POWER RANKINGS - Goals-Against Average

This is the second 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.

Philippe Desrosiers has had an impressive first half, well on pace to crack his best career numbers just 15 appearances into the season. The Dallas Stars prospect has given the Steelheads a chance to win every night and is one of the best puck-stoppers on home ice in the ECHL. Keeping goal-scorers at bay, where does Desrosiers rank in the league in goals-against average? Let’s find out!

5) Parker Milner– 2.32 GAA, South Carolina Stingrays

Parker Milner is in his fifth professional season, and second as a Stingray, bouncing back and forth between the ECHL and AHL since graduating from Boston College in 2013. He’s done so again this season, playing six games with AHL Hersey, but he’s been tough to beat when playing in Charleston. Milner has won four of his last five decisions, and he’s held opponents to two goals or fewer in seven of his ten outings this season. Milner has also had some good defensive efforts in front of him, six times facing fewer than 30 shots (once in relief).

4) Etienne Marcoux – 2.31 GAA, Indy Fuel

The Laval, Quebec native is still technically a rookie, playing nine ECHL games back in 2014-15 before playing college hockey in Canada, and he leads all rookie goaltenders in several major categories. That includes his 2.31 goals-against average. Last year’s high-water mark for a rookie goaltender was Landon Bow’s 2.08, but Marcoux continues to bring his figure down while playing behind an Indy team that ranks in the middle of the pack defensively. Marcoux has surrendered just one goal in two of his last three appearances, complementing a 37-minute relief performance earlier in the season in which he was perfect. Marcoux also has three 40-plus save outings this year.

3) Philippe Desrosiers – 2.28 GAA, Idaho Steelheads

Philippe Desrosiers is already creeping up on his best ECHL win total, his 11 victories in 15 games just four shy of the 15 he earned in 31 games during his rookie season two years ago, a year in which he spent considerable time at AHL Texas. But Desrosiers’ numbers across the board have been impressive, with his 2.28 goals-against average currently a career-best. Desrosiers numbers have been even more impressive on home ice, where his goals against average is 2.27 but his record is 8-1-1. Desrosiers has given up two goals or fewer in six of his last seven outings.

2) Anthony Peters – 2.16 GAA, Cincinnati Cyclones

Anthony Peters won 31 games last year in Florida, but with rather pedestrian accompanying numbers with a 3.11 goals-against average and an .895 save percentage. Peters has bounced back strong with the Cyclones, his 2.16 GAA currently a career best.  Peters has given up two goals over his last three outings, one of which was his first shutout of the season. Peters has given up one goal or less in five appearances this season, two of which required him to make 35 saves or more. He has won four of his last five starts.

1) Martin Ouellette – 2.13 GAA, Florida Everblades

Peters’ departure from Florida made way for Martin Ouellette, who has been lights out for the Everblades. Ouellette’s strong figures are in part a product of his start to the season, when he won his first five starts while giving up just ten goals. He’s also benefited playing behind a Florida team that is first in the league defensively, with Ouellete facing just the 23rd most shots in the ECHL this season. Still, he has stopped the vast majority of them.  Ouellette ranks in the top-10 in wins and in save percentage.