There have been a number of goaltenders this year who many assumed would be the starter of their respective squads but have seen their role challenged. Here’s a look at some of the goalies that have decreased in value, as well as those who have risen to the occasion during the downfall and how to handle them from here on out:
Giguere vs. Hiller – Anaheim
One of the biggest surprises of the year has been J.S. Giguere feeling the heat from Jonas Hiller. There was no question coming into the season that Giggy was the starter in southern California but now he finds his name amongst trade rumors as Hiller has stepped up to challenge his role. Hiller finds himself with a better GAA, SV%, and twice as many shutouts on the season. Consider acquiring Hiller, especially in keeper leagues, as we may soon witness the passing of the torch in Anaheim.
Leclaire vs. S. Mason – Columbus
Leclaire was a huge surprise, especially in the shutout category, during the 2007-08 season. After an unfortunate year of injuries for Leclaire, however, Steve Mason has stepped in and flourished in his first NHL season. The rookie’s 2.09 GAA, .923 SV%, and NHL leading 7 shutouts have even elevated him as one of the favorites for this year’s Calder trophy. He will almost surely be Columbus’ starter for years to come. Don’t give up on Leclaire just yet, though. We may see a trade in the off-season as Leclaire is still a solid goaltender and could be of service to teams in the market for a goaltender. Those managers in keeper leagues may want to consider a stash in case he does get moved.
Osgood vs. Conklin – Detroit
Conklin was signed in the off-season to take some of the load off of veteran Red Wing Chris Osgood. No one knew that this was going to be a platooning situation with the two goalies splitting time. Conklin has better numbers all around, the most impressive coming from his 6 shutouts compared to Osgood’s zero. Chris is signed through 2010-11, but fantasy managers can expect Conklin to field some offers to be a team’s #1 goaltender come July 1st of this year.
Ellis vs. Rinne – Nashville
Nashville thought they were set between the pipes with youngster Dan Ellis at the helm. Unfortunately for him, Pekka Rinne emerged to challenge that role with 14 wins, 4 shutouts, and a 2.26 GAA. Ellis got hot last week with a shutout of his own until the streaking Stars dominated him on Sunday. It was just announced that Rinne will receive the bulk of the time as the Preds fight towards a playoff spot.
Gerber vs. Elliot – Ottawa
When the season began, both of these guys were #1 netminders. The issue is Gerber was the top guy in Ottawa, while Elliot was the leader in Binghamton (AHL). The two have virtually swapped as Martin in down in the minors while Elliot is the nightly starter for Ottawa. The Sens struggling ways have seem to be put to rest at the moment and though things in Ottawa change weekly, it doesn’t look as if Elliot will be pulled from his duties anytime soon. He’s been one of the hottest fantasy goalies over the past month with a 2.47 GAA and a save percentage of .912. Oh, and he’s collected 5 wins along the way. If he continues on a solid pace down the stretch, expect him back as the starter next season.
Legace vs. C. Mason – St. Louis
Another situation of a starter being sent to the minors as Legace was placed on waivers last week, then sent down to Peoria. Mason has been nothing short of phenomenal lately on a weaker St. Louis squad and will continue to see time between the pipes. With the Blues’ offense getting an added boost with Andy McDonald’s return, we could see this team be the spoilers for some of the more elite squads in the West. Not to mention, St. Louis fans have got to have a huge grin on their faces when thinking about the future of their young team. This is certainly a situation to keep an eye on heading into summer. Remember that Mason was slated as a back up to start the season. It’s hard to say what his status with the team will be to start the 2009-2010 campaign. Stay tuned.
Biron vs. Niittymaki – Philadelphia
This duel is more fantasy relevant to right now as Niittymaki has been the hotter of the 2 as of late. Over the past month, Antero has gotten the “W” 5 times while Marty has yet to secure a win for his team. The Flyers have been known to go with the streaky tender which means Niittymaki could be seeing a lot more playing time if he continues to roll. Biron’s salary is double that of his challenger but both goalies become UFAs on July 1st. Which one of these 2 stays in Philly is anyone’s guess. Continue to platoon the two tenders and if you don’t own both, hope you have the right tender if you are in a keeper league.
Other notable: Brodeur vs. Clemmensen – though Scott has played well, this is simply due to injury and Brodeur should be back to #1 when he returns in a couple weeks, as long as he plays up to par.
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