How should all 32 NHL teams feel about their scoring situations

NHL goalies are some of the sport’s most powerful.

They can be the reason a goal is scored or not, the deciding factor between victory and defeat. They can rescue a teammate from a defensive hole, or record holes in the formation. They can be the reason a coach continues to do his job or the reason he has no one left.

Strong scoring ability can instill confidence in the team. Having weak scoring ability is like building an opponent on a foundation made of oatmeal.

Here’s the NHL Players Confidence Index, with less than two months left from the 2021-22 season. Along with the standings, each team entry features analysis from the former NHL goalkeeper Stephen Valiquette, CEO of Clear Sight Analytics and one of the sport’s leading analysts of netminders; and ESPN Insider Kevin Weekes, an 11-year NHL veteran goalkeeper.

All stats are through Sunday matches, from Hockey-Reference.com, Natural statistical tricks and Hockey is growing.

Goalie: Jacob Markstrom, Dan Vladar
Group savings percentage: .931 (first place)

Markstrom has gone from playing his way with a major free agent deal to becoming a potential free agent to becoming a favorite for the Vezina Trophy over the span of three seasons. His resurgence this season has been thanks to the solid defense and assists of coach Darryl Sutter, which helped Markstrom reach a save rate of 0.937, averaging 1.83 goals and 5 saves highest break in the league. He’s 10th in terms of above-average goals conceded and is exceptionally good at blocking high-risk scoring opportunities. His backup, Vladar, also has staggering numbers (.939, 1.78), which probably degrades Markstrom’s performance for being the product of a system, not someone overtaking it. .

Valiquette’s take: “I am a huge fan of Markstrom. I will never forget [goalie coach] Dan Cloutier contacted me a few years ago and asked my company for help, because the Canucks wanted to get rid of Markstrom and didn’t want to see him go. We gave him the evidence he needed, and Markstrom stayed. Ian Clark came to Vancouver and completely tweaked his play. Markstrom is a working horse. Son loves him. But the thing about him this season is Darryl Sutter, right? He didn’t face the hardships of saves like [Igor] Shesterkin yes because of that system. “