Who's the best young goalie?

In a way, I feel sorry for today's younger generations. The pressure to get into top-shelf schools, score a six-figure starting salary and buy a waterfront condo must be taking its toll. I mean, can you imagine looking forward to schlepping into an office about 237 days out of the year, knowing that you bring more to the table than most of your bosses, for the next 45 to 50 years?

One thing they shouldn't complain about, though, is having to be a starting goalie in the National Hockey League. Chances are, these kids easily satisfy two out of the three mandates faced by their peers. The pressure of being a big-league goalie, though, is something those peers don't face.

Playing goalie makes them visible. In a heartbeat, usually brought about by a perceived weak goal, an adoring fan base can boo one back to the minors. On the road, it's no different. Their last name becomes a derisive chant. Every goal leads to a deafening cheer.

That, my friends, is what pressure's all about. To be that good, at such a young age, on a worldwide platform, is what separates these goalies, all under the age of 25 (based on the NHL's Oct. 3 opening night), from their peers, hockey players or not:

No. 5: Cam Ward
Carolina Hurricanes
23 years old (02.29.84)
Drafted 25th overall in 2002
The skinny: Though some might see last season as a step back, the former Conn Smythe winner still posted respectable numbers: 30-21-6, 2.93 goals-against average and a .897 save percentage (really, though, .900 is the benchmark). To me, this kid, unflappable as they come, is going to have a long, productive NHL career.
Last season's ranking: No. 4

No. 4: Kari Lehtonen
Atlanta Thrashers
23 years old (11.16.83)
Drafted 2nd overall in 2002
The skinny: A fixture on everyone's goalie radar since his American Hockey League days, the Finn makes his first appearance on Puckhound's annual list. Leading the Thrashers to their first-ever postseason appearance, as well as logging pretty good numbers (34-24-9, 2.79 GAA and .912 SP) will do that for a player.
Last season's ranking: n/a

No. 3: Marc-Andre Fleury
Pittsburgh Penguins
22 years old (11.28.84)
Drafted 1st overall in 2003
The skinny: My faith in this kid was rewarded last season. At a point in his young career when others were questioning whether he was a flop, Fleury put together a spectacular season: 40-16-9, 2.83 GAA and .906 SP. Granted, it doesn't hurt having some of the game's best players (Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Jordan Staal and Ryan Whitney) on your team, too.
Last season's ranking: No. 3

No. 2: Ray Emery
Ottawa Senators
25 years old (09.28.82)
Drafted 99th overall in 2001
The skinny: It's amazing how Emery burst onto the scene last season, especially late in the year and during the playoffs. How stingy was he? How about a 33-16-6 record, a 2.47 GAA and a .918 save percentage. Showing just how objective I can be, Emery also scored major bonus points for taking on, and beating up, my beloved Sabres last season.
Last season's ranking: n/a

No. 1: Henrik Lundqvist
New York Rangers
25 years old (03.02.82)
Drafted 205th overall in 2000
The skinny: Really, this should come as no surprise that Lundqvist is crowned as King of the best young goalies for this upcoming season. Not only did he step up individually (37-22-8, 2.34 GAA and .917 SP), but he played an integral role in the Rangers' reversal of fortunes last season. He's also living proof that gems exist deep in drafts.
Last season's ranking: No. 2

Ones to watch

Keep an eye on these four players, listed in alphabetical order, as they're likely to make this list in the years ahead:

~ Jonathan Bernier, Los Angeles Kings
19 years old (08.07.88) / 11th overall in 2006 Draft
The skinny: It may take a few seasons at Manchester, but this kid should solve the Kings' goaltending woes for a long time. He's a legend in Lewiston, Maine, where he backstopped the Maineiacs to a QMJHL title last season.

~ Corey Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks
22 years old (12.31.84) /52nd overall in 2003 Draft
The skinny: Nikolai Khabibulin and Patrick Lalime better be looking over their shoulders. Not only is this kid much younger, but he could also be that much better. The Blackhawks are relatively young, so Crawford should get a chance to grow with this team

~ Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens
20 years old (08.16.87) / fifth overall in 2005 Draft
The skinny: Repeat after me -- Who is Yann Danis? Who is Jaroslav Halak? Who is Cristobal Huet? Who is Yann Danis? Who is Jaroslav Halak? Who is Cristobal Huet? He's unlikely to make Habs fans forget Ken Dryden or Patrick Roy, but he's destined to make his run toward hockey greatness

~ Tuukka Rask, Boston Bruins
20 years old (03.20.87) / 21st overall in 2005 Draft (by Toronto)
The skinny: As much as Hound Central 3.0 is a big fan of Hannu Toivonen, it's easy to see why Boston traded him to St. Louis. Rask, who will get his seasoning in Providence, stands to be Bruins goalie of the future. Manny Fernandez and Tim Thomas are only keeping the crease roughed up for the Finn.

Feel free to check out last season's best young players.