POWER RANKINGS: Goaltender Save Percentage

This is the weekly edition of Idaho Steelheads Power Rankings, where we at IdahoSteelheads.com will see where the Steelheads and their players rank among the best of the best in the ECHL.

Branden Komm is in the midst of arguably his best pro season, his efforts in the past month earning him a trip to the American Hockey League in Bakersfield and also helping to lift the Steelheads into a competitive battle at the top of the Mountain Division. Komm ranks in the top-five goaltenders in the league in save percentage, but where does he sit? Let’s find out!

5) Clarke Saunders – Colorado Eagles, .915 save percentage

Eagles goaltender Clarke Saunders is taking on a heavy workload this season in Colorado, his 23 outings already three more than he had all of last season. Steelhead fans know why firsthand, with Saunders going 3-0-0 this season against the Steelheads while surrendering a combined six goals. Aside from his own strong play, one of the keys to Saunders success may also be shot suppression by the Eagles. Colorado surrenders 30.26 shots per game, ranked tenth in the ECHL, but Saunders has faced 35 shots or more just five times in his 23 appearances.

4) Branden Komm – Idaho Steelheads, .922 save percentage

A man who dropped the gloves with Clarke Saunders this year, Branden Komm has held opponents to two goals or fewer in 11 of his last 15 appearances and is 7-2-1 in his last nine starts. Branden Komm  has seen a lot of rubber in the past month as well, stooping 44 shots or more on three occasions since December 30th. Komm has also been a breakaway expert his season, leading the ECHL with four shootout wins and stopping 13 of 14 shootout attempts this year.

3) C.J. Motte – Quad City Mallards, .923 save percentage

2017 ECHL All-Star goaltender C.J. Motte ranked outside the league’s top-20 goaltenders last season as a member of the Elmira Jackals with a .910 save percentage. The second-year pro has taken a leap forward this season, now ranked third in the category and Motte’s numbers were more impressive prior to his last three starts, each a rough outing in which he has surrendered a combined 12 goals. Still, Motte’s 11-8-0 record this season constitutes a substantial turn-around from last season and has earned him some time with AHL Charlotte as well.

2) Michael Houser – Cincinnati Cyclones, .926 save percentage

Michael Houser’s second tour of duty and third season in Cincinnati is going pretty well, with the fifth-year pro second in goals-against average and in save percentage while playing for a team currently outside a playoff spot. Houser has a single shutout this season but has surrendered just one goal in six of his last ten starts. Houser is 7-3-0 in his last ten starts with a .939 save percentage

1) Riley Gill – Allen Americans, .938 save percentage

Riley Gill has put together a potential ECHL Hall of Fame career with three Kelly Cup Championships, and at 32 years old he may be on track for his best season yet. Gill leads the league in save percentage, in goals-against average, and his win totals have been halted at 15 because he has been out of the lineup for the Americans since December 28th. Even so, Gill has a league-leading five shutouts, including each of his last two outings.  Gill has held opponents to one goal or fewer in 11 appearances this season. Gill’s save percentage and goal-against average are better than any of his prior ECHL seasons in which he has made more than 15 starts.