Highlighting Fantasy Goalies and Players for Today’s Matchups
On every game day this season, THN Fantasy aims to provide valuable insights for fantasy managers, focusing on players and goalies who are under-rostered and can be a significant boost for your fantasy teams. Today, with ten games on Saturday, March 8, there are several intriguing matchups to consider. Here are the top goalies and players to stream or roster, all of whom are under 50 percent rostered in Yahoo leagues.
Goalies to Watch
Ivan Fedotov, PHI vs. SEA (4% Rostered)
Pros: Fedotov has been on a roll recently, allowing only three goals in his last two starts. This matinee game could work in his favor as the visiting Kraken will be starting their day early, which might affect their performance. The Kraken have been struggling, with only two regulation wins in the past month and having lost scoring depth at the deadline.
Cons: Fedotov is still relatively inexperienced and has shown inconsistency. However, the Kraken’s current form and the time disadvantage make him a worthwhile streaming option. Fantasy managers should consider him for a potential win and a strong save percentage.
Joel Hofer, STL at LA (7% Rostered) vs. David Rittich, LA vs. STL (7% Rostered)
Pros: Hofer has the upper hand here as the Blues are on a roll, winning six of their last seven games. The Kings, on the other hand, are in a five-game losing streak, including two losses to the Blues. The Blues’ momentum and recent form give Hofer a slight edge.
Cons: The Kings have added Andrei Kuzmenko, which could bolster their power play. While Hofer might be the safer bet, the Kings’ home record and recent defensive improvements make Rittich a viable option as well. Both goalies are likely to see a lot of action in what is expected to be a low-scoring affair.
Jonathan Quick, NYR at OTT (12% Rostered)
Pros: Quick is coming off a 34-save shutout and has a strong historical record against the Senators (7-5-1, .916 SP, 2.40 GAA). The Rangers have been playing well, going 4-2-0 in their last six games.
Cons: Matinee games can be unpredictable, and Quick has had a mix of good and mediocre performances this season. The Senators, although struggling (six losses in their last eight games), have the slight home advantage. Fantasy managers should weigh the risks but can consider Quick as a streaming option.
Arvid Soderblom, CHI at NSH (4% Rostered)
Pros: The Predators have been on a scoring spree, winning two straight games with 11 goals. Soderblom might have a chance to rack up saves against a high-scoring team.
Cons: Soderblom has only one win in his past eight starts and eight wins in 27 starts this season. The Blackhawks are one of the worst teams on the road with a 7-20-4 record. While he might see a lot of action, the likelihood of a win or a strong save percentage is low.
Jakub Dobes, MTL at CGY (10% Rostered)
Pros: Dobes has shown promise, with a .920 save percentage in his previous game. The Flames, though strong at home, are returning from a grueling six-game road trip, which could affect their energy levels.
Cons: The Flames have a strong home record (17-10-4) and their expected starter, Dustin Wolf, is a capable netminder. The Habs have struggled on the road, going 2-5-0 on Saturdays away from home. While Dobes might accumulate saves, earning a win is less likely.
Players to Stream
Players to Watch
While the focus is on goalies today, fantasy managers should also keep an eye on several under-the-radar players who can provide a boost. Players like Ivan Provorov of the Flyers, Calvin de Haan of the Hurricanes, and Tomas Tatar of the Canadiens are all under-rostered in Yahoo leagues and could be valuable additions to your lineup.
Key Matchups
NYR at OTT
The matinee start could favor the Senators, but the Rangers’ recent form and Quick’s historical success against Ottawa make this a toss-up. Fantasy managers should consider Quick as a streaming option but be cautious of the unpredictable nature of matinee games.
CHI at NSH
The Predators’ recent offensive surge makes this an attractive matchup for both goalies and skaters. However, Soderblom’s track record and the Blackhawks’ road struggles make him a risky pick. Fantasy managers might want to look at Nashville skaters for offensive opportunities.
MTL at CGY
The Flames’ strong home record and the Habs’ road struggles make this a challenging start for Dobes. Fantasy managers should consider streaming options with the Flames, especially on the power play, where they have been effective.
Final Thoughts
Today’s matchups offer a mix of high-potential and high-risk options for fantasy managers. Goalies like Ivan Fedotov, Joel Hofer, and Jonathan Quick present solid opportunities for wins and strong save percentages. However, the unpredictable nature of matinee games and road fatigue should be factored into your streaming decisions. As always, keep an eye on the latest news and lineups to make the best possible choices for your fantasy team. Good luck!
