Crawford allowed four goals on 27 shots in the Blackhawks loss in Ottawa on Thursday. He has lost each of his starts this week, allowing a combined six goals on 63 shots (.905 SV%). This is the worst season that Crawford has had since 2011. Today he takes on the Jets at home, where he has been much better this season—he is 6-3-1 with a 2.10 GAA and .927 SV% at the United Center.
Hellebuyck made 32 saves on 33 shots in the Jets 6-1 blowout win over the Maple Leafs on Wednesday. Hellebuyck has stopped 46 of 48 shots (.948 SV%) to pick up back-to-back wins to start his NHL career. His career might be off to a blistering start, but he draws a very difficult matchup this afternoon with the Capitals in town.
Nilsson stopped 42 of 43 shots in the Oilers overtime win over the Stars on Thursday. In two starts against the NHL’s highest scoring team, Nilsson has turned aside 90 of 94 shots (.957 SV%). He has been great for the Oilers this season, posting a 7-7-1 record, 2.52 GAA and .921 SV% and should make for a great Sunday start against the Sabres.
Stalock allowed three goals on 31 shots in the Sharks win over the Blue Jackets on November 22nd. Stalock has gone 2-3-0 with a 2.88 GAA and .896 SV% in four starts and two relief appearances this season. He doesn’t start often, but he will go tonight vs. the visiting Lightning. Tampa Bay comes in averaging 2.29 goals per game over their last seven.
Markstrom allowed two goals on 38 shots in the Canucks loss in Los Angeles on Tuesday. It was a great outing, but Ryan Miller still started on Thursday. However, tonight it will be Markstrom against a Bruins team playing their second game in as many nights. Markstrom comes into play at 1-1-2 with a 2.83 GAA and .917 SV%. He makes for an interesting spot-start.
Holtby allowed two goals on 35 shots in the Capitals win in Montreal on Thursday. The win extended his winning streak to nine games—Holtby has posted a 1.87 GAA and .936 SV% over that span. After a breakout 2014-15 season, Holtby has been even better this year. He is a must-start whenever he gets the call and should make for a good start tonight vs. the Jets.
Fleury allowed one goal on 34 shots in the Penguins 5-1 win in San Jose on Tuesday. Pittsburgh has a Saturday-Sunday back-to-back and it looks like Fleury will get things started today vs. the Kings. Fleury has been excellent on the road this season, going 5-3-1 with a 1.78 GAA and .944 SV% in nine road starts.
Varlamov allowed one goal on 25 shots in Colorado’s win over the Rangers on Thursday. It was a great outing for Varlamov, who had allowed a combined 10 goals in his previous three games. Despite a strong outing on Tuesday, Varly is still difficult to trust, especially vs. Minnesota. In his first start against the Wild, Varlamov allowed five goals in a 5-4 loss.
Rinne allowed two goals on 16 shots in the Predators loss to the Panthers on Thursday. Rinne has only faced 31 shots in his last two starts, but he has allowed four goals on those attempts, which is just an .871 SV%. He should be in for a more difficult matchup tonight—Rinne has lost five of his last six while posting a 2.86 GAA and .869 SV%.
