THE GOALIE EDGE: 1/9/14 primepucks.com Thu 1/9/14 2:28 PM
St.Louis could be without a few key scorers in Alex Steen and T.J. Oshie, but their balanced scoring depth has been a huge key during their 6-game winning streak. It's Jaroslav Halak's turn in net tonight against an inferior Calgary team, which has played the Blues tough in splitting two one-goal matchups. The added motivation of gaining traction in the never-ending goaltending carousel in St. Louis over the streaking Brian Elliott should provide plenty of motivation for a big Halak showing. Go Blues.. On a 3-game winning streak, Minnesota will again play without Zach Parise and Mikko Koivu. Not with-standing their shocking win in Los Angeles, the Wild go up against the Phoenix Coyotes and a now-healthy Shane Doan. Coming off a 6-0 demolishing of Calgary behind the shutout win from Thomas Greiss, the ‘Yotes might be ready to start rolling. Mike Smith (LIKELY) has been struggling with a 2.89 GAA, but coach Dave Tippett will go back to him. Edge to Phoenix...Coming off an impressive 3-2 effort against the Sharks, the Predators need to keep up the intensity against an unbeatable Anaheim Duck's team, who is 14--1-0 in their last 15 games. Frederik Andersen gets the nod, but his numbers has been solid with a 1.98 GAA and a .927 SP. The Ducks have too much firepower and the Preds don't. Love Andersen in a great spot-start.. Our upset special will take place in Tampa, where Philip Grubauer and the Capitals will end their losing streak against an overmatched Anders Lindback. Ben Bishop would have given the ‘Bolts a clear edge, but we just don't see Lindback filling in this void in goal successfully if Bishop is out long-term. The "writing will be on the wall" tonight as the Caps win this one.
FANTASY MUST-START
Frederik Andersen, Anaheim @. Nashville
Jaroslav Halak, St. Louis @ Calgary
Mike Smith *, Phoenix vs. Minnesota
SLEEPER ALERT
Philip Grubauer, Washington @ Tampa Bay
*: NOT CONFIRMED
GOALIE DAILY PICKS
Steve: (55-36): Frederik Andersen
Ray: (50-39): Jaroslav Halak
Mike: (43-32): TBA
Goalie Start: Frederik Andersen getting the start tonight for Ducks... dailyfaceoff.com Sun 12/29/13 7:56 PM
Andersen allowed three goals on 21 shots in a win over the Islanders on December 21. He continues to play well, but Jonas HIller is red-hot right now so it has been hard to find Andersen starts. Tonight he will face the Sharks in San Jose, he is 5-1-0 with a 2.18 GAA and .916 SV% on the road.
Goalie Start: Andersen gets the call in goal for the Ducks. dailyfaceoff.com Sat 12/21/13 7:56 PM
Andersen stopped 26 of 28 shots in a win over the Blues on December 7. He gets the call in the second game of a back-to-back and draws a good matchup when he faces the Islanders.
DAILY PRIME - DECEMBER 18, 2013: GRAB "JAKE" IF YOU CAN, ALL RANKIN... primepucks.com Wed 12/18/13 4:57 AM
One of Philadelphia's most enigmatic wingers is swiftly on the rise, as Jakub Voracek continues his strong play with two goals in the 5-2 win over Washington. While currently on a five-game point streak, the shifty forward has collected 5 goals and 2 assists, conjuring memories of his breakout season in '12-13. How quickly have fantasy owners forgotten that "Jake" flourished in Year 2 with the Flyers, basically scoring a point-per-game pace with 46 points in 48 games. Along with superstar Claude Giroux, the top-line duo floundered during the early portion of this season as the Flyers couldn't shoot a puck in the ocean, but the offense has come alive over the last month. The key to Voracek's fantasy resurgence and staying power is Giroux, who has been resembling his usual elite self with 8 points in 8 December games and 20 in the last 23 overall. It's safe to assume that the duo will resume to their high-scoring ways during the second half of '13-14, so try to pry away Voracek from an unassuming owner, using his current stat total as the ammunition. Acquiring Giroux will always prove difficult, but why not get the best next thing in "Jake"? If you have already prior to his hot streak, Bravo!!
