Calgary’s Kiprusoff lets his play do the talking

Originally published in Eishockey News in 2006

By Lucas Aykroyd

Last season, Miikka Kiprusoff became the first Finnish goalie to win the Vezina Trophy, but he didn’t bother to attend the NHL Awards in Vancouver. This season, after getting off to a slow start with three wins in his first 11 starts, the 30-year-old Turku native has regained his form with the Calgary Flames. He remains as media-shy as ever, but you can’t argue with the results he gets.

Playing virtually every night, Kiprusoff ranks among the league leaders in save percentage and shutouts. Without his brilliance, it’s unlikely Calgary would have set a new club record for consecutive home wins (10) with a 5-2 drubbing of Minnesota on December 12. The man who led Calgary to the Stanley Cup final and Finland to the World Cup final in 2004 has earned the respect of foes and friends alike.

“I think Kiprusoff’s biggest asset is that he’s always in good position to make the save,” said Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo. “It’s rare that you see him making huge, spectacular saves, and that’s because of his positioning.”

“I haven’t seen a goalie work harder than him,” said Calgary captain Jarome Iginla. “His preparation and approach to the game rubs off on the entire team. His demeanor doesn’t change regardless of the results. That’s probably why he’s one of the great goalies.”

Kiprusoff often seems robotic in his approach. His ritual after allowing a goal never varies: he lifts up his mask, takes a drink of water, and spits some out. It’s not because he’s thirsty. It’s a psychological exercise he learned from Calgary goalie coach David Marcoux. The spitting represents a release of negative energy. “After that, it’s time to refocus your mind,” said Marcoux. “You have a choice to either keep on thinking about the goal you just allowed, or move on and stop the next shot.”

Kiprusoff, who earned a league-best 10 shutouts and a .923 save percentage last season, has obviously used this approach to his advantage.

“Miikka is a perfectionist,” said Marcoux. “He has an ability to adjust to a different team every night and reprogram his approach.” Studying video enables Kiprusoff to form vivid mental images of the Vancouver power play or San Jose forecheck.

The 185-cm, 84-kg veteran is also blessed with natural athletic talent. When he’s on top of his game, his lateral movement is superb, and he gives up almost no rebounds. “He has so much power and flexibility in his legs,” said Marcoux. “And he’s a hybrid goalie. When it comes to who’s got the best NHL’s best hands, I’d say it’s not Sidney Crosby. It’s Miikka Kiprusoff.”

Arguably Kiprusoff’s only weakness is shootouts. In 2005-06, he lost seven of the eight shootouts he appeared in. But with time, there’s little doubt he’ll master that skill too.

The former San Jose prospect (drafted 116th overall in 1995) is committed to physical conditioning. Whenever possible, he stretches for 45 minutes before and after games and practices to maintain his flexibility. He sparked controversy in Finland by deciding to skip the 2006 Olympics to rest his ailing hip.

“Compared to four years ago when he arrived in Calgary, Miikka takes a lot better care of his body now,” said Marcoux. “It’s like a Ferrari. If you take care of it, you can have great thrills. He understands he’s not 25 anymore, and if he wants to play a long time, he has to take care of himself.”

Calgary fans hope their quiet hero can stay on top of his game long enough to earn the Flames their first Stanley Cup since 1989.