Nov. 4/03-
What's Up With The Goalies?
Fantasy hockey players with names like Hasek, Giguere and Kolzig on their rosters are finding there is no sure thing in that crazy world we know as the NHL. A lot of big-name goaltenders are getting kicked around in the early days of the 2003-04 season. Let's take a look at who is caught in the current tailspin, and what their chances are of pulling out of it anytime soon.
Jean-Sebastian Giguere, Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
8 games played. 1-6-0, 3.03 GAA, .893 SV PCT, 0 SO
One big playoff does not a career make. Giguere is dealing with the same demons that pursued Jose Theodore last season, when big money and big expectations led to a big letdown. Giguere will not lose his job to back-up Martin Gerber; he makes too much money to sit. He will climb out of the current funk by Christmas, but both he and the Ducks are probably on the backslide this season.
Olaf Kolzig, Washington Capitals.
10 games played. 2-7-1, 3.07 GAA, .873 SV PCT, 0 SO
This season is quickly ballooning into a horror story in Washington. Coach Bruce Cassidy declared that he was "fed up" with the Caps following Saturday's loss to Minnesota. Kolzig remains a decent goaltender who could get hot if traded to the right team. But for now, I don't want anyone in Washington on my roster.
Dominik Hasek, Detroit Red Wings.
8 games played. 4-3-0, 2.43 GAA, .901 SV PCT, 1 SO
Pulled from last week's 6-5 loss to St. Louis, Hasek is currently nursing his wounded pride and a sore groin. The numbers are decidedly un-Dominator like. But he's had a few decent games and a reacquaintance period is to be expected after a year off. Nothing to worry about here.
Tommy Salo, Edmonton Oilers.
9 games played. 3-4-1, 3.48 GAA, .859 SV PCT, 0 SO
After faltering for much of last season, Salo needed a solid start this fall. He didn't get it. In fairness to him, the Oilers team defense has been shoddy in too many games. But if Salo's numbers do not improve through November, there is definite reason to worry about another sub-par year.
Roman Cechmanek, Los Angeles Kings.
8 games played. 4-4-0, 2.70 GAA, .896 SV PCT, 1 SO
The maddeningly inconsistent Czech is following his usual pattern of great save followed by weak goal. Cechmanek will settle down, but he won't come close to the numbers posted with the defensively airtight Flyers.
Ed Belfour, Toronto Maple Leafs.
10 games played. 3-5-2, 2.92 GAA, .882 SV PCT, 1 SO
Like Salo, Belfour has been victimized by the stumbling, bumbling teammates in front of him. He had one of his best seasons last year, and one of his worst the year before. The best-case scenario this time out lies somewhere in the middle. But it could all blow up badly if Toronto's defense does not improve.
Jose Theodore, Montreal Canadiens.
10 games played. 5-5-0, 2.40 GAA, .910 SV PCT, 3 SO
Despite a rough week, which included a poor performance against the Rangers on Saturday, Theodore is off to a good start. His three shutouts are more than he managed all of last year. He's going to have a good season.
Sean Burke, Phoenix Coyotes.
8 games played. 3-3-1, 2.82 GAA, .901 SV PCT, 1 SO
Another guy coming off a lousy week. He'll bounce back (he began the season with three good games), but the Coyotes are not a playoff team. Burke is 36 years old, with accumulated injuries, so he could wear down as winter wears on. There are three goaltenders looking for work in Phoenix and the sooner someone gets traded, the better.
So Which Goalies Are Playing Well?
Patrick Lalime, Ottawa Senators.
8 games played. 5-2-1, 1.61 GAA, .937 SV PCT, 1 SO
Not the biggest name, but possibly this year's best fantasy hockey goaltender. Benefits from playing for a model two-way team, of course, but has come up with some big stops to keep the Senators in low-scoring games.
Nikolai Kahbibulin, Tampa Bay Lightning.
7 games played. 6-0-1, 1.82 GAA, .936 SV PCT, 0 SO
He's the guy behind Tampa's unbeaten start. Last season was a disappointing one, particularly the playoffs. But based on what he has shown so far this year, it's hard to put any stock in all those trade rumors.
Dan Cloutier, Vancouver Canucks.
8 games played. 5-2-1, 1.86 GAA, .926 SV PCT, 0 SO
His reputation is stained by playoff failures, but Cloutier's regular season abilites are no longer in doubt. Rarely has to steal a game, but did just that last week by stopping 37 of 38 shots in Los Angeles.
Mike Dunham, New York Rangers.
9 games played. 4-3-2, 1.85 GAA, .936 SV PCT, 0 SO
Dunham and the Rangers blew a two-goal lead in the third period against Colorado yesterday. But New York has been on a nice roll, and the goalie is the main reason for it.
Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh Penguin.
7 games played. 3-2-2, 1.95 GAA, .942 SV PCT, 1 SO
An 18-year-old fresh from junior hockey can't possibly keep this up, can he? Fleury faces more shots per game than anyone else, and has compiled the league's best save percentage.
