A guide to streaming goaltenders for the final round of fantasy hockey playoffs
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Desperate times call for desperate measures. If you own a goaltender who isn't getting enough playing time or simply isn't getting the job done of late, you might be better off streaming goalies from the waiver wire.
Luckily, there are 19 back-to-backs in the NHL this coming week, meaning backup goaltenders will see plenty of playing time. Most coaches opt to start their backup netminder on the second game of a back-to-back, but in some cases the backup will start Game 1. Be sure to check Left Wing Lock for a confirmed list of the day's starting goalies.
March 27-28
| Team | Opponents | Backup Goalie |
|---|---|---|
| BUF | FLA @CLB | Anders Nilsson |
| CAR | DET DET | Eddie Lack |
| DET | @CAR @CAR | Petr Mrazek |
| FLA | @BUF @TOR | James Reimer/Reto Berra |
| NAS | @NYI @BOS | Juuse Saros |
Best options: Lack, Saros. Lack is 5-1 with a .950 SV% in his last six games. Carolina has two back-to-backs this week, so he might be worth hanging onto for the duration of the final round.
The ones to avoid: Mrazek, Reimer/Berra.
March 28-29
| Team | Opponents | Backup Goalie |
|---|---|---|
| LA | @EDM @CGY | Ben Bishop |
| WSH | @MIN @COL | Philipp Grubauer |
Analysis: Both are excellent options. Grubauer starting against a historically bad Avalanche team would be gravy.
March 30-31
| Team | Opponents | Backup Goalie |
|---|---|---|
| CLB | @CAR @CHI | Joonas Korpisalo |
| NYI | @PHI NJ | Jaroslav Halak |
| SJ | @EDM @CGY | Aaron Dell |
Best options: Halak, Dell.
The one to avoid: Korpisalo.
March 31 - April 1
| Team | Opponents | Backup Goalie |
|---|---|---|
| NJ | @NYI @PHI | Keith Kinkaid |
Analysis: Kinkaid has played okay this season, but neither matchup is appealing.
April 1-2
| Team | Opponents | Backup Goalie |
|---|---|---|
| ANA | @EDM @CGY | Jonathan Bernier |
| BOS | FLA @CHI | Anton Khudobin |
| CAR | DAL @PIT | Lack |
| DAL | @CAR @TB | Antti Niemi/Kari Lehtonen |
| MIN | @NAS COL | Darcy Kuemper |
| NAS | MIN @STL | Saros |
| PHI | NJ @NYR | Michal Neuvirth |
| TB | MTL DAL | Peter Budaj |
Best options: Kuemper, Budaj. Playing at home for the second half of a back-to-back is a huge advantage.
The ones to avoid: Khudobin, Neuvirth.