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.
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