It's not easy to anoint the NHL's best starting goalie

	Playing for a team with a popgun attack, Kiprusoff has been the hottest Flame. Jeff Vinnck/Getty Images
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Given the understudy heroics we were treated to last spring, and the fact that there's more depth at the position than ever before, an intriguing question is who owns the title of best starting goaltender in the NHL right now?

It's not as easy a call as it used to be. The netminding hierarchy is going through a seismic transitional period, with Patrick Roy's skates already up on a peg, Dominik Hasek and Ed Belfour on their last legs, and more elite caliber youngsters stepping between the pipes than at any time in history.

This list recognizes that some goalies play under stingier systems, while others labor behind defenses that are considerably more...charitable. And it's not about who has the better track record or who has the most potential. It's strictly bottom line: who is the best puck-stopper as of opening night 2006-07?

My list goes like this:

Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames: He gives the opposition absolutely nothing, which is critical when backstopping a Calgary team that has offered him so little offensive support in the past. He's under constant pressure to not give up that second goal, yet he's the coolest customer in the game. You probably could count the first-shot goals he gave up last season on two hands.

Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers: First, look at the numbers (.922 save percentage 2.24 GAA), then look at the sketchy defense he played behind on Broadway last season. Put those together and you have to believe the Vezina votes he earned were well deserved. And don't get too caught up in his playoff meltdown. While battling migraines, he also came back too early from a hip flexor injury, and it showed.

Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils: He should have assumed the alpha dog role with Hasek essentially out of the way, but Brodeur struggled through too many soft outings last season to earn the top spot. Still, we've all seen what he can do in big games. If I had to win just one, his is the shoulder I'd tap.

Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks: Overrated? Not a chance. He had his rough moments last season, but that was the mental wear showing after years of being shelled in Florida. Luongo will be the difference-maker for Vancouver. He's another guy who brings it when it matters most.

Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres: He's the prototype for a goalie in the New NHL: positionally sound, makes quick reads, controls his rebounds, handles the puck well and is emotionally balanced. I expect him to be a Vezina finalist next spring.

Tomas Vokoun, Nashville Predators: Take a good look at Nashville's roster from last season and tell me how that team managed to nip at Detroit's heels all year long. Not to belittle the efforts of his teammates, but the steady Vokoun deserves a more-than-healthy portion of the credit. His grit and confidence set the tone for the team around him.