Tonight's starting goalies - Nov 15, 2008

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?