Who the hell are these guys??

Now, I haven't exactly been watching the NHL playoffs for that last week or so, but it looks like after tonight the Eastern Conference Final is all but decided... However, in even passing observation, I am absolutely stunned by the performances by some pretty random-ass goalies.

Ryan Miller is dominating the previously juggernaut-esque Sens.

Cam Ward, after breaking Montreal Fans' hearts by replacing the suddenly incompetant Martin Gerber, is out-duelling the Devils and Martin Freakin' Brodeur.

Ilya Bryzgalov is playing out of his mind aginst the Avs, having supplanted J.S. Giguere, and setting all kinds of crazy modern day rookie records.

Now, it's not that anonymous goalies are all the rage everywhere (just ask Ray Emery), maybe it just seems like it? Or maybe it is..... after all, even the Sharks' Vesa Toskala has a 2-0 series lead, and is ahead against the Oilers as I type this!

Of course, maybe I'm a non-hockey-watching moron, but really.... where are all these guys coming from? Have they been around all season? I specifically remember the announcers contemplating whether the 'Canes should put Cam Ward in after the Habs started to make Gerber look like Swiss Cheese (hint: he's Swiss... I'm so witty, aren't I?), but thought maybe they shouldn't because he was an untested 22-year old, so I know I'm not totally out to lunch.

Is it possible that the "New NHL" (ugh, I'm always going to hate that term) is making heroes out of everyday goalies that just happen to get hot at the right time? Is there going to be any continuity anymore in net? Why I am so full of questions? Is it something I ate?

I have no idea, but somehow an All-American Stanley Cup makes me feel uneasy about everything...........