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TSN Hockey Analyst

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TSN Hockey Analyst Jamie McLennan gives his weekly thoughts on five goaltending stories. 

1 ) KING HENRIK - It's tough to describe how well he's playing right now, only because when he's on his game he's as good as anybody out there. He's talked about how much fun he's having with the game right now and it shows in the results and in the process. 

One technical thing I've noticed with Henrik Lundqvist is the layer of aggressiveness in his play. One several occasions, he's taking depth almost outside of his crease - and that's rare for him. He leads the league in all statistical areas and continues to have a dominant start to the season. 

2) BRADEN HOLTBY - Watching him shut out the Edmonton Oilers this week, I noticed that his all-business approach was on display after the game. He refused to engage with the reporters who were having a bit of fun about Justin Williams falling on him in warm up. 

He just wanted to talk about the game and very respectfully answered all the questions like it was Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. 

You have to respect his approach towards the game, as he's turned a corner towards becoming an elite goaltender in this league. Goalie coach Mitch Korn has been 'Yoda' as a great influence, but Holtby has been a prize Padawan pupil. 

3) JAKE ALLEN - He's not only winning over fans in St. Louis, but he's also put himself out there for the league to see how good he can really be. 

We've seen glimpses of what he can be in past seasons and last season was a big step for him to be a full-time NHLer. This season, he's found another level of consistency. Though he's still learning to be an NHL starter, he's getting valuable on-the-job experience with a very good mentor in Brian Elliott. 

And it doesn't hurt to have a system like Ken Hitchcock's in front of him. If the Blues are going to make a run in the West against the 'big boys,' Allen will have to be the guy who breaks through and answers all the question marks that have plagued the team in recent years. 

4) CRAIG ANDERSON - Anderson has been on a hot streak for the Senators, with back-to-back shutouts going into Tuesday night's game in Dallas. 

What's most impressive for me about him is his intelligence in the net. He's as good as anybody in the National Hockey League at reading the play and the options coming towards him. And he knows his physical limitations - he doesn't step out of his comfort zone, trying to make save selections he is not capable of. Patience is one of his best attributes as he rarely beats himself on a move. And when he's at the top of this game like he is right now, he's very efficient in his movements. 

5) CORY SCHNEIDER - He's flown under the radar for how well he's played this year. He's Top 10 in minutes played, save percentage, wins and goals-against average. 

The Devils are one of the surprise teams of the season so far and Schneider is getting more run support this season. What impresses me so much about his game is how he's in control of his movements and seems to be always balanced in his motion regardless of how the game's going.

He doesn't wear his goals, meaning you can never tell how his game is going and plays the same way regardless of the score. That's a rare trait in today's game, showing confidence and mental toughness.