As we open this season, there seems to be a ridiculous number of teams with goalie issues. There are injuries (Anaheim, Ottawa), rookies (Los Angeles, Montreal), and just plain uncertainty (Toronto). All of this is enough to drive a fantasy player nuts.
I addressed the Montreal situation yesterday, so today I want to focus my attention on a few other markets.
The Kings are in much the same boat as the Canadiens, with one glaring difference. If Carey Price fizzles on Montreal, and has to go down to the AHL to stack up some experience, the Habs have a very solid goalie in Huet to fall back on. From a fantasy aspect, owners with one or the other will quickly see who is going to carry the load, and can make the appropriate changes.
In Los Angeles, however, there isn't much beyond Jonathan Bernier. I have to believe that the Kings had mixed emotions about their future franchise goalie being the sole standout in training camp. Thrilled that he was able to display such skill, and poise, against professional player, and disappointed that none of the other goalies in camp were able to rise to the occasion. As we enter the regular season, this means that the Kings don't have much to offer to the fantasy hockey goaltending deities should Bernier falter. In other words, ride Berner at your own risk.
Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs have another kind of issue at hand. They have 2 veteran goalies, none of whom played exceptionally well during the preseason. I believe that Paul Maurice is going to roll with Vesa Toskala out of the gate. After all, the team reverted to their former ways and traded away draft picks to get him. Not playing him to open the season is akin to admitting failure without so much as providing an opportunity. The team has to go with Toskala, if only to show faith in the work of their GM. Andrew Raycroft, last year's Vesa Toskala, should open the season as the backup.
Regardless, the Maple Leafs are shaky, at best, on defense, and neither goalie is a solid fantasy option. As a 2nd or 3rd fantasy goalie, whichever runs with the job should earn enough wins to be serviceable. However, you'll have to be prepared to live with a mildly inflated GAA and a mediocre SVP. Neither will provide many shutouts as the Leafs just don't play that kind of hockey.
Last year's Stanley Cup finalists both have goaltending injuries to open the season. There is little doubt that Jean-Sebastien Giguere will regain his starter's throne upon his return to the Duck's lineup, so he is a safe bet to have on your fantasy roster. Most league's that support an IR spot have already made Giguere eligible for it.
From where I sit, a different story brews in Ottawa. If Martin Gerber comes out of the gate on fire, I wouldn't be surprised to see him wrestle away the permanent starter's job from Ray Emery. Emery had a tremendous season last year, but it remains to be seen if he is a quality, top-flight NHL netminder. I have my doubts, and if I had to choose, I think I'd be more inclined to provide Gerber with an opportunity to display the world-class skill that originally brought him to Ottawa.
The smart fantasy play here is to keep both goalies. Whomever is starting will provide solid numbers; the Senators play a great brand of defensive hockey and will score enough to win the majority of their contests. This situation will, as will most, require a lot of monitoring as the season progresses.
Happy Fantasying!
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