Fri Sep 20 13:42:45 UTC 2024: ## Fantasy Hockey Goaltender Tandems: A New Era in the Crease

**The Rise of Tandems in Fantasy Hockey:**

The days of a single goaltender dominating a team’s crease are fading fast. In recent years, the use of goaltender tandems has become increasingly popular, leading to a shift in fantasy hockey strategy. According to a recent analysis of goaltender statistics since 2009-10, the number of fantasy-relevant goalies with less than 55% of available minutes has significantly increased, particularly over the past five seasons.

This trend signifies that fantasy hockey players need to be more adept at identifying and drafting tandems where both goalies have the potential to deliver strong fantasy points.

**Top Teams to Watch for Tandem Potential:**

**Boston Bruins:** With Linus Ullmark traded and Jeremy Swayman still unsigned, the Bruins’ crease is in flux. Joonas Korpisalo, acquired in the Ullmark deal, could be a valuable insurance option, but Swayman remains the preferred fantasy choice if he signs a new contract.

**Carolina Hurricanes:** Pyotr Kochetkov, who finished 17th overall last season, is likely to share the net with veteran Frederik Andersen. Kochetkov’s youth and potential make him a more enticing fantasy option despite Andersen’s experience.

**Minnesota Wild:** The Wild boast a mix of veterans and prospects in their crease. Filip Gustavsson, who finished 9th overall in 2022-23, and young Jesper Wallstedt are the key players to watch.

**Pittsburgh Penguins:** Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic are poised for a close battle for starts. Jarry’s previous success and Nedeljkovic’s potential make both worthy of consideration.

**Seattle Kraken:** Joey Daccord emerged as the clear starter last season, outperforming Philipp Grubauer. Daccord is the preferred choice for fantasy, as Grubauer’s recent seasons have been underwhelming.

**Toronto Maple Leafs:** The Maple Leafs have a largely untested crease with Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz. Both have shown promise, but their lack of experience and the team’s high-powered offense make them risky fantasy options.

**Washington Capitals:** Charlie Lindgren, who had a breakout season last season, will likely share the net with newly acquired Logan Thompson. Thompson’s strong performance last year makes him a potential sleeper pick.

**Detroit Red Wings:** The Red Wings have a crowded crease with Cam Talbot, Ville Husso, Alex Lyon, and possibly even Jack Campbell. While Talbot’s recent success makes him a tempting pick, the Wings’ overall improvement will determine how many fantasy points their goalies can generate.

**Montreal Canadiens:** Sam Montembeault and Cayden Primeau will compete for starts. Both have shown promise but need to prove themselves on a winning team.

**Vegas Golden Knights:** Adin Hill and Logan Thompson are the primary contenders for starts, with Hill’s potential and Thompson’s recent performance making them interesting fantasy options.

**Key Takeaways:**

* Fantasy hockey players need to adjust their strategies to embrace the rise of goaltender tandems.
* Identifying teams with strong tandem duos where both goalies can produce significant fantasy points is crucial.
* Keep an eye on young goalies who may emerge as fantasy stars.
* Consider the overall success of a team when drafting goalies, as winning teams generally produce more fantasy points.

Read More