He has allowed 18 goals on high-danger shots, which is the highest among all goalies in the playoffs. While he has saved more than average on shots from mid- and long-range, his .700 save percentage on shots from close range has offset those numbers.
The Deciding Factor
Considering the close nature of the games between the Golden Knights and Ducks, the goalie who can establish consistency could be the deciding factor in the series. The Golden Knights scored three goals from distances of five, nine and eight feet in one game. The Ducks scored four goals from distances of 47, 28, 12 feet.
Dostál exited Game 3 after allowing three quick goals but then bounced back to make several key saves during Game 4. Dostál’s .874 save percentage is considered quite poor, and his minus-7.15 goals saved above expected rank is the worst of the 23 goalies to play in these playoffs.
The netminder who finds his groove next could win this series for his team.