The NHL just finished up with the All-Star Game, putting everyone back to work. It’s still a light schedule, with many teams having just two or even one game. Be in the know with our Fantasy Hockey Goalie Report.
Fantasy Hockey Goalie Report
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Youth Stepping In
Thatcher Demko, VAN: The highly touted prospect was called up to the big club once Anders Nilsson was traded to the Senators. Demko won his season debut over the Sabres, stopping 36 out of 39 shots. He becomes the first goalie in franchise history to start his career 2-0. Jacob Markstrom has started all of Vancouver’s games since and is having the best year of his career, making it tough for Demko to get between the pipes. The Canucks only have a single game this week, meaning more time off for Demko is likely, but his team does have a back-to-back coming up the following week.
Alex Nedeljkovic, CAR: The Hurricanes 2014 second round pick finally received his first NHL start, and he didn’t disappoint. He made 24 saves during a 5-2 victory over the Canucks. Nedeljkovic was called up in the first place because of Curtis McElhinney being out with a lower-body injury. However, Nedeljkovic was sent back down to the AHL, suggesting McElhinney won’t be out much longer. Nedeljkovic may spend the bulk of the season in the minors, but he’s someone to keep an eye on heading into 2019-20 training camp.
Nearing a Return
Cory Schneider, NJD: The Devils former starting goalie has been out (abdomen) since December 14, but is in Binghamton of the AHL on a conditioning stint. New Jersey’s next game is Monday against the Penguins, and it’s possible Schneider could be available for it. He hasn’t won a game since December 27 of 2017, and will be looking to end that drought soon. With Keith Kinkaid and MacKenzie Blackwood both losing their most recent starts, the door is open for Schneider to reclaim the Devils crease.
Injury Notes
Tuukka Rask, BOS: Rask was forced to exit last Saturday’s contest with an undisclosed injury from a collision with Filip Chytil (who was pushed into Rask by his teammate Charlie McAvoy). There’s no word on the severity of the ailment, but Boston has Jaroslav Halak they can rely on should Rask not be 100 percent. The two goaltenders have split the crease so far this season, each playing 26 games, with Rask having an additional win (14) to Halak (13). The Bruins will take on Winnipeg, Philadelphia, and Washington this week.
Other Injuries: Corey Crawford, CHI (concussion) and Antti Raanta, ARZ (lower body) both remain out indefinitely. Ryan Miller could return within a week from his knee injury – a slight setback from his original timeline.
NHL Teams with the Most Games
Philadelphia Flyers: The Broad Street Bullies will face off against the Jets, Rangers, Bruins, and Oilers this week, including a back-to-back out of the gate. Carter Hart was sent down to the AHL, but that’s just so he can get some playing and practice time during the All-Star break. He’ll be called back up in time for Monday’s tilt, with Mike McKenna backing him up, who will surely get a start early in the week. Brian Elliott and Michal Neuvirth are still out with lower body injuries, but Hart has brought some stability to the crease and will only get better with experience.
Pittsburgh Penguins: The Penguins will take on New Jersey, Tampa Bay, Ottawa, and Toronto – the latter two being a back-to-back. Matt Murray’s nine-game winning streak came to an end against the Sharks, but he followed that up with a victory over the Coyotes. He’s been one of the best in the game lately and is a must-start for any fantasy team. Backup Casey DeSmith has struggled recently, losing his last three games, most notably allowing six goals on 34 shots in a loss to Vegas. He’ll get a chance to curb that slump during the back-to-back, if not sooner.
Winnipeg Jets: The Jets take off to visit the Flyers and Bruins in a back-to-back, then head home to host the Blue Jackets and Ducks. Conner Hellebuyck will get the bulk of the workload, with Laurent Brossoit getting a start early on. Brossoit has an impressive 10-1-1 record, with a 2.01 GAA and .943 save percentage. He’s one of the best backup goaltenders to have on your team, especially if you already have Hellebuyck.
NHL Teams with the Fewest Games
For most weeks, having two games would be the fewest, but this week features 14 teams with two contests. There are however a few teams with just a single game, with their opponent in brackets:
Anaheim Ducks (vs. Jets), Arizona Coyotes (vs. Sharks), Colorado Avalanche (vs. Canucks), San Jose Sharks (vs. Coyotes), St. Louis Blues (vs. Blue Jackets), Vancouver Canucks (vs. Avalanche).
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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