Lest We Forget

Good morning. Today is Remembrance Day. Today is the day that we remember and honor the millions of men and women and the sacrifices that have been given so that each and everyone of us can live a conflict free day to day life. Millions have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Many more have lived after witnessing unspeakable things. The bravery and the courage in the face of abject horror is something I cannot fathom. They are not alone. To all those who have fought and to those who will fight. Thank you. Lest We Forget.

Remembering

Here are a few goalies who bravely put themselves at risk for their country.

Johnny Bower - Canadian Army

There have been many men who played for NHL teams that have fought for their countries and Johnny Bower is one. In 1940 at the age of 16, Johnny enlisted. He trained for two years in Prince Albert before being shipped to England for a year during WWII. Bower won two Vezina’s and four Stanley Cups in hockey post military and is credited with inventing the poke check.

Walter ”Turk” Broda - Canadian Army

Turk Broda was the first goalie to win 300 games in NHL history and a five time Stanley Cup champion. He enlisted in 1942 and went overseas until 1943.

Frank Brimsek - U.S. Coast Guard

Brimsek served during WWII for the US coast guard in Curtis Bay, Maryland, achieving the rank of Motor Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Petty Officer. He also served in the South Pacific. Brimseks hockey achievements include winning the Calder, two Vezina’s and held records for shutouts and wins for a lengthy stretch.

Back to fantasy relevance

Anthony Stolarz - Toronto Maple Leafs

Now I may be a bit biased as this guy helped me win my league last year but, he is so hot right now. Anthony Stolarz continues to impress me in Toronto. He is unfazed by going from a humid football town to hockey mecca. He currently sits fifth overall in the league in goals saved above expected at 7.0 according to Moneypuck. If you sort for high danger save percentage at 5v5 he is top of the league again. If you add in shorthanded minutes that's where things get a bit squirrely but that’s not entirely on him. Joseph Woll passes Stolarz when adjusting for this. Both goalies have put up great numbers and either have a chance to take the Leafs into the rest of the season. I assume that the Leafs will roll with the hot hand going forward but due to Woll’s injury history my money is on Stolarz continuing to get the bulk of them. Time will tell. I would be very happy to target Stolarz in a trade. Might be too late to pry him away as of now.

Cam Talbot - Detroit Red Wings

Now I know what you're thinking, how could I possibly write about a Detroit goalie in a positive light, and you’re usually right but here on Monday Ramblings we are big fans of riding the hot hand. It comes with the zero G strategy territory. Cam Talbot is five for eight in the quality starts column, sporting one shutout and a GSAE OF 6.1 which puts him firmly in 5th across the league. Talbot gave the people very strong months to begin the season in Los Angeles last year and seems to be starting with his hair on fire again. I’d give him a shot if you’re in dire need but I wouldn’t target him in a trade unless it comes very easy.

Logan Thompson - Washington Capitals

This guy has been pretty good so far. Washington has overachieved according to most stats and most logic. But I'm not here for logic today and I am all in on this Alex Ovechkin run. I took Ovi late in one spot and I find myself cackling at his stat lines nearly every day. The man has been shot out of a cannon this year and I am holding out hope it lasts all season. Imagine a 45-goal, 90-point season to cap off his career. Logan Thompson has been a big beneficiary of the Capitals hot start. He’s been a bit of a 1A in a tandem with Charlie Lindgren, and Lindgren has been holding his own as well. Thompson is easily worth a look while Washington continues this run. Looks good under the hood for them as well.

As we come to a close, let’s all take today to reflect on how we as a people can make this place a little bit better. Be kind, be helpful and be even kinder to yourselves. As always you can find me on Twitter/X @LOGoalz as well as on twitch when I am live @MurkMessier. I am open to any and all questions about hockey and fantasy. Stay safe folks.