Monday Morning Ramblings: Stolarz Strong Play, Andersen on Fire, Thompson Thriving and More

Good morning everyone and welcome to another edition of the Monday Morning Ramblings. This week, I’ll be taking a look at a few masked men who are providing their respective owners with some phenomenal play at a crucial time in the fantasy hockey season. Let’s get to it!

Stolarz Stellar In Sunshine State

It has been an exceptional year for Anthony Stolarz in his first (and potentially only season) with the Florida Panthers organization. He has been the perfect backup to starter Sergei Bobrovsky and has given the team a reliable option in goal in order to keep “Bob” fresh for the postseason. It goes without saying that a lot has to do with the team playing in front of him, however, make no mistake about it, Stolarz has provided the Panthers with some solid play this year as evidenced by his 14-7-2 record accompanied by a 2.12 goals against and .922 save percentage.

If that weren’t enough, in his last 11 games played Stolarz has put together a solid 8-3 record to go along with a 2.12 goals against and .930 save percentage in helping to solidify Florida’s spot amongst the Eastern Conference elite. He has been one of the league's best backups this season and is providing owners with some vital production in key categories during what is for many the fantasy hockey playoffs.

As with all hot streaks, owners should enjoy it while it lasts seeing as Stolarz is only signed through to the end of the season. The Panthers have invested heavily in Spencer Knight who is enjoying a great bounce back season with the teams affiliate the Charlotte Checkers, going 23-13-5 with a 2.42 goals against and .905 save percentage to the tune of 3.35M for the next two season which would seem spell the end for Stolarz

Andersen On Fire

Fredrik Andersen has had quite an interesting year with the Carolina Hurricanes to say the least. The diagnosis of a blood clot issue at the beginning of November led to a four month interruption to his season culminating with his return to the team’s crease on March 4th against the Montreal Canadiens.

Since his return, Andersen has been sensational for the ‘Canes sporting a 8-1 record accompanied by a 1.22 goals against and .954 save percentage including three shutouts, putting to rest any thoughts that he may be a bit rusty upon his return to play. It has always been a question of health when it comes to Andersen as he has a track record of missing time through injury but when healthy and playing as he has these past few weeks, Andersen can be quite the difference maker both in real life as well as from a fantasy perspective.

Given the way youngster Pyotr Kochetkov has played this season it will be interesting to see which way coach Rod Brind’Amour will lean when it comes to naming his starter for game one of Stanley Cup Playoffs. That being said, you would have to think that as long as Andersen is healthy and ready to go he would get the nod over the exuberent youngster.

Looking ahead to next year, owners will want to proceed with caution due to both the solid play of the aforementioned Kochetkov as well as Andersen’s track record when it comes to his health. The two netminders will most likely end up in a bit of a timeshare moving forward as the club transitions from the wily veteran to the sensational youngster.

Nedeljkovic Phenomenal For Pens

Alex Nedeljkovic has put the Pittsburgh Penguins on his back these past few weeks while taking over the Pens crease from starter Tristan Jarry in the process. It was not long ago that Pittsburgh found themselves mired in what was a very challenging season on the outside looking in at the NHL’s playoff picture. In his last nine starts Nedeljkovic has fashioned a 7-0-2 record along with a 2.56 goals against and .914 save percentage, single handedly dragging the Pens into the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Make no mistake, with the investment the team made to starter Tristan Jarry last offseason (5 years X 5.375M) he will eventually regain the Penguins net. However, with Nedeljkovic’s recent run of play coach Mike Sullivan is riding the hot hand in an attempt to keep his team squarely in the playoff picture with five games remaining this season.

From a fantasy perspective, I would mirror coach Sullivan and ride the hot hand as Nedeljkovic should see the bulk of the starts to end the year with the Penguins clinging to the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Quite simply, if you are currently benefiting from Nedeljkovic’s recent run of play just enjoy the ride while it lasts and hopefully he helps you to the next round of your fantasy playoffs.

Thompson Thriving

Aside from the complete meltdown by the team in front of him last Friday night against the Arizona Coyotes (Arizona scored six goals in the third period), Logan Thompson has been providing the Vegas Golden Knights with some exceptional play of late as the club battles it out with the Los Angeles Kings for that coveted top three spot in the Pacific division.

In what has basically been a timeshare with Adin Hill for most of this year, Thompson has most certainly stepped up his play going 6-0 with a sparkling 1.33 goals against and .955 save percentage before the team’s lacklustre effort in Friday’s third period collapse against the aforementioned Coyotes.

It will be interesting to see what direction the Knights decide to take over the course of the summer as Thompson is playing out the last year of his current contract and one would think he will be looking for a substantial raise from his current deal (less than $800,000). If Vegas does move on from its current duo, much of Thompson’s value will be tied to his next landing spot and his role within that organization.

Fantasy wise, it is definitely a wait and see approach as it pertains to Thompson and his value moving forward as many a fantasy manager will want to see how the off season plays out for both the Golden Knights and Logan Thompson before deciding their next move.

Be sure to download the The Goalie Post app for daily goalie updates and information!

Thanks for reading and feel free to follow me on X @mikeouellet9

See you all again next Monday!