Looking Ahead 2014: Week 13
steve laidlaw
2014-12-26
Looking ahead at the best schedules in the league for Week 13.
Let's take a look at what the future holds for some longtime NHL goaltenders and determine what actions their fantasy owners should take in the coming weeks.
Ryan Miller, G, Vancouver – The longtime Buffalo Sabre's inaugural campaign with Vancouver has not gone according to plan. While only four netminders have registered more wins than Miller's 18, his .906 save percentage and 2.59 goals-allowed average are among the worst in the league compared to other No. 1 goalies. Is the 34-year-old veteran in decline? Or is he just battling his way through a rough stretch? Miller's track record as an NHL goaltender suggests he's a little better than average, and that he has the capacity to raise his level of play beyond that from time to time.
Year |
Save % |
Even-strength save % |
2009-10 |
.929 |
.928 |
2010-11 |
.916 |
.924 |
2011-12 |
.916 |
.922 |
2012-13 |
.915 |
.928 |
2013-14 |
.918 |
.923 |
2014-15 |
.906 |
.910 |
Miller's fantasy owners should try to remain patient with him and hope his numbers take a turn for the better as the season progresses, as he's clearly capable of better play. The fact that Vancouver continues to stick with Miller in net means his owners should remain optimistic about his short-term future.
Verdict: Hold
Steer Clear
Columbus 2.00 – two games – BOS and MIN
Ottawa 2.31 – two games – DET and BUF
Vancouver 2.65 – three games – ANA, SJS and LAK
Washington 2.75 – three games – PIT, NYI and CHI
Nashville 2.75 – three games – PHI, CHI and STL
Sunday, December 28 to Saturday, January 3
Best Bets
Toronto 4.89 – five games – FLA, TBL, BOS, MIN and WPG
Florida 4.34 – four games – TOR, MTL, NYR and BUF
Pittsburgh 4.30 – four games – three at home
Los Angeles 4.24 – four games – CGY, EDM, VAN and NSH
Buffalo 4.16 – four games – OTT, TBL, FLA and NYR
Steer Clear
Washington 1.89 – two games – NYI and CHI
Chicago 2.05 – two games – NSH and WAS
Columbus 2.10 – two games – MIN and ARI
Ottawa 2.12 – two games – BUF and BOS
Nashville 2.51 – three games -CHI, STL and LAK
Monday, December 29 to Sunday, January 4
Best Bets
Pittsburgh 4.30 – four games – NJD, CAR, TBL and MTL
Boston 4.25 – four games – DET, TOR, OTT and CAR
Los Angeles 4.24 – four games – CGY, EDM, VAN and NSH
Florida 4.19 – four games – MTL, NYR, BUF and WAS
New York Islanders 4.19 – four games – WAS, WPG, CGY and EDM
Steer Clear
Anaheim 2.99 – three games – SJS, STL and NSH
Vancouver 2.85 – three games – SJS, LAK and DET
Columbus 3.00 – three games -MIN, ARI and COL
San Jose 2.90 – three games – VAN, ANA and STL
Arizona 3.00 – three games – PHI, DAL and CBJ
Tuesday, December 30 to Monday, January 5
Best Bets
Florida 4.19 – four games – MTL, NYR, BUF and WAS
San Jose 3.95 – four games – VAN, ANA, STL and WPG
Pittsburgh 3.26 – three games – all at home
Edmonton 3.99 – four games – LAK, CGY, COL and NYI
Winnipeg 3.20 – three games – all at home
Steer Clear
Ottawa 1.91 – two games – BOS and TBL
Arizona 1.95 – two games -DAL and CBJ
Chicago 2.00 – two games – WAS and DAL
Washington 2.10 – two games – CHI and FLA
Detroit 2.20 – two games – NJD and VAN
Wednesday, December 31 to Tuesday, January 6
Best Bets
New Jersey 4.36 – four games – DET, MTL, PHI and BUF
Buffalo 4.21 – four games – TBL, FLA, NYR and NJD
New York Islanders 4.18 – four games – WPG, CGY, EDM and VAN
Edmonton 4.15 – four games – CGY, COL, NYI and DET
Philadelphia 4.05 – four games – COL, CAR, NJD and OTT
Steer Clear
Washington 2.10 – two games – CHI and FLA
Los Angeles 2.15 – two games – VAN and NSH
Calgary 2.21 – two games – EDM and NYI
New York Rangers 2.35 – two games – FLA and BUF
Nashville 2.77 – three games – LAK, ANA and CAR
Thursday, January 1 to Wednesday, January 7
Best Bets
New Jersey 3.41 – three games – MTL, PHI and BUF
Buffalo 3.16 – three games – FLA, NYR and NJD
Philadelphia 3.15 – three games – CAR, NJD and OTT
New York Islanders 3.14 – three games – CGY, EDM and VAN
Detroit 3.14 – three games – VAN, EDM and CGY
Steer Clear
Arizona 1.89 – two games – CBJ and STL
Florida 2.09 – two games – both on road
Winnipeg 2.10 – two games – TOR and SJS
New York Rangers 2.12 – two games – BUF and ANA
Los Angeles 2.15 – two games – VAN and NSH