With the NHL having a schedule that varies week to week, and goaltenders getting bit by the injury bug, a fantasy hockey goalie report is here to provide information on everything you need to know regarding the last line of defense.
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Returning to the Crease
Antti Raanta, ARZ: Raanta finally takes the crease back after missing the past eight games with a lower-body injury. His debut against the Colorado Avalanche was less than ideal, giving up five goals in a losing effort. His Coyotes meet Minnesota, Nashville, and St. Louis this week, none of which are back-to-backs. Once Raanta shakes off the rust, he can return to keeping his team in the thick of games, which he did prior to injury, stopping 48 of 51 shots in a 4-3 over the Hurricanes. A successful week could see the Coyotes climb up into a playoff position.
Fantasy Hockey Injury Notes
Pittsburgh Penguins: Matt Murray (lower body) is expected to be out long-term, leaving Casey DeSmith and Tristan Jarry to hold down the fort. The Penguins as a whole have been struggling, with the worst start they’ve had since 2005-06. What lies ahead doesn’t help matters either, as they head out to Winnipeg and Colorado, then host the Flyers to close out the week.
Florida Panthers: Roberto Luongo (knee) had to leave early in Friday’s game against the Hurricanes and is considered day-to-day. James Reimer will once again become the starter. His Panthers will host the Devils, Ducks, Sabres, and Lightning, the latter two being a back-to-back. Michael Hutchinson has been recalled to back up Reimer and could get a start during the back-to-back if Luongo is still dealing with an injury.
Dallas Stars: Ben Bishop (lower body) is on injured reserve leaving Anton Khudobin as the starter for the time being. The week consists of a Canadian road trip, starting with a back-to-back with the Oilers and Flames, then ending against the Canucks. Landon Bow was call up to serve as Khudobin’s backup. He got his first taste of NHL action November 21 when Khudobin got yanked after giving up five goals on 16 shots to the Penguins. Khudobin will likely start two of three games with Bow getting the third if Bishop isn’t ready to return.
Los Angeles Kings: Jonathan Quick (knee) still has no timetable for his return and Jack Campbell (knee) is scheduled to be out until late December. It was thought that Peter Budaj would become the starter as a result, but he’s yet to play a full contest. The Kings have been running with Calvin Peterson, who’s played five games, posting a 2.76 GAA and .922 save percentage, as well as a shutout on November 19 in St. Louis. This week will feature a stop in Vancouver, followed by a back-to-back with Edmonton and Calgary, then ends with Carolina coming to town. We could see Peterson get three of these games with Budaj getting one in Alberta.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Andrei Vasilevskiy (foot) remains three to five weeks away from returning. Louis Domingue has started every game in his absence, winning four of six contests. This week he’ll square off against the Ducks, Sabres, and the state rival Panthers. Edward Pasquale has been serving as the backup, but may only see NHL action should Domingue have a rough game and get the hook.
NHL Teams with Four Games
Ottawa Senators: They begin with a back-to-back against the Rangers and Flyers, then head home to face the Rangers again, followed by the Sharks. Craig Anderson should see the bulk of the action while Mike McKenna could get a start in the back-to-back. Ottawa has allowed the most goals against in the league and that likely won’t change anytime soon as each of their opponents this week is either occupying a playoff spot or not far out of one.
New York Rangers: Their week consists of a home and away against the Senators, followed by a back-to-back with the Canadiens and Jets. Alexandar Georgiev has started two of New York’s last three games, which included a 5-0 shutout victory over the Islanders last Wednesday. Both Georgiev and Henrik Lundqvist will surely be used between the pipes this week as both will look to get back into the win column after suffering defeats in their most recent starts.
Other teams with four games this week: Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, and San Jose Sharks.
NHL Teams with Two Games
Philadelphia Flyers: Brian Elliott (lower body) is slated to be on the shelf for one more week and Michal Neuvirth (undisclosed) is out until December at the earliest. Calvin Pickard could start both games this week against Ottawa and division rival Pittsburgh. Pickard hasn’t been outstanding for the Flyers this year with a 3.59 GAA and .878 save percentage, however, he did post a shutout against the Rangers last Friday, his best performance of the season.
For more great fantasy hockey talk, listen in on Chris Meaney and Neil Parker on the Fantrax Fantasy Hockey Podcast, as they hit on all the injuries, streamers, and recent trends you need to know to stay on top of the fantasy ice.
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