Cracking the Code: A Comprehensive Guide to Fantasy Hockey Rankings for Goalies
Alright, fantasy hockey enthusiasts, today we're diving into the fascinating world of goalie rankings. If you've been struggling to find that perfect netminder for your team, or you're just looking to upgrade your current goalie situation, you're in the right place. Let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and fantasy hockey rankings goalies.
Understanding Goalie Rankings: A Quick Refresher
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's quickly recap what makes a great fantasy hockey goalie. In essence, we're looking for save percentage, goals-against average (GAA), and wins. These are the statistical heavy hitters that will make or break your fantasy season.
The Anatomy of a Great Fantasy Goalie
Save Percentage: The Lifeblood of Goalies
Save percentage is the most crucial stat for goalies. It's a straightforward measure of how often a goalie stops the puck. The higher the save percentage, the better. Top-tier goalies often hover around the .920 to .930 range.
Goals-Against Average: The Goal is to Keep the Goals Down
GAA is a goalie's average goals allowed per game. A lower GAA means fewer goals allowed, which is exactly what we want. Elite goalies can keep their GAA below 2.50.
Wins: The Name of the Game
In fantasy hockey, wins are king. After all, the ultimate goal is to have the most points at the end of the season. So, we're looking for goalies who play for teams that win a lot.
2022-2023 Fantasy Hockey Rankings: The Top Goalies
Now that we've got the basics down, let's take a look at some of the top goalie rankings for the 2022-2023 season.
1. Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning
Vasilevskiy is the reigning Vezina Trophy winner and has been one of the most consistent goalies in the league over the past few years. With a save percentage of .925 or higher in each of the last four seasons, he's a safe bet for fantasy hockey owners.
2. Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets
Hellebuyck has been a workhorse for the Jets, playing in at least 58 games in each of the last five seasons. He's also been incredibly consistent, with a GAA below 2.70 in four of those seasons. Plus, he's a lock for 30+ wins.
3. Igor Shesterkin, New York Rangers
Shesterkin burst onto the scene in the 2020-2021 season and hasn't looked back. In his first full season as a starter, he posted a save percentage of .935 and a GAA of 2.07. If he can maintain that level of play, he's a fantasy goldmine.
Streaming the Position: A Strategy for the Bold
If you're not ready to commit to one of the big-name goalies, consider streaming the position. This strategy involves picking up and dropping goalies based on their matchups. It's a high-risk, high-reward approach, but it can pay off big if you're willing to put in the work.
The Dark Horses: Sleepers and Breakout Candidates
Every season, there's a goalie or two who come out of nowhere to put up elite numbers. Here are a few sleepers and breakout candidates to keep an eye on:
- Jake Oettinger, Dallas Stars: Oettinger had a breakout season in 2021-2022, posting a save percentage of .914 and a GAA of 2.53. If he can continue to improve, he could be a fantasy steal. - Mackenzie Blackwood, New Jersey Devils: Blackwood has been up and down in his career, but if he can stay healthy, he has the talent to put up big numbers. Plus, the Devils are on the rise, which could mean more wins for Blackwood.
The Fantasy Hockey Goalie Landscape: What to Expect in 2022-2023
As we head into the 2022-2023 season, the goalie landscape is as competitive as ever. There are plenty of proven commodities at the top, but also a deep pool of talented youngsters looking to make their mark.
Whether you're looking for a safe bet or a high-risk, high-reward play, there's a goalie out there for you. So, get out there, do your research, and draft the goalie that's going to make your fantasy hockey team a contender.
Happy drafting, and good luck in your leagues!