The 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs have arrived, that means playoff beards, handshake strains and goalie masks with distinctive designs are within the highlight.
All through the 2023-24 season, goaltenders have not been shy about sporting particular seems.
With the franchise in its a centesimal season, Boston Bruins goalies Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark have worn masks to commemorate the mark. Toronto Maple Leafs starter Ilya Samsonov equally paid homage to franchise legends. New York Rangers netminder Jonathan Fast had a Statue of Liberty tribute on one among his masks.
However that is only a small style. This is a have a look at the notable masks worn by goalies whose groups will seem within the postseason (with the caveat that among the particular ones most likely will not come out throughout the playoffs).
Japanese Convention
Jeremy Swayman
Swayman headed into the season with an thought of honoring the Bruins’ a centesimal anniversary season. Designed by Swedish artist David Gunnarsson, the brow has a design of the Bruins bear with “100” included within it, amongst different particulars.
Linus Ullmark
There have been a number of tributes scattered all through the season on masks worn by Ullmark. Considered one of his earliest focuses on two well-known targets in Bruins historical past, one by Bobby Orr in Sport 4 of the 1970 Stanley Cup Ultimate and the opposite by Patrice Bergeron in Sport 7 of the 2013 Japanese Convention quarterfinals.
Ullmark additionally had a candy masks that paid homage to legendary Boston goalie Gerry Cheevers.
A legendary lid.@Icebeardude‘s gear for tonight’s #NHLBruins Centennial celebration is a nod to Gerry Cheevers’ iconic masks. pic.twitter.com/6VWBuxnqKI
— x – Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) November 18, 2023
Sergei Bobrovsky
It has been acquainted designs for Bobrovsky along with his “brick by brick” collection. His purple look is likely one of the extra distinctive this season, particularly because it differs from the standard colour palette of the Panthers.
Joseph Woll
Woll hasn’t been shy along with his masks this season. He had a particular one made for St. Patrick’s Day that features a tribute to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Eire. Particular parts of the cathedral are a part of the design, together with a reproduction of the stained glass window of St. Patrick.
Woll additionally has an eagle-themed look that is a nod to his NCAA profession at Boston School.
Ilya Samsonov
Samsonov’s tribute to the Maple Leafs is likely one of the sweetest. It consists of the faces and numbers of all of the gamers with retired numbers and a giant maple leaf within the center.
In the event you’re a fan of tooth, the “Savage Baddy” masks for Samsonov is a no brainer. The 3D creates a glance that pops — and is considerably terrifying.
Andrei Vasilevskiy
In previous seasons, Vasilevskiy has worn masks that change colours based mostly on temperatures. Though it is unclear whether or not he had any that included that design ingredient this season, his third-jersey-themed masks is likely one of the sleekest. Designed by Sylvie Marsolais, it consists of the coat of arms of Russia, the place Vasilevskiy is from, and an animal with fangs.
Igor Shesterkin
No shock, however the Statue of Liberty is a typical inclusion for Rangers goalies. Shesterkin had a Stadium Collection look that featured the statue, plus a retro-inspired masks that mixes 3D and 2D.
Jonathan Fast
Fast has been a longtime buyer of Gunnarsson’s and had some clear seems this season. With the Rangers dealing with the rival Islanders at MetLife Stadium for the Stadium Collection, Fast’s masks included photos of 4 legendary New York Giants stars — Lawrence Taylor, Phil Simms, Eli Manning and Michael Strahan.
Frederik Andersen
By the years, Andersen’s masks have grow to be identified for his or her inclusion of Lego figures. His newest follows a Danish brick Viking theme and likewise consists of the Hurricanes’ brand and Andersen’s quantity.
Pyotr Kochetkov
Kochetkov pays homage to his hometown of Penza, Russia, on this design. Components of town are scattered all through the masks, and the pink enhances all of it, making it a strong masks for the playoffs.
Ilya Sorokin
Sorokin’s masks are filled with the Islanders’ colours, together with a enjoyable tribute to Lengthy Island and a Stadium Collection look that pops.
Semyon Varlamov
The graffiti theme of Varlamov’s masks stands out instantly. It consists of “Lengthy Island” sprayed throughout the highest and “NY” on the cheeks to create a standout look.
Charlie Lindgren
Unsurprisingly, the Capitals’ colours are outstanding in Lindgren’s clear look. Lindgren’s nickname “Lindy” is included under the mouth of the masks, and a painted bald eagle is drawn on the highest.
Darcy Kuemper
Kuemper adopted swimsuit with a Capitals-heavy masks. The bald eagle is painted in a unique type however is included in the same location to Lindgren’s. On the again of Kuemper’s masks, there is a Christian cross with the phrases “for these I like” under it.
Western Convention
Jake Oettinger
This masks has a number of inclusions which can be distinctive to Oettinger — references to Oettinger’s associates, a throwback Stars brand and an otter.
Alex Georgiev
Discuss versatility. Georgiev has worn masks with Rudolph the Pink-Nosed Reindeer, a retro 2D look of the Avalanche’s third jersey and one which pays tribute to the silver mining days of Colorado. He has lots to work with heading into the postseason.
Connor Hellebuyck
The colour variance is notable for Hellebuyck. Designed by the Eyecandyair model, his masks embody totally different shades of blue that match the Jets’ uniforms. Come playoff time, Hellebuyck has a strong group from which to decide on.
Juuse Saros
There is a clear theme with a few of Saros’ prime masks that dates again to 2022. It is a collection referred to as “Pred Rogue Rage Splatter,” assisted by Gunnarsson. The Predators’ brand and colours are, unsurprisingly, a outstanding a part of the designs.
Thatcher Demko
Demko typically places film characters on the again of his masks. The newest inclusion is Jacobim Mugatu, the favored character performed by Will Ferrell within the 2001 movie “Zoolander.” Designed by Travis Michael, it is a clear look that can assist him stand out within the postseason.
Casey DeSmith
DeSmith rocks a multicolored masks with primarily inexperienced on one facet, blue on the opposite, the colours of the Canucks.
Stuart Skinner
Skinner’s prime masks are contrasting in type however comparable in colour. Considered one of them is a heritage design that leans towards a retro look. The opposite features a splatter in orange and the Edmonton skyline.
Calvin Pickard
The Oilers’ goalie No. 2 has a modern oil drop design with some good additions scattered all through.
Adin Hill
Artist Dave Fried crushed Hill’s masks, giving him all kinds to work with within the postseason. The Winter Basic masks has arguably essentially the most element, and the look that features a tribute to Las Vegas followers is a pleasant contact.
Logan Thompson
Thompson’s designs match the Golden Knights’ colours completely. As with Hill, the Winter Basic masks for Thompson is a singular look, with ears painted on the perimeters.
Cam Talbot
Talbot has labored with Gunnarsson for a very long time, however his Will Ferrell-themed masks are arguably the very best.
It appeared like a no brainer for Talbot to have a masks with Ferrell on it because the actor is a frequent attendee at Kings video games. Ferrell kicks up the fandom throughout playoff time, that means it would not damage for Talbot to put on one which honors the actor.
David Rittich
Colour coordination is vital for Rittich, who has worn a chrome and black 3D look this season. Both one would match seamlessly in his postseason rotation.