This week, The Net Effect takes a look at some situations that have developed over the past week. Some good, some bad, and one that’s just plain ugly.
Calgary Flames- I feel like I dissect this team every week. Well, here it goes again.
After Mikka Kiprusoff went down with an injury, Leland Irving started four games in a row for the Flames, going 2-0-1 before being sent down to the minors. Then recently acquired Joey MacDonald started two games, allowing six goals, which prompted them to try Danny Taylor, who made his NHL debut on Monday. It didn’t go so well, as he allowed four goals, although Taylor faced 37 shots in a 4-0 loss to the Coyotes. For those keeping score at home, the Flames have used three starting goalies in the past four games and four in the past eight games.
Dallas Stars- Kari Lehtonen has been one of the best goalies this season, and one of the most underrated for a few seasons now. But after suffering a groin injury last week, backup Richard Bachman got the start Sunday. He allowed four goals on 26 shots in a 4-3 loss to the Flames, to put his record at 1-3 (to go along with a 3.95 GAA and a .857 SV%). Here’s to hoping Lehtonen gets back soon.
Maple Leafs- Ben Scrivens has posted two straight shutouts for the Leafs, stopping all 71 shots in those games. He might not be available in your league, but if he is, snatch him up. The Leafs are playing well right now, and James Reimer is hurt. Reimer has good numbers, though (6-3, 2.31 GAA, .929 SV%) Even when healthy, the Leafs could roll with Scrivens who has the hot hand right now.
St. Louis Blues- With Jaroslav Halak still nursing a groin injury, and Brian Elliot struggling, Rookie Jake Allen has all of a sudden made the past four starts for the Blues. He had won his first three, before a 2-1 loss to the Sharks on Tuesday in which he made 23 saves. Allen isn’t playing mind-boggling hockey, but he is winning. His goals-against and save percentage aren’t good, though. And there’s a chance Halak may start on Wednesday, so Allen may not be a hot pickup.
Hopefully next week it gets a little less ugly. Good luck fantasy hockey owners!
