Two rookie goalies are set to debut in this year's playoffs, here i will take a closer look on how they are playing and what we should expect for them in the post-season.


Ruslan Harkov (Colorado)-> Harkov was brought in the middle fo the season, being switched for veteran proven goalie Stefan Liv. Many believed the Avs had thrown their season away by bringing a rookie to start between the pipes, but as time has passed Harkov proved he deserves some respect. After a slow start aloowing many goals, this 19 year old teenager started to put up big stats and made huge saves to help Colorado win the division title after a long long time. Ruslan ended the season saving 89% of the shots attemped against him, and with a great 2,24 Goals against average, together with 3 clean sheets. "Well, i've played aside Tiptmann and Noronen and i can say this guy is no worst than those two, he makes some huge saves and we D-men feel a lil' more free to go to the offensive zone knwoing we have him there.", said veteran D Mike Komisarek who has a Stanley Cup ring with the 2009 Rangers. Harkov has been developing impressively and he now only needs to work on his strength so he can be a complete goalie. Avs fans are excited about this year's playoff run, after having Mika Noronen play a pretty bad off-season for the team, fans hope the goalie problems time is now over.


Mikhail Smiten (Detroit)-> The Wings are the newest "must-watch" team, a mix of youth with proven veterans has provide this team with what they needed to make the playoffs after a long time. Although the team is attack-based, Mikhail didn't have a bad rookie season at all, being able to record 3 shutouts, along with a  2,60 GAA and a 88% save rating in 72 games played. Last season he was Stefan Liv's backup in the team, but his solid performances made the GM believe he could trade Liv away so Smiten could take the duties. And he was right, Smiten has still been a little inconsistent, but we can't expect a rookie goalie to be as consistant as a proven veteran. The defensive upgrades made by the Wings, adding Kujsner, Connolly and Koivu caould pretty much help this young goalie suceed on not letting Chicago's great offense score. Smiten released some words after the Wings last game of the season: "I'm so excited about going to the playoffs, but i'd like to thank Stefan Liv for the time we spent together and all the 'tips' he gave me while i was his backup, he was a great playoff performer and i expect not to let the fans miss him much."