Tonight's starting goalies - Oct 31, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.