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Nashville Predators: Power Ranking the Central Division Goaltenders

By Chad Minton

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 3: Fans cheer Pekka Rinne #35 of the Nashville Predators as he leaves the ice following a 1-0 shutout win against the Boston Bruins at Bridgestone Arena on November 3, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 3: Fans cheer Pekka Rinne #35 of the Nashville Predators as he leaves the ice following a 1-0 shutout win against the Boston Bruins at Bridgestone Arena on November 3, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – JANUARY 09: Filip Forsberg #9 of the Nashville Predators scores the game-winning goal in overtime on goalie Collin Delia #60 of the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on January 9, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – JANUARY 09: Filip Forsberg #9 of the Nashville Predators scores the game-winning goal in overtime on goalie Collin Delia #60 of the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on January 9, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Blackhawks’ committee

Clearly the Blackhawks have been in rebuild mode for a little while now. They’re trying to put the pieces back together after a great run that strung over a decade. Part of that is finding consistency and steadiness between the pipes. This season they’ve relied primarily on two veterans in Corey Crawford and Cam Ward. Both have had their successes in the NHL, but it’s not really translating here in 2018-19.

Ward has shockingly been a mess. He’s having a horrendous first season in Chicago after having an illustrious career with Carolina. His goals against average is creeping towards four goals per game. It’s burying a young Blackhawks roster even more, and maybe some of it is due to poor defense being played in front of him. It’s hard to explain on the outside looking in.

Crawford, another storied veteran, is playing slightly better but is in the midst of his worst season statistically in his 12-year career. His entire career has been with Chicago, and he’s had some great moments. He hasn’t started in over a month, so his forgetful season is probably done. Chicago has to lean on their youth now with Collin Delia, who has just 12 career starts. Delia gave up four goals in an overtime loss to Nashville in early January.

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