NET EFFECT
By David Satriano
We’re coming down the homestretch in fantasy hockey. Whether you’ve clinched a playoff spot and have a bye, or are struggling just to get in, goalies these next few weeks will be key. Here’s a few backups who could come in handy:
Edmonton Oilers– Nikolai Khabibulin has started two of the past three for the Oilers. One was a 3-0 loss, the other was a 3-0 win, in which he stopped 43 shots for a shutout. His record might only be 3-3-1, but he has a 1.93 goals against average and a .941 save percentage. He will definitely help the goalie categories (maybe not wins so much), and Devan Dubnyk has been struggling, so we could see more of the Bulin Wall.
Phoenix Coyotes– As a Mike Smith owner, I can tell you fewer players have left me more frustrated and perplexed. He got off to an awful start, started to turn it around, but has had an injury-plagued season. Smith was put on IR with an upper body injury and could return on Saturday, but expect him to miss more time. So enter backup Jason LaBarbera. His numbers (1-5-1, 2.57 GAA, .918 SV%) aren’t good, besides the save percentage so maybe the Coyotes, who are quickly slipping out of playoff contention, will let Chad Johnson make a few starts. In his two this year he’s only allowed two goals and has a shutout. True, a small sample size, but during the fantasy hockey stretch run, even one good start can mean the difference in a win and a loss.
Pittsburgh Penguins– Marc-Andre Fleury only played two periods Tuesday night, leaving the game with a neck injury. It’s not sure how much time he will miss but backup Tomas Vokoun got the start Thursday night after stopping all 12 shots he faced in relief of Fleury as the Penguins beat the Cana
