Weekly Goalie Outlook for March 23-29 (Week 25)

Here is a look at each team’s goaltending situation heading in to the fantasy week of March 23rd to March 29th.

Atlantic Division

Team: New Jersey Devils
Goaltender: Martin Brodeur
Opponents: @Philadelphia, @Chicago, Carolina
Outlook: The Devils are up against three playoff caliber teams in this well spread out week. New Jersey entertains Philly on Monday and doesn’t play a game again until Friday. Brodeur continues to shine down the stretch here and should continue to see the majority of the starts as he is chasing down Terry Sawchuk for the shutout record. The team is playing well in front of him posting 17 goals in the past 5 games. Having a tender like Brodeur helps win fantasy championships, so make sure to ride him to the very end of the season.
Strategy: Safe to Start

Team: New York Islanders
Goaltender: Yann Danis/Peter Mannino/Joey MacDonald
Opponents: Minnesota, @Detroit, Philadelphia
Outlook: The Islanders have been a much better hockey club in the month of March and are giving some a reason to believe that next year could finally be a good season for this young, scrappy bunch. Now, talking in terms of this fantasy week, it may be better to find other options if you are relying on the Islander tandem between the pipes as their schedule this week is extremely difficult. Managers needing to get a start out of Mannino or Danis should consider starting one of them against the Wild. Minnesota is having some problems at the moment and New York could catch them off guard. It’s also worth noting that Joey MacDonald has injured his groin and is listed as day-to-day. We’ll keep you posted.
Strategy: Emergency Basis Only

Team: New York Rangers
Goaltender: Henrik Lundqvist
Opponents: Minnesota, @Atlanta, @Pittsburgh
Outlook: The Rangers are playing some dynamite puck right now and could make it another 3 wins again this week. Nik Antropov and Sean Avery are providing the offense that the Rangers were lacking before the deadline, and Chris Drury has turned his game around significantly after the coaching change. It’s like a whole new Ranger team. Lundqvist has been strong between the pipes for New York and should see all 3 games this week. He has won 7 of his last 8 starts and is a great option to have for fantasy playoffs in any format.
Strategy: Safe to Start

Team: Philadelphia Flyers
Goaltender: Martin Biron/Antero Niittymaki
Opponents: New Jersey, Florida, @New York Islanders, Boston
Outlook: The Flyers has certainly favored Martin Biron between the pipes in the month of March but he certainly has been inconsistent for fantasy managers looking for wins in the playoffs. Antero Niittymaki has started just 3 games in March (1 of which he was pulled after the first period) and is obviously playing second fiddle to Biron right now. Expect the Flyers to continue to use Biron, especially against Florida and New York in order to get his confidence back on track. And certainly don’t rule out an appearance from Niittymaki this week as Philadelphia is a very busy squad. The Flyers are capable of handling New Jersey and Boston, so take a chance and remember to double check your starters later on in the week to see if Niittymaki gets the call.
Strategy: Safe to Start

Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
Goaltender: Marc-Andre Fleury
Opponents: Calgary, New York Rangers
Outlook: It’s hard to overlook a goaltender who only has 1 regulation loss since February 16th. Fleury has been stellar between the pipes for the Pens and since the deadline, Pittsburgh’s offense has come alive to make the team a scary opponent down the stretch. A short week for Fleury owners but 2 winnable games for the Pens. While offensive output in Calgary has been fantastic since the deadline, it’s the defense and goaltending that have taken criticism in recent struggles. The situation could be ripe for a red hot Penguin team to take advantage and steal a win from a tricky opponent. The Rangers have been just as good as the Penguins and could go either way.
Strategy: Safe to Start

Northeast Division

Team: Boston Bruins
Goaltender: Tim Thomas/Manny Fernandez
Opponents: @Toronto, @Philadelphia
Outlook: A short week for a Bruins team who continue to play up and down hockey. We can’t seem to get any consistency out of the squad as of late. Just when you think they have broken out of their funk, they take losses to much weaker opponents without any real explanation for it. Boston does not play their first game until Saturday of this week when they tango with the Maple Leafs. Certainly a winnable game for the Bruins, however, don’t take the Leafs too lightly at this point in the season as they have proven to be supreme spoilers as of late. A tricky game follows on Sunday against the inconsistent Flyers that should leave fantasy mangers scratching their heads on what to do, especially if the Bruins take a loss at the hands of the Leafs on Saturday. Since the game is on a Sunday, managers certainly have some options. Our advice would be to know your categories. If you’re a manager who is down in the matchup but winning the majority of the goalie starts, leave the Bruin tender on the bench and look for other possible swing categories on the offensive side (eg. Penalty Minutes, Specialty Points). It’s difficult to chase goaltending categories, especially in an “up in the air” contest like Philadelphia vs. Boston.
Strategy: Use Caution

