We’re nearly a quarter of the way through the 2014-15 season, and we’ve been blessed with numerous highlight-reel goals.
A third-year player from Russia has emerged as one of the most exciting players to watch right now for the St. Louis Blues.
Here are the top five goals of the 2014-15 NHL season, so far.
Vladimir Tarasenko Goal vs. New York Rangers
This goal reminded me of Pavel Datsyuk’s goal two season ago against the Nashville Predators. Watch as Vladimir Tarasenko avoids the first Ranger at the blue line, splits two defenders, then finishes it off with the Peter Forsberg shootout goal in which he guides the puck on his backhand past Cam Talbot.
This will no doubt be a candidate for Goal of the Year.
Nino Niederreiter Goal vs. Winnipeg Jets
So much athleticism is on display on this Nino Niederreiter goal. Niederreiter receives a nice pass from Thomas Vanek in the slot, makes a move around a Jets defender and gets tripped as goalie Ondrej Pavelec attempts to make the save.
However, as Niederreiter is falling, he drags the puck around Pavelec onto his backhand and tucks it in the net past two Jets defenders for a beautiful goal.
Seth Griffith Goal vs. New Jersey Devils
This goal is all about speed, physicality and a little bit of luck.
Seth Griffith blocks a shot, rushes to collect the loose puck, fights off two Devils defenders, gets turned around so his back is facing goalie Cory Schneider, but has the wherewithal to take a backhanded shot through his legs, which goes through the legs of Schneider and into the net.
Not sure if it will challenge Tarasenko’s goal for Goal of the Year, but definitely a great individual effort.
Matt Cullen Goal vs. Edmonton Oilers
Another goal with amazing athletic ability. Seth Jones’ shot is deflected wide, but it rebounds off the boards, and Cullen does his best impression of Superman to get his stick on the puck, as it deflects off Viktor Fasth’s left skate, off the near post, off the far post and in.
Fasth was inches away from making it one of the better saves of the NHL season.
Vladamir Tarasenko Goal vs. New Jersey Devils
Tarasenko makes it on the list for the second time, and unfortunately for New Jersey Devils fans, their team makes the list for the second time for allowing the goal.
This one wasn’t nearly as impressive as his goal against the Rangers, but it’s still one of the better goals of the season. Tarasenko collects a pass at the blue line, splits three Devils defenders, waits out Schneider and tucks it past the goalie.
With two amazing goals in a little over a month, it will be interesting to see what Tarasenko can do next.
What do you think of the list? Did I miss one? Leave a comment below if you like the list, or if you think I missed a better goal.
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Tom Mitsos is a Detroit Red Wings and Grand Rapids Griffins staff writer for The Hockey Writers. You can follow him on Twitter @tom_mitsos.
