The 19th week of the 2023-24 NHL season has begun and there are some strong options in net to add to your fantasy team. Whether you need goalies for just this week or for longer, we’ll cover the best ones to pick up. When looking for goalie streams in fantasy hockey, it’s best to look at back-to-backs, if there are injuries to starters, or if a starter is struggling. This is a look at the three best options in net to stream in Week 19 of the fantasy hockey season.
Fantasy Hockey Week 19 Goalie Streams
James Reimer, Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings have overworked Alex Lyon this season. Before James Reimer started the team’s last game, Lyon had started 10 games in a row and 17 of the past 18. While he has been very good for the Red Wings who are fighting to stay in a playoff spot, he needs a break. Lyon came into the season as the third goalie and has taken over, but while games get tougher down the stretch, Reimer is going to be needed since Ville Husso is still unavailable.
Reimer hasn’t been bad in his recent appearances, which makes me think that with four games this week for the Red Wings, we will see him once and might see him a second time. The schedule for Detroit is easier as they face the Seattle Kraken, Colorado Avalanche, St. Louis Blues, and Chicago Blackhawks. The latter two are on a back-to-back. Since Reimer is coming off of a 38 save shutout, we could start to see more of him. Lyon has also allowed 11 goals in his past two games and the Red Wings have proven that they will run with the goalie that will give the team the best shot at winning in this important season.
Calvin Pickard, Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers kicked off February with a jam-packed schedule in which they either play every other day or play on back-to-backs. While the team rode Stuart Skinner for a long while during the huge win streaks, he is starting to be given more rest as Calvin Pickard has won six games in a row when called upon. As it was expected the Oilers would be searching for a solid 1b goaltender to help the team down the stretch, Pickard has become exactly that for them and has gotten starts.
The Oilers also play four times this week and once on a back-to-back, so expect at least one start from Pickard. As Skinner has already been confirmed for the game against the Arizona Coyotes to kick off the week, there are still chances to start against the Boston Bruins, Minnesota Wild, and Calgary Flames. Pickard is 7-2-0 with a .910 SV% and a shutout. As far as backups go on good teams with chances to play, he is a top option right now.
Jonathan Quick, New York Rangers
The New York Rangers continue to be a top team in the NHL and Jonathan Quick has not failed to impress this season. He has won his last four starts and has 13 wins on the season with a .917 SV%. Igor Shesterkin hasn’t been great this season, so it has given Quick more of a chance to showcase the abilities that he still possesses.
Quick likely won’t start multiple games in a row since he is the backup and may not be available in all leagues since he has done well, but if he’s there, jump at the opportunity. Like many teams, the Rangers play four times this week and have a back-to-back on the weekend. Their opponents are the Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, Philadelphia Flyers, and Columbus Blue Jackets. This isn’t the most difficult schedule and Quick could be fortunate enough to match up against the Blue Jackets who are at the bottom of the standings.
Related: Fantasy Hockey Week 19 Waiver-Wire Defensemen
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.