Despite allowing four goals on 27 shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-3 overtime loss to the Red Wings on Tuesday, Daniil Tarasov has been one of the league's best goaltenders in the last month.
Since Feb. 21 among goalies with at least seven appearances, Tarasov is third in save percentage (.934) and has posted 7.91 goals saved above expected (GSAx), per evolving-hockey.com.
Still just 24 years old, Tarasov has a lot of room to grow and he has to prove that he'll be able to stay healthy over a lengthy period, but this small sample size gives a glimpse into what kind of player he can be in the future.
Lethal with the Leather.
— Bally Sports Columbus (@BallySportsCBUS) March 20, 2024
Daniil Tarasov makes a great glove save on a shot from the slot to keep the @BlueJacketsNHL in front of the Red Wings, 3-2, with 11:11 left in the third period.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/L7RPhntBXg
What can be said now is that he should be the team's No. 1 goalie going forward. His .904SV% and 3.20 GAA are both better than Elvis Merzlikins' marks (.900SV% and 3.33 GAA), although Merzlikins' 5.17 GSAx is better than Tarasov's -2.79. However, Merzlikins has posted a -2.59 GSAx in eight appearances since Feb. 20.
Tarasov has shown recently that he can be the goalie of the future. Can he stay healthy long enough to solidify that role?
