Starting Goalies

Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 28, 2008

2008-12-21T11:26:00.001-08:00

Is there a more secure job nowadays then playing goal for the Colorado Avalanche?

I understand that Peter Budaj has been hot lately with 14 goals against in his last 8 starts, a .950+ SV% and 5 wins but does it really make a difference to the Avs?

Budaj was brutal to start the season, yet there was Andrew Raycroft modeling hats for www.avalanche.com, stapled to the bench. Is Raycroft that bad? Do his kids think that he is lying when he tells them he is an NHL goaltender and once was considered the best rookie in the league? (you know it was a thin year when Michael Ryder was runner-up).

The Avalanche used to have Patrick Roy patroling the crease, since his retirement they have failed to maintain their contender status. Could it have anything to do with the names David Aebischer, Jose Theodore, Peter Budaj and Andrew Raycroft?

But I digress. I think Peter Budaj could pull a Ned Braden and have Tony Granato look down the bench and ask Adam Foote if he has ever played net before he put Raycroft back in net.

Peter Budaj > Andrew Raycroft > Manon Rheaume. Don't expect any playoff games in Denver anytime soon.

With thanks to the goalie post, on to tonight's starters

NY Islanders @ Boston Bruins

T. Thomas (vs Islanders, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, .000 SV%) probable

J. MacDonald (vs Bruins, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, .000 SV%) probable

Two of the hottest teams going head to head in Boston tonight. You know a season is long when that sentence can be used in reference to the NY Islanders.

Carolina Hurricanes @ Philadelphia Flyers

C. Ward (vs Flyers, 2-4-1, 3.59 GAA, .876 SV%) probable

M. Biron (vs Canes, 9-4-2, 2.50 GAA, .917 SV%) firm

I don't think I could despise two teams more than the Canes and Flyers. I wonder if it has anything to do with them knocking the Habs out of the playoffs? Nah, don't like NASCAR or philly cheesesteaks.

Tampa Bay Lightning @ Minnesota Wild

M. Smith (vs Wild, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, .000 SV%) firm

N. Backstrom (vs Lightning, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, .000 SV%) probable

Josh Harding meet Mike Smith. There is hope for young backups with promise being traded and given an opportunity.

Colorado Avalanche @ Phoenix Coyotes

P. Budaj (vs Coyotes, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, .000 SV%) firm

M. Telqvist (vs Avalanche, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, .000 SV%) firm

Former terrible Leaf backup meet former terrible Leaf backup. To think, at one time John Ferguson Jr. convinced the top notch Toronto media that Andrew Raycroft and Mikael Telqvist were the future of the Maple Leafs. And one wonders why Leaf Nation cringes at the taste of Kool-Aid.

Chicago Blackhawks @ Anaheim Ducks

C. Huet (vs Ducks, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, .000 SV%) probable

J. Hiller (vs Hawks, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, .000 SV%) firm

Cristobal Huet, playing time. Playing time, Cristobal Huet. Your vacation is over Mr. Huet, you may now proceed to play well, but just poor enough that the Hawks second guess your contract.

Montreal Canadiens @ Washington Capitals

J. Halak (vs Capitals, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, .000 SV%) firm

J. Theodore (vs Canadiens, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, .000 SV%) firm

You ever think Jose Theodore wonders what the hell happened? See what happens when you are good looking? I am reminded of the quote by the great George Best "If I 'd been born ugly, you'd never have heard of Pele". Then again, wouldn't Pascal Leclaire be the best goalie in the league? Nevermind

Pittsburgh Penguins @Buffalo Sabres

R. Miller (vs Penguins, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, .000 SV%) probable

D. Sabourin (vs Sabres, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, .000 SV%) firm

Can we play this game outside the HSBC Arena again, it could be -40 and everybody would be warm because of the 36 fires ablaze in Buffalo county. Was Commander Tom an Astronaut, or a fire man?

Nashville Predators @ Atlanta Thrashers

P. Rinne (vs Thrashers, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, .000 SV%) likely

J. Hedberg (vs Predators, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, .000 SV%) firm

Remember when Johan Hedberg at 27 years of age showed up in Pittsburgh with his Moose helmet and lead the Pens to the second round of the playoffs? Neither does 90% of the hockey universe. Remember when Dan Ellis at 27 years of age wrestled the starting job away from Chris Mason in 2008? Neither will 90% of the hockey universe.

NY Rangers @ Florida Panthers

H. Lundqvist (vs Panthers, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, .000 SV%) probable

C. Anderson (vs Rangers, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, .000 SV%) firm

I know that the Movember moustache is for a good cause, but unless your name is Larry Robinson it just doesn't look right.

Columbus Blue Jackets @ Detroit Red Wings

P. Leclaire (vs Wings, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, .000 SV%) probable

C. Osgood (vs Jackets, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, .000 SV%) firm

You think if Pascal Leclaire wore the Osgood style helmet he would get an edge? I mean it has to be intimidating breaking in on him and being exposed to the horror of his face right? Could you imagine if he played in the original 6 era with no mask? Shudder, thank god for Jacques Plante!

San Jose Sharks @ Dallas Stars

E. Nabokov (vs Stars, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, .000 SV%) firm

M. Turco (vs Sharks, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, .000 SV%) probable

If Ron Wilson is such a great coach, why is Patrick Marleau playing out of his mind and San Jose better than they were last year? Anybody? Must be "The Tin Man" Joe Thornton's fault.

Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 27, 2008

2008-12-21T11:25:00.001-08:00

While browsing the waiver wire to fill in a temporary backup for Carey Price I was shocked to see the name at the top of the available list.

Not shocked that he was available, but shocked at the numbers that Alex Bald had put up during the first quarter of the season. A 2.04 GAA and a .926 SV%?

Let's just say I had to click on the link to Alex Bald's page more than once. There it was, an Ottawa Senators goaltender near the top of the league in goaltending categories yet had only registered 6 wins.

Was I in bizarro world? A Sens goalie who is playing out of his mind yet not winning games? A stark contrast to the Patrick Lalime era, where the Sens goalie just had to stop shots from outside the blue line to win games (a task that Lalime struggled with).

Bald has wrested the starting job from Martin Gerber, mind you, that is as difficult as Kevin Federline getting the kids from Brittney, but Auld has given up 2 or fewer goals in 9 of his 14 starts and has been rewarded with a 6-5-3 record.

The media is just slowly coming to terms with the idea that the Sens no longer have players like Martin Havlat, Todd White, Radek Bonk and Bryan Smolinski on their 3rd line and perennial All-Stars Wade Redden and Zdeno Chara are plying their trade elsewhere.

Now if only the owner in my league who traded Alexander Semin, Nicklas Backstrom, Kari Lehtonen and Justin Pogge and a first round pick for Ray Emery and Jaromr Jagr had known it a little earlier, he may have saved himself the trouble of making the worst trade in keeper league history, that, is an article for another day.

With thanks to the goalie post, on to tonight's starters

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Ottawa Senators

V. Toskala (vs Senators, 5-3-0, 3.09 GAA, .893 SV%) probable

A. Auld (vs Leafs, 2-3-2, 2.34 GAA, .928 SV%) firm

The battle of Ontario isn't what it used to be. It used to be a no brainer for me which position I would rather be in. The Sens used to have a strong farm system and young NHL players on affordable contracts, but their current brain trust has really butchered the tail end of their contender window. With three elite level players and very little else, the Sens are not cap friendly and do not possess young players to compensate for Heatley, Spezza and Alfreddson's inflated deals. The Leafs right now may have less talent, but are not locked into long term deals, have little pressure to perform and have a fanbase who has a new regime to sell the future. Sens fans have expectations, Leaf fans do not. I think I just said I would rather be the Leafs? Now you know the Sens are a mess!

Calgary Flames @ Vancouver Canucks

M. Kiprusoff (vs Canucks, 14-13-5, 2.99 GAA, .891 SV%) probable

C. Sanford (vs Flames, 1-3-0, 3.32 GAA, .888 SV%) firm

The Sanford/Schneider era begins in Vancouver. If you are conservative go with Sanford, he is a veteran who should be able to step in and do a solid job of bridging the gap to Luongo. If you like to roll the dice, then the upside of Schneider is the way to go, his monster numbers in the AHL may afford him a nice run if Sanford falters in any way.

Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 26, 2008

2008-12-21T11:24:00.000-08:00

Evgeni Nabokov returns tonight as owners rejoice everywhere.

After sitting for only 5 games last season, Nabokov had to sit for 3 weeks. But in Nabokov's absence, Boucher had the better numbers. Boucher has a better goals-against average (1.88) and save percentage (.928) than Nabokov (2.71 and .891) this season. That should provide Todd McLellan with the confidence to go to Boucher at any time this year.

Now there is no goalie controversy in San Jose, but you have to wonder if his days of 70+ starts are over. Let's hope Nabby owners never have to deal with the Toskala/Nabokov style tandem every again.

For Nabokov, he should take advantage of his situation. It is not to often in your life where you can pay to have your groin massaged and get away with it.

With thanks to the goalie post.

Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 25, 2008

2008-12-21T11:23:00.001-08:00

St. Louis Blues @ Nashville Predators

C. Mason (vs Predators, 0-0-0) likely

D. Ellis (vs Blues, 2-1-0, 3.06 GAA, .879 SV%) probable

Mason get his chance for revenge tonight, he should be fired up that the Predators allowed a career minor leaguer to outperform another career minor leaguer, and chose the wrong career minor leaguer. Can you exact revenge against yourself? note: 1-0 shutout for Mason in a shootout? Would Vegas even given odds on that? Once again why the whole premise of projections are ridiculous. The only one who knew this result was coming was Biff Tannen.

Atlanta Thrashers @ Toronto Maple Leafs

J. Hedberg (vs Leafs, 6-5-0, 3.01 GAA, .891 SV%) firm - Fan 590

C. Joseph (vs Thrashers, 6-4-0, 2.99 GAA, .883 SV%) firm

Calling Vesa Toskala, John Ferguson jr. on line one. He wants to congratulate you on making the only positive move he made in 4 years look bad.

LA Kings @ Calgary Flames

E. Ersberg (vs Flames, 0-0-0) probable

M. Kiprusoff (vs Kings, 10-5-1, 2.55 GAA, .910 SV%) probable

I take it back, the Kings aren't tanking anymore. But I will take it back if LaBarbera sees the ice again. Bad goaltending exposes flaws, good goaltending hides them. Kind of like a very large chest on a woman.

Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 21, 2008

2008-12-21T11:20:00.000-08:00

Is it possible that JS Giguere is underrated?

Names like Martin Brodeur, Henrik Lundqvist, Miikka Kiprusoff and Roberto Luongo always seem to get drafted before Giguere every season.

Last season he finished ahead of Brodeur in 2 of the 4 most important categories and tied him in another.

In 2006-07 the only goalies who finished ahead of him were Brodeur, Luongo, Hasek and Backstrom.

Personally, I think it has to do with his equipment. I believe that he is underrated because of his oversized LEGAL equipment. People tend to think that he is cheating, but Giguere has perfected the technical art of goaltending and has used the rules to his advantage. There is no doubt he does not have the same ability as Luongo or Brodeur, but in fantasy it doesn't really matter.

As long as the NHL continues to employ a guy for $80,000 a year to monitor goalies, instead of invest in a crew full of people to measure and maintain that a goaltender actually fit his equipment, Giguere is going to remain among the fantasy elite.

But in a keeper league, be wary. It is not a mystery why Giguere bounced from Hartford to Calgary before ending up in Anaheim. Should the NHL change the rules and force Giguere to go

from this....

To this....

Then you may have a slight problem.

With thanks to the Goalie Post, on to today's starters

Florida Panthers @ Boston Bruins

C. Anderson (vs Devils, 2-1-0, 1.64 GAA, .955 SV%) probable

T. Thomas (vs Panthers, 1-5-1, 4.97 GAA, .857 SV%) probable

Tim Thomas and the Bruins continue to roll along, the scary thing to think about is how good the Bruins would be with an elite goaltender. This is shaping up as an Ottawa Senators story, Thomas is more Lalime than Brodeur. Remember, a good system in Boston was capable of making Andrew Raycroft look like a future star at one time.

NY Islanders @ NJ Devils

J. MacDonald (vs Devils, 1-1-1, 1.67 GAA, .951 SV%) firm

K. Weekes (vs Islanders, 8-9-2, 3.01 GAA, .896 SV%) firm

Wow, the Islanders are one strained groin away from starting Peter Mannino. Has a GM ever strapped on oversized equipment and been the emergency starter? You better start stretching Mr. Snow. And what does it say about Kevin Weekes when he is under .500 against the NY ISLANDERS!!

Phoenix Coyotes @ Carolina Hurricanes

I. Bryzgalov (vs Hurricanes, 0-1-0, 5.74 GAA, .786 SV%) likely

C. Ward (vs Coyotes, 0-2-0, 5.40 GAA, .822 SV%) probable

Is it possible to fire the coach if he is a part owner? Just asking.

Philadelphia Flyers @ Buffalo Sabres

M. Biron (vs Sabres, 2-2-1, 3.88 GAA, .864 SV%) firm

R. Miller (vs Flyers, 7-3-1, 2.78 GAA, .905 SV%) probable

Martin Biron returns to the city that launched his mediocre career. Yawn. Something tells me the Sabres are not losing any sleep over that decision.

Nashville Predators @ Tampa Bay Lightning

D. Ellis (vs Lightning, 0-0-1, 1.97 GAA, .920 SV%) probable

M. Smith (vs Predators, 2-1-0, 2.34 GAA, .892 SV%) probable

The Lightning are 5-6-7. Only in NHL 2.0 could you lose 13 of 18 games and be within 4 points of a playoff spot. How does Gary Bettman have a job again?

Anaheim Mighty Ducks @ St. Louis Blues

JS Giguere (vs Blues, 10-2-2, 2.04 GAA, .920 SV%) probable

M. Legace (vs Ducks, 4-8-1, 3.82 GAA, .878 SV%) probable

Manny Legace was the second rated fantasy goaltender in 2006. Just thought I would mention that.

Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 20, 2008

2008-12-21T11:19:00.001-08:00

Don't look now, but the quiet resurection of Marty Turco's season has begun. Although he only has 2 wins in his last 5 starts he has only allowed 11 goals in those starts. The opportunity to buy low on Turco could disappear very quickly should he continue to improve his numbers over the next couple of weeks.