Team: Buffalo Sabres
Goaltender: Patrick Lalime/Mikael Tellqvist
Opponents: Florida, Toronto, @Montreal
Outlook: The playoff situation in Buffalo continues to grow dim with the Sabres only able to amass 1 win in their last 7 games. It’s worth noting that Ryan Miller has begun skating and taking part in light practice activities. Still, he seems to be another week away from considering a return. Three big games for the Sabres as two of their opponents are teams they are chasing in the East. They defeated Florida and Montreal earlier this month and with the sense of urgency never greater, expect coach Lindy Ruff to have this team firing on all cylinders. All 3 of these games are winnable for the Sabres, so even though it’s a slight risk, start Lalime this week and see if Buffalo can prove the naysayer wrong.
Strategy: Safe to Start

Team: Montreal Canadiens
Goaltender: Carey Price/Jaroslav Halak
Opponents: Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Buffalo
Outlook: The Montreal Canadiens have lost 7 of the 9 games played in the month of March and have many wondering what the playoffs have in store, if they even make it. Normally, a team looking to break out of a slump would be salivating at the sight of Atlanta and Tampa Bay on the horizon; however, the Bolts and Thrash are in full spoiler mode right now and could prove troublesome for the lowly Habs. While the opportunity to win is certainly there, don’t call either game a lock. Jaroslav Halak has taken some starts in recently, so managers using either Montreal goaltender should double check the starter on game days this week. Buffalo and Montreal should be an intense matchup as both teams are fighting for their post-season lives.
Strategy: Use Caution

Team: Ottawa Senators
Goaltender: Brian Elliot
Opponents: @Caolina, @Atlanta, @Tampa Bay
Outlook: Brian Elliot has been lights out for the Sens since the acquisition of Pascal Leclaire. Elliot has 8 straight wins and the Senators, as a team, have found their scoring touch once again. With the way the club has been playing, it’s possible for Elliot to extend his record to 11 games after this week. He is certainly proving his worth to the organization and it’ll surely be a dogfight in nation’s capital next year for that starting job.
Strategy: Safe to Start

Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
Goaltender: Martin Gerber
Opponents: Washington, @Buffalo, Boston
Outlook: Gerber hasn’t played terrible for the Leafs since taking over the starting job, however he hasn’t been the most reliable fantasy goaltender to help owners out in the playoffs. While the Leafs have surprised some tough opponents lately, it’s difficult to pinpoint wins against stronger clubs. Leave Washington alone this week, and concentrate your starts in Buffalo, and if your situation calls for it, Boston. We have seen more and more “upsets” in recent weeks, so don’t rule out a few from the Leafs down the fantasy stretch here.
Strategy: Use Caution

Southeast Division

Team: Atlanta Thrashers
Goaltender: Kari Lehtonen
Opponents: @Montreal, New York Rangers, Ottawa
Outlook: The Thrashers are playing pretty decent hockey at this point in the season. Leave the Ranger game alone this week and look for starts against the struggling Habs and, if absolutely necessary, the Sens. It seems like Atlanta is scoring at will as of late, so maybe with some offensive help this week, the Thrash can steal 2 wins.
Strategy: Use Caution

Team: Carolina Hurricanes
Goaltender: Cam Ward
Opponents: @Florida, Ottawa, New Jersey
Outlook: The ‘Canes have won their last 3 games and are looking to solidify their spot in the playoffs this week. Ottawa and New Jersey are certainly tricky opponents for the ‘Canes but the offense is clicking across 3 lines and with Ward playing well, it should give them the opportunity to snatch up 4-5 points in this crucial week. As a quick side note, Eric Cole has been red hot in his return to Carolina and if you haven’t already done so, jump all over him as he is clicking with Eric Staal.once again.
Strategy: Safe to Start

Team: Florida Panthers
Goaltender: Tomas Vokoun
Opponents: Carolina, @Buffalo, @Philly, @Dallas
Outlook: The Panthers take to the road this week to try and work their way back into one of the final playoff positions in the Eastern Conference. Vokoun and crew have looked somewhat inconsistent over the past couple of weeks and with a slew of games this week that could prove to be tricky for the Cats, it may be best to pick and choose the starts this week. Buffalo and Dallas may be two games that could play in Florida’s favor. Buffalo has not been able to win as of late and Dallas got torched on their most recent road trip out west. Managers who own Vokoun should look to these two games this week if the ability to pick and choose starts is available.
Strategy: Use Caution