The Jones and Raanta Dilemma: In case you haven't noticed, but injuries to high-profile fantasy goalies have opened up the door for No.2's to become legit fantasy options in the interim. With Jonathan Quick out indefinitely due to a groin injury, Martin Jones has grabbed the spotlight in the King's crease with a 6-0 record, .082 GAA and .972 SP. After shutting out the Oilers 3-0 last night, Jones fantasy owners are hoping that Quick does not return 'quickly' (pardon the pun). The truth of the matter is that Quick will resume his starting goalie duties when he returns, but Jones' strong play (and Ben Scrivens too) have afforded the Kings the luxury of not rushing him back. Also, there will be a shorter leash if Quick struggles upon his return. As for Antti Raanta, the 24-year old has enjoyed a splendid run for Chicago, winning 7 of his 8 starts. Corey Crawford does seem closer to returning than Quick, making progress in his recovery and probably resuming skating in a few days. He is at least a couple of weeks away, so enjoy the Raanta ride while you can. Both back-ups are living the high life now, but make sure you have contigency plans in goal when their time is up.
More Fantasy Game Notes: Max Pacioretty is incredibly annoying to own in fantasy, considering his ...
DAILY PRIME TODAY: GRAB "JAKE" IF YOU CAN, ALL RANKINGS UPDATED primepucks.com Wed 12/18/13 4:57 AM
One of Philadelphia's most enigmatic wingers is swiftly on the rise, as Jakub Voracek continues his strong play with two goals in the 5-2 win over Washington. While currently on a five-game point streak, the shifty forward has collected 5 goals and 2 assists, conjuring memories of his breakout season in '12-13. How quickly have fantasy owners forgotten that "Jake" flourished in Year 2 with the Flyers, basically scoring a point-per-game pace with 46 points in 48 games. Along with superstar Claude Giroux, the top-line duo floundered during the early portion of this season as the Flyers couldn't shoot a puck in the ocean, but the offense has come alive over the last month. The key to Voracek's fantasy resurgence and staying power is Giroux, who has been resembling his usual elite self with 8 points in 8 December games and 20 in the last 23 overall. It's safe to assume that the duo will resume to their high-scoring ways during the second half of '13-14, so try to pry away Voracek from an unassuming owner, using his current stat total as the ammunition. Acquiring Giroux will always prove difficult, but why not get the best next thing in "Jake"? If you have already prior to his hot streak, Bravo!!
The Jones and Raanta Dilemma: In case you haven't noticed, but injuries to high-profile fantasy goalies have opened up the door for No.2's to become legit fantasy options in the interim. With Jonathan Quick out indefinitely due to a groin injury, Martin Jones has grabbed the spotlight in the King's crease with a 6-0 record, .082 GAA and .972 SP. After shutting out the Oilers 3-0 last night, Jones fantasy owners are hoping that Quick does not return 'quickly' (pardon the pun). The truth of the matter is that Quick will resume his starting goalie duties when he returns, but Jones' strong play (and Ben Scrivens too) have afforded the Kings the luxury of not rushing him back. Also, there will be a shorter leash if Quick struggles upon his return. As for Antti Raanta, the 24-year old has enjoyed a splendid run for Chicago, winning 7 of his 8 starts. Corey Crawford does seem closer to returning than Quick, making progress in his recovery and probably resuming skating in a few days. He is at least a couple of weeks away, so enjoy the Raanta ride while you can. Both back-ups are living the high life now, but make sure you have contigency plans in goal when their time is up.
More Fantasy Game Notes: Max Pacioretty is incredibly annoying to own in fantasy, considering his ...
Goalie Start: Andersen is the first goalie off of the ice at Ducks'... dailyfaceoff.com Sat 12/7/13 2:56 PM
Andersen turned aside 19 of 21 shots in a win over the Flames on November 29. THe next three starts went to Jonas Hiller, but Andersen gets the nod tonight. He has yet to face the Blues, but the 24-year-old rookie is 3-1-0 with a 2.01 GAA and .925 SV% on the road, slightly worse than his home numbers (4-0-0 / 1.36 / .954).