Just like anything in fantasy sports, patience is essential in winning championships. The opportunity to get lucky will always exist for individual owners, but maintaining a consistent contender requires patience.

Those who chose to panic early on and deal Turco, are probably the same owners who dealt away Martin Brodeur after his sluggish start to 2008.

The Dallas incumbent has put up 4 consecutive 30+ wins seasons, 6 times has produced a sub 2.50 GAA and has only once registered a save percentage below .900. Add in the fact that he plays on a Stars team that made the Conference finals last season and has not registered a season of less than 90 pts since 1996 and it remains a no brainer that he will rebound.

Keep poking around Turco owners, but your time may be running out to steal one of fantasy's elite goalkeepers.

With thanks to the Goalie Post, on to today's starters

Florida Panthers @ New Jersey Devils

T. Vokoun (vs Devils, 4-3-1, 2.54 GAA, .917 SV%) firm

S. Clemmensen (vs Panthers, 0-0-0) probable

Pure guess on Clemmensen, probably the same attitude that Brent Sutter takes when sending out his starting goaltender. Not quite the same as penciling in Fatso on a nightly basis.

Pittsburgh Penguins @ Atlanta Thrashers

D. Sabourin (vs Thrashers, 0-0-0) likely

J. Hedberg (vs Penguins, 1-0-0, 2.98 GAA, .824 SV%) probable

Thanks to the NHL, the Lehtonen situation has become ridiculous. Nobody knows what is wrong with him, this helps the NHL how? This is right up there with expanding to regions who don't care about hockey, the glowing puck and linkage in the salary cap that has caused the floor to approach the hard cap the NHLPA proposed 4 years ago. Bettman keeps his job how? I agree with the Sportsguy, Stern sent him from the NBA to sabotage the league.

Montreal Canadiens @ Ottawa Senators

C. Price (vs Senators, 3-2-0, 2.54 GAA, .916 SV%) likely

A. Auld (vs Canadiens, 1-2-1, 2.93 GAA, .903 SV%) firm

A battle of two struggling teams. Everybody thought the Habs had righted the ship with a 4-0 whipping of the Sens last week, but people still associate contender with the Senators, even though they have done nothing to earn that respect in the last calendar year. Kind of like people still buying AC DC records.

Vancouver Canucks @ Minnesota Wild

C. Sanford (vs Wild, 3-2-0, 2.63 GAA, .905 SV%) likely

N. Backstrom (vs Canucks, 7-2-3, 2.03 GAA, .928 SV%) probable

I think Roberto Luongo has earned the night off tonight. I still can't believe that Henrik Lundqvist yanked himself from the game. Can't remember the last time I saw that.

Chicago Blackhawks @ Dallas Stars

N. Khabibulin (vs Stars, 14-14-3, 2.77 GAA, .902 SV%) likely

M. Turco (vs Hawks, 14-2-1, 1.78 GAA, .925 SV%) probable

With Turco sporting a 14-2-1 career mark against the Hawks, it would seem like his resurrection should continue. But these aren't your daddy's Blackhawks, well, actually they are, the Hawks used to be good. Let's rephrase, these aren't your older brother's Blackhawks.

Calgary Flames @ Colorado Avalanche

M. Kiprusoff (vs Avs, 15-10-4, 2.76 GAA, .898 SV%) probable

P. Budaj (vs Flames, 4-8-1, 3.82 GAA, .878 SV%) firm

Is Peter Budaj so good that Raycroft cannot even get into a game? Ladies and gentlemen, the John Ferguson Jr. era.

Detroit Red Wings @ Edmonton Oilers

C. Osgood (vs Oilers, 16-8-7, 2.26 GAA, .913 SV%) firm

M. Garon (vs Red Wings, 3-3-0, 3.54 GAA, .893 SV%) probable

A team with three mediocre goalies, battles a team with no goalies at all, NEXT on versus.

Washington Capitals @ Los Angeles Kings

B. Johnson (vs Kings, 2-4-1, 2.71 GAA, .897 SV%) likely

E. Ersberg (vs Capitals, 0-0-0) firm

If Eric Ersberg played in Toronto this guy would be a rockstar, in LA, nobody cares. Toronto media has hyped in no discernable order: Andrew Raycroft, Damian Rhodes, Marcel Cousineau, Peter Ing, Mikael Telqvist, Jeff Reece, Alan Bester, Justin Pogge etc.

Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 19, 2008

2008-12-21T11:17:00.000-08:00

Huge game in New York City tonight.

The battle of the top two fantasy goalies in hockey takes place. Luongo enters the game trailing Lundqvist in three of four categories.

Lundqvist has posted two more wins than Luongo and holds a slim margin over him in GAA and SV%. The category where Luongo has the edge is in shutouts, a category in which he holds a 5-0 lead.

There is no doubt who is the more dominant player, most of the Canucks success is attributed to Luongo carrying them on his back. Lundqvist plays on a more complete Rangers squad and his value is helped by this fact.

Lundqvist is a solid number two right now in keeper leagues, but Luongo has been Dominik Hasek in 1998 dominant. In the month of November Bobby Lou has allowed 7 goals over his last 7 games on 207 shots. With his only losses registering in a shootout in 1-1 OT ties.

Will this game determine the number one goalie in fantasy? No. In a keeper league, that is Luongo's to keep. Lundqvist's could challenge should the Rangers remain on their 118 point pace, but that, is highly unlikely.

With thanks to the Goalie Post, on to today's starters

updated @ 2:34 PM

Buffalo Sabres @ Boston Bruins

R. Miller (vs Bruins, 12-4-4, 2.49 GAA, .913 SV%) probable

M. Fernandez (vs Sabres, 4-0-1, 1.77 GAA, .941 SV%) probable

Ryan Miller has come crashing down to earth after the Sabres quick start. After winning 7 of his first 9 starts and back to back shutouts, Miller has given up 15 goals in his last 4 games. Good thing he plays in such an optimistic city like Buffalo.

Vancouver Cannucks @ NY Rangers

R. Luongo (vs Rangers, 6-10-2. 2.65, .921 SV%) firm

H. Lundqvist (vs Canucks, 0-1-0, 3.03 GAA, .903 SV%) firm

We haven't seen a matchup like this with two stars at the top of their games since Traci Lords hooked up with John Holmes in the early 80s. Nice to have the Center Ice package on nights like these.

Washington Capitals @ Anaheim Ducks

J. Theodore (vs Ducks, 5-4-0, 2.72 GAA, .917 SV%) probable

J. Hiller (vs Capitals, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, .000 SV%) probable

Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 18, 2008

2008-11-18T06:18:00.000-08:00

It seems that every time I praise a goaltender or slam one the exact opposite seems to occur. (note to self, slam Carey Price tomorrow)

After I pointed out how Miikka Kiprusoff's numbers had plummeted over the last 4 years he immediately put up 5 straight wins and allowed 8 goals in 5 games.

Same with Steve Mason, Carey Price and Tim Thomas. So this can be a valuable resource for you. Read what I write, and do the opposite. Just like Costanza, it may lead you to fantasy glory!

Since then he has allowed 26 goals in 6 games. I am not sure wether he is toast or off to another slow start.

When all else fails though, look at the declining numbers. Those have not lied. His save percentage is marginally up, and goals against average down since my last post, but they are still in stark contrast to the elite numbers we had been accustom to.

Prepare for the resurrection folks! Starting tonight.

With thanks to the Goalie Post, on to today's starters

Minnesota Wild @ Pittsburgh Penguins

N. Backstrom (vs Penguins, 0-0-0) probable

D. Sabourin (vs Lightning, 1-1-0, 2.00 GAA, .933 SV%) firm

Marc Andre Fleury will miss tonight because of an undisclosed injury. You know, the type that aren't a big deal but the team refuses to discuss it. What are we talking about here hemroids? And if it is hemroids, would they call that out with an ass? If it isn't major why can't they discuss it? The NHL needs to take a page from the most succesful league in the world, the NFL and disclose all injuries, more Bettman nonsense.

Montreal Canadiens @ Carolina Hurricanes

C. Price (vs Hurricanes, 1-1-0. 3.43. .905 SV%) firm

C. Ward (vs Canadiens, 6-2-2, 2.65 GAA, .916 SV%) probable

Here we go again, Mr. Career .898 SV% standing on his head against the Canadiens again. You would think his name was Camèron Wardieux.

Edmonton Oilers @ Columbus Blue Jackets

M. Garon (vs Jackets, 6-1-2, 2.31 GAA, .926 SV%) probable

P. Leclaire (vs Oilers, 1-1-2, 2.65 GAA, .894 SV%) firm

If you employ one of the Oilers threesome, get used to the flip of the coin prognostication for their starting goaltender. Waiting til 8:30 EST to set your goaltender will become a familiar routine.

Florida Panthers @ Tampa Bay Lightning

T. Vokoun (vs Bolts, 5-5-1, 2.74 GAA, .913 SV%) firm

M. Smith (vs Panthers, 0-2-1, 2.99 GAA, .902 SV%) firm

Looking at this matchup reminds me of what Jack Kent Cooke said when informed there were 300,000 former Canadians living within a three-hour drive of Los Angeles, and remarked, "Now I know why they left Canada: They hate hockey!". Old people in Florida go there to get away from the cold, or shitty hockey teams. Take your pick.

Chicago Blackhawks @ Phoenix Coyotes

N. Khabibulin (vs Coyotes, 8-3-1, 1.82 GAA, .935 SV%) probable

I. Bryzgalov (vs Hawks, 4-3-2, 2.17 GAA, .915 SV%) probable

Has anybody ever paid more money for 7 wins? Right now the Hawks are paying $1.7M per win. Who says Brian Burke has no chance of ending up in Chicago.

Colorado Avalanche @ Calgary Flames

P. Budaj (vs Flames, 4-7-1, 3.88 GAA, .871 SV%) probable

M. Kiprusoff (vs Avs, 14-10-4, 2.82 GAA, .897 SV%) probable

Bet the house on the Flames tonight!

Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 16, 2008

2008-11-16T06:17:00.000-08:00

If you are a fantasy football player you know the importance of handcuffing a backup running back to it's starter. The same principle applies in Fantasy Hockey.

Players like Chris Osgood, Patrick Lalime and Vesa Toskala were more valuable because of the team they played for than their ability.

Well with Nabokov's lower body injury, or as the NFL would say, out with a leg, Brian Boucher should be an immediate add for Nabokov's owners. At first glance it looked like Nabokov would make a quick return, but it looks like it could be nagging and therefore a long term concern.

The Sharks are showing they are among the class of the West and will most likely put up 50+ wins. If Nabokov is out for a sustained period of time, Boucher will be protected enough and has enough ability to make a huge difference. It is a low risk, high reward gamble as dumping your worst player may reward you with the goaltender on a top 2 team in the Western Conference.

If he is still available, act now.

With thanks to the Goalie Post, on to today's starters

Tampa Bay Lightning @ Carolina Hurricanes

M. Smith (vs Hurricanes, 0-2-1, 4.89 GAA, .865 SV%) probable

C. Ward (vs Lightning, 7-7-1, 3.00 GAA, .895 SV%) probable

The owners in Tampa are a joke. But the bigger joke is the NHL media who looked at all the nonsensical moves they made in the off season and branded them a contender. Anytime you want to fool media, go out and sign as many big names as possible regardless of the fit. They see the names and automatically predict improvement. Who cares that hockey is won from the goaltender out and that the Lightning went into the season with an unproven netminder and a defense thinner than Nicole Ritchie.

Montreal Canadiens @ St. Louis Blues

C. Price (vs Blues, 0-0-0) firm

M. Legace (vs Canadiens, 2-0-0, 2.40 GAA, .904 SV%)) probable

This would have looked like a slam dunk two weeks ago for the Canadiens, but they are legitimately struggling. The wheels have come off because a couple of teams have pushed back. Are the Canadiens in the Tavares hunt? No, but their flaws have been exposed very early. If the coaching staff has the chops to counteract those flaws it may be a good thing, if not, look for another playoff flameout.

Atlanta Thrashers @ Philadelphia Flyers

J. Hedberg (vs Flyers, 1-5-1, 3.65 GAA, .871 SV%) probable

A. Niittymaki (vs Thrashers, 10-0-0, 1.51 GAA, .946 SV%) firm

It is amazing how french goaltenders get up to play the Canadiens. Martin Biron has been a disaster all year, yet last night he looked like the second coming of Bernie Parent in Montreal.

Not sure if it was the Habs sucking, or Biron playing great. I tend to lean to the Habs sucking myself.

San Jose Sharks @ Chicago Blackhawks

B. Boucher (vs Hawks, 4-2-2, 1.84 GAA, .930 SV%) probable

C. Huet (vs Sharks, 0-2-1, 3.65 GAA, .863 SV%) probable

Can you say somebody is slumping because they have given up 9 goals in their last 4 games? Boucher is off to a sick start and will continue to produce as long as Nabokov is out.

LA Kings @ Anaheim Ducks

J. Labarbera (vs Ducks, 3-2-1, 2.41 GAA, .916 SV%) probable

JS Giguere (vs Kings, 17-11-7, 2.77 GAA, .917 SV%) probable

Labarbera better be ready to stand on his head tonight, because Ersberg has a firm grip on the starters job and does not look like he is willing to let it go.

Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 15, 2008

2008-11-15T08:34:00.001-08:00

Will Jason Laberbera see another start this season?

After starting the seasons first 10 games and registering an underwhelming 3-5-1 record with a sub .900 SV% and a +3.00 GAA the LA Kings came to their senses and started Erik Ersberg.

Ersberg has rewarded the Kings with a 4-0-1 record and a 1.94 GAA and a .908 SV%. Ersberg's only loss was a 1-0 OT loss to the Anaheim Ducks.

Ersberg had a fantastic debut last season and although it did not register in wins, he did post a sub 2.50 GAA and a .927 SV%.

Is he worth running out to your waiver wire to claim? Well I wouldn't say that, because the biggest asterik beside his name is the fact that he plays with the Kings. But the Kings are overflowing with great young talent and have lacked any type of consistent goaltending to allow them to contend for a playoff spot.

