The NHL got off to an odd start for many fantasy hockey owners. The schedule was all over the place with some teams playing just one game a few days into the season and others playing three. The more games a team plays in a week, the better chance for both goalies to play. When looking for goalie streams in certain weeks, look no further. The best options each week will be laid out here based on back-to-backs, opponents’ skill level, and how good goalies have been.
Fantasy Hockey Week 2 Goalie Streams
Dan Vladar, Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames don’t have a very hard schedule this week. The team plays four games, all against teams who missed the playoffs last season. While Jacob Markstrom, the starter, could very well start three of the four, there’s a chance Dan Vladar gets even more playing time early to give Markstrom some rest. Last season Vladar took over the net for a bit earlier in the season to relieve Markstrom of some pressure. Vladar played fairly well and held the Flames in there.
This season Markstrom hasn’t exactly been stellar in the first two games, sporting a .892 save percentage (SV%). The Flames play the Washington Capitals, Buffalo Sabres, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Detroit Red Wings. All seem improved, but none are elite. The Sabres and Blue Jackets matchups come on back-to-back days, so Vladar’s one game could be against Columbus. It wouldn’t surprise me if he saw action against the Capitals to give Markstrom a break early either.
Semyon Varlamov, New York Islanders
The New York Islanders only play three games this week, but they do have a back-to-back on Friday/Saturday. Although options might change mid-week with injuries, Semyon Varlamov playing just one game will provide much better fantasy hockey stats than most. He is a great option in net on a very defensive team, even though he will likely be matched up against the Sabres. Buffalo has struggled out of the gate and you can almost always expect a low-scoring game when the Islanders are involved.
Ilya Sorokin is the clear starter and one of the best goalies in the league. This will limit Varlamov’s games overall. He will remain a good option as a streamer, but nothing more. The Russian sported a .913 SV% last season and since joining the Islanders, he has a .917 SV% over the four seasons.
Connor Ingram, Arizona Coyotes
The Arizona Coyotes get their back-to-back out of the way early, so it would give you a chance to take advantage of multiple goalie streams this week. Karel Vejmelka had a strong first game, but Connor Ingram has been on his heels since last season. The Coyotes face the New York Rangers and the Islanders on Monday/Tuesday, with the Islanders coming as the second game. They are not strong offensively while the Coyotes definitely look better this season already.
I can see more of a split time in Arizona between the two goalies. While Vejmelka got the opening night start and will probably get the second start too, Ingram is a solid choice to stream, especially early in the week. The Coyotes also play the St. Louis Blues and the Anaheim Ducks, two not-so-great offensive teams later in the week. If Ingram can also get a game against one of them, he will be a strong streaming choice in Week 2.
Goalies can be tricky in fantasy hockey. Many times other owners are keeping a close eye on the waiver wire for a goalie getting an ideal start as well. Looking ahead at the start of the week can gain you an advantage, but you also may have to adjust. These are the best three options to stream in net this week in fantasy hockey.