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Any starting goalie worth anything in fantasy hockey has long been owned in any sort of competitive league. Many others may be routinely streamed, but they are rarely used in consecutive appearances by the same owner, leaving them available to be scooped up at any moment by a competing owner.
When it comes to maximizing statistical value, goaltender requires more research and preparation than any other fantasy position. Fantasy hockey leagues will vary depending on the customization preferences of the commissioner but the standard format sees the playoffs take place over a three-week stretch commencing Monday, March 13 and concluding Sunday, April 2.
Here is a breakdown of when owners can expect teams to turn to their backups during the fantasy playoffs and a look at which valuable goaltenders may be worth an immediate stash. Even if these goalies are never used, it's better to have the option in the event of needing one final win or a shutout to win either category.
All but four NHL teams will play at least one back-to-back during the three-week stretch of the fantasy playoffs. Fourteen teams will play two back-to-backs and one club, the New York Rangers, will play three. Thirteen teams will play at least one back-to-back during the championship week, with only the Carolina Hurricanes twice playing on consecutive days in the final week.
The following chart looks at the each team's second opponent, where the backup goalie would be most likely to play. xGF60 is the team's expected goals for rate per 60 minutes. All three stats are considered at 5v5 and all stats are courtesy of Corsica.Hockey:
| Team | Opponent | SOG/60 | GF/60 | xGF60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANA | @ CGY | 29.59 | 2.10 | 2.35 |
| BOS | @ CHI | 29.72 | 2.53 | 2.43 |
| CAR | vs. DET/@ PIT | 28.23/34.45 | 2.32/2.92 | 2.37/3.03 |
| CLB | @ CHI | 29.72 | 2.53 | 2.43 |
| DAL | @ TB | 29.81 | 2.24 | 2.43 |
| DET | @ CAR | 29.50 | 2.08 | 2.77 |
| MIN | vs. COL | 28.13 | 1.71 | 2.04 |
| NJ | @ PHI | 27.49 | 1.81 | 2.23 |
| NYI | vs. NJ | 30.42 | 2.64 | 2.48 |
| PHI | @ NYR | 28.85 | 2.69 | 2.59 |
| SJ | @ CGY | 29.59 | 2.10 | 2.35 |
| TB | vs. DAL | 30.73 | 2.37 | 2.66 |
The most ideal opponents for streaming against will be on the road, have a moderately high SOG/G and low GF/60 and xGF/60. Favor a xGF60 lower than a GF60.
With this in mind, we can focus in on ANA, DET, MIN, NJ and SJ for our streaming goaltenders.
| Team | OPP | Goalie | 5v5 SV% | OPP SOG/60 | xSV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANA | @ CGY | Jonathan Bernier | 89.77 | 29.59 | 26.56 |
| DET | @ CAR | Jared Coreau | 91.14 | 29.50 | 26.89 |
| MIN | vs. COL | Darcy Kuemper | 91.16 | 28.13 | 25.64 |
| NJ | @ PHI | Keith Kinkaid | 92.13 | 27.49 | 25.33 |
| SJ | @ CGY | Aaron Dell | 95.79 | 29.59 | 28.34 |
Of the five backups, all but Bernier should be expected to play twice during the fantasy playoffs - at minimum - due to back-to-backs. Dell's meeting with the Calgary Flames, while on the road, offers the highest likely save total. Dell will have two other back-to-back opportunities, also playing the Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators - both on the road - in the semi-final week.
Dell is owned in under 10 percent of leagues. He has an all-situation save percentage of .935, a goals against average of 1.88 and a record of 8-3-1 in 11 starts and 13 appearances this season. The Sharks failed to upgrade at backup goaltender at the NHL trade deadline, but Dell will serve them, and fantasy owners, just fine.
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