This week, we’ll take a look at the early returns from the goaltenders of the Eastern Conference.

I know it’s very early, but it’s never too early to analyze how your ‘tenders are faring.

Buffalo Sabres

Many expected Michal Neuvirth to at least split with Jhonas Enroth if not outright win the number one spot in Buffalo. That hasn’t happened so far this season; Enroth has started five of six games and has one win against four losses. His goals-against average of 3.35 and save percentage of 0.907 would help put your fantasy goaltending among the worst in your league. The only thing going for a Sabres goaltender is if you need saves; Enroth is tied for the most shots against (183) in the NHL and his 166 saves are second only to Jonathan Quick. Neuvirth has played in only one game and has a 0.886 save percentage and goals-against average over five. Either of this tandem should only be owned in the deepest of leagues.

Boston Bruins

Tuukka Rask is off to a slow start, but as with most goalies, he is in large part a reflection of the team in front of him. Back-up Niklas Svedberg has looked very good in stopping 62 of 64 shots (0.943 save percentage) and holds a stellar 0.91 goals-against average. That said, his two starts came against teams that sit 28th (Avs) and 29th (Sabres) in goals scored per game. The loss of defenseman Johnny Boychuk does hurt a little, but there is no doubt that Rask and the Bruins will turn this around and end up amongst the league’s best.

Carolina Hurricanes

After only four games, it does indeed appear that Anton Khudobin will win the ‘Canes crease battle. I know it’s early, but when you combine last season with this year’s early returns and it’s looking pretty clear who is ultimately going to win this battle.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Heading into this season, there were high hopes for Sergei Bobrovsky. Then came injuries to Brandon Dubinsky, Nathan Horton and Boone Jenner, to go along with the Ryan Johansen contract distraction. Many poolies lost a little faith in the Blue Jackets ability to win games and may have lowered Bob’s value, I know I did. His 3-2-0 record understates just how good his numbers have been so far this year. All praise Bob.

Detroit Red Wings

In doing some pre-season preparation, I read that Jimmy Howard said he is finally feeling healthy again. Of course that means the Hockey Gods will be looking to smite Mister Howard, which they have done now that he’s out with a groin tweak. Howard’s numbers in the two years prior to last season’s were excellent. Providing there is no lingering issue with his groin, look for Howard to have a much improved season.

Florida Panthers