This one is through the five hole!

Like all sports, defense wins championships. So I'm going to break down the top 5 best goal keepers and the five worse goal keepers in the league.

First the worst...

5. Martin Gerber - OTT G: 19 7-9-1 GAA: 3.15 SV% .895
4. Alexander Auld - FLA G: 25 7-12-5 GAA: 3.25 SV% .83
3. Tim Thomas - BOS G: 34 18-11-3 GAA: 3.28 SV% .90
2. Antero Nittymaki - PHI G: 34 6-22-4 GAA: 3.39 SV% .89
1. Dan Cloutier - LAK G: 24 6-14-2 GAA: 3.98 SV% .86

From Auld to Cloutier, these goalies are part of last place teams in their respective division. Only Martin Gerber is part of a winning team. However, from his record it isn't because of him. Whenever Gerber isn't between the pipes, the Sens are 18-10-2. I don't see Gerber getting the starting job anytime soon. The Bruin's Thomas is the only one with a winning record among this group. Boston is 2-6-1 when Thomas isn't playing.

Now for the best keepers!

5. Vesa Toskala - SJS G: 25 18-6-0 GAA: 2.32 SV% .912
4. Mikka Kiprusoff - CGY G: 38 21-14-3 GAA: 2.32 SV% .921
3. Jean Giguere - ANA G: 34 23-4-5 GAA: 2.17 SV% .924
2. Martin Brodeur - NJD G: 41 25-13-3 GAA: 2.09 SV% .926
1. Dominik Hasek - DET G: 34 23-7-3 GAA: 2.03 SV% .911

Four of the five on this list (Toskala) have their team in first place. It may not be just the goalies but their defensive line should also get some credit.

I also wanted to give a shout out to two great hockey players that have had their jersey's retired. Brett Hull - STL, got his jersey retired earlier this year from the Blues. In 2000, Hull got his name on the Cup with Dallas and will be one of the most respected Blues. Hull had a 19 year career. He was the 117th pick (6th Round) in the 1984 draft. Brett played for the Flames, Blues, Red Wings and Coyotes. Also in January, Steve Yzerman got his number retired by Detroit, AKA Hockeytown. Yzerman was the 4th overall pick in 1983 and won several Stanley Cups as he played his whole career with the Red Wings. Stevie Y played 23 seasons and is one of 6 Red Wings to have his jersey retired. So I salute you both. Both of your names will be forever admired on Lord Stanley's Cup. Congrats and good luck on your future endeavors.

Hockey Scores from Friday:

NJD: 2 ATL: 1 - Devils score 2 to comeback and beat the Thrashers.
CLB: 0 NSV: 2
MIN: 4 EDM: 2 - Wild get a big division win in the Great White North.

Four Games on Saturday and Two on Monday:

Sat:

CBC: 11am - Montreal at Ottawa
4pm - Vancouver at Toronto
7pm - Edmonton at Calgary
NBC: 11am - LA at StL

Monday on Versus
4pm - Montreal at Detroit
7pm - Colorado at San Jose

Enjoy the Hockey!