If you are desperate for a goaltender than Ersberg is worth the add. He is hot right now and is most likely to remain the starter for the forseeable future, a short term influx of wins or a roll of the dice that he is Kiprusoff/Backstrom 3.0 is not a terrible gamble

With thanks to the Goalie Post, on to today's starters

Philadelphia Flyers @ Montreal Canadiens

M. Biron (vs Canadiens, 12-8-0, 2.28 GAA, .921 SV%) firm

J. Halak (vs Flyers, 0-0-0) firm

The Habs have been slumping for 3 weeks now and it looks like they have placed the responsibilty on Jaroslav Halak to right the ship tonight. Much like they did in the playoffs and Jaro could not deliver. Let's see if the Habs have something to prove after rolling over in 5 to the Flyers last year. No shock that Biron gets the start, Philly is hoping the goalposts in Montreal remain his good friends.

Washington Capitals @ New Jersey Devils

J. Theodore (vs Devils, 5-13-0, 2.59 GAA, 0.913 SV%) probable

S. Clemmensen (vs Capitals, 1-2-0, 2.43 GAA, .902 SV%)) firm

Nothing like a 5 game benching behind a career backup to force your pride to kick in. Theodore had a strong game last night, shame he didn't realize summer vacation ended 3 months ago.

Ottawa Senators @ NY Islanders

A. Auld (vs Islanders, 1-1-0, 2.62 GAA, .922 SV%) firm

J. MacDonald (vs Senators, 2-0-0, 1.50 GAA, .953 SV%) probable

Funny to think that last year at this time the Senators were 15-2 and everybody thought they were on their way to avenging their Stanley Cup loss. Since then they have gone 34-37-10, contrast that to the Maple Leafs record of 36-33-10 and what does that say about how far the Sens have fallen.

Boston Bruins @ NY Rangers

T. Thomas (vs Rangers, 2-4-2, 3.27 GAA, .892 SV%) probable

H. Lundqvist (vs Bruins, 8-1-2, 1.32 GAA, .953 SV%) firm

I am not ready to jump aboard the Tim Thomas bandwagon, but even I cannot deny that somehow he puts up great stats with abysmal technique. The history on goaltenders like him shows when they fade, they fade fast. He is a monster sell high right now. He is locked in a platoon with Manny Fernandez and is highly unlikely to maintain a +.940 SV% and a sub 2.00 GAA.

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Vancouver Canucks

V. Toskala (vs Canucks, 3-2-0, 3.15 GAA, .896 SV%) probable

R. Luongo (vs Leafs, 6-6-2, 2.43 GAA, .925 SV%) probable

Everything points to the Canucks and Luongo who is playing superhuman right now, but the Leafs have been very plucky and have overachieved all year. It would not surprise me to see the Leafs win and send Leaf Nation into a tizzy.

Buffalo Sabres @ Pittsburgh Penguins

R. Miller (vs Penguins, 2-4-2, 2.62 GAA, .905 SV%) firm

MA Fleury (vs Sabres, 2-2-2, 3.25 GAA, .884 SV%) probable

Patrick Lalime never lets me down, how he remains employed in the NHL is a mystery to me.

Who needs a day off. Lalime was so bad last night that Miller had to play in order to avoid Lalime giving up 10 goals and Buffalo fans setting the city on fire, oh those aren't Sabres fans? Cheektowaga is always on fire?

Columbus Blue Jackets @ Minnesota Wild

S. Mason (vs Wild, 0-0-0) probable

N. Backstrom (vs Jackets, 4-1-0, 2.06 GAA, .928 SV%) probable

How come nobody mentions that Mikko Koivu only has 2 points in his last 7 games? Could it be possible that I overhyped him like TSN has Steve Mason? I am such a hypocrite.

Dallas Stars @ Phoenix Coyotes

M. Turco (vs Coyotes, 14-10-1, 2.53 GAA, .896 SV%) firm

I. Bryzgalov (vs Stars, 3-4-1, 2.13 GAA, .927 SV%) firm

Bryzgalov is one of those goalies who lacks value because of a lack of wins. He always puts up strong overall numbers, but even with the Ducks he failed to register big Win totals.

Colorado Avalanche @ Edmonton Oilers

P. Budaj (vs Oilers, 10-3-2, 2.47 GAA, .897 SV%) firm

M. Garon (vs Avalanche, 5-4-0, 3.28GAA, .888 SV%) probable

Does any NHL coach have a more depressing goaltending situation than the Avalanche? Who should I start tonight? Budaj or Raycroft, does it really matter? And the menage a trois going on in Edmonton? It is about as desirable as watching 2008 Ron Jeremy with Nina Hartley and Ginger Lynn

Nashville Predators @ Los Angeles Kings

P. Rinne (vs Kings, 0-0-0) probable

E. Ersberg (vs Predators, 1-1-0, 1.70 GAA, .940 SV%) probable

Erik Ersberg is either 2004 Miikka Kiprusoff or 2008 Dan Ellis? Head or Tails?

Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 14, 2008

2008-11-14T17:02:00.002-08:00

Sorry about the no show yesterday, TSN deadline crunch wiped out my entire day yesterday, and a trade veto in my fantasy hockey league lead to 9 hours of debates and insults, good times.

Anyways, lets get back to business and the return of the starting goaltenders.

With the continuing injury woes of Kari Lehtonen the name Ondrej Pavelec should be on the minds of all keeper league owners.

The continuing frustration with Lehtonen's consistent health issues could lead to Pavelec's ascendency, sooner rather than later.

The Czech goalie posseses all the skills of a future starting NHL goaltender. An athletic butterfly goaltender, he likes to challenge and possesses great anticipation, as well as the calm demeanour and mental focus that could propel him to the star level. His biggest drawback at this point is inconsistency and the fact that he may languish on a bad to mediocre Thrashers team for some time. But in a keeper league patience is essential to winning a championship.

With OHL and international experience added to his AHL championship, Pavelec has the resume for NHL success. Add in a coach who rode him to that AHL title at the NHL level and the trigger may be pulled on Lehtonen much quicker than you think.

If your league has a minor league system, or you have extra roster space, Pavelec is a must add.

With thanks to the Goalie Post, on to today's starters

New Jersey Devils @ Washington Capitals

S. Clemmensen (vs Capitals, 1-1-0, 2.61 GAA, .893 SV%) probable

J. Theodore (vs Devils, 4-13-0, 2.69 GAA, .909 SV%) firm

Well, well, well. Jose Theodore worked his ass off in practice and apparently did not allow a goal in the last week and forced the Caps to place him back between the pipes, well, not really.

Brent Johnson got hurt and Boudreau has been left with no choice but to start the 4 Million Dollar man.

Columbus Blue Jackets @ Buffalo Sabres

P. Leclaire (vs Sabres, 1-0-0, 0.00 GAA, 1.000 SV%) likely

P. Lalime (vs Jackets, 7-3-0, 2.64 GAA, .896 SV%)) probable

The ugly bastard is back between the pipes and the Steve Mason hype has all of a sudden subsided after his mediocre showing against the Coyotes. Look at his numbers, are those really deserving of the Canadian media's latest lovefest and last weeks 2nd NHL star? Take it away Flava! Wow, a Patrick Lalime start without a rant from me, now that is a first!

Carolina Hurricanes @ Atlanta Thrashers

C. Ward (vs Thrashers, 10-5-2, 3.42 GAA, .882 SV%) likely

J. Hedberg (vs Hurricanes, 7-4-2, 3.04 GAA, .902 SV%) likely

How much better would Pavelec look with the acquisition of Tavares or Hedman? The shit has not settled at the bottom of the bowl yet, and Atlanta is one of the teams that has shown shocking buoyancy.

Detroit Red Wings @ Florida Panthers

T. Conklin (vs Panthers, 5-0-0, 1.59 GAA, .951 SV%) likely

C. Anderson (vs Wings, 0-2-0, 3.11 GAA, .908 SV%) firm

Will this be the night where Detroit gets a shutout and allows no shots on goal, proving once and for all that they don't really need a goalie? I am torn on wether this will happen first, or if Osgood will give up 1 goal on 1 shot in a 1-0 loss.

St. Louis Bluess @ Chicago Blackhawks

M. Legace (vs Hawks, 11-9-0, 2.29 GAA, .912 SV%) probable

N. Khabibulin (vs Blues, 18-14-3, 2.85 GAA, .908 SV%) firm

Can the Hawks please get off their asses and trade one of their goalies? Platoons destroy fantasy sports.

Nashville Predators @ Anaheim Ducks

D. Ellis (vs Ducks, 0-1-0, 5.05 GAA, .865 SV%) probable

JS Giguere (vs Predators, 13-6-0, 1.77 GAA, .938 SV%) probable

Nothing like a sophomore jinx at the age of 28, two years in a row the Predators have sold off their previous starter because of strong seasons by journeymen goaltenders. Does that make sense to you?

Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 12, 2008

2008-11-14T17:02:00.001-08:00

Manny Legace is another in a long line of Canadian World Junior heroes.

His path to the NHL was very rocky and his perseverence gained my respect from "another World junior has been" to "boy, he is a solid NHL goaltender".

Drafted by the Hartford Whalers 188th overall in 1993, Legace looked to be the goalie of the future for the Mighty Whale after being awarded the top goaltender in the 1993 World Junior championships.

But stardom would not come easy for Legace. An apprenticeship with the Springfield Falcons lead to individual honours, he also spent time with the Richmond Renegades and Las Vegas Thunder. After a trade to the Kings he found himself with the Long Beach IceDogs and finally made his debut at 26.

Legace finally signed with the Wings, but was promptly claimed by the Canucks, and then reclaimed by the Wings two weeks later. He was now off to the Manitoba Moose.

Legace finally got his shot in the NHL when he beat out Ken Wregget and his chance to backup Chris Osgood. In a non-shock, Legace beat out Osgood as the starter and posted a 24-5-5 record. This created some minor fantasy waves that were quickly dissapated with the signing of Dominik Hasek. Back to the backup role. With the retirement of Hasek came the signing of CuJo and the goalie carousel had Legace bouncing between starter and backup.

After the lockout Legace was finally handed the coveted starter's job and ran with it to the tune of a 37-8-0 record, winning many owners their league championship in the process, and creating the yearly late round selection of any mediocre Red Wing starter. Proving that team is more important than goaltender ability.

A poor playoff showing banished Legace from fantasy relevance as the Wings cut bait to go with the inferior Osgood. Most likely ending any fantasy relevance for him in the future. But the way the Wings seem to recycle goaltenders, you never know.

Fantasy Sense tips their glass to Manny for never giving up.

With thanks to the Goalie Post, on to tonight's games.

Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 11, 2008

2008-11-14T17:01:00.001-08:00

We must remember. If we do not, the sacrifice of those one hundred thousand Canadian lives will be meaningless. They died for us, for their homes and families and friends, for a collection of traditions they cherished and a future they believed in; they died for Canada. The meaning of their sacrifice rests with our collective national consciousness; our future is their monument

Seeing as it is Rememberance Day, I though I would profile a Maple Leaf. A Finnish one, it's a stretch, but still a Maple Leaf.

I think one of the most amazing thing in the early season has been the success of the Leafs with a relatively mediocre effort by Vesa Toskala.

Toskala has been extremely ordinary this season with a 3+ GAA and a sub .900 SV%. Last season he was required to stand on his head on a nightly basis and it was still not enough to get the Leafs within 10 points of the playoffs.

The general consensus was that in order for the Leafs to maintain any level of competitiveness, that Toskala would need a Jose Theodore in 2002 like performance. If Toskala does raise the level of his game does this make him a viable fantasy option? As the unchallenged starter can Toskala win 30+ games? Did the Leafs front office play us all for suckers in their attempt to downplay their playoff chances?

I have thought the Leafs are a borderline playoff contender ever since the hired Ron Wilson, but my theory included a monster season by Toskala. I still think he will raise his level and become a solid fantasy backup, and with Wilson getting every ounce of talent out of this Leafs squad, the history of MLSE pretty much assures John Tavares will be an afterthought come Februrary.

I understand that you all want to believe that Fletcher is running the show and that Richard Peddie finally understands. But the pattern of this franchise has always been chase the money first, worry about the fans last. There is a reason the Leafs hired Ron Wilson, and it was not to teach the young players how to play, it was to make the playoffs sooner rather than later.

Until the Leafs actually gut their roster and not go out and acquire players in the mold of Jamal Mayers for important rebuilding draft picks, then I will believe in their plan. But the way this season has unfolded so far, I am far from convinced. Toskala is a definite watch and see, because he has the talent to warrant a fantasy roster spot, just not the team to make him a viable starter.....yet.

With thanks to the Goalie Post, on to today's starters

Philadelphia Flyers @ New York Islanders

M. Biron (vs Islanders, 15-4-1, 1.92 GAA, .932 SV%) firm

J. MacDonalds (vs Flyers, 0-3-0, 3.94 GAA, .861 SV%) probable

One of these goalies is shit and everybody knows it, and the other one is shit and nobody knows it. One strong playoff series does not change that, ask Johan Hedberg, Steve Penny and Steve Shields.

Pittsburgh Penguins @ Detroit Red Wings

MA Fleury (vs Red Wings, 1-2-0, 2.68 GAA, .919 SV%) probable

C. Osgood (vs Penguins, 8-8-1, 2.90 GAA, .892 SV%)) firm

Stanley Cup rematch. If they had switched goaltender last season, would it have been possible to sweep a team in three games? How Detroit continually wins Cups with nobody in goal is astounding and the real genius behind Ken Holland.

Ottawa Senators @ Montreal Canadiens

A. Auld (vs Canadiens, 1-1-1, 2.49 GAA, .917 SV%) firm

C. Price (vs Senators, 2-2-0, 3.06 GAA, .900 SV%) firm

Another team who tried to win a Cup for 7 years without goaltending. didn't work so well for them though.

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Calgary Flames

V. Toskala (vs Flames, 2-1-0, 1.67 GAA, .948 SV%) probable

M. Kiprusoff (vs Leafs, 1-1-1, 2.99 GAA, .913 SV%) probable

The battle of Nabokov's backups. Amazing that the Sharks had three starting goaltenders on their roster just 4 seasons ago. And one wonders why they are so good right now, you win through the draft and unearthing free agent gems, not throwing big cash at UFAs like Jason Blake and Pavel Kubina.

