Hockeywiztalks Hockey Blog

 Here are some goalies to pickup now in Fantasy Hockey: Semyon Varlamov Semyon Varlamov has been solid in net for the New York Islanders in the last month of the season; he has a 2-2 record with a 2.35 GAA, .927 SV%, and 153 Saves during that timespan. Even though Varlamov will only get a few starts with Ilya Sorokin there, he has proven to be a reliable backup when called upon. Varlamov is owned in 41% of Fantasy leagues, you should take a flyer on him if you need a goalie with a good GAA and SV%. Antti Raanta Antti Raanta has played great for the Carolina Hurricanes in the last month of the season; he has a 3-0 record with a 1.49 GAA and .946 SV% during that timespan. With Fredrik Andersen back, Raanta will be back in the backup role, but he has thrived in this role and should continue to do so. Definitely, pickup Raanta if you have Fredrik Andersen because he doesn't start every game. Philipp Grubauer Philipp Grubauer has been playing a lot better for the Seattle Kraken in the l...

 The Colorado Avalanche haven't had a great start to the season, due to a combination of injuries and because they lost a few key players in the offseason. Let's discuss the issues with the Colorado Avalanche and how to fix them. Issues with the Colorado Avalanche: 1. Loss of Philipp Grubauer, Brandon Saad, Ryan Graves 2. Injuries early in the season 3. Darcy Kuemper's slow start 4. Lack of Scoring Depth 5. Defense is too soft The Colorado Avalanche lost a couple key players in the offseason, which is a major reason why they have gotten off to a mediocre start to the season. Philipp Grubauer signed with the Seattle Kraken and Brandon Saad signed with the St.Louis Blues in Free Agency. Ryan Graves was traded to the New Jersey Devils for a 2021 2nd round pick. To replace Philipp Grubauer, the Avs went out and acquired Darcy Kuemper; Jack Johnson and Darren Helm were added in Free Agency. Injuries played a big part in why Colorado has had a .500 record out of the gate, and whi...

 I'm doing something a little different this week, because tomorrow July 28th is the first day of NHL Free Agency, I thought it would be fitting to make Free Agent Signing Predictions. Side note: I will only making predictions on the UFA signings. Key Free Agents: Dougie Hamilton-NJ (7yrs/63M) The signing of Dougie Hamilton gives the Devils a true number 1 defenseman and gives them great depth on the right side with Hamilton, Subban, and Severson. Jaden Schwartz-SEA (7yrs/45.5M) Jaden Schwartz is a great veteran presence in the locker room and is a really good all-around player. Adding Schwartz would be a huge boost to a new expansion team like the Seattle Kraken. Philipp Grubauer-EDM (6yrs/39M) Signing Philipp Grubauer would give the Edmonton Oilers a legit number 1 goalie, something they are in dire need of. A tandem of Grubauer and Mike Smith would give the Oilers a terrific goalie tandem in goal. Philip Danault-NYR (7yrs/42M) Philip Danault has proven over the last couple of y...