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?
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