Nashville Predators @ San Jose Sharks

D. Ellis (vs Ducks, 0-1-0, 2.07 GAA, .952 SV%) probable

B. Boucher (vs Panthers, 3-3-1, 3.52 GAA, .878 SV%) probable

A matchup of two 25+ year old goaltenders who were in the minors last season. Ellis, Boucher on Versus tonight!

Dallas Stars @ LA Kings

M .Turco (vs Ducks, 14-10-5, 2.60 GAA, .901 SV%) firm

E. Ersberg (vs Panthers, 1-1-0, 4.22 GAA, .865 SV%) firm

Can somebody please remove the humongous fork from Marty Turco's back, it is affecting his mobility.

Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 10, 2008

2008-11-10T07:45:00.001-08:00

The prodigal son returns tonight in Washington.

Olaf Kolzig gets the start tonight in the city in which he spent the first 16 years of his career. Kolzig's career peaked beginning in the 1998 season when as an injury replacement for Bill Ranford he backstopped an underdog Capitals team to the Stanley Cup Finals. He was no St. Patrick though as the Red Wings dispatched the Capitals in four straight.

Kolzig enjoyed a monster 2000 season which put him on the fantasy radar. He won the Vezina trophy and went 41-20-11 with 5 shutouts. But with a Vezina and a Stanley Cup Finals experience under his belt, Kolzig's name always carried more weight than his actual performance. When one looks back on his career he is marginally over .500 at 302-294-63-24 and if you factor in shootout losses he has gone to the dressing room a loser more often than a winner.

Kolzig casts a large shadow for his replacement, but it is more based on his work of a decade ago, then of anything he has been able to muster over the recent past. Here is hoping that he can go in and recapture the form that the Capitals faithful remember him for tonight.

Once again with thanks to the Goalie Post, on to tonight's games.

Edmonton Oilers @ New York Rangers

D. Roloson (vs NY Rangers, 1-3-2, 2.25 GAA, .909 SV%) probable

H. Lundqvist (vs Panthers, 1-0-1, 2.90 GAA, .891 SV%) probable

The goaltending carousel in Edmonton continues. How much confidence can you have in your goaltenders when you can't choose between three?

Florida Panthers @ Anaheim Ducks

O. Kolzig (vs Ducks, 0-0-0) firm

B. Johnson (vs Panthers, 5-2-3, 2.43 GAA, .917 SV%) likely

One wonders why you would invest 4.5M a year in a goalie who is putting up numbers no better than the 38 year old who owns the all-time win record for the franchise? You think George McPhee hands out business cards that say GM, Stanley Cup Finalist 1998. That Stanley Cup Finals appearance was so long ago that I had a 33.3 modem to connect to the internet and I had no idea what an MP3 was. What is the expiration date on receiving credit for taking a team to a four game sweep?

Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 9, 2008

2008-11-09T10:30:00.001-08:00

I remember when Kari Lehtonen was the next great Finish goaltender. With the emergence of Miika Kiprusoff in the 2004 playoffs and Vesa Toskala in San Jose and Antero Niittymaki winning the Calder Cup MVP, the Finnish goaltender had replaced the Quebec goaltender as the next fad.

When Lehtonen was drafted 2nd overall in 2002 they hype had him projected as the next superstar goaltender, being Finnish just intensified the hype. When he made his 4 game debut in 2004 those in the know rushed to the waiver wire to acquire his rights.
A chance to acquire the next great goaltender for nothing? In a keeper league this was a golden opportunity. 4 games, 5 goals against and a shutout and the hype had intensified.

Lehtonen followed that debut with an outstanding performance during the 2005 AHL season with the Wolves. With the return of NHL hockey he was handed the Thrashers number one job and immediately injured his groin in the first game of the season. Upon his return his performance was not as dynamic as his debut but a solid rookie performance was once again undermined by a late season ankle injury. At this point the injuries were overlooked and Lehtonen looked to be a fixture in goal on a rising Thrashers squad. In a keeper league he remained a hot commodity.

For all the patient owners Lehtonen rewarded them with 34 wins and a .912 SV%. His goals against average was in the high two's, but he had finally begun to scratch the surface on his TUP (tremendous upside potential).

Well, the next season the injury bug raised it's ugly head again and the disastrous move of trading Braydon Coburn for Alexei Zhitnik and the loss of Marian Hossa wiped the lustre of the potential powerhouse in Atlanta. So now Lehtonen owners were left with a charter member of the Marian Havorik All-Stars on a team that was closer to the lottery than the playoffs, a far cry from the potential All-Star on the Cup contender.

Now 14 games into the 2009 season Lehtonen has already hit the IL and has Ondrej Pavelec nipping on his heels. So the big question is, can Lehtonen ever reach that untapped potential or was he the product of Justin Pogge type hype?

My guess would be a change of scenery is the most likely scenario to recessitate his career, and your only option if you are a Lehtonen owner is to hold onto him until he can regain some of his previous lofty ranking. Anything outside trading him to a Thrashers fan will most likely result in you getting burnt.

With thanks to the Goalie Post, on to tonight's starters.

Atlanta Thrashers @ Carolina Hurricanes

K. Lehtonen (vs Hurricanes, 3-9-1, 3.87 GAA, .880 SV%) probable

C. Ward (vs Thrashers, 10-4-2, 3.33 GAA, .887 SV%) probable

Following the 2006 season these two goalies could have returned you a boatload in trade. Today? Essentially nothing.

Calgary Flames @ Chicago Blackhawks

M. Kiprusoff (vs Hawks, 8-4-3, 2.23 GAA, .923 SV%) likely

C. Huet (vs Flames, 1-4-1, 2.96 GAA, .890 SV%)) firm

You think this is what Cristobal Huet had in mind when he left Washington? You have to love professional sports. The Capitals are happy as hell with Huet after his strong stretch run last season, Huet is happy with being the undisputed starter in DC, and the Caps lowball him, Huet goes looking for the money and now they are both unhappy.

Edmonton Oilers @ New Jersey Devils

D. Roloson (vs Devils, 0-6-2, 2.97 GAA, .889 SV%) probable

K. Weekes (vs Oilers, 1-2-0, 3.62 GAA, .880 SV%) probable

The battle of the journeymen, how exciting.

San Jose Sharks @ Phoenix Coyotes

B. Boucher (vs Coyotes, 1-2-2, 3.95 GAA, .870 SV%) probable

I. Bryzgalov (vs Shark, 5-4-1, 2.35 GAA, .922 SV%)) firm

Boucher seems to have caught fire again, ride him while he is hot, because when he cools down, he cools all the way down to Worcester.

Florida Panthers @ Anaheim Ducks

C. Anderson (vs Ducks, 0-2-0, 3.55 GAA, .863 SV%) probable

JS Giguere (vs Panthers, 4-3-1, 2.73 GAA, .911 SV%) probable

Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 8, 2008

2008-11-07T20:14:00.000-08:00

With thanks to the Goalie Post.

Thank God for Jesus Price.

Before the arrival of Carey Price being a hab fan in Toronto was not an enjoyable experience. Since the departure of Patrick Roy the Canadiens began a decade long slide that included being owned by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

After Hab fans ran Jocelyn Thibault out of town and the Leafs switched to the Eastern Conference the Leafs OWNED the Canadiens. No matter who the Canadiens put between the pipes it did not seem to matter.

Jeff Hackett was a miserable 8-18-3 against the Buds. Jose Theodore 5-10-5 and Cristobal Huet the best of the bunch was 3-4-1. Two of those wins for Huet came in back to back games that eliminated the Leafs from the playoff picture in 2006. Other than that lone bright spot, it was a miserable ten seasons.

When Price was given his first start against the Leafs I had high hopes that he could end the decade long depression. In his 5th career NHL start he drew the Leafs in Toronto. The Leafs dominated the Canadiens outshooting them 40-25 but the Canadiens hung tough due to the play of the rookie. Price kept it close long enough for Bryan McCabe to make one of his patented boners sending Komisarek in all alone to end the game in OT.

Two weeks later Price once again drew the start against the Leafs and once again the Leafs threw the kitchen sink at him again. The Leafs outshot the Habs 46-30 yet came out on the short end of a 4-3 Canadiens shootout victory.

Price's career numbers against the Leafs consist of a 4-1-0 record, with a 2.17 GAA and a .935 SV%. Thank you Jesus Price for ending my Toronto nightmare.

note: Halfway through this post I realized I have probably jinxed the Canadiens for the second straight night as Steve Mason enjoyed a strong night on Friday in a 4-3 Blue Jackets win. But I rationalized keeping this post up by blaming Jaroslav Halak for a less than stellar performance.

If the Canadines lose tonight, my 7 readers all of whom are Leaf fans can thank me on Sunday.

On to tonight's starters

Buffalo Sabres @ Boston Bruins

P.Lalime (vs Bruins, 10-5-3, 2.83 GAA, .907 SV%) probable

T. Thomas (vs Sabres, 6-6-2, 3.09 GAA, .901 SV%) probable

A matchup of a goalie who can't stop pucks versus a guy who can, yet I have no idea how.

Montreal Canadiens @ Toronto Maple Leafs

C. Price (vs Maple Leafs, 4-1-0, 2.17 GAA, .935 SV%) firm

V. Toskala (vs Canadiens, 4-2-1, 3.09 GAA, .893 SV%) probable

Seeing as Jaroslav Halak has started 2 out 3 Canadiens losses, it will be nice to see Jesus Price back between the pipes. Does this mean that the Canadiens think that Toronto is better than Columbus?

Pittsburgh Penguins @ NY Islanders

D. Sabourin (vs Islanders, 1-1-0, 3.01 GAA, .887 SV%) probable

J. MacDonald (vs Penguins, 0-0-0, 3.00 GAA, .895 SV%) probable

It is probably not a good sign when the best goalie you have is sitting in the General Manager's suite and that goalie sucked as well.

Tampa Bay Lightning @ Philadelphia Flyers

O. Kolzig (vs Flyers, 14-19-3, 2.74 GAA, .908 SV%) probable

M. Biron (vs Lightning, 10-7-2, 2.70 GAA, .906 SV%) firm

Is Bobby Clarke still the GM? When is Philly going to realize you can't win shit without great goaltending. Martin Biron, is NOT the answer. Unless your question is which goalie is overrated.

NY Rangers @ Washington Capitals

H. Lundqvist (vs Capitals, 1-3-0, 2.52 GAA, .913 SV%) firm

B. Johnson (vs Rangers, 1-0-0, 2.66 GAA, ,875 SV%) likely

I've got nothing. I love New York City?

New Jersey Devils @ Detroit Red Wings

K. Weekes (vs Red Wings, 0-6-1, 4.60 GAA, .872 SV%) probable

C. Osgood (vs Devils, 5-9-1, 2.72 GAA, .908 SV%) probable

My hanging shirt is better than your hanging shirt. Looking at those career marks you have to wonder if this has the possibility of going to a 75 shooter shootout with zero saves and Gary Bettman calls down and rewards the first tie in NHL 2.0 history. I expect a huge night from you tonight Mr. Parise.

Calgary Flames @ Columbus Blue Jackets

M. Kiprusoff (vs Jackets, 10-3-2, 1.81 GAA, .933 SV%) probable

S. Mason (vs Flames, 0-0-0) probable

After last night's win the Steve Mason hype machine gains steam. Who cares if he has a 3.37 GAA and a .889 SV%, HE IS 2-0! The story of him being a saviour is much better. Meh

Nashville Predators @ Colorado Avalanche

D. Ellis (vs Avalanche, 1-0-0, 1.00 GAA, 1.000 SV%) probable

P. Budaj (vs Predators, 4-2-0, 2.62 GAA, .918 SV%) probable

Dan Ellis has been stinking out the joint this year, but when you employ two sieve's in net you go with the guy who has a perfect record right?

Florida Panthers @ Phoenix Coyotes

T. Vokoun (vs Coyotes, 11-7-1, 2.51 GAA, .916 SV%) firm

I. Bryzgalov (vs Panthers, 0-0-0) firm

At what point do people start calling out Gretzky for being a shitty coach? I love the great one, but if he was the first line center and had put up 40 points a year for his first 3 years would the media tell everybody he is a star but has shitty wingers?

Minnesota Wild @ Vancouver Canucks

N. Backstrom (vs Canucks, 7-1-3, 2.03 GAA, .928 SV%) probable

R. Loungo (vs Wild, 6-11-4, 2.94 GAA, .892 SV%) probable

Ride the gino until he gives up a goal, then ride him some more. (Anti jinx alert LUONGO SUCKS).

Dallas Stars @ San Jose Sharks

M. Turco (vs Sharks, 20-7-5, 2.21 GAA, .913 SV%) probable

B. Boucher (vs Stars, 4-4-3, 2.31 GAA, .924 SV%) firm

What are the odds that Boucher puts up 3 straight shutouts? You say he did it 5 times in a row before? Nevermind.

St. Louis Blues @ Los Angeles Kings

C. Mason (vs Kings, 4-1-1, 1.44 GAA, .951 SV%) probable

E. Ersberg (vs Blues, 0-1-0, 3.06 GAA, .903 SV%)) firm

Hey look, a team exists that Chris Mason can defeat.

Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 7, 2008

2008-11-07T20:12:00.000-08:00

Justin Pogge, Jeff Glass, Stephane Fiset, Trevor Kidd, Manny Legace, Jamie Storr, Marc Denis and Steve Mason.

Jimmy Waite, Jose Theodore, Roberto Luongo and Carey Price.

After watching 20 years of World Junior tournaments those are the goalies who either backstopped a Gold medal squad, or were so outstanding that their performances left a permanent mark on my brain, there is a possibility the mark may have been caused by alcohol abuse, but I am not a doctor.

With the debut of one World Junior stiff replacing another, I thought I would caution all you keeper league junkies "Don't Believe the Hype". For 20 years Canada has trumpeted the Team Canada starter as a future star and rarely if every does this occur. From the TSN coverage you would have believed that Justin Pogge, Marc Denis and Stephane Fiset were the next Patrick Roy, when nothing could have been further from the truth. One longs for the days when CBC used to cover the tournament and misidentify Dale Craigwell for Tony McKegney.

It is easy to see greatness in goaltenders playing behind defenses made up of players like Dion Phaneuf, Chris Pronger, Braydon Coburn etc. With the amount of TV revenue on the line TSN has turned this tournament into a personal showcase for whoever Pierre Maguire has a hard on for at that moment. His man love for these teenage boys would be considered illegal in 49 US states (California excluded). But the bubble that exists during the last two weeks of December is not reality.

