Former Vezina winner Tim Thomas paid immediate dividends for his new team, as he stopped 25 of 27 shots in Florida's 4-2 road victory over Dallas. Already entrenched as the Panther's starter over unproven Jakub Markstrom, the 39-year old should surprise fantasy owners who drafted him the late rounds. Despite showing few signs of rust in his debut, he will surely endure his share of growing pains with the young squad, limiting his fantasy value. These aren't the Boston Bruins, so you must keep your fantasy expectations in check. The huge downgrade in supporting cast makes him a decent no. 2 fantasy goalie at best. "Timmy T" should be more than a serviceable option during the opening weeks, as he will be extremely motivated to get back to an elite level. Vokoun Who?: After the Pittsburgh faithful had learned the news of trusted veteran goalie Tomas Vokoun missing at least three months of live action, there were many concerns whether Marc-Andre Fleury can bounce back to elite status. Well, for at least one night, those fears were quelled as Fleury responded to his critics with a 28-save shutout over the New Jersey Devils in the season opener. We told you guys not to get caught up with all the negative hype surrounding Fleury after his dismal playoff effort last season. He has a proven pedigree as an outstanding regular-season goalie, which should be the only thing that matters to fantasy owners. Until shown otherwise, treat him as a middle-tier no.1 fantasy goalie option. Leave his playoff struggles to the Pittsburgh coaching staff! Other Fantasy Game Notes: Alex Chiasson's goal for Dallas gives him 7 in 8 career games. Anyone counting? Solid sleeper.. Keep your eye on defenseman Marc Staal, who has been earning top power-play minutes in the early going under new coach Alain Vigneault. He registered the only goal in the Ranger's 4-1 loss to Phoenix. He was utilized as a two-way shutdown defender in the past, but his elite skill-set and an almost full recovery from his eye injury should put him back on your fantasy radar.. The streaky Radim Vrbata scored three goals for Phoenix, making him valuable waiver-wire bait to start the season. Keep in mind that he is searching for a long-term extension, which could assist in a quick start for the Coyote forward.. Pittsburgh winger James Neal apparently re-aggravated his upper body injury and left early in the first period. Keep tabs on this one.. Not the start Rinne owners were hoping for, as the Finnish backstopper floundered in his season debut by allowing three goals on just six shots before being pulled from the game. He should be back in net for Nashville's next game, but this was not an encouraging sign... This week's two ADD'EM forwards, Marcus Johansson and Mikhail Grabovski, continue to light it up for the Washington Capitals, as the former recorded three assists, while the latter picked up a power-play helper in the 5-4 victory over Calgary. That's five points for "Grabo" in two games. He is on fire.