This is an excellent point Northern Knight. How much does it help a team who has a goaltender who gives up less rebounds and can handle the puck well? Even if his save percentage is the same.
Hmmm.
If it's a difference of 4 shots a game, that's more than 30 extra goals per year.
How many extra losses does that add up to?
Answer in our case: In the playoffs vs out of the playoffs.
Ok, so more very interesting numbers below.
I know that we give more credibility to Save % than GAA. And for the most part, I agree. But, back to the question, does rebound control and puck handling ability (3rd defenceman) actually make much of a difference?
Pretty easy to compare these two goalies. Pavs is terrible for rebounds and we all know he must be a half brother to James Wright because he has James' hands. On the other hand, Montoya is better at both.
So, although they both have very similar career save percentages in the NHL, and both have played on defensively suspect teams their entire careers, what's left to compare? Well, GAA.
Pavs has a career 2.98 GAA while Montoya sits at 2.73. That's significant.
That takes us back to my initial question. 4 extra shots per game due to bad rebound control and puck handling ability (turnovers in our own end).
Pavs and Montoya may be close to equals on Save%, but Montoya faces less shots because he's simply better in those two areas. Pavs on the other hand, gets himself into more trouble.
Thoughts?