How many of the first list of goaltenders have actually become NHL stars? Zero. Steve Mason will be no different.

This brings me to the second list. The four goalies listed in the second group put on four of the greatest performances I have ever witnessed in that tournament. I do not know wether Jimmy Waite caught lightning in a bottle but he was unbelievable in 1988 and was the player most responsible for that victory. He is the only player on the list who never became the star that I though he would be. Waite enjoyed a great start to his pro career going 34-14-4 for the IHL's Indianapolis Ice, but was never able to replicate that success in the NHL. He never won more than 6 games in the NHL and never realized the potential he showed for those 2 weeks in 1987-88.

Jose Theodore was also spectacular between the pipes during the 1996 tournament but was overshadowed by Jarome Iginla. The 1996 team was a team short on star power, but those two put the team on their shoulders and carried Canada to it's 4th straight gold medal. You can tell in the World Junior tournament when a goalie is playing on a level above the competition and Theo was the first one to reach that level since Waite. His star rose to supernova but burnt out just as quickly after the 2002 MVP campaign.

In 1999 Roberto Luongo put on the greatest performance by a Canadian goalie that I have ever seen. Luongo dragged Canada to the finals and was unbelievable in the final game as Canada was outshot 40-18. The Russians needed OT to capture the Gold medal. That performance screamed future star. Unfortunately Mike Milbury was wining and dining Rick Dipietro's mom and preparing to give Luongo away for 25 cents on the dollar. How does this guy have a job again? But I digress. Luongo struggled initially in his first stint in the NHL, but eventually developed into the dominant goaltender he had shown during that 99 tournament.

The 2007 tournament was dominated by Carey Price. In 6 games Price finished 6-0 with a 1.14 GAA while registering 2 shutouts. A phenomenal 5 on 3 kill against the US in the 3rd period and the legendary Canada/US shootout helped Price (with help from Toews) capture the Tourney MVP. His individual performance was only outdone by Luongo. From there Price won the CHL goaltender of the year, the Jack Butterfield trophy (Calder Cup MVP) and made the jump to the NHL at the age of 20.

Steve Mason is a solid goaltender who played on the powerhouse London Knights, and a Kitchener Ranger team that didn't even need him to get the Memorial Cup Final in 2008. The glow of the World Junior experience has yet to fade, but once it does, Mason will likely be exposed for the average NHL goalie he is. A Trevor Kidd, Manny Legace career is nothing to sneeze at, but for fantasy purposes, the hype will never match the performance.

updated @ 5:15pm

On to tonight's starters

Ottawa Senators @ Carolina Hurricanes

M. Gerber (vs Hurricanes, 6-3-0, 1.92 GAA, .936 SV%) firm

M. Leighton (vs Senators, 0-1-0, 6.00 GAA, .813 SV%) probable

Barburner in Carolina tonight. Two career backups, lots of redneck fans, gasoline prices declining....Hey Ma....BOOM!

Montreal Canadiens @ Columbus Blue Jackets

J. Halak (vs Jackets, 1-0-0, 2.01 GAA, .939 SV%) firm

S. Mason (vs Canadiens, 0-0-0) firm

After dissing Steve Mason this game is shaping up as Mason standing on his head and a general fuck you in my direction. Who am I kidding, nobody reads this.

Atlanta Thrashers @ Buffalo Sabres

J. Hedberg (vs Sabres, 8-2-1, 2.44 GAA, .922 SV%) firm

R. Miller (vs Thrashers, 6-2-2, 2.31 GAA, .921 SV%) probable

Keeper league alert, add Onedrej Pavelec, you may thank me later.

Dallas Stars @ Anaheim Ducks

M. Turco (vs Ducks, 17-8-6, 2.12 GAA, .919 SV%) probable

JS Giguere (vs Stars, 12-17-3, 2.76 GAA. .896 SV%) likely

Right about now Marty Turco is very happy with the Avery/Ott show as it is taking all the attention away from his shitty play. That being said, Turco can be had for a bargain basement price right now, seek out the impatient owners and steal away.

Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 6, 2008

2008-11-06T14:02:00.001-08:00

With thanks to the Goalie Post, especially today as I am being whipped like a dog at TSN today.

I had a great rant about Steve Mason today, but something ridiculous like actually having a job got in the way. It is rare, but on occasion it becomes impossible to breakdown the days matchups. If you want somebody to blame, don't blame the man, don't blame JFJ, blame the Rookie Watch article.

Here are the matchups, insert whitty comments wherever you see fit and as always remember that Tim Thomas sucks, it doesn't matter who is starting for the Islanders because they suck anyways, Fatso is still 4 months away from returning and I am always accepting nominations for the Marian Havorik All-Stars.

Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 5, 2008

2008-11-05T11:48:00.001-08:00

With thanks to the Goalie Post.

I have been reading plenty of fantasy insight on the web that Chris Mason is a legit fantasy pickup because of Manny Legace's injury and his previous success in Nashville.

My advice. Why waste a move? Don't bother. It is wonderful to wax poetic about the fantastic season he enjoyed as a 31 year old nobody in 2007, but do not fall into the trap that the Nashville Predators did.

The 2007 Preds were a powerful team and Mason rode that to redemption, all the while playing with the knowledge that he was a backup.

Twice in his career he was handed the reigns by the Predators and both times he fell flat on his face.

Opportunity one came in 2006 when the Predators were a darkhorse candidate to win a Cup, Mason was less than spectacular in a 4-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks. The San Jose Sharks!! You can't register more than one win playing a team lead by the Tin Man Joe Thornton? Red Flag number one.

Opportunity two came in 2008 when incumbent netminder Tomas Vokoun was dealt to the Florida Panthers and Mason was handed the starting job. Well 18 wins in 45 starts and a sub .900 SV% followed and he lost his starting job to career backup Dan Ellis. Red Flag number two.

Now Manny Legace trips over the red carpet trying to look up Sarah Palin's skirt and people are expecting Mason to run with the ball again? I doubt it. The Blues are a team who are making positive strides towards respectability, but they are not good enough to carry this journeyman.

On to tonight's starters

Tampa Bay Lightning @ New Jersey Devils

M. Smith (vs Devils, 0-0-0) firm

K. Weekes (vs Lightning, 3-3-2, 2.35 GAA, .918 SV%) probable

I honestly never believed I would live to see a black president (kudos to the USA), and I never thought I would see Kevin Weekes as the starter of the New Jersey Devils in 2009. Putting those two longshots together equals GUARANTEED WIN NIGHT in Newark tonight.

Edmonton Oilers @ Columbus Blue Jackets

M. Garon (vs Jackets, 6-1-2, 2.31 GAA, .926 SV%) probable

F. Norrena (vs Oilers, 1-2-0, 1.96 GAA, .914 SV%) probable

One wonders when the ugly bastard is going to be back? I guess the lesson learned is never choose ugly players in your fantasy draft. I know, you wouldn't have Evgeni Malkin or Pavel Datsyuk, but I can live with that if you can.

St. Louis Blues @ Anaheim Ducks

C. Mason (vs Ducks, 1-3-0, 2.60 GAA, .899 SV%) firm

J. Hiller (vs Blues, 0-0-0) probable

Giguere is a possibility after posting a shutout last night.

Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 4, 2008

2008-11-05T11:47:00.000-08:00

With thanks to the Goalie Post.

I was amazed yesterday going through goaltending stats and compiling the October rankings to see that the Los Angeles Kings had begun the season by rewarding Jason LaBarbera with 10 consecutive starts.

That is Martin Brodeur, Evgeni Nabokov and Miikka Kiprusoff territory.

LaBarbera has had TWO starts in which he did not allow at least 3 goals and has a less than stellar 3.01 GAA and a .884 SV% in 2009. Hardly a candidate for your 4th string fantasy goaltender.

I am not going to say they have their sites set on John Tavares already, but come on. Sitting on the bench you have Erik Ersberg who in 14 games last season posted two shutouts, a 2.48 GAA and a .927 SV%. LaBarbera posted 1 shutout in 45 games. So unless Ersberg was

A. Hurt or

B. LaBarbera was so outstanding in training camp that the Kings wanted to give him 10 games to magically revert to his All-Star preseason form, I'm calling them out.

TANKERS!!

Now if only Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment could take a cue from them, Leaf Nation might have something.

On to today's starters updated @ 3:51 pm

NY Islanders @ NY Rangers

Who Cares (vs Rangers, 0-0-0, 3.00 GAA, .875 SV%) probable

H. Lundqvist (vs Islanders, 10-5-4, 2.03 GAA, .926 SV%) firm

McDonald gets the start, the Isles have been less than forthcoming with their starters this season now that DiPietro is not an automatic. I would piss and moan about this and how tandems in fantasy sports really suck, but it is the Islanders, and if you are relying on information to choose between McDonald and Danis, you are getting reamed harder than any of Lexington Steele's victims. BTW, Lexington Steele is a fantastic name for a Fantasy team.

Carolina Hurricanes @ Toronto Maple Leafs

C. Ward (vs Maple Leafs, 4-4-1, 3.29 GAA, .885 SV%) probable

V. Toskala (vs Hurricanes, 1-3-2, 3.82 GAA, .876 SV%) likely

Looking at Toskala's career numbers against the Canes might force you away from a start tonight, but this is one of those games that will keep the Leafs away from John Tavares, a game where the Leafs work their ass off and Toskala turns it up a notch to get a win against a very overrated Hurricanes team.

Washington Capitals @ Ottawa Senators

B. Johnson (vs Senators, 4-1-0, 1.89 GAA, .941 SV%) probable

A. Auld (vs Capitals, 2-2-1, 2.57 GAA, .899 SV%) firm

These two goalies are about as inept as George W. Bush and Stephen Harper. Unfortunately for the Capitals, there is no possibility of ridding themselves of Theodore tonight and bringing in "CHANGE". That being said, I would still trade Jose Theodore for one of Ray Emery or Johnny Bower, and Johnny Bower comes with Manon Rheaume as his backup. Both definite upgrades.

Phoenix Coyotes @ Calgary Flames

I. Bryzgalov (vs Flames. 1-5-1, 2.85 GAA, .901 SV%) likely

C. McElhinney (vs Coyotes, 0-0-0) probable

Another one of those games that is screaming start Kiprusoff, so expect Miikka to give up 4 in the first period, get the yank and have all 4 of my readers come back and give me hell tomorrow. I will shoulder the blame, life is much easier when it is somebody else's fault. Nevermind, look for McElhinney to get yanked.

Nashville Predators @ Vancouver Canucks

P. Renne (vs Canucks, 0-0-0) probable

R. Luongo (vs Predators, 5-5-3, 2.31 GAA, .923 SV%) likely

Paging Dan Ellis, I would bitch and moan about Dan Ellis and his slow start, but investing in a 28 year old career backup coming off a career year is like investing millions in Paris Hilton to sell underwear.

Anaheim Ducks @ LA Kings

J. Hiller (vs Kings, 2-0-0, 0.78 GAA, .971 SV%) probable

E. Ersberg (vs Ducks, 0-0-1, 0.93 GAA, .975 SV%) firm

Gary Bettman's dream matchup. Two teams nobody cares about starting two backups. MY NHL 2.0 everybody.

Minnesota Wild @ San Jose Sharks

N. Backstrom (vs Sharks, 0-3-2, 3.12 GAA, .891 SV%) probable

E. Nabokov (vs Wild, 11-8-2, 2.16 GAA, .912 SV%) probable

Does anybody blow as hot and cold as Brian Boucher? I mean the guy leads the Flyers to within one game of the Stanley Cup Finals in his rookie year and follows it up with a brutal sophomore campaign. Philly gives up on him and sends him to Phoenix where in his second year he registers 5 straight shutouts (the only shutouts he would register all year). Essentially disappears from the NHL for 2 and a half seasons and re-emerges in San Jose to put up 3 shutouts in his first 5 starts as a Shark, including 2 for 2 this year. Has their anybody who has looked this hot and then this bad, only to reappear hot again? Very Brittneyesque.

Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 3, 2008

2008-11-03T06:49:00.001-08:00

The Devils have to help Kevin Weekes up from the shock that he is getting the start tonight.

With Fatso's elbow injury the Devils required Kevin Weekes to comeback from his 12 month vacation. Nothing is confirmed about Brodeur's injury status, but their is a possibility that Brodeur sits a couple.

With thanks to the Goalie Post.

Buffalo Sabres @ New Jersey Devils

R. Miller (vs Devils, 3-6-3, 2.52 GAA, .912 SV%) probable

K. Weekes (vs Sabres, 5-10-2, 3.37 GAA, .883SV%) firm

Scott Clemmensen has been recalled to backup Weekes. Is it just me or do all New Jersey backups know something other NHL goalies don't? Corey Schwab goes to Tampa, Vancouver and Toronto trying to become a starting goaltender and then says screw it and goes back to the cushy vacation known as the New Jersey Devils backup. Then Clemmensen leaves the swamp for Toronto where they have the audacity to play him 40+ times and he heads straight back to Jersey where he knows there is no playing time. Why? Because it is one of the greatest jobs in professional sports. Clemmensen is probably happy to battle Weekes for his front row seat in the NHL and regrets leaving for Toronto two seasons ago.

Columbus Blue Jackets @ NY Islanders

F. Norrena (vs Islanders, 0-1-0, 4.00 GAA, .826 SV%) probable

J. MacDonald (vs Blue Jackets, 0-0-0) probable

Joey MacDonald is back in as the starter as Yann Danis flamed out in his first NHL start in three years. Watching the Isles hang out Danis to dry in the the third, I had to feel for the kid.

The Garth Snow 15 year rebuilding plan is right on pace, just as Dipietro's contract comes off the books the Isles will be ready to compete for a Stanley Cup again.

Colorado Avalanche @ Chicago Blackhawks

P. Budaj (vs Blackhawks, 3-0-1, 2.05 GAA, .926 SV%) firm

N. Khabibulin (vs Avalanche, 10-16-1, 3.05 GAA, .899 SV%) firm

Wow, that Cristobal Huet was a great signing. Nice work Dale Tallon. Not often in a cap era do we get to witness a $12M goaltending tandem.

Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 1, 2008

2008-11-01T12:35:00.001-07:00

With thanks to the Goalie Post.

