The 12th week of the 2023-24 NHL season is beginning and there are strong goalie options to add. Whether you need options for your fantasy hockey team this week or a longer term, we’ll cover the best netminders to pick up. When looking for goalie streams in fantasy hockey, it’s best to look at back-to-backs and if there are injuries to starters. That’s what we have for you here today. This is a look at the three best options in net to stream in Week 12 of the fantasy hockey season.
Fantasy Hockey Week 12 Goalie Streams
Calvin Pickard, Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are pretty busy coming out of the Christmas break as they have three games this week on their California trip. This trip isn’t nearly as deadly as it used to be and with how the Oilers are dominating games, they could realistically sweep the three-game trip. With a back-to-back on the trip and Stuart Skinner being overworked for most of the season, there is no doubt that Calvin Pickard will get at least one start in those three games. Considering the Oilers match up against the Philadelphia Flyers early next week too, there is potential for two starts over the next four games.
The Oilers start with the last place San Jose Sharks, but then have a back-to-back on the weekend against the Los Angeles Kings first and then the Anaheim Ducks. Heading into the break, Pickard got the first of the back-to-back against the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers. The Devils were the easier matchup, so seeing as the Ducks are not a strong team, Pickard will most definitely start there. Don’t count on it, but I think there is a possibility that Pickard gets the start against the Sharks as well. He will have a start against an easy opponent at one point this week, that’s for sure. He has won two of his last three games, so I would count on him getting another one.
Martin Jones, Toronto Maple Leafs
Martin Jones has been the go-to man in net for the Toronto Maple Leafs since he was recalled after Joseph Woll was injured. Jones hasn’t missed a beat coming from the AHL and holding the Maple Leafs in games. He’s 4-1-0 with a .917 SV% and a shutout. While Toronto is in a heated battle for first in the division, don’t count on them continuing to go back to Ilya Samsonov with his immense struggles this season.
Jones should be considered the starter at this time for the Maple Leafs, and they are a good team that can score. So if Jones fumbles a bit, he could still earn the win. The Maple Leafs match up against the Ottawa Senators and then the Columbus Blue Jackets and Carolina Hurricanes on back-to-back nights. I can see Jones getting the first two starts against the two worst teams. But if he does get the second of the back-to-back against the Hurricanes, it’s not bad either. They have struggled this season.
Akira Schmid, New Jersey Devils
The Devils’ goaltending has not been great this season, but they are still behind a strong team that can win games. One of the two has to start, and I think Akira Schmid has a decent chance at starting two games this week. The Devils play the Senators and the Blue Jackets on opposite nights of the Maple Leafs, and they are both easier opponents who are below .500.
Schmid was pulled in his previous start, but Vitak Vanecek did no better against the Oilers. In Schmid’s four prior starts, he won two and only gave up 2.75 goals per game. The Devils are bound to burst through soon and after a break, this could be the time. The goaltending has been so back-and-forth this season for New Jersey, but Schmid should at least get one start this week. If he only gets one, ideally it wouldn’t be against the Boston Bruins on the back end of a back-to-back.
Related: Slappers and Bangers: Fantasy Hockey Breakout Holiday Special
Make sure to take advantage of these goalies for this week. The longer you wait, the more of a chance someone you may want is picked up before you get to them. There are early games that you will want to take advantage of as well. While a couple of these goaltenders should get at least one start this week, be sure to keep an eye on any other options throughout the week that may become solid options as well.