Is it a Blue Jacket Question or is it Steve Mason? – Proof

Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Steve Mason (1) stops a shot by Colorado Avalanche right wing David Jones (54) The Blue Jackets defeated the Avalanche, 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

Recently The Coach who writes for The Union Blue put together some great statistics in analyzing the current goaltenders in the NHL. If you didn’t catch the piece, follow the link. I would like to use a part of the statistics to make a point [ and thanks Coach for the great statistics and the great presentation of them]. And yes I know that we are pretty far down the road on Steve Mason, but still, we need to be aware of the total Blue Jacket team, and I think these points are worth noting. The Coach uses a statistic in analyzing goalie performance of the save % at even strength[ESSV%] and overall [TotSV%] which includes PP and shorthanded  in his article, so I would like to show you this information as copied from his post:

Now some of you will remember the name “Martin Brodeur” , you know New Jersey Devils, Stanly Cup finals, does that ring a bell? He happens to rank right above Steve Mason in the save % at even strength. But he only ranks there because his total save % is slightly above Steve’s. I say slightly above, and that is no exaggeration, it is just above Steve’s. BUT, look at the goals against average– huge difference. Could it be that the goaltender is not the only answer and cause/blame in making the playoffs????

Note that I included both Allen York and Curtis Sanford in the above data. BOTH of them rank better than Martin Brodeur in their even strength and their total save percentage. And York [albeit for 11 games]  even ranks better than Brodeur in goals against.

Now if you’ve been paying attention, I’m sure you can see where I’m going with this, if the Columbus save % at even strength is as good or better and the total save % is similar or better, then why weren’t the Blue Jackets playing for the Stanley Cup? Answer, the opposing teams have a lot more shots, this is evidenced by the goals per game allowed.

And remember, A York played the majority of his games in the Todd Richards “getting things under control” era. Curtis Sanford also is a little heaver under the Todd Richards is the coach era.

Take heart Blue Jackets fans, here is statistical proof that a shut out goal tender is not the only answer to winning, and you’ve now seen  the proof.

We Want the Cup