Tonight in Long Island is a real revenge game.

Yann Danis gets a chance to show his first professional team that they made a mistake in pushing him down the depth chart.

It was only three seasons ago that Danis was tabbed as Jose Theodore's backup in Montreal. Danis started his career with a 2-0 shutout over the Atlanta Thrashers and won 3 of his first 4 starts.

His respectable numbers in his initial NHL foray were virtually forgotten in Montreal with the rapid ascension of Cristobal Huet. With Huet in the fold Danis was sent down to Hamilton and with the acquisition and resigning of David Aebischer was limited to being the number one starter in Steel town.

After a relatively strong campaign in Hamilton, he had been slightly overshadowed by the emergence of Jaroslav Halak. With Halak's recall to Montreal and for a failed playoff run Danis assumed he was to be the starter again. But that was not in Bob Gainey's plan. Upon the elimination of the Tri City Americans, Carey Price was flown in and handed the starter's role and subsequently lead the Bulldogs to a Calder Cup Championship.

As Price flew to the top of the depth chart Danis saw himself passed again by Cedric Desjardins and saw the writing on the wall. Danis left this season for greener pastures in Long Island and the Islanders are going to give him a chance to show the Canadiens what they passed on tonight at Nassau Coliseum. It will be interesting to see if he can raise his level to show up the Habs tonight.

On to tonight's games

Edmonton Oilers @ Carolina Hurricanes

M. Garon (vs Hurricanes, 1-2-0, 3.14 GAA, .898 SV%) probable

C. Ward (vs Oilers, 1-1-0, 2.53 GAA, .881 SV%) likely

Dallas Stars @ Boston Bruins

M. Turco (vs Bruins, 4-1-0, 0.79 GAA, .968 SV%) firm

T. Thomas (vs Stars, 0-0-1, 0.94 GAA, .974 SV%) firm

Washington Capitals @ Buffalo Sabres

J. Theodore (vs Sabres, 7-11-1, 2.82 GAA, .898 SV%) likely

R. Miller (vs Capitals, 7-2-0, 2.76 GAA, .900 SV%) probable

NY Rangers @ Toronto Maple Leafs

S. Valiquette (vs Maple Leafs, 3-0-0, 1.29 GAA, .950 SV%) firm

V. Toskala (vs NY Rangers, 2-0-3, 1.34 GAA, .953 SV%) probable

Atlanta Thrasher @ New Jersey Devils

K. Lehtonen (vs Devils, 4-3-0, 3.23 GAA, .911 SV%) probable

M. Brodeur (vs Thrashers, 17-6-8, 2.06 GAA, .913 SV%) likely

Montreal Canadiens @ NY Islanders

C. Price (vs Islanders, 0-0-0) firm

Y. Danis (vs Canadiens, 0-0-0) likely

Chicago Blackhawks @ Columbus Blue Jackets

C. Huet (vs Jackets, 1-1-0, 1.97 GAA, .907 SV%) probable

F. Norrena (vs Hawks, 4-5-1, 3.69 GAA, .865 SV%) probable

Ottawa Senators @ Tampa Bay Lightning

A. Auld (vs Lightning, 2-1-0, 3.34 GAA, .881 SV%) firm

M. Smith (vs Senators, 0-1-0, 3.10 GAA, .842 SV%) likely

Florida Panthers @ Nashville Predators

C. Anderson (vs Predators, 2-2-1, 2.83 GAA, .896 SV%) firm

D. Ellis (vs Panthers, 1-0-0, 3.01 GAA, .889 SV%) probable

Pittsburgh Penguins @ St. Louis Blues

M. Fleury (vs Blues, 0-2-0, 3.52 GAA, .906 SV%) probable

C. Mason (vs Penguins, 0-1-0, 3.03 GAA, .880 SV%) firm

Minnesota Wild @ Phoenix Coyotes

N. Backstrom (vs Coyotes, 6-0-0, 1.17 GAA, .963 SV%) probable

I. Bryzgalov (vs Wild, 0-4-0, 3.33 GAA, .890 SV%) likely

Calgary Flames @ LA Kings

M. Kiprusoff (vs Kings, 9-5-1, 2.59 GAA, .907 SV%) probable

J. Labarbera (vs Flames, 2-3-0, 3.19 GAA, .908 SV%) firm

Tonight's starting goalies - Oct 31, 2008

2008-10-31T09:52:00.001-07:00

With thanks to the Goalie Post.

Yesterday I thought it would be a good idea to upgrade the Fantasy Starters post with some relevant info. Adding career performances like win/loss record and goals against average and save percentage would surely provide an edge for starting decisions right?

Well Ryan Miller and his 11-1 career record against the Lightning was on the bench before the second period was completed, Evgeni Nabokov and his 5-13-1 record against Detroit was also quashed in a 4-2 San Jose victory.

Maybe I will start posting goalie W/L records on Thursday nights, facing a team with a goaltender whose name starts with O. That might be the edge you need.

I will continue to provide you with information, sooner or later it will pan out. If it doesn't, I am wasting endless hours writing stupid hockey information to myself. Surely there are other things I can be doing.

On to tonight's starters

Dallas Stars @ Chicago Blackhawks

M. Turco (vs Blackhawks, 14-2-1, 1.78 GAA, .925 SV%) probable

N. Khabibulin (vs Stars, 13-14-2, 2.80 GAA, .902 SV%) probable

Once again the stats say go with Turco. But the stats have also said that Roman Cechmanek was one of the greatest goalies in the NHL in the early 2000s. Anybody who has seen him play understands that this is like saying the Maple Leafs must be a great organization because they have the second most Stanley Cups. Notice how the picture is in black and white and the parade route was drawn up on parchment. See this picture here. This was two years away!

Vancouver Canucks @ Anaheim Ducks

R. Luongo (vs Ducks, 6-6-0, 2.20 GAA, .925 SV%) probable

JS. Giguere (vs Canucks, 9-9-3, 2.69 GAA, .906 SV%) probable

I own Luongo in my pool and this guy has been so inconsistent that I am afraid to start him. That is not a sign of an elite fantasy goalie, is it? I am positive that he will rebound and finish with a strong season, but as of today he is not a top 5 fantasy goalie delivering the goods.

Happy Halloween! And for those who don't know, that is Gary Bromley. One of the shitiest goalies in NHL history, but what a great mask!! You can't be that good when Rob Lowe can ankleburn his way to owning you in a shootout!

Tonight's starting goalies - Oct 30, 2008

2008-10-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

With thanks to the Goalie Post.

Updated @ 4:24pm

Tampa Bay Lightning @ Buffalo Sabres

O. Kolzig (vs Sabres 15-15-2, 2.55 GAA, .907 SV%) firm

R. Miller (vs Lightning 11-1-0, 2.47 GAA, .914 SV%) firm

The renaissance in Buffalo continues. Miller has returned to his form of 2005-2007 and with the youth of the Sabres stepping up to replace the void of Drury and Briere, Miller is a good bet to continue to be a Top Ten goaltending option. Looking at his career stats vs. the Bolts, Miller screams start tonight.

Atlanta Thrashers @ NY Rangers

K. Lehtonen (vs Rangers 4-2-0, 2.83 GAA, .913 SV%) probable

H. Lundqvist (vs Atlanta 4-2-4, 2.18 GAA, .916 SV%) firm

Lundqvist against Lehtonen in the big apple tonight. Three years ago Lehtonen looked like the future superstar and the player with the Tremendous Upside Potential (TUP), Lundqvist was an afterthought. Three years later and when people mention King Henrik the discussion turns to Vezina nominations, when people refer to Lehtonen the discussion turns to groins. Megan Fox's groin area is an acceptable conversation, Keri Lehtonen's....not so much.

NY Islanders @ Philadelphia Flyers

J. MacDonald (vs Flyers 0-3-0, 4.36 GAA, .851 SV%) likely

M. Biron (vs Islanders 14-4-1, 1.92 GAA, .932 SV%) probable

You think Charles Wang has nightmares of the 2000 Draft? Mike Milbury with the option to keep Luongo and Jokinen and draft Dany Heatley, decided to draft Dipietro and acquire Oleg Kvasha and Mark Parrish for them instead? Personally I think when Charles Wang watches Hockey Night in Canada and sees Mike Milbury talking, he thinks, "who is that guy? He would probably make a great general manager, unfortunately I just hired my backup goaltender and we don't need one". I am still waiting for Garth Snow and his "Mike Bossy is not coming through that door, Denis Potvin is not coming through that door, Billy Smith etc etc speech"

Now that is enterntainment!

Ottawa Senators @ Florida Panthers

A. Auld (vs Panthers 1-0-1, 1.20 GAA, .961 SV%) Firm

T. Vokoun (vs Senators 2-5-0, 3.68 GAA, .897 SV%) Firm

Does this game count as a revenge game? It is Auld's former team. I guess you would have a busy schedule of revenge games if you were a journeyman backup who seems to have played for everyone. Let's call it a revenge game that ranks extremely low on the Vengeance Scale.

Edmonton Oilers @ Nashville Predators

M. Garon (vs Predators 2-5-1, 4.20 GAA, .839 SV%) firm

P. Rinne (vs Oilers 0-0-0) likely

You have to figure that NHL GMs are exactly like any other walk of life. Some are smart, some are dumb. Some have earned it, some have politicked their way to it. Some are hardworking, some are lazy. Actually, I believe Mike Milbury is the proof of this theory. Anyways, I still think the Kings GM acquired Garon after ONE unbelievable performance by Garon against the Kings when he was with the Canadiens. Months later the Kings traded Huet and Radek Bonk for Garon and had little patience for him when he did not pull a Hasek out of his ass every night.

I will go to my grave believing this.

Montreal Canadiens @ Minnesota Wild

C. Price (vs Wild, 0-0-0) firm

J. Harding (vs Habs, 0-0-0) likely

In regards to my article on Backstrom yesterday....nevermind. That is one good thing about writing a blog nobody reads.

Carolina Hurricanes @ St. Louis Blues

C. Ward (vs Blues, 1-0-0, 2.00 GAA, .939 SV%) probable

C. Mason (vs Hurricanes, 1-0-0, 0.00 GAA, 1.000 SV%) firm

If Cam Ward played every single game against the Canadiens in his career this guy would be a first ballot Hall of Famer. I am convinced of this, otherwise. Meh

Columbus Blue Jackets @ Colorado Avalanche

F. Norrena (vs Avalanche, 3-2-0, 1.86 GAA, .933 SV%) firm

A. Raycroft (vs Blue Jackets, 1-0-0, 2.00 GAA, .920 SV%) firm

It must be a shock to hockey fans in Colorado to watch Raycroft and Budaj man the pipes on a nightly basis. I mean Colorado hockey is about great goaltending, Hardy Astrom, Doug Favell, Chico Resch, David Aebsicher, Marc Denis, Stephane Fiset, Tommy Salo, Jose Theodre and Patrick Roy. Let me rethink this one.

Boston Bruins @ Calgary Flames

T. Thomas (vs Flames, 0-0-0) likely

M. Kiprusoff (vs Bruins, 2-1-0, 1.67 GAA, .938 SV%) likely

Tim Thomas is on fire to start the season and has posted back to back shutouts, but I am far from sold. When a goalie is 34 years old and has never faced a 30+ year old franchise once in his career, I am a tad skeptical. Let's just say he is more Roman Cechmanek than Dominik Hasek.

Pittsburgh Penguins @ Phoenix Coyotes

M. Fleury (vs Coyotes, 1-0-0, 1.00 GAA, .944 SV%) likely

I. Bryzgalov (vs Penguins, 0-1-0, 3.09 GAA, .909 SV%) firm

Could this be the year that Fleury justifies his number one selection? I hope not. I am not a fan, maybe it stems from him scoring on his own net in the World Juniors, or his big teeth.

Vancouver Canucks @ LA Kings

R. Luongo (vs Kings, 5-5-0. 2.56 GAA, .913 SV%) probable

J. Labarbera (vs Canucks, 2-0-0, 2.51, .932 SV%) firm

This a big season for Luongo, we all know that he can stop the puck and put up big numbers, but when is he going to show that he is a winner on the level that he has been placed? Anything but 40+ wins this year will tarnish his image for me. He has been tossed into the conversation with names like Brodeur, Roy and Hasek with nowhere near the same track record. Time to get rid of the gino locks and play some hockey big guy. Can you tell I have him in the pool?

Detroit Red Wings @ San Jose Sharks

T. Conklin (vs Sharks, 1-1-2, 1.68 GAA, .936 SV%) firm

E. Nabokov (vs Wings, 5-13-1, 3.56 GAA, .885 SV%) probable

The hanging jersey against Nabokov tonight in San Jose. If you are starting Nabokov, you might want to go away, this one is not good for you!

Tonight's starting goalies - Oct 29, 2008

2008-10-29T08:47:00.001-07:00

With thanks to the Goalie Post.

When the talk of elite fantasy goaltenders come to mind the names Luongo, Brodeur, Kiprusoff, Lundqvist. Nabokov, Turco and Fleury roll off the tongue.

But a 30 year old Finnish goaltender may be poised to make the leap.

Niklas Backstrom seems to always be in the second tier of goaltenders. Zero elite level seasons under his belt and the anonimity of playing in Finland until he was 28 has caused the fantasy faithful to ignore his exploits.

Well with Backstrom the undisputed starter on the undefeated Minnesota Wild things could change very quickly. Backstrom exploded on the scene in 2007 and lead the league in GAA and SV%. Backstrom enjoyed another strong season in 2008, but was a notch below his debut. His lack of Wins has probably been the cause of him being overlooked, but if given 70 starts in 2008 he would have been pushing 40 wins.

Last season's franchise record 33 wins will likely be surpassed with good health and the continued faith that Jacques Lemaire has shown in him this year. Backstrom is poised and plays a strong positional game. His economy of movement when combined with his quickness make like difficult for the Wild's opposition. With Lemaire's commitment to defense and Backstrom providing a strong last line of defense, a breakout season is likely.

On to today's starters

Toronto Maple Leafs @ New Jersey Devils

Curtis Joseph against always probable Martin Brodeur. Does Kevin Weekes have the greatest job or what? Playing shinny every day then travelling with an NHL team while sitting rinkside sounds like something I could get into.

Minnesota Wild @ Dallas Stars

Looks like Backstrom will face off against Turco. No confirmations.