THE GOALIE EDGE: 12/7/2013 primepucks.com Sat 12/7/13 12:59 PM
ALL GOALIES CONFIRMED UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED AT TIME OF PRINT
The Philadelphia Flyers, having won 3 of their last 4, head into Big D this afternoon to take on the Stars. Steve Mason gets the start and will be up against Kari Lehtonen (LIKELY) who has started 18 of the last 19 games for Dallas. Both goaltenders playing very well so toss a coin...Let's hope that 13 is not a bad sign for Marek Mazanec (LIKELY) who will be making his 13th consecutive start for Nashville tonight against Braden Holtby and the Washington Capitals. Even though he has lost 4 in a row, Maz has been playing well as the Preds await the return of Pekka RInne. The Capitals offense may be a bit too much for Mazanec. Holtby should be able to backstop the Caps to a win....The Winnipeg Jets are off to Tampa Bay to take on Anders Lindback and the Lightning. Backup Al Montoya takes the reins for the Jets, a team that has lost 6 of the last 9 so playing against the Bolts is going to be a tough task....Jonas Gustavsson, who is playing lights out this season, may be gaining the edge for the No. 1 goaltending job in Detroit. Gustavsson will be facing a revitalized Florida Panther team, but the Cats have lost 5 of their last 7, and with the incentive to grab the starter's role, the Monster may be too much for the Panthers to handle. Tim Thomas should keep them in the game but Gustavsson is on fire....Craig Anderson gets another shot at keeping the starter's job tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs who have been struggling of late. Hit with a rash of injuries at the Center position, the Leafs have lost 9 of 13 heading into tonight. Perhaps playing against an erratic Anderson will boost the Leafs' offense. Jonathan Bernier (LIKELY) is coming off an impressive 3-2 overtime victory over Dallas and should get the best of the Sens...Carey Price has been playing lights out all season long and it is starting to show in his record. His metrics have been above average throughout the year so far and that should continue. The Habs have a chance to share in the Conference lead if the Pens lose to the Boston Bruins in regulation. Playing against the Buffalo Sabres, with Jhonas Enroth in net, should give them a very reasonable shot at that...Tuukka Rask (LIKELY) and the Boston Bruins are out to get right back in to the Conference battle for the top spot as they host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Marc-Andre Fleury and Rask will be on their game tonight as the battle between Yellow-and-Black should be a ...
Goalie Start: Andersen leads the Ducks onto the ice for warm-ups, h... dailyfaceoff.com Fri 11/29/13 7:56 PM
Andersen will make his first start for the Ducks since November 12. He was recalled last week with Viktor Fasth out with an injury. He has won six of his seven starts with a 1.66 GAA and .943 SV% this season. He draws a strong matchup vs. the Flames.
DAILY PRIME NOVEMBER 27, 2013: PARISE OUT WITH FOOT INJURY primepucks.com Wed 11/27/13 6:44 AM
Minnesota's star winger Zach Parise has been sidelined due to a left foot contusion for 2-3 weeks. A huge loss for the Wild and his fantasy owners, considering he has scored 11 goals and 22 points in 23 games. There will also be an adverse fantasy effect on Mikko Koivu and Jason Pominville, who might see a temporary reduction in points with Parise out of the lineup. Maybe taking a short-term flier on Charlie Coyle will be a smart move, since he will be relied on even heavier on the power-play. Considering the Wild might play it closer to the vest and keep the games tighter, Niklas Backstrom is still a strong fantasy play in the crease.
Rough Night For Hiller: With five goals allowed on 32 shots in Anaheim's 6-3 loss to Dallas, Jonas Hiller was the fantasy dud of the night. With Viktor Fasth injured, the Swiss goalie has an opportunity to distance himself from the rest of the goaltending competition. Do not breathe easy, Hiller owners, considering with any more crappy starts like this one, Frederik Andersen will be stealing time from him. Watch this situation.
DAILY PRIME TODAY: PARISE OUT WITH FOOT INJURY primepucks.com Wed 11/27/13 6:44 AM
Minnesota's star winger Zach Parise has been sidelined due to a left foot contusion for 2-3 weeks. A huge loss for the Wild and his fantasy owners, considering he has scored 11 goals and 22 points in 23 games. There will also be an adverse fantasy effect on Mikko Koivu and Jason Pominville, who might see a temporary reduction in points with Parise out of the lineup. Maybe taking a short-term flier on Charlie Coyle will be a smart move, since he will be relied on even heavier on the power-play. Considering the Wild might play it closer to the vest and keep the games tighter, Niklas Backstrom is still a strong fantasy play in the crease.
Rough Night For Hiller: With five goals allowed on 32 shots in Anaheim's 6-3 loss to Dallas, Jonas Hiller was the fantasy dud of the night. With Viktor Fasth injured, the Swiss goalie has an opportunity to distance himself from the rest of the goaltending competition. Do not breathe easy, Hiller owners, considering with any more crappy starts like this one, Frederik Andersen will be stealing time from him. Watch this situation.