November 1st – Fantasy Hockey Goalie Rankings

Usually Thursday is the busy game-day, but I assume because of Halloween, there were only three games yesterday and Friday becomes the busy night. There are a few interesting games tonight – In shocking news, Semyon Varlamov goes from courthouse to NHL crease in 24 hours and he will take on the 5-6-1 Dallas Stars. The other game that I am looking forward to is Flyers versus Capitals. It is slightly less exciting now that Alex Ovechkin is not playing, but it could still be a fast-paced, exciting game. And of course as a Red Wings fan, hopefully they can take care of the Flames in Calgary.

1. Marc-Andre Fluery (vs. CBJ) – Fleury has been excellent and the Penguins offence will be too much for the Blue Jackets to handle.

2. Brian Elliott (@ FLA) – I pretty much like any starter against the Panthers – especially a goalie that plays behind the St. Louis Blues defense.

3. Jimmy Howard (@ CGY) – The Red Wings have very little offence right now, but they don’t allow many goals – Howard should walk away with another W.

4. Ben Bishop (@ CAR) – He should be able to hold down the fort, while Steven Stamkos peppers Justin Peters.

5. Carey Price (@ MIN) – I’m usually too high on the Wild and they let me down, so I’m switching it up. I like Price vs. Minny.

6. Semyon Varlamov (@ DAL) – From reports he sounds like a bad dude, but that has nothing to do with his goaltending ability. Hard to say bad things about a guy who is 7-1-0.

7. Steve Mason (vs. WSH) – I’ve been pro-Mason all season and that won’t stop against an Ovechkin-less Capitals team.

8. Josh Harding (vs. MTL) – Montreal is a solid team, but Harding carries a .953 SV% into this contest… It is hard to doubt him right now. Should be a great goaltending battle.

9. Kari Lehtonen (vs. COL) – The Avalanche have the 6th ranked Offence and 1st ranked defense so far. Although it is hard to like Lehtonen’s matchup, I strongly believe Dallas can win this one (making him a reasonable start).

10. Robin Lehner (vs. NYI) – One of the best backups in the NHL against a so-so Isles team. He should be a solid spot start tonight.

11. Braden Holtby (@ PHI) – Without Ovechkin I don’t like Washington’s chances… Plus Giroux and the boys have to start scoring soon… Right?

12. Sergei Bobrovsky (@ PIT) – Great goalie… Terrible matchup. If the Jackets are going to win, Bob will need to stand on his head.

13. Joey MacDonald (vs DET) – This would usually be a matchup to avoid, but Detroit’s offence is asleep right now. If you’re desperate, Mac might not be that bad. – However Datsyuk and Zetterberg could go off at any time.

14. Evgeni Nabokov (@ OTT) – He has allowed at least three goals in his last four starts. Nabby just isn’t instilling his owners with much confidence right now.

15. Jacob Markstrom (vs. STL) – The Blues = Good. The Panthers = Not good… Simple enough?

16. Justin Peters (vs. TBL) – Stamkos has nine goals in his last nine games… Yikes… I’ll pass on Peters tonight.