Backstrom is 2-3-2 against the Stars in his career with a 2.26 GAA and a .916 SV%. Turco brings an 11-4-1 record against the Wild and has not lost to them since 2005-06. So the optimist says he is due for a loss and the pessimist believes Turco owns the Wild.

So with the optimist tonight.

Detroit Red Wings @ Anaheim Mighty Ducks

Osgood to face Giguere in the duck pond tonight. Osgood is 12-3-2 in his career against the Ducks, but so is Sam St-Laurent's practice jersey. St-Laurent is famous for being the last goalie to where the ghost mask in the NHL, he had to be famous for something and a career 3.50 GAA was not going to do it.

Tonight's starting goalies - Oct 28, 2008

2008-10-28T08:43:00.001-07:00

I am back from my 3 day hiatus. As I get older a three day trip to Montreal gets harder to digest. I brought my laptop with me to Montreal fully intending to update the site, but let's just say that it was a tad optimistic.

I also have been distracted by my new job which began yesterday.

OK, no more excuses, I am back.

Once again with thanks to the Goalie Post.

Nashville Predators @ Washington Capitals

Dan Ellis is the probable against Brent Johnson. Wow, ten days into my blog and I have used all my good Theo material. I wish I could remember all the Theo jokes I was making when I was in the Montreal casino on Friday. It was a great Theo impersonation though, I got up big early and then crashed and burned.

Philadelphia Flyers @ Atlanta Thrashers

Anterro Niittymaki against probable Keri Lehtonen. Niittymaki gets the start tonight because he is 9-0 during his career against the Thrashers, he should be getting the start because he is the better goalie. There is a reason Biron was a backup for the first 10 years of his career.

Tampa Bay Lightning @ Toronto Maple Leafs

Mike Smith is the probable against Vesa Toskala in Toronto tonight. Is everybody still on "the Lightning are this years Flyers bandwagon"? I love how the media tries to identify the team from left field every summer, yet the reason the team comes from left field is because nobody could see them coming. Once again a team loads up on NAME players but did nothing to actually address their weaknesses. This was supposed to work how? and 1967!!!! I could not resist.

Carolina Hurricanes @ Montreal Canadiens

Cam Ward gets the nod against Carey Price. Pretty much a guarantee that Price would get the start after Halak's 4 goals on 12 shot performance on Saturday night.

Colorado Avalanche @ Calgary Flames

Probable's Peter Budaj against Miikka Kiprusoff. The Kipper has turned it around with three straight wins to ease the panic of his owners, but he was very up and down last season and I expect nothing different in 2009. If you own him, when he gets hot look to deal him.

Boston Bruins @ Vancouver Canucks

Manny Fernandez is the probable against Roberto Luongo. Luongo has been a disappointment to start the year. 3+ goals in every start except the season opener. But he is to good to give up on this early, a hot streak is probably right around the corner.

Pittsburgh Penguins @ San Jose Sharks

Danny Sabourin gets the nod against Mr. 82 games Evgeni Nabokov. Sabourin is very underrated and is great injury insurance for Fleury.

Tonight's starting goalies - Oct 24, 2008

2008-10-24T06:52:00.000-07:00

With thanks to the Goalie Post.

I come to you this morning via Via rail Wi-Fi. It 8:00 AM and I have a scotch in one hand and a laptop in the other. On route to Montreal to take in the Ducks and Habs tomorrow night.

Apparently all you have to do to get served at 8:00 AM is ask for a drink, the steward then says he can't and proceeds to bring you your drink in a coffee cup. I LOVE VIA RAIL!!

Be kind if my thought process wanders, I am feeling pretty good. I'm about as useful as a pair of Britney Spears underwear right now.

Back to hockey.

Can somebody explain to me why the Senators still have no goaltending? Even fantasy sports have realized that you need elite goaltending to win a championship. There is a reason that roto leagues have 40% of their categories dedicated to goaltending and shutouts are worth 2-5 pts each. But for some reason John Muckler and Bryan Murray have decided that 200M wrapped up on their top line is more prudent then investing in an elite goaltender, or Zdeno Chara and Wade Redden.

The Maple Leafs overachieved in the Pat Quinn era mainly due to unbelievable goaltending. Curtis Joseph and Ed Belfour help to mask plenty of the Leafs deficincies in the early millenium. Yet year after year the Sens would trot out Tom Barrasso and Patrick Lalime and lose series after series to an inferior team. Well this humiliation would certainly get the point across right? Uh, not exactly.

The Sens spent their entire Stanley Cup window trying to win the Stanley Cup with suspect goaltending. A scouting staff that stocked it's team with great players like Marian Hossa, Daniel Alfreddson, Jason Spezza, Zdeno Chara, Pavol Demitra and Wade Reddon, yet was totally incompetent in providing a reliable goaltender.

Immortals Damian Rhodes, Ron Tugnutt, Peter Sidorkiewicz, Patrick Lalime, Jani Hurme, Don Beaupre, Ray Emery, Mike Bales, Martin Prusek and Darrin Madeley have all patrolled the crease of the Sens at one time or another. Even John Ferguson Jr realized the importance of goaltending, unfortunately he also though Andrew Raycroft was better than Tuuka Rask. But I digress.

Now the braintrust has tied their future to Alex Auld and Martin Gerber? They seem to be riding their bike with no handlebars. Unless your defense is anchored by Nik Lidstrom, you CANNOT win a Stanley Cup without elite goaltending. Simple as that.

On to tonight's games

Anaheim Ducks @ Ottawa Senators

JS Giguere is the probable facing Alex Auld in the nation's capital tonight. How things have changed, it was only 18 months ago when these two teams were battling for the Holy Grail. Now both teams seem to be rudderless ships with little direction other than hanging on to fringe contender status.

Philadelphia Flyers @ New Jersey Devils

Talk about a mismatch. The extremely overrated Martin Biron to face off against Martin Brodeur in beautiful Newark, New Jersey tonight. Once again, it looks like one of those no brainer picks, Philly is struggling, "Fatso" is on fire, yet these are the ones that usually end up 4-0 for the underdog. These games my friends is why Vegas does not care wether the 200-1 Rays win the World Series or not. Let's just say they have it covered.

NY Rangers @ Columbus Blue Jackets

Stephen Valiquette is the probable for the Rangers tonight, facing Pascal Leclaire.

San Jose Sharks @ Florida Panthers

Probables look to be Nabokov and Vokoun, no confirmations as of yet. After a strong start Nabokov has come crashing down to earth giving up 14 goals in his last 3 games. If Nabokov was owned by a trader in the market today they would SELL, SELL, SELL him for the rights to Justin Pogge then after a shutout BUY BUY BUY him back for the rights to Sidney Crosby. I wouldn't want these guys running my fantasy team, let alone determining the outcome of our economy. Sigh

Atlanta Thrashers @ Detroit Red Wings

Probable's Kari Lehtonen and Chris Osgood. Question. If you had the choice in round 10 of your fantasy draft and Vesa Toskala was available or an XXL Red Wings jersey that was to be hung between the pipes for 50 starts this year, you would choose the jersey right? I mean it's a no brainer right?

LA Kings @ St. Louis Blues

Jason Labarbera gets the nod against probable Manny Legace. The only way I would watch this game is if it was Glen Hall appreciation night and they made both goalies play without their masks. Can somebody make this happen please? Damn Players Association!

Tonight's starting goalies - Oct 23, 2008

2008-10-23T16:30:00.001-07:00

With thanks to the Goalie Post.

What the hell happened to Miikka Kiprusoff?

He reminds me of Hank Moody in Californication, staggering around looking for reminants of previous greatness. all the while endulging in cocaine and pornstars. Well, not at all actually, just using a Sportsguy cliche and plugging Californication. Great Show!

It was just two seasons ago that the Finn was ranked in the top three of most Fantasy rankings.

After an unbelievable cinderella story unfolded in 2004, Kiprusoff's numbers have gone down quicker than Paris Hilton on a first date. Those left holding him really have no other option than to hold tight and pray for a return to greatness.

All his numbers have declined yearly to the mess which we have in front of us right now.

His GAA has increased from

1.70 - 2.07 - 2.46 - 2.69 and sits at 3.81 today.

His SV% has decreased from

.933 - .923 - .917 - .906 and sits at .872 today.

Those are scary declines. I am generally one who preaches patience with early season performances, but this trending is not a 5 game window. We are talking about a precipitous decline over 230 games. These are major signs of a goalie who is DONE!

But your options are essentially to hold onto the stock long term and hedge it goes up, call it the Warren Buffet effect. The likelihood of anybody giving you any value for him right now is slim and none.

On to tonight's starters

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Boston Bruins

Vesa Toskala is the probable against Manny Fernandez tonight. Question. Who got the loss on Tuesday when the Leafs lifted Toskala for Cujo in the shootout? Does Toskala get a no decision? Enquiring minds want to know.

Dallas Stars @ NY Islanders

Marty Turco is probable and faces off against Rick Dipietro tonight on Long Island. How come nobody makes a big deal about what a bust Rick Dipietro has become? Mike Milbury traded Roberto Luongo/Olli Jokinen and the rights to Dany Heatley in anticipation of Dipietro being a SUPERSTAR. Well, I am waiting. Has any player been drafted as many times in a fantasy draft by accomplishing absolutley nothing?

And why does Mike Milbury keep getting work? Mike Milbury is employed first by TSN, and now the CBC because he is an expert in exactly what again? Being an idiot? If Milbury comments negatively on a bad trade, it really means it was a good one right?

Carolina Hurricanes @ Pittsburgh Penguins

Michael "Suitcase" Leighton gets the start against Mr. Overrated Marc Andre Fleury in Pittsburgh tonight.

Calgary Flames @ Nashville Predators

Probables Miikka Kiprusoff against Dan Ellis, who is crafting his own Kiprusoff story. My guess is it ends the same. Big Free Agent contract followed by a return to sucking.

Buffalo Sabres @Minnesota Wild

Ryan Miller the probable against Niklas Backstrom in Minnesota tonight.

Edmonton Oilers @Colorado Avalanche

Mathieu Garon faces off against Peter Budaj. Remember when an Oilers/Avs matchup meant Joseph against Roy? Those days are long gone.

Washington Capitals @ Phoenix Coyotes

Jose Theodore gets the nod against Mikael Telqvist in Phoenix tonight. Five years from now this matchup will be Cristobal Huet against Justin Pogge. The battle of the overrated ex Canadiens goalie against the overrated ex Leaf goalie of the future, next on TSN2.

Tonight's starting goalies - Oct 22, 2008

2008-10-23T16:29:00.003-07:00

With thanks to the Goalie Post.

When will the great Martin Brodeur slow down? Approaching 37 years of age maybe Brodeur finally realized the stress of his weight, and off ice activities like trying to swap his wife for his sister in law were starting to slow him down.

Twelve straight seasons of 67+ starts, zero dips below the .906 SV% mark and only one of the last 12 seasons with a +2.50 GAA (2.56). The guy is amazing. When you take into account that he is not a butterfly goaltender relying on large equipment and positioning, it is downright incredible.

Sniffing Patrick Roy's win record and 100 career shutouts, Marty dropped close to 10 lbs over the summer. Maybe the humiliation by a guy who couldn't hold his jock (Sean Avery) forced him to take it off, who knows. All I know is that Brodeur has been tearing up his 16th season to the tune of four wins, a 1.56 GAA and a .931 SV%.

When all is said and done, Brodeur will deservedly have his place among the greatest goaltenders of all-time. Most people will place him above Patrick Roy, I am not one of those. Brodeur is the third best goaltender I have seen in my 30 years as a hockey fan, ranking behind only Roy and Hasek.

Roy because he excelled in an era where goaltenders looked like this. And later on in the 90's when they looked like this. Add in two of the most extaordinary Stanley Cup runs in the history of the NHL and he tops my list. Hasek dominated in the late 90s like no other goalie I have seen before. He was so dominant that he brought a bunch of trembling All-Stars to their knees in the 1998 Nagano shootout. Aim for the chest Shanny!! Why Gretzky did not shoot is another 10,000 word essay I don't even want to start.

No Conn Smythe's hurts Marty in my books. So he remains at number three.

On to tonight's games.

Florida Panthers @ Ottawa Senators

Craig Anderson gets the start against Darth Gerber tonight in Ottawa. You think guys like Gump Worsley

are turning in their graves with the thought that these two guys start games in the NHL? Bettman will not be happy until the league has 90 teams and there is an Andre Racicot on everybody's roster. Red Light, Red Light!!

The Marty Turco's @ The Marty Brodeur's

Turco vs Brodeur tonight. Like I needed to provide a link to prove Brodeur has the start. Here is hoping that Marty squashes superpest Avery tonight with his fat ass. Other than finding out that Elisha Cuthbert gave him crabs, nothing would make me happier than Marty knocking Avery out. Kind of like this time.

San Jose Sharks @ Philadelphia Flyers

Nabokov is the probable against Nittymaki. I would prefer the Flyers go with Biron as it is more likely to lead to a loss.

Edmonton Oilers @ Chicago Blackhawks

Dwayne Roloson to face Nikolai Khabibulin.

Detroit Red Wings @ St. Louis Blues

Ty Conklin gets the start for the Red Wings against former Wing Manny Legace. Well Detroit is screwed tonight, it is tough to win with your backup. Excuse me? What is that? They start a backup every night? Good point!

Tonight's starting goalies - Oct 21, 2008

2008-10-23T16:29:00.001-07:00

With thanks to the Goalie Post.

It is amazing to me that after the acquisition of Cristobal Huet and his subsequent 11-2 run to the playoffs, that the Washington Capitals would roll the dice on Mr. MVP Jose Theodore in Free Agency.

Sometimes I wonder if NHL GMs actually scout players. Are they just like joe average fan and think that adding big name players will improve their fortunes.

How else can you explain the Jose Theodore signing? The Avalanche saved the Canadiens in 2006 by taking Mr. Paris Hilton off their hands. I couldn't believe when reports had Av fans thinking this was Patrick Roy part deux. I was so happy that Theo was gone, I opened my arms towards one of the worst goalies to ever grace an NHL crease in David Aebischer. Boy were the Av fans in for a surprise.

Once upon a time Theodore was an elite goaltender. One needs to only look back on the 2002 season and his unbelievable performance in the first round of the playoffs vs. the Bruins. But one giant contract later and Theo began to worry about his hair more than stopping pucks.

