Fantasy Hockey Special: Goalies

For those of you who haven't been following the situation regarding goaltender Evgeni Nabokov, here's a little summary: After another dissapointing playoff withdrawal in 2010, Nabokov left the Sharks and the whole NHL behind to play in the KHL of Russia for a chance to play in his home land and maybe pocket a little more money. After a dissapointing stretch, Nabby was released from his team and began talking with scouts and GMs about returning to the NHL. The Red Wings, hoping to solidify their tandem, signed him to a minimun contract deal for the season but first he had to pass through the NHL's extremely complicated waiver system. Long story short, the Islander's claimed him and Nabokov, within his rights, is refusing to report to Long Island, expressing his wishes to play for a cup-contending team. Three possible scenarios can play out here: either he stays inactive until next season, he reports to play for the Isles, or the Islanders trade him to get a pick or two and he gets shipped to a better team. A frustrating situation for sure, and he even hung up on the Islander's GM.

What does this mean in fantasy terms? Well, Nabokov is potentially a top 5 tender in the league, depending on his physical condition and the team he ends up with. A dream scenario would be Washington or Philly, which would make him a fantasy must. Keep an eye on the situation.

Here's a few other goalies worth keeping an eye on going forward:

Martin Brodeur, NJD

Finally this guy is showing a little bit of the moxy that got him drafted by round 3 in almost all leagues. For years, people have been wondering when the sensation would finally let age catch up with him and he's always impressed (Mariono Rivera, anyone?). This year however, his less than stellar play has got the hockey world thinking his best days are behind him. He's picked it up with 4 wins, a sub-2 GAA, and a shutout in the past 2 weeks. He's no longer an anchor, but if the Devils stay hot he's a fine number 2 fantasy goalie.

Mikka Kiprusoff, CAL
The Finnish netminder is another guy whose best days are behind him, and this is showing quite obviously. Calgary as a whole is struggling mightily and there's even rumors of them trading superstar Jarome Iginla. A dissapointment for those who drafted him, as he possesses a 4.46 GAA and .857 SV% over the last 14 days. He's not this bad, but the situation isn't looking great in Calgary. Use with caution.

Pekka Rinne, NSH
After missing time to injury, most owner's snagged Predator's backup Anders Lindback, who was stellar in his debut as a starting goalie. He played strong enough for the trade rumors to swirl of them dangling Rinne on the trading block, but this hasn't happened and now Rinne has been one of the hottest goalies in the league, with 5 wins in two weeks and earning him the number 15 spot on Yahoo! player rankings during that time. A good number one goalie for the duration of the season.

Antero Nittymaki, SJS
He started off great, earning the job from Antti Niemi and giving the Sharks an able replacement for Nabokov. He has since struggled, however, and is expected to miss a little time with an injury. In the meantime, Niemi is playing well, not great, and Nittymaki is forced to the bench. He's not worth owning except as a 3rd goalie in a deeper league.