It is a big week in fantasy hockey and there isn’t too much time until the playoffs are set. For many leagues, the trade deadline has passed, so the waiver wire becomes even more important in the final stretch, whether you are firmly in a playoff spot or are fighting for positioning. These are three of the best options to stream this week heavily based on how well they have been playing.
Fantasy Hockey Week 20 Goalie Streams
Sam Montembeault, Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens have now won four games in a row on the back of Sam Montembeault, who hasn’t been great this season but has proven that he is a starter in the NHL without a doubt. The Canadiens are within striking distance of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, especially now after great play, and while they could stumble, they’re hot right now when you should be taking advantage of their goalie.
Montembeault has won three games in a row and the week ahead is encouraging. The Canadiens just defeated the Buffalo Sabres, the Edmonton Oilers have been struggling ahead of snapping their five-game losing streak, and the Calgary Flames aren’t anything special this season. Montreal and Montembeault are feeling it right now and the Canadiens’ starter has proven that he can go on great stretches. He has a .932 SV% and a shutout over the past 14 days.
Nico Daws, New Jersey Devils
A decision may have finally been made by the New Jersey Devils involving their goaltending. Since Jacob Markstom has been injured, Jake Allen has taken the majority of the work in net with Nico Daws backing him up. Allen has been struggling and Daws is finally getting his shot and taking advantage of it. While Allen will be the goalie that stays as the backup when Markstrom returns due to experience and the contracts, Daws looks to get more of the starts until that time and should take over as the full-time backup next season.
Daws has won all three of his starts this season and has a shutout. He has started two of the last three games and while the Devils have struggled, he has been what the team has been looking for to help get things back on track. On the season, albeit in a short sample size, Daws has a 0.88 GAA, .966 SV%, and one shutout. The Devils match up against the Dallas Stars, Winnipeg Jets, and Philadelphia Flyers this week. The schedule could be easier, but the Jets have now lost a couple of games recently and Daws might even skip over that game as the Devils could opt to go with experience. Daws is someone to consider for a short period, especially with how the situation in net is playing out.
Elvis Merzlikins, Columbus Blue Jackets
Like the Canadiens, the Columbus Blues Jackets have been winning and also strung four wins together. The difference is, that the Blue Jackets are in the first wildcard spot in the East with Elvis Merzlikins in the net. He has won his last three starts and is the number-one goalie on the team. Over the past two weeks, he has a .917 SV%. On the season, he has won over half of his games and is under a 3 GAA while hanging around just under a .900 SV%.
The Blue Jackets have a little bit of a tough schedule this week, especially kicking off the week against the Tampa Bay Lightning, but the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers follow. While hockey is set up so anyone can win on any night and the Blue Jackets still have a fair shot against the Lightning, it might even be a smart move to ride someone else for the first few days and then jump on Merzlikins for the second half of the week. He has been a top streamer option all season with how he’s played.
Related: Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire: Week 19 Defensemen Streams
This is an important time for many in fantasy hockey, so be sure to do your research before committing. Or you can just come back here every week and have the research done for you. Same time next week if you’re looking to save time and get the upper hand.
