NHL Fantasy Hockey Resource

This weekly goalie outlook is published every Sunday for the upcoming fantasy week, which can be helpful for head to head leagues, especially those who are in leagues with rosters that have to be set and locked for the entire week. This is simply a guide for fantasy managers out there from week to week; do not take recommendations here as infallible, by any means. Here is a look at each team's goaltending situation heading into the fantasy week of April 6th to April 12th. This is the last week of the regular season. Good luck to all fantasy managers out there.

Northeast Division

Team: Boston Bruins
Goaltender: Tim Thomas / Manny Fernandez
Opponents: @Ottawa, Montreal, @Buffalo, @New York Islanders
Outlook: The Bruins have won 6 straight, locking up the top seed in the East in the process. They have 3 games on the road to finish things up but with a streak like this, who cares where you play. They do have a back-to-back to finish the season off so be sure to check and see who's expected between the pipes.
Strategy: Safe to Start

Team: Buffalo Sabres
Goaltender: Ryan Miller
Opponents: Detroit, @Toronto, @Carolina, Boston
Outlook: Their playoff chances are slim, but the Sabres have pointed in 5 of their last 6. With 4 games this week, look for Buffalo to fight to get into the postseason, riding Ryan Miller all the way. It's now or never for the Sabres and even if they win all their games they could still end up not making the playoffs, so take advantage of their desperation for your fantasy team and hope for the best out of Miller. Those in roto leagues with max games should take advantage of the games left for Buffalo, especially if you're behind pace.
Strategy: Safe to Start

Team: Montreal Canadiens
Goaltender: Carey Price / Jaroslav Halak
Opponents: Ottawa, @New York Rangers, @Boston, Pittsburgh
Outlook: At the start of the season people were talking Stanley Cup; now it's a hope just to make the playoffs. The Habs have a tough road ahead of them but they've won 5 of their last 6. Halak has gotten the last 2 starts because Price has been out with the flu so make sure to check Goalie Post for which goalie is starting. Montreal is playing good puck right now so the situation remains safe to finish out the season.
Strategy: Safe to Start

Team: Ottawa Senators
Goaltender: Brian Elliott / Alex Auld
Opponents: @Montreal, Boston, New Jersey, @Toronto
Outlook: The Sens have lost 4 of their last 6 and will officially miss the playoffs this season. Both goalies should see time in the last 4 games, but with 2 games against opponents locked into the postseason and 1 team fighting for a spot, your best bet is to use caution with Ottawa's goaltending. The Sens' season may be over but don't forget about Elliott if you're in a keeper league.
Strategy: Use Caution

Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
Goaltender: Martin Gerber / Curtis Joseph
Opponents: @New Jersey, Buffalo, Ottawa
Outlook: The Leafs' goaltenders have given up 14 goals in their past 2 games; enough said.
Strategy: Emergency Basis Only

Northwest Division

Team: Calgary Flames
Goaltender: Miikka Kiprusoff
Opponents: Los Angeles, @Vancouver, @Edmonton, Edmonton
Outlook: The Flames are 2-2 in their last 4 and have 3 difficult games this week against a Vancouver team trying to win the division and an Oilers squad that's looking for a playoff berth themselves. It's tough to doubt Kippers, so the Flames need to hope their defense steps up so the load doesn't rest solely on their goaltender.
Strategy: Safe to Start

Team: Colorado Avalanche
Goaltender: Peter Budaj / Andrew Raycroft
Opponents: @San Jose, Dallas, Vancouver, St. Louis
Outlook: A 3 game home stand to finish the year means absolutely nothing for a Colorado team who has lost 8 straight. The Avs have now become one of the favorites in the Tavares and Hedman sweepstakes.
Strategy: Emergency Basis Only

Team: Edmonton Oilers
Goaltender: Dwayne Roloson
Opponents: Los Angeles, Calgary, @Calgary
Outlook: The Oilers are fighting for their playoff lives but they've lost 3 of their last 4. Their young guns like Sam Gagner are starting to get hot at the most crucial time, at least. With 2 games against the Flames, who will be trying to clinch the division, it could be tough for Edmonton. The last match between the Oil and the Flames was back in Feb. and it was an overtime loss for Edmonton.
Strategy: Use Caution

Team: Minnesota Wild
Goaltender: Niklas Backstrom
Opponents: Dallas, Nashville, @Columbus
Outlook: The Wild have pointed in 3 straight games heading into Sunday. The Wings pulled out a heartbreaker of a win 3-2 in the final minutes on the strength of a Hossa goal and the Wild did not even get that all important point. Along with Minny themselves, Nashville and Columbus both fighting for playoff spots, so keep an eye on the situation as it plays out for the Wild.
Strategy: Use Caution

Team: Vancouver Canucks
Goaltender: Roberto Luongo
Opponents: Calgary, Los Angeles, @Colorado
Outlook: The Canucks have won 3 of their last 5 but they've dropped 2 straight. They're in a battle with Calgary for the Northwest Division title and with 2 favorable matchups against L.A. and Colorado, the 3rd seed in the West is very attainable.
Strategy: Safe to Start

Go to http://saucerpass.com/weekly-goalie-outlook/ to see the weekly outlook for the rest of the divisions.

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