This cannot be stressed enough: The position in fantasy leagues that have goaltending statistics of sufficient weight is not to be negotiated too quickly. ESPN’s standard game, which rewards wins, saves and shutouts as well as penalizes goals-allowed, honors netminding like no other. Let’s go back to my old-and-true analogy. A goalie that stops 28 of 30 shots in an 8-2 win earns you, the manager, 5.6 fantasy point. In contrast, allowing five goals on 31 shots during a 5-4 loss gives you a fantasy net worth -4.8 points. It’s a mighty pendulous swing.
In summary, ESPN’s ideal fantasy goalie is one who wins most games and allows few goals on a lot of shots. A shutout is always a nice bonus. You should be in contention until the end of the campaign if you draft top-tier characters and/or make adjustments throughout the season. A lineup with a weakness in the pipes is almost guaranteed to fail.
Strategy
As usual, this year I will be selecting my No. 1. Fantasy netminder in standard ESPN leagues. Perhaps Tampa Bay’s draft will be the best. Andrei Vasilevskiy New York’s Igor ShesterkinIf either of them isn’t spoken by the end of the first round (or alternatively, see figures below), then my No. 2 shortly thereafter.
In addition to securing my one-two goalie punch I am more open to the idea of padding my netminding team with a low-ceilinged asset or sleeper. Perhaps a member of a well-respected tandem. These candidates may (I prefer not) fall flat, but …) won’t be a major problem for fantasy teams, as a few under-radar candidates are often valuable plug-in commodities. It is still a priority to secure my G1 or G2 in drafts.
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Top-tier goalies I like
Jacob Markstrom, Calgary Flames (No. 4 goaltender)
Only Shesterkin accumulated more fantasy points in the span of 2021-22 ESPN’s standard game. He ended up skating away from the Vezina. Remember that the league’s Calgary shutout leader was also in contention for the title of best between the pipes. Brad Treliving was able to negotiate the deal that included the gaining two-way center. Nazem KadriMachine to assist you Jonathan HuberdeauDefenseman, and? MacKenzie WeegarThe Flames are in better shape now than they were when Markstrom had his best career season.
Juuse Saros, Nashville Predators (No. 5 goaltender)
The Predators’ No. 1 contest started more contests than anyone else in 2021-22. 1 finished fourth with 207.8 fantasy points. This is not bad considering that this was Pekka’s first time playing more than 40 regular season games. He’s obviously durable enough. Saros might have won the Vezina had it not been for the emerging buck from the Big Apple. Nashville’s blue line has a stauncher, which is a result of ex-Lightning. Ryan McDonagh aboard.
Also see: Frederik Andersen, Carolina Hurricanes (No. 11 overall)
Target mid-tier goalies
Marc-Andre Fleury, Minnesota Wild (No. 25 goaltender)
This ranking is a little confusing to me, considering that the Vezina winner of two years standing as the undisputed No. 1. For a Wild team that was better than average, which lost just two of their 11 regular-season matches last spring. He was especially appreciated for giving a struggling Blackhawks squad a fighting chance every night, before the predeadline deal sent Fleury to Minnesota. Fleury would not have been signed by Bill Guerin and Co. to a two year extension. And It was a highly competent individual. Cam Talbot Ottawa, and without believing that the 37 year-old could Clydesdale through this regular campaign. Why should we be so skeptical? I consider the multi-ringed Stanley Cup Champ to be a top-15 fantasy netminder.
Cam Talbot Ottawa Senators (No. 19 goaltender)
Fleury had offered Fleury their final rose, but the Wild quickly turned down the offer to Minnesota’s goaltending blueprint. Not Talbot can be dealt to completely trade him to the Senators. I don’t know about others, but I feel more inspired to go after my ex in such situations, wrath/scorned, and all that vengeful jazz. Experiencing a peaks-and-valleys career (2018-19 in Edmonton/Philadlephia was not good) since making his Rangers debut nine years ago, the 35-year-old has been hearteningly reliable enough these past three campaigns, averaging .914 SV% and 2.69 GAA split between Calgary and Minny. This veteran’s record of 63-30-10 wins over this stretch is remarkable in its own right. The Senators, with their feisty nature, are more competitive than the rest. Alex DeBrincat And Claude Giroux On board, Talbot is a great choice for a No. 2 fantasy netminders for deeper leagues
Also see: Elvis MerzlikinsColumbus Blue Jackets (No. 20 goaltender)
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Sleepers of the future
Alexandar Georgiev, Colorado Avalanche (No. 26 goaltender)
Georgiev won’t be able to compete with the best of the Western Conference crop. Darcy Kuemper And Philipp Grubauer Before him, that’s on the ex-Rangers’ netminder. It’s a dream job to be a goaltender for the Stanley Cup Champs. After a few seasons of playing in New York, and some glimpses at elite play in the past five seasons, the 26 year-old is now ready to take the starting crease. Pavel Francouz Colorado’s most consistent top choice. At green flag’s flutter, the baton is his to carry. It’s worth considering Georgiev as a number one. 2 in deeper leagues. Georgiev is a great No. 3 fantasy netminder in less competitive competition
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Logan Thompson, Vegas Golden Knights (No. 31 goaltender)
The Vegas starting job is open to anyone who wants to race off with it. Robin Lehner Thompson is now out for the season. I like Thompson’s chances at completing that task. The rookie was able to perform admirably in the injured relief of Lehner and Thompson. Laurent Brossoit In 2021-22, the team posted a record of 10-5-3, 2.68 GAA, and.914SV%. It is worth noting that Brossoit’s numbers were significantly better than the 25-year old’s. Brossoit had offseason surgery. (Trade to fill the third depth slot. Adin Hill If it all goes horribly, prematurely seems to be an insurance policy. The loud commitment of Bruce Cassidy to turning Vegas into a defensive powerhouse, which is a club rich in blue-line talent, is also a positive sign. Thompson’s lack of experience is the greatest knock, fantasy or otherwise. But we all have to start somewhere.
Last-round picks to be considered
Carter Hart, Philadelphia Flyers (No. 39 goaltender)
The 24-year old is a young, talented goaltender who also happens to be a part of a less-than-stellar team. Despite some injuries, the Flyers have managed to surpass our low expectations. Perhaps a former Hurricane Tony DeAngelo Helps to rescue the team’s league worst power play (12.6%), which could translate in to a few additional wins. Maybe John Tortorella, the new coach, discovers the magic formula to make Philadelphia great again. We’ll see. Hart’s finish in the fantasy black is not surprising (Not A season-long liability) for a team that won all 25 games suggests he’s worth a chance in the later rounds when/where there’s nothing to lose.
Also see: Alex Nedeljkovic, Detroit Red Wings (No. 44 goaltender); Jake Allen, Montreal Canadiens (No. 52 goaltender)
Drafts should not be kept at the current value
Jordan Binnington, St. Louis Blues (No. 12 goaltender)
Last October, the Blues’ starting netminder was unquestionably solid. After winning a string of games in April, he won the six-contest postseason series. However, the 2021-22 sandwiches were much better. Binnington didn’t do well in the previous campaign. He was even worse than mediocre since helping the Blues lift the Cup in 2019. I don’t trust him. It might be worth looking at how it turns out. Thomas Greiss After a difficult season in Detroit, he is now St. Louis’ backup manager on a one year deal.
Also see: John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks (No. 14 goaltender), Matt Murray, Toronto Maple Leafs (No. 16 goaltender)