As the NHL 15 launch slowly creeps closer, more details are consistently revealed by the developers. We've seen videos detailing new gameplay improvements or features, and EA Sports has now started releasing player ratings.
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Beginning today with goalies, EA Sports will continue to reveal the top five-rated players in each position on the ice over time, and give us the top 50 list as well. There are descriptions justifying and explaining each rating as well, which helps fans cope with their team's player being left off, or feel proud to see him ranked at the top. So, who made the cut? The ranking is as follows:
1. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers: 93 Overall
As a Rangers fan, I'm quite happy with this decision and couldn't agree more. In truth he probably deserves it for his skill and consistency, and is tied with Quick at 93 overall. EA Sports says "'The King' wears the crown as the top goalie in NHL 15 with five stars in all three goalie attribute categories. It's nearly impossible to beat him long the ice as Lundqvist carries a (92) rating for Stick Low, and Five Hole."
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2. Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings: 93 Overall
The now two-time Stanley Cup-winning goaltender has been given the same rating as Lundqvist, but was put slightly below him due to specific attributes. Here's EA: "The former Conn Smythe winner has been one of the league's top netminders for the past five years. Quick challenges shooters with (91) Aggressiveness--but uses his amazing Athletic ability with (91) Speed and Agility to get back into position."
3. Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens: 92 Overall
The top goalies are clearly not separated by much in NHL 15, though I'm not sure I would have placed Price ahead of Boston's Rask. Still, the French-Canadian did at least as much with a lesser defense in front of him--EA rates him highly: "Montreal's franchise goalie is just entering his prime, which is a scary thought for shooters in the Eastern Conference. Carey has an average rating of (90) in the Reflexes and Athletic ability category."
4. Tuuka Rask, Boston Bruins: 92 Overall
The relatively young Finnish netminder deserves a high rating, and he's definitely been given it here. Any questions of consistency as he's taken over the Bruins' starting role have disappeared, and the developers agree: "Last year's Vezina trophy winner has now proven himself to be one of the league's elite goaltenders. He is well balanced, scoring high in Athletic ability and Reflex ratings."
5. Pekka Rinne, Nashville Predators: 91 Overall
Another Fin cracks the top five here with Rinne, despite barely featuring this past season due to injury. When he's healthy and on his game, he's definitely one of the best around. EA says, "Despite an injury plagued season, the big Fin just managed to crack the top five goalies in NHL 15. He gives the Predators a chance to win every time he is in-between the pipes, and has one of the league's best glove hands--carrying a (90) Glove High rating."
That's the official top five goalies in NHL 15--anyone you thought was left out? Though you could maybe shuffle the order around, it's hard to argue that any of them don't deserve to be in the top five. Varlamov had a great season, but hasn't done it consistently enough yet to be considered in this group.
The same could be said for Steve Mason, and Ryan Miller has had ups and downs, even after switching to a far superior team this past year. Luongo is difficult to rank, and the Ducks' goaltenders were shuffled around this year (though Gibson certainly looks one for the future). As it stands, I'd say EA Sports got this one right--check back for the rest of the official player rating reveals.