Kuemper Sidelined with Lower-Body Injury
The Arizona Coyotes announced goaltender @Darcy Kuemper is out week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Kuemper suffered the injury late in the third period of Thursday’s game against the Minnesota Wild.
Ryan Hartman gets another nice chance, but can't beat Kuemper. Kuemper goes down and he's on the ice in pain. pic.twitter.com/nSJZSbBe3F
— Hockey Wilderness (@hockeywildernes) December 20, 2019
The 29-year-old netminder is enjoying another stellar year after his breakout 2018-19 season. Kuemper owns a 15-8-2 record on the season with a .929 SV% and a 2.17 GAA. He currently ranks fifth in the NHL in wins, and fourth in both SV% and GAA amongst all goalies with at least 15 appearances.
Lineup Implications
Kuemper’s injury means former starter @Antti Raanta will regain control of the Coyotes crease. Raanta has been relegated to back-up duty after injuries limited him to just 12 games last season. The seven-year veteran has looked good when called upon this season. He’s registered a .919 SV% and a 2.72 GAA but has a mediocre 5-5-2 record to show for it. His peripheral numbers suggest he’s still capable of being a number-one goaltender in the NHL and he’ll now get the chance to prove it. He’s a must own in fantasy for however long Kuemper is sidelined. Raanta is currently available in 49% of Yahoo! leagues.
The Coyotes also recalled goaltender @Adin Hill from Tucson (AHL) on Friday. Hill will serve as Raanta’s backup in the interim. The 23-year-old Hill owns an .898 SV%, a 2.95 GAA, and an 8-8-0 record in 17 career appearances. The Coyotes will be back in action in Detroit on Sunday.