Team: Tampa Bay Lightning
Goaltender: Kari Ramo/Mike McKenna
Opponents: Columbus, @Montreal, @Washington, Ottawa
Outlook: A busy week for the Bolts indeed. For those managers who are handcuffed by a situation that forces them to use a Tampa Bay netminder, you may have very limited chances at a surefire win this week. Ramo and McKenna have not looked good in recent weeks and there is little relief for the tandem as they face 3 tough opponents in week 25. Managers who absolutely positively need one start out of one of these goalies should look at the Montreal game as a possible opportunity for a win. Montreal has been atrocious this month and can’t seem to get themselves on the winning track. Steven Stamkos is red hot right now, so perhaps an offensive spark can help them snatch a win against a struggling Montreal team.
Strategy: Emergency Basis Only

Team: Washington Capitals
Goaltender: Jose Theodore
Opponents: @Toronto, Tampa Bay
Outlook: No need to over-analyze this situation. A short week for Theodore and crew against 2 teams they should certainly be able to handle. Go for it.
Strategy: Safe To Start

Central Division

Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Goaltender: Cristobal Huet/Nikolai Khabibulin
Opponents: San Jose, New Jersey, Vancouver
Outlook: The Chicago Blackhawks are in a serious funk right now. Neither goaltender is getting the job done and with 3 heavy hitters coming to town this week, managers using Huet or Khabibulin may want to look at other possibilities before considering starting one of these two. Chicago is still a strong team, however, it’s best to play the numbers in fantasy playoff situations.
Strategy: Use Caution

Team: Columbus Blue Jackets
Goaltender: Steve Mason
Opponents: @Tampa Bay, Calgary, @St. Louis, St. Louis
Outlook: The Jackets are inching closer and closer to their first playoff appearance as a franchise and with 3 favorable matchups this week, we could see the team solidify themselves for post-season play. Mason continues to sparkle for Columbus as he has collected 6 wins in 9 starts in the month of March. Add that to the increased offensive output from the Jackets and you have a very scary team to play down the stretch. We should see Mason in every game this week, so consider leaving him on the bench against the Flames as he has only beaten them once this season.
Strategy: Safe To Start

Team: Detroit Red Wings
Goaltender: Chris Osgood/Ty Conklin
Opponents: @Calgary, @Edmonton, New York Islanders, Nashville
Outlook: It’s a busy week for Detroit but they Wings have won 4 straight, so it’s a pretty safe to assume we could see 3-4 wins this week. It should be noted that Chris Osgood has been the goalie of choice for Detroit lately, so don’t be surprised if he sees the majority of the starts this week, especially if he can nab a couple of wins early on in the week against the Flames and Oilers. Coklin should see a start to provide some relief to Osgood. It’s not worth it for Detroit to drive Osgood into the ground before the playoffs, especially with a comparable backup in Conklin there to provide solid assistance. It’s also worth noting that 2 players currently on the Detroit Red Wings were staples in NHL ’94 for Sega Genesis. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it, Ron Barr.
Strategy: Safe to Start

Team: Nashville Predators
Goaltender: Pekka Rinne
Opponents: Anaheim, San Jose, Los Angeles, @Detroit
Outlook: Rinne continues to provide solid netminding for the Nashville Predators, however the team encounters a helluva schedule this week taking on two of the league’s best. The Preds took the Sharks to overtime last week, so they have proven they can keep up with the best in the league. However, since we’re dealing with fantasy hockey playoff situations, we have to play the numbers in this situation to maximize the opportunity to get the win and it looks like Anaheim and Los Angeles could be a good place to start. Rinne has been sharp, but managers who have the opportunity to pick and choose their starts may want to shy away from the Detroit and San Jose contests and play the percentages against the Kings and Ducks.
Strategy: Use Caution

Team: St. Louis Blues
Goaltender: Chris Mason
Opponents: Los Angeles, Vancouver, Columbus, @Columbus
Outlook: It’s certainly a tricky schedule for a team trying to make an end of the year push to the post-season. The Blues have kept their playoff hopes afloat recently by grabbing 11 points out of a possible 20 in the month of March. Tough matchups against conference foes, however, may leave Chris Mason owners with only one option for a win this week, and even that’s no gimmee. Managers may want to consider other options this week and return to Mason next week.
Strategy: Emergency Basis Only

