Varlamov And Others Available

After allowing six goals in Vancouver Tuesday, Semyon Varlamov’s fantasy value took a hit.

Analysis: Prior to the six goal game against Vancouver, Varlamov tallied an impressive four wins in six games and did not allow more than two goals in any contest in that span. On the year Varlamov is sporting a .900 save percentage and a goals against average of just 3.02. His current hot streak has him firmly in the driver’s seat of the goaltender situation in Colorado.

Varlamov is available in over twenty percent of fantasy leagues nationwide. As long as the young Russian continues to get the majority of the starts in Colorado he is a top twenty fantasy netminder. There was a reason he was traded for a first and a second round pick and he’s finally proving it. If Colorado is to make the palyoffs, Varlamov must continue to get the majority of the starts and continue to play at the level he is at the moment.

There are other options on the wire- Al Montoya has been playing well for the Islanders and Ondrej Pavelec continues to rack up wins in Winnipeg. At the moment there are plenty of quality goalies on the wire.

Last Call On Ondrej Pavelec

Winnipeg’s other goaltender, Chris Mason, is set to return to action soon but do not expect Ondrej Pavelec to miss many starts as he continues on his hot streak.

Analysis: Pavelec has been a top fifteen netminder over the last two weeks with a save percentage north of 93%. He has only allowed more than three goals once in the past four weeks despite playing on the road in eight of his last eleven games. He’s looked great against quality teams on the road, peroid. Considering Pavelec’s recent success it is confusing why he is only owned in half of fantasy leagues nationwide. With the season long struggles of Jaroslav Halak and Cory Schneider, it is time to pick Pavelec up.

Pavelec isn’t a sell high goalie like Minnesota’s Josh Harding, he is a legit top twenty-five goaltender now. He’s still only twenty-four years of age and as he continues to improve on a relatively young Jets team you can expect some consistency unlike his performances last year. The Jets have only played four home games this year and you just have to think that will work in Pavelec’s favor in terms of more wins down the road.

Why Do You Own Ondrej Pavelec?

Ondrej Pavelec may have had a brilliant first half of the season but it’s time to move on.

Analysis: Pavelec has allowed three or more goals in five of his last six games and has a save percentage well under ninety in that stretch. It’s not all Pavelec’s fault, Atlanta has played some awful defense this last month but that’s no excuse to allow three goals on just seventeen shots in his last outing against Carolina. Pavelec has earned just two wins in his last ten games and that should be more than enough to let the young Czech go.

Projection: Pavelec is still just twenty-three years old and maturing but in non keeper leagues it’s time to cut him loose. There are plenty of other widely available options at goalie to consider like Steve Mason or Johan Hedberg until Martin Brodeur comes back.