Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 11, 2008

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.