Northwest Division

Team: Calgary Flames
Goaltender: Miikka Kiprusoff
Opponents: Detroit, @Pittsburgh, @Columbus, Minnesota
Outlook: The new look Flames are having some issues on defense and between the pipes. While the offense continues to dazzle, Kippers and the D have not looked at all impressive in recent weeks and could run into some trouble this week with 3 tough opponents to kick off the campaign. While it’s hard to advise readers to leave Kippers on the bench, it’s even harder to climb out of a GAA/SV% hole in just 4 days time if he gets lit up by the Wings or Pens. Patience may be the key to this week for owners as the Flames tackle Columbus on Thursday and Minnesota on Saturday. Both teams they have had great success against this season. Play the percentages on this one.
Strategy: Use Caution

Team: Colorado Avalanche
Goaltender: Peter Budaj/Andrew Raycroft
Opponents: Anaheim, Vancouver, @Anaheim
Outlook: Side effects to using a Colorado goaltender in fantasy playoff situations include: nausea, profuse sweating, four letter word usage, headache, muscle ache and anxiety attacks. Consult a physician if any of these symptoms persist over an extended period of time as these conditions are often attributed to poor fantasy decision making and may be cured by stiff slap upside the head.
Strategy: Emergency Basis Only

Team: Edmonton Oilers
Goaltender: Dwayne Roloson
Opponents: Detroit, @Phoenix, @Anaheim, Minnesota
Outlook: No rest for the weary. At almost 40 years old, Dwayne Roloson continues to start every game for the Edmonton Oilers and with the team shifting in and out of the playoffs on a nightly basis, he gives them the best opportunity to win and should continue to see time down the stretch. The Oilers have won 3 straight games heading into a Sunday afternoon session against the Wild. The week ahead for the Oilers could be a tricky one. Three tough games kick off the week but with Roloson playing well, owners should consider leaving him on the bench against the Wings and giving him the nod the rest of the week. Leaving Rolo on the bench against Detroit minimizes the risk of getting shelled and having to recover from it for the remainder of the fantasy week.
Strategy: Safe to Start

Team: Minnesota Wild
Goaltender: Niklas Backstrom
Opponents: @New York Rangers, @New York Islanders, @Calgary, @Edmonton
Outlook: On nights where Backstrom plays well, it seems like the Wild offense can’t put up the scoring to support him. Similarly, on nights where the offense is clicking, Backstrom struggles and can’t give them the proper goaltending to get the win. Many managers using Backstrom have him as a number one option, so benching him for the week may not be feasible. Owners may want to consider the games against the Islanders and Oilers as the safest bet for a chance to grab a win this week. It’s a tough situation in Minnesota, so try and make the best of it.
Strategy: Use Caution

Team: Vancouver Canucks
Goaltender: Roberto Luongo
Opponents: @Dallas, @St. Louis, @Colorado, @Chicago
Outlook: Granted all 4 games for the Canucks this week are on the road, but with the way that they have been playing this month, all lights are green to start Luongo.
Strategy: Safe to Start

Pacific Division

Team: Anaheim Ducks
Goaltender: Jean-Sebastien Giguere/Jonas Hiller
Opponents: @Nashville, @Colorado, Edmonton, Colorado
Outlook: Giggy and Hiller continue to see time between the pipes and with two games against the ‘Lanche this week, owners looking for the best chance to win may have their answer. Edmonton is a third option for owners to consider in case the goaltender they own doesn’t get the nod in the first Avalanche contest. Nashville has been a thorn in a lot of team’s sides lately, so managers may want to consider leaving a goalie on the bench to start the week in favor of a winnable 2nd half.
Strategy: Safe to Start

Team: Dallas Stars
Goaltender: Marty Turco
Opponents: Vancouver, Los Angeles, Florida.
Outlook: Dallas could use two of the matchups this week to help them jump back into contention in the Western Conference race. While the Kings and Panthers are no surefire win situations, it’s a helluva lot more favorable of a situation than the Canucks right now. Give Turco the nod on Thursday and Saturday and see if they can end this mini-slump they are in.
Strategy: Safe to Start

Team: Los Angeles Kings
Goaltender: Erik Ersberg/Jon Quick
Opponents: @St. Louis, @Dallas, @Nashville
Outlook: Los Angeles continues to play up and down hockey and has some tricky opponents this week. Use Quick or Ersberg as 2nd options this week as none of these matchups have LA as the clear cut favorite.
Strategy: Use Caution

Team: Phoenix Coyotes
Goaltender: Ilya Bryzgalov
Opponents: Edmonton, @San Jose
Outlook: Short week for the ‘Yotes. Should be easy to decipher. Give Bryzgalov the nod against the Oilers and plan to leave him on the bench against the Sharks for a more favorable matchup.
Strategy: Use Caution

Team: San Jose Sharks
Goaltender: Evgeni Nabokov/Brian Boucher
Opponents: @Chicago, @Nashville, Phoenix
Outlook: Go for it.
Strategy: Safe to Start