Drafting a solid, consistent and most importantly a clear number one goaltender can mean success for your fantasy team. Failing to lock down that star goaltender can lead to doom and gloom for your team. In a world where coaches are becoming more and more willing to run with a two-man system, it makes it even more difficult for fantasy owners. It is very important to draft a goaltender that will get you starts. When points are gained by saves, and wins, your goalie must be in the net to cash in. Here is a breakdown of which goalies are safe picks, and which one is just a little to risky.
SOLID LOCKS:
Tuukka Rask, Boston Bruins
Roberto Luongo, Florida Panthers
Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings
Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens
Pekka Rinne, Nashville Predators
Cory Schneider, New Jersey Devils
Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers
Braden Holtby, Washington Capitals
SAFE PICKS:
Semyon Varlamov, Colorado Avalanche
Sergei Bobrovsky, Columbus Blue Jackets
Jaroslav Halak, New York Islanders
Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh Penguins
Corey Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks
SLIGHT RISKS:
Robin Lehner, Buffalo Sabres
Mike Smith, Arizona Coyotes
Devan Dubnyk, Minnesota Wild
Jake Allen, St. Louis Blues
Martin Jones, San Jose Sharks
Ben Bishop, Tampa Bay Lightning
Frederik Andersen, Anaheim Ducks
RISKS:
Cam Talbot, Edmonton Oilers
Craig Anderson, Ottawa Senators
Ryan Miller, Vancouver Canucks
Ondrej Pavelec, Winnipeg Jets
Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings
STAY AWAY:
Steve Mason, Philadelphia Flyers
Jonathan Bernier, Toronto Maple Leafs
Cam Ward, Carolina Hurricanes
Jonas Hiller, Calgary Flames
Kari Lehtonen, Dallas Stars
Drafting a solid number one goaltender is critical, but getting lucky with a risky pick can be very rewarding also. Draft a solid guy, and then take your risky pick. No one ever guessed that Andrew Hammond or Devan Dubnyk would steal the show last season. So who will be this season goaltending surprise?
Brad Burud the owner/editor of the Inside Edge Hockey News. I am a huge fan of hockey, from youth hockey, to junior hockey, and of course professional hockey. I have played, coached, worked as statistician, and watched hockey all of my life. Hockey is not just a game, it is a lifestyle and family. The game of hockey is great! It can bring you nights of great enjoyment. It also brings nights where you feel like your team will never win. I am proud to be a journalist for the greatest game in the world. I have a degree in Business Administration, Psychology from Minot State University. I also have a Hockey General Manager and Scouting, and Sports Communications/Journalism degree from Sports Management Worldwide. I am also a member of the Sports Executives Association. Most of all I am a fan. Hockey is a huge part of my life and my families life.