It looks as though it may have finally happened. Winnipeg Jets goalie Michael Hutchinson may just now be the main man in Winnipeg. After years of up and down struggles with goalie Ondrej Pavelec the Jets may have found his replacement. Pavelec and Hutchinson have been splitting starts thus far, but based on recent numbers, and Hutchinson’s recent 38 save 5-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks, the trend may change.
Michael Hutchinson is 8-2-2 on the year with a 1.67 goals against, and a very impressive .944 save percentage. These are some big numbers for an unrecognizable goalie. He is currently owned by just 42% of CBS Fantasy Hockey League leagues. He is only started by 21% of those teams. Based on recent success, this will change in the near future.
The Jets are off to a solid start, and Hutchinson looks to push the Jets to a strong second half of the season. They are currently fighting for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
GOALIES TRENDING UP
Semyon Varlamov – Colorado Avalanche
This season has been a total disappointment after last seasons stellar season. Varlamov has been plagued with injuries, but now is healthy and looks to be trending upward. He is currently 5-6-5 with a .913 save percentage and 3.01 goals against average. In his last start he posted a 5-0 shut out of the St. Louis Blues. Colorado is hoping that this is a sign of things to come. It looks as though Varlamov will get his chance after the holiday break to prove he is a top-notch goalie.
Frederik Andersen – Anaheim Ducks
Andersen has continued to improve as the year has progressed. He is backstopping one of the NHL’s top teams. Andersen is 19-5-4 with a .914 save percentage and a 2.39 goals against average. He ranks second in the NHL in games played and wins. That is pretty impressive. When you look at his numbers, he looks average. When you look at the wins, it reminds you that he plays for Anaheim, and is expected to rack up many more. He is owned by 85% of CBS Sports Fantasy Hockey leagues but if for some reason he is available, grab him right away. He will lead you to the promise land.
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.