Goalies are magic.
Despite the move towards quantifying seemingly every aspect of the game, even the die hardiest advanced analytics proponent will be forced at some point to shrug their shoulders and admit that goaltenders often defy any explanation other than, “Heck, I don’t know. Goalies are a whole ‘nother thing.”
What needs no explanation is that having a good one is crucial to the long term success of any hockey team. Just ask the Montreal Canadiens, the New York Rangers, or your very own Minnesota Wild. Without solid goaltending, many good teams can be undone.