So it was no shock when a goalie who went on a 4 year vacation, turns it up in his contract year to earn another large contract. And of course there was a stupid team waiting with a big cheque. A team who had the opportunity to resign the goalie who lead the team to the playoffs less than 6 months ago. Huh? With an emerging powerhouse with Ovechkin, Green, Backstrom and Semin, why roll the dice on essentially a reclamation project?

Let's just say after watching Theodore's first three games, I have seen this movie before.

On to tonight's matchups.

Boston Bruins @ Buffalo Sabres

Looks like Manny Fernandez tonight for the Bruins, Tim Thomas has caught a cold. Wally Pip anyone?

He will be matched up against Ryan Miller for the Sabres. If I was Tim Thomas with Fernandez and Rask breathing down my neck, I would have to be Lieutenant Dan not to man the pipes.

Anaheim Ducks @ Toronto Maple Leafs

JS Giguere gets the start tonight against Roadkill. I hope the Leafs are planning on dealing him, because by the time this season is over in Toronto, Toskala may feel like various animals strewn across the Trans Canada Highway.

Vancouver Canucks @ Columbus Blue Jackets

The "Gino" Roberto Luongo is set to face off against Pascal Leclaire tonight in Columbus. Time for Luongo to step up and live up to the lofty draft selection of this season. I know I didn't pay for a 3.40 GAA and an .886 SV%.

Atlanta Thrashers @ Tampa Bay Lightning

Mr. Tremendous Upside Potential faces off against Mike Smith in Tampa Bay tonight. Still waiting Kari.

Washington Capitals @ Calgary Flames

You think Satan is watching this game in Calgary tonight? Theodore vs Kiprusoff in the battle of who owes their soul first. My money is on Theo, I think he made two deals with the devil. One for the 2002 season which he already paid off by sleeping with Paris Hilton, and two, the deal he made last season to get one last big contract.

Tonight's starting goalies - Oct 20, 2008

2008-10-23T16:28:00.001-07:00

With thanks to the Goalie Post.

Pittsburgh Penguins @ Boston Bruins

Fleury is the probable, but Sabourin is still in the picture. Tim Thomas is likely for the Bruins. The Boston goaltending situation could get messy in a hurry, Fernandez was solid on the weekend and super prospect Tuukka Rask is lying in the weeds. If you are relying on Thomas, it might be wise to seek other options.

Dallas Stars @ NY Rangers

Looks like Turco against Lundqvist in the Big Apple tonight. Turco has struggled to start the season which is a stark contrast to Lundqvist and the Blueshirts. This is the type of game where you sit Marty to be safe only to watch him post a shutout.

Florida Panthers @ Montreal Canadiens

Vokoun gets the nod, he has owned the Habs over the last couple of seasons. But the Habs and Jaro Halak have made some strides to rid themselves of the Florida curse over the last couple of meetings. If you have Vokoun, it is not a bad gamble...but not one I would make.

Colorado Avalanche @ LA Kings

Looks like Budaj against Labarbera on the island of forgotten goalies. If you own one of these two goalies, you are in for a looooooong year.

Tonight's starting goalies - Oct 19, 2008

2008-10-23T16:27:00.000-07:00

With thanks to the Goalie Post.

Light night in the NHL tonight.

Vancouver Canucks @ Chicago Blackhawks

Roberto Luongo returns to the goal for the Canucks and faces half of the 12 million dollar tandem in Cristobal Huet in Chicago tonight. One wonders why somebody who threw 7M per season at one goalie who was a bust, is allowed to throw another 5M at another one. No confirmations as of yet.

Carolina Hurricanes @ Anaheim Ducks

Cam Ward is the probable against the winless JS Giguere. Maybe it is time for Giguere to start wearing his equipment from the 2003 NHL playoffs.

Tonight's starting goalies - Oct 18, 2008

2008-10-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

Once again with thanks to the Goalie Post.

I imagine everybody has their fantasy nemesis. One player who may have derailed a fantasy season or shit the bed the minute you acquired them.

For me that player is Patrick Lalime. In year one of my keeper league I bought into the hype of the Ottawa Senators and was hypnotized by Lalime's 39 Wins, 2.16 GAA and .911 Save percentage during the 2003 season. With a near miss in the Conference Final and a roster full of young talent I thought the Sens were on their way to a monster season.

So in need of a goalie, my logic suggested why not draft the starter for the potential powerhouse in Ottawa. I was never a big fan of Lalime, but I mean Detroit continued to have success with a guy like Chris Osgood, surely Lalime could sleep his way to 30-35 wins.

Horrific performance after horrific performance ensued. The term "fucking Lalime" began to be a common phrase used in my household to the point that my wife laughs everytime somebody mentions his name. During the 2004 season I was involved in a heated race for first place. With a month to go I had a 10 point lead and with Jarome Iginla and Martin St. Louis lighting up the league, I was in good shape as long as Lalime could pull together a .500 record. Well Lalime rolled through March with a 3-6-2 record and caused so much desperation in me that I was scouring Senators messageboards (before goaliepost) to spot start the immortal MARTIN PRUSEK! Lalime finished the season 25-23-7. Martin Prusek finished at 16-6-3.

Needless to say I lost the pool by 2 points on a pair of Ed Belfour shutouts on the final weekend of the season. Is this the end of the story? No. Living in Toronto as a Canadiens fan has put me in the mindset that I have two favourite teams. The Canadiens and whoever is playing the Maple Leafs. In the first round of the playoffs I had to endure the Sens outshooting the Leafs by a margin of 2-1 yet have Ed Belfour stand on his head and Patrick Lalime break the Sens back.

But the whole season could be redeemed with a strong performance by Lalime in Game Seven. Then the performance for the ages occurred. Two slapshots by Joe Nieuwendyk from the hash marks along the boards eluded the human sieve and Lalime kicked me in the groin once again.

Here is a golden piece of Fantasy advice that I have never waivered from since. DO NOT DRAFT A PLAYER YOU DISLIKE. It will not end well.

On to tonight's games.

Colorado Avalanche @ Dallas Stars

Andrew Raycroft gets the start against Marty Turco tonight in Big D. You have to believe that JFJ thought he was going to fleece the new guy in the league like the guy in your fantasy league who bombards the newest owner with 50 deals in his first 3 days. I wonder how long it took for Ferguson to figure out that Chiarelli lifted his wallet by stealing Tukka Rask. Enjoy your vacation JFJ.

Phoenix Coyotes @ Montreal Canadiens

Another Toronto Maple Leaf "goalie of the future" Mikael Tellqvist gets the start against probable Jesus Price in Montreal tonight. This looks like a major mismatch, but the Canadiens have been playing 23 minutes a night lately, but it is Mikael Tellqvist and he kind of sucks.

Boston Bruins @ Ottawa Senators

Tim Thomas gets the probable nod against Alex Auld tonight in Ottawa. Neither are confirmed. When are the Senators going to go out and get a legit NHL goaltender? How many Cups would they have won if they had not decided to invest in a sieve (see above) like Lalime or Tyson wanna be Ray Emery? Unless you play for the Detroit Red Wings you cannot win a Stanley Cup with terrible goaltending. End of story. Look at the bright side Ottawa, at least you will not have to play the Leafs in the playoffs.

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Pittsburgh Penguins

Cujo gets the probable for God's team tonight against probable Marc Andre Fleury. The only explanation I have for Toronto being referred to as God's team is that god is testing their faith and they will be rewarded in the long run....lol, good luck with that.

The Martin Broduer's @ Washington Capitals

Who else would get the start for New Jersey tonight? Marty will be facing Brent Johnson. Jose Theodore enters year 7 of stealing money from NHL owners. In retrospect his pairing with Paris Hilton was a pretty good match. Both have been living off one thing their whole careers.

Buffalo Sabres @ Atlanta Thrashers

Patrick Lalime is the probable tonight in Atlanta. Lehtonen gets the probable nod for the Thrashers. I never wish an injury on a player, but can somebody please find a way to make Lalime the starter for the Sabres come playoff time. No city deserves to have their hopes dashed by the immortal sieve less than Buffalo, but with the history of wonderful sporting memories in Bills country it will make trips to the HSBC (or whatever they call it now) much more enjoyable.

NY Islanders @ Florida Panthers

Dipietro and his 90 year contract gets the start against Canadiens retread Tomas Vokoun tonight in South Florida. Riveting hockey in the sunshine state tonight!!

NY Rangers @ Detroit Red Wings

Likely starter Henrik Lundqvist will face off against probable Chris Osgood. I am convinced that the Wings could have won two of their Stanley Cups by hanging a shirt or using Chris Burke from life goes on in goal.

Minnesota Wild @ Tampa Bay Lightning

The underrated Niklas Backstrom is the probable for the Wild. He will be facing probable Mike Smith in Tampa Bay tonight.

Columbus Blue Jackets @ Nashville Predators

Frederick Norrena will be facing off against Dan Ellis in the Battle of Nobody Cares in Nashville tonight. Can you tell I am running out of steam? A little distracted by Hoosiers playing in the background.

Chicago Blackhawks @ St. Louis Blues

Nikolai Khabibulin faces off against Manny Legace tonight in St. Louis. A must watch to see if Denis Savard staggers on to the ice drunk like Dennis Hopper's character Shooter in Hoosiers.

Calgary Flames @ Edmonton Oilers

Curtis McElhinney gets the nod against Canadiens retread Mathieu Garon. Are we entering the Flames era of the 7 Million dollar goalie on the bench? Nah, I am sure they are just resting him, at least they have somebody to model their $35 hats.

Philadelphia Flyers @ San Jose Sharks

Martin Biron gets another chance to not suck tonight against Evgeni Nabakov and the Sharks tonight in San Jose. Both are probables.

Tonight's starting goalies - Oct 17, 2008

2008-10-23T16:24:00.000-07:00

Once again, with thanks to the Goalie Post. I am thankful for it's existence, and unless somebody comes up with even more inside info like the time Trevor Kidd staggered into Chez Paree or Ray Emery doing lines at a Carlton house party, I will continue to give it the promotion it deserves.

Mr. Automatic gets the start again. It must be nice to have Evgeni Nabokov in your fantasy pool. You essentially just have to leave the guy in the starting position daily and he will get you 70+ games. If you have 2 goalies to start, then you can get through the whole season with 3 guys if you spot start them.

I guess it is a reward for all the years where Toskala absorbed a lot of his fantasy value. For those in keeper leagues that were patient enough to stay with him, enjoy your reward.

On to Friday's starters.

Phoenix Coyotes @ Ottawa Senators

It looks like a showdown of Bryzgalov and Darth Gerber. Amazing that the Sens invested their future in Emery and Gerber while a guy like Bryzgalov was offered throughout the league with no takers!

Toronto Maple Leafs @ NY Rangers

Toskala gets the nod in the Garden tonight against Stephen Valiquette. Seeing that the league spent the first 40 games starting backups against the Leafs last season it is amazing that it took Leaf Nation half a season to clue into the fact the Leafs sucked. 2009 seems to be no different as they have seen 2 backups in their first 4 games.

Nashville Predators @ Columbus Blue Jackets

Pekka Rinne gets the likely start against the Jackets, Columbus responds with Pascal Leclaire. Unless your name is Jim Balsillie, it is likely that nobody in Canada cares!

Vancouver Canucks @ Buffalo Sabres

Curtis Sanford faces off against Mr. Mullet Ryan Miller. Both probables, no confirmations.

Edmonton Oilers @ Calgary Flames

Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers gets the start for the Oil facing Mikka Kiprusoff. Anybody get the feeling that Kiprusoff's handshake deal with Satan expired last February? Totally off topic, why has Miroslav Satan never played with the Devils? Can somebody make this happen?

San Jose Sharks @ JS Guguere

Probables look like Nabokov and Giguere. Let's hope nothing happens in this game so I don't have to listen to Brian Burke speak tonight.

Carolina Hurricanes @ Los Angeles Kings

Cam Ward is the probable against Jason Labarbera of the Kings.

For those of you with an IQ less than 100, the confirmation links are buried in the starting goaltenders names. That means you Nick.

Tonight's starting goalies - Oct 16, 2008

2008-10-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

If you are a fantasy addict then you know finding out who is starting in goal for your respective team is very important. Unless your starting goalie happens to be Martin Broduer or Evgeni Nabakov who seem to start every night.

Thank god for The Goalie Post. They have been a fantastic resource for me when I had a goalie stuck in a platoon system and needed to establish who to start or sit on a night to night basis.

I will be posting with their help on a day to day basis who the projected starters are in order to help those in need. You are free to go to the source, but the info you seek will be here daily.

New Jersey Devils @ Atlanta Thrashers

Martin Brodeur gets the start, a shocking development. A strong start tonight considering he is facing a struggling Thrashers team. Keri Lehtonen looks to get the start in goal for the Thrashers tonight.

Washington Capitals @ Pittsburgh Penguins

Mr. MVP Jose Theodore gets the start tonight for the Caps, if you have to start Theodore you probably don't need my advice because your season is probably over (do I sound like a bitter hab fan?). Marc-Andre Fleury sees the crease for the Pens.

NY Islanders @ Tampa Bay Lightning

Joey MacDonald is the probable for the Isles, but Dipietro is still in the mix. Probably a good idea to stay away from this situation if you don't like surprises. Ollie the Goalie gets the start for the Bolts.

Minnesota Wild @ Florida Panthers

Looks like it will be Backstrom vs. Vokoun in South Florida tonight. No confirmation on Backstrom.

Vancouver Canucks @ Detroit Red Wings

Looks like it will be the battle of the incumbents with Luongo facing Osgood. No confirmations. This is one of those games where you are happy to have Luongo, but aren't happy to have Luongo. You know he can stop 60 on any given night, but goes in as an underdog to the defending champions. But he is a must start every night regardless of the opposition.

Dallas Stars @ St. Louis Blues

Good possibility that Tobias Stephan gets the likely start because of the back to back and will face probable starter Manny Legace. Once again no confirmation.

Philadelphia Flyers @ Colorado Avalanche

Martin Biron will get the start and looks to rebound from a sloppy start. Fortunately for him he will be facing Andrew Raycroft and the Avalanche. If you need to start Raycroft you are either in a 40 team league, are a hardcore Avs fan or just extremely dense.