Good morning, Dobber fanatics! I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend and is ready to jump into this week's Top 10 list. I will be taking over for Flip Livingstone on the Top 10 going forward. Big shoes to fill, but I'm excited to keep you all just as engaged and fired up as Flip did. Let's get into it!

This NHL season has been full of goalie surprises, with plenty of netminders stepping up when we least expect it. Whether it's seasoned veterans finding new life or young stars making their mark, these goalies have been crucial to their teams’ success and fantasy rosters alike. From bouncing back after tough seasons to making unexpected rises, these goalies have definitely exceeded expectations. Let's dive into the top 10 goalies who have surprised everyone this year.

10.  Jake Allen

Jake Allen might not be the starter for the New Jersey Devils, but he has been a reliable backup behind Jacob Markstrom. With the Devils addressing their goaltending issues from last season, adding Allen alongside Markstrom has provided much-needed stability. Allen's .921 SV% has allowed the team to play their game confidently without constantly worrying about the backend, even when defensive lapses occur. He has made clutch saves in high-pressure moments and quickly earned a reputation for making a positive impact wherever he plays. Additionally, he is a solid option for back-to-back nights.

9.  Mackenzie Blackwood

Surprised? Many of us are. Mackenzie Blackwood's performance this year has been so impressive that his name has emerged as a contender for a spot on Team Canada at the Four Nations Face-Off. After battling injury issues with the Devils, he has stayed healthy and solid with the Sharks, posting a .909 SV% despite playing behind a weak defense. Fantasy managers favor goalies with volume starts, and Blackwood is certainly delivering this season. While Askarov is the club's future, Blackwood's strong play in San Jose has made him a surprising waiver-wire add.

8.  Cam Talbot

Cam Talbot has been a steady and reliable goaltender in the NHL since joining in 2010. He has become a key part of a crowded crease in Detroit, with Ville Husso and Alex Lyon all vying for roster spots. Right now, Talbot appears to be the go-to option, and his veteran experience is invaluable to the team. However, past seasons have shown that he can fade down the stretch, so if he's on a solid run, take advantage of it while it lasts.

7.  Kevin Lankinen

The Canucks have struggled across the board, but Kevin Lankinen has been a bright spot. While Arturs Silovs' playoff heroics suggested he'd fill in for Thatcher Demko, things didn't pan out as expected. Instead, the Canucks turned to Lankinen, and he's delivered. With a 9-3-2 record, a 2.71 GAA, and a .901 SV% through 14 games, Lankinen has kept Vancouver from spiraling downward. With Demko's return on the horizon, Lankinen shapes up to be a solid short-term fantasy pickup. Even after Demko suits back up, Lankinen could still contribute with some quality starts while Demko shakes off the rust.

6.  Joey Daccord

After being a relatively unknown third-stringer in Ottawa and Seattle, everything changed for Joey Daccord when starter Philipp Grubauer was injured in December 2023. From there, Daccord stepped in, making 37 starts and appearing in 50 games, far more than his previous total of 19 NHL games. He finished the season with solid stats: a 2.46 GAA, a .916 SV%, and positive goals saved above expected. So far this season, Daccord has started 14 out of 20 games, posting a 9-4-1 record. With his contract expiring, the Kraken face a crucial decision about whether he's their future in goal.

5.  Logan Thompson

You could definitely argue that the Capitals are this year's Cinderella team. No one expected them to be where they are now, and a huge reason for their success is Logan Thompson, who has been keeping them in every game he starts. Thompson was traded from Vegas as a cap casualty, but nobody expected he would quietly post solid numbers with an aging Washington Capitals roster. He and Charlie Lindgren are currently splitting starts in the crease, but I have a feeling Thompson may eventually take the reins.

4.   Anthony Stolarz

Anthony Stolarz is making a strong case for an increased workload alongside Joseph Woll, boasting a .927 SV% and a 2.18 GAA through 12 starts (7-3-2) this season. Initially a sleeper pick, he is now proving his value in both real-life and fantasy leagues. Stolarz is a solid handcuff option on a strong Toronto team. His steady performances make him an ideal streaming choice for managers seeking a boost in wins or save percentage, with even greater potential if injuries or inconsistent play arise in the Leafs' crease.

3.  Lukas Dostal

Lukas Dostal is proving to be a bright spot for the Anaheim Ducks this season, exceeding expectations despite the team’s struggles. While his record of 4-6-2 in 12 starts isn't the best, his 2.75 GAA and .922 SV% are among the top for goalies with 10+ starts. Dostal consistently faces a high volume of shots and delivers solid performances. His wins, though rare, feel earned, and he’s making a strong case as Anaheim’s future goalie. Remember last December when John Gibson went down? Dostal stepped up then, and he's doing it again, earning his place as the go-to guy.

2.  Dustin Wolf

Dustin Wolf has been a revelation for the Flames, helping them rise to just one point out of the top spot in the Pacific Division. The rookie has won four straight games, stopping 112 of 116 shots and allowing just four goals. While many saw Wolf as Jacob Markstrom's heir, few predicted he would already be carrying the Flames. Through 11 games, he has posted a 2.33 GAA and a .926 SV%, solidifying his spot as the go-to starter. In fantasy, Wolf is a must-own in keeper leagues. If you held onto him, don't let go, he's Calgary's future in net.

1.  Filip Gustavsson

Coming into the season, everyone expected Kirill Kaprizov to dominate and Matt Boldy to take the next step. The big question was whether the Wild's back end would hold until Jesper Wallstedt arrived. It turns out the wait might be shorter than expected. Filip Gustavsson, who posted a rough -7 GSAx over 45 starts last season, has completely flipped the script. He's now a bona fide starter for the Wild and a volume goalie who racks up wins. In fantasy hockey, that's gold, especially since you didn't need to spend a high draft pick to land him. That's value you can't ignore.

Thanks for reading! See you next week. For more content/fantasy hockey analysis, follow and message me on X @Punters_hockey.