October 28 Fantasy Hockey Goalie Matchups: Danil Tarasov, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Connor Hellebuyck, and More
Shot attempt vs goal rankings for every team in action on Monday.
The hockey goalie is the only position that rivals quarterback as maybe the most important in sports. Pitchers used to have an argument, but the importance of starters has dropped with analytics and the rise of the bullpen.
Goalies can be lowered or elevated by the team around them, but going hot or cold can change the fortune of a game or playoff series. On an individual day during the season, the opponent means as much for fantasy value as the skill of the player in question.
To find the best goalie matchups, I used every team’s ranking in shots per game and goals scored per game (according to NHL.com). The best matchups were the teams who ranked high in shots but low in goals per game; these teams theoretically offer the most save opportunities with the lowest chance of scoring.
Teams are ranked from best matchup to worst matchup: A positive number means the team ranks higher in shots than goals, and a negative differential means the team scores more goals on fewer shots.
The two goalies who have played for each team are both listed; always check starters before game time to ensure you play a guy who is actually in the lineup that day.
1. Daniil Tarasov and Elvis Merzlikins, Columbus Blue Jackets
Opponent: Edmonton Oilers (+27)
- Shots/Game: 34.6 (3rd)
- Goals/Game: 2.33 (30th)
2. Andrei Vasilevskiy and Jonas Johansson, Tampa Bay Lightning
Opponent Nashville Predators (+26)
- Shots/Game: 35.8 (1st)
- Goals/Game: 2.63 (27th)
3. Connor Hellebuyck and Eric Comrie, Winnipeg Jets
Opponent: Toronto Maple Leafs (+15)
- Shots/Game: 31.7 (8th)
- Goals/Game: 2.89 (23rd)
4. Kevin Lankinen and Arturs Silovs, Vancouver Canucks
Opponent: Carolina Hurricanes (+13)
- Shots/Game: 35.0 (2nd)
- Goals/Game: 3.29 (15th)
5. Justus Annunen and Alexandar Georgiev, Colorado Avalanche
Opponent: Chicago Blackhawks (+10)
- Shots/Game: 28.3 (19th)
- Goas/Game: 2.44 (29th)
6. Connor Ingram and Karel Vejmelka, Utah Hockey Club
Opponent: San Jose Sharks (+2)
- Shots/Game: 26.2 (30th)
- Goals/Game: 2.00 (32nd)
7. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi, Buffalo Sabres
Opponent: Florida Panthers (+1)
- Shots/Game: 29.9 (13th)
- Goals/Game: 3.30 (14th)
T-8. Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanecek, San Jose Sharks
Opponent: Utah Hockey Club (-3)
- Shots/Game: 27.1 (29th)
- Goals/Game: 2.78 (26th)
T-8. Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov, Carolina Hurricanes
Opponent: Vancouver Canucks (-3)
- Shots/Game: 29.4 (15th)
- Goals/Game: 3.43 (12th)
T-8. Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll, Toronto Maple Leafs
Opponent: Winnipeg Jets (-3)
- Shots/Game: 32.3 (5th)
- Goals/Game: 4.50 (2nd)
11. Petr Mrazek and Arvid Soderblom, Chicago Blackhawks
Opponent: Colorado Avalanche (-4)
- Shots/Game: 30.9 (10th)
- Goals/Game: 3.78 (6th)
12. Sergei Bobrovsky and Spencer Knight, Florida Panthers
Opponent: Buffalo Sabres (-8)
- Shots/Game: 28.0 (21st)
- Goals/Game: 3.33 (13th)
13. Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, Edmonton Oilers
Opponent: Columbus Blue Jackets (-9)
- Shots/Game: 29.9 (14th)
- Goals/Game: 3.86 (5th)
14. Adin Hill and Ilya Samsonov, Vegas Golden Knights
Opponent: Calgary Flames (-13)
- Shots/Game: 27.8 (24th)
- Goals/Game: 3.50 (11th)
15. Dan Vladar and Dustin Wolf, Calgary Flames
Opponent: Vegas Golden Knights (-16)
- Shots/Game: 28.7 (17th)
- Goals/Game: 4.67 (1st)
16. Juuse Saros and Scott Wedgewood, Nashville Predators
Opponent: Tampa Bay Lightning (-19)
- Shots/Game: 27.8 (23rd)
- Goals/Game: 3.88 (4th)
