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Rookie goalies with a nice “ring” to them

By Scott Esposito

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 19: Igor Shesterkin #31 of the New York Rangers tends net against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Madison Square Garden on January 19, 2020 in New York City. The Blue Jackets defeated the Rangers 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 19: Igor Shesterkin #31 of the New York Rangers tends net against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Madison Square Garden on January 19, 2020 in New York City. The Blue Jackets defeated the Rangers 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Blackhawks skaters celebrate with goalie Antti Niemi. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/Getty Images) /

Antti Niemi, Chicago Blackhawks, 2009-10

As a 26-year-old rookie, Niemi posted a 16-6 record, 2.63 GAA and .910 SP to help Chicago win its first Cup since 1961, and became the first Finnish-born goalie to win hockey’s Holy Grail.  Until Binnington accomplished the same feat, Niemi was the first rookie goalie to win 16 games in one playoff season.

RALEIGH, NC – MARCH 09: Chris Kreider slips the puck past Cam Ward #30 of the Carolina Hurricanes. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – MARCH 09: Chris Kreider slips the puck past Cam Ward #30 of the Carolina Hurricanes. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Cam Ward, Carolina Hurricanes, 2005-06

After Martin Gerber lost Carolina’s first two playoff games, Ward was handed the starting job and proceeded to win his next seven games.  He tied Ron Hextall and Patrick Roy for postseason wins by a rookie goalie (15), had a 2.14 GAA and .920 SP, and led the Canes past the Edmonton Oilers in seven games, winning the Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy.

Up next, the only goalie to win the Conn Smythe Trophy with two different teams.

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