Ranking Each NHL Backup Who's Played This Post-Season

The first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs has provided fans with plenty of entertaining hockey. This is especially the case with goaltending, as multiple NHL clubs have used their backup netminders for various reasons.

Let’s look at each backup and third-string goaltender who has made at least one appearance during this year’s playoffs so far and rank them based on their season to this point, with an emphasis on their post-season performance.

6. Arturs Silovs, Vancouver Canucks

With Thatcher Demko and Casey DeSmith both unavailable due to injury, third-string goaltender Arturs Silovs made his first-career playoff start for the Vancouver Canucks in Game 4.

This was certainly not an easy task for the 23-year-old, as he’s an inexperienced goaltender with only nine NHL regular-season games on his resume. With that, the Nashville Predators entered the game only down 2-1 in the series, meaning a loss would have tied it up.

Arturs Silovs Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

However, in the end, Silovs helped the Canucks pick up a big 4-3 overtime win to extend their lead to 3-1 in the series. While Brock Boeser scored twice in the final three minutes of the third and Elias Lindholm scored the OT-winner, Silovs still played a big role in the win. The prospect saved 27 out of 30 shots. That’s not bad for a third-string goalie.

5. David Rittich, Los Angeles Kings

After Cam Talbot allowed 16 goals over three starts against the Edmonton Oilers, the Los Angeles Kings named David Rittich their starter for Game 4. Overall, Rittich did well when challenged, saving 12 out of 13 shots. However, the Kings could not solve Stuart Skinner, as the youngster posted a 33-save shutout.

David Rittich © Yannick Peterhans-USA TODAY Sports

While Rittich picked up a loss in his lone playoff game, he held his own against the Oilers. It would not be that surprising if the Kings gave him another chance in a ‘win or go home’ Game 5 on Wednesday.

4. Joseph Woll, Toronto Maple Leafs

The Missouri native’s lone appearance came in relief for Ilya Samsonov during Game 4. Woll stopped all five Boston Bruins shots he faced in the third period. However, with Woll’s small sample size this postseason, No. 4 feels like the best spot for him for now.

Joseph Woll John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Woll could have a grand chance to improve his ranking. Given Samsonov’s recent struggles, Woll is the projected starter for Game 5. A big win to keep the Maple Leafs’ post-season alive would naturally raise Woll’s ranking.

3. Casey DeSmith, Vancouver Canucks

With Demko suffering a potential long-term injury after Game 1, the Canucks turned to Casey DeSmith. In his first appearance in Game 2, the New Hampshire native allowed three goals on 15 shots in a loss. However, he picked up his play big time in Game 3, as he saved an impressive 29 out of 30 shots in a win.

Casey DeSmith Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

However, DeSmith was also sidelined due to injury in Game 4, and he might not play in Game 5, either. That said, there’s no question he made a massive impact in Game 3, as he helped the Canucks secure their series lead over the Predators.

2. Ilya Sorokin, New York Islanders

Ilya Sorokin is a star goaltender who would have easily held the No. 1 spot on this list under normal circumstances. However, his struggles near the end of the regular season and last year’s playoff performance affected his role. There’s a reason why Semyon Varlamov has won the crease.

Ilya Sorokin Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

After losing the net to Varlamov for Games 1 and 2, Sorokin had the chance to win it back in Game 3. However, Sorokin put together a poor showing, allowing three goals on 14 shots before being pulled against the Carolina Hurricanes. He has not played since, while Varlamov has been red-hot since reclaiming the crease.

1. Linus Ullmark, Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins religiously used the Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark tandem during the regular season. However, due to Swayman’s complete and utter dominance against the Toronto Maple Leafs this series, the Bruins have started the Alaska native in three out of their four games. Ullmark is being used more as a backup at this point.

Linus Ullmark Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

While Ullmark picked up a loss in his only start in the first round, it was far from his fault. The reigning Vezina Trophy winner stopped 31 out of 34 shots in Game 2, but the Bruins’ offense just did not give him much support. Even with this being the case, he’s the NHL’s top backup in the playoffs right now.