While not statistically impossible, it’s exceptionally difficult to win at fantasy hockey without a strong goaltending force. Not only are several categories the responsibility of few figures, toss in the negative integers “earned” by allowing too many goals, and substandard netminding showings can significantly dent your chances of success in all varieties of leagues. For instance, in ESPN’s standard game, a goalie who stops 28 of 30 shots in a 4-2 win produces 5.6 prized points. While surrendering five goals on 31 shots in a 5-4 loss nets a loss of -4.8 points. A potentially painful swing, indeed.
ESPN Fantasy Hockey Default Scoring for Goaltenders:
Wins = 4 points; OT losses = 1 point; shutouts = 3 points
Saves = 0.2 points; Goals Against = -2 points.
Like in the real-life game, falling short between the pipes can make for a very long fantasy season. Spare a thought for fantasy managers who initially selected Juuse Saros and Jeremy Swayman as their top two netminders ahead of 2024-25. Hardly a reckless move at the time — considering their projected values before all went askew — but a depressing recipe to manage, all the same.
The formula remains identical, year over year, in most conventional fantasy play. Your model fantasy netminder is one who competes often, wins a lot, and stops the largest fraction of shots-faced possible. Unfortunately, plucking the right figures from the NHL’s rather small pool is often easier said than accomplished.
Strategy
Illustrating the value in securing the best of the bunch, one goalie finished with approximately 20% more fantasy points than his nearest competition. While rostering Connor Hellebuyck didn’t guarantee victory in 2024-25, the move certainly offered managers a significant leg up. As far as early-reach netminders are concerned, Hellebuyck is a list of one. Not ahead of proven game-changers up front like Nathan MacKinnon or Leon Draisaitl, but right after. If you’re unable to secure the best in the fantasy-netminding biz, don’t sweat it. There are other very good options available, touched on below.
In deeper conventional leagues…
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