Top 10 NHL Goalie Masks of 2011

The following are the top 10 NHL goalie masks of 2011.  The order is based on my opinion and quality of art on the masks as well.

10) Kari Lehtonen, Dallas Stars

The first mask he wore this year had images of Chuck Norris on it.  It plays along with the cowboy/Dallas theme with Stars logos throughout the mask and the fact that Norris was in "Walker, Texas Ranger."  If features art work by Dave Gunnarsson and this makes the list for the great imagery on the mask.

9) Antero Niittymaki, San Jose Sharks

I like the use of the sharks as “gangsters” as they mix in his nickname “Nitty” that started in his days with Philly.  It’s painted by mask artist David Arrigo. You’ll see his work again on this list.

8) Cory Schneider, Vancouver Canucks

This mask pays tribute to Canucks goalies over the years as this year is the team’s 40^th anniversary.

7) Craig Anderson, Ottawa

Like the two sided mask look. Simple team oriented on one side and personal touch on the other side.

6) Jonathan Bernier, LA Kings

This is a really good looking retro/tribute mask to Rogie Vachon.  Its another solid mask by David Gunnarsson.

5) Sergei Bobrovsky, Philadelphia Flyers

Like the use of Philadelphia/US and Russian imagery between fighter jets and landmarks. Another work by daveart.com

4) Dan Ellis, Tampa Bay

Like the different look for a Tampa Bay Mask.  The sea creature on one side and then skarks and deep sea fish on the other definitely make the mask as great as it is.  Daveart.com

3) Scott Clemmensen, Florida Panthers

I really like the simplicity of the mask and the fact that you can easily make out the design from far away. He has two different versions of the mask, one mostly red and one mostly blue.

2) Curtis McElhinney, Anaheim Ducks

The design of this mask is really great.  Love the creepy alien looking creature with the subtle Duck mask over the top and twisting spiral designs with a skull and wings in the center on the chin of the mask.

1) Henrik Karlsson, Calgary Flames

This is by far the best mask in the NHL this year.  Of course it has to be a David Gunnarsson mask.  It has a great design between the use of the old horse logo, the current logo on top and the really good skull on each side of the mask.  And when light hits the mask a certain way there are little Calgary logos in the dark areas on the mask.

Ottawa's Future

Robin Lehner (January 31, 2011 - Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images North America)

In one of my recent posts I said that Robin Lehner was going to be the backup next season in Ottawa and slowly take time away from Crain Anderson as seasons go on.  I think Lehner’s confidence in himself made me think he’s farther in his development then he really is.  He is only 19 and definitely needs time to develop in the minor leagues.  He has only participated in 26 games this year and the consistent movement between the NHL and AHL has slowed his development this season.  Assistant Ottawa GM Tim Murray has penciled Lehner in as the starter for Binghamton next season and management has the intention of Lehner playing 50 plus games down there.  In this article, Robin Lehner is realizing he needs time to develop and understands his situation, even though he wants to be in Ottawa. 

Curtis McElhinney(Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images)

In addition, Curtis McElhinney finds himself in an interesting position for next season.  He’s a free agent this summer and Curtis has bounced around since last season.  Ottawa is his fourth NHL (Calgary, Anaheim, Tampa Bay, and Ottawa) team in less than two full seasons.  He has played his best all season in Ottawa, even if he’s only started five games, winning three of them.  Defeating the surging Devils and the Lightning twice; the team that traded for him and waved him after four days without giving him a chance to even dress for a game.  He’s giving Ottawa a good reason to resign him as their backup next season. McElhinney is also raising his stock in a pretty flooded goalie market this offseason.  As well Curtis McElhinney thinks he makes a decent fit in Ottawa, even with Anderson signed for 4 years, but as of now McElhinney is just focused on having fun and playing the best that he can.