New predictions and tonight's starting goaltenders

Hmmm, so yesterday I explained that any game prediction that I make should be automatically regarded as the opposite of what will really happen. In that explanation I suggested that the Nashville Predators would win a relatively low scoring game against the Leafs and because I was predicting that outcome you could expect a massive Leaf's win.

Looking back it seems that a double prediction makes it more likely that my original prediction comes true. Interesting... but I'm simply too lazy to make multiple predictions on each game in the NHL so let's stick with the idea that you can expect the exact opposite of what I predict for a game.

On to hot players and who to watch.

Jamie Langenbrunner continued his hot streak with the game winner in the Devil's 2-0 win over the Islanders last night. Langenbrunner has posted 3 goals and 6 assists in his last 5 games. If he is available in your league jump on the bandwagon while you still can.

Speaking of bandwagons, Martin Biron has won three straight for the Sabres fueling speculation that a goalie controversy is brewing in Buffalo. Don't believe it, the Sabres are committed to Ryan Miller and look at Martin Biron as the best possible backup goalie in the League. If you are a Biron owner make sure you keep an eye on who Buffalo plans to start and get him in your lineup whenever possible. This late in the season Buffalo will likely start Biron a little more to give Miller some rest and keep Marty sharp for the upcoming playoffs. If you were hoping that Biron would earn a starters job this season, forget it.

Thomas Vanek of the Buffalo Sabres has flown quietly under the fantasy hockey radar most of this season (not mine though, I've had him on my roster since the third week of the season). On Wednesday night he potted two goals, one of which was the game winner (and no, of course I didn't have him in my lineup). Vanek has already surpassed his output from last season and so far this year he has 28 goals, 26 assists, he is + 28, with 3 GWG and 26 PIMs. Not bad for a sophmore season. Buffalo has recently put Vanek back on their third line with Afinogenov and Roy, expect this trio to regain the scoring touch they had earlier in the season.

There are only two games on tap in the NHL tonight, Tampa Bay vs the Rangers, expect Holmqvist to start against his old team and Lundquist to start for New York.

The second game is the Chicago Blackhawks at Edmonton. The starting goaltender for Edmonton is simple, Dwayne Roloson, but the Hawks have three goalies on their roster, Brian Boucher, Nikolai Khabibulin and Patrick Lalime. Lalime got his first shutout in two years in the Hawk's last game but Khabibulin is the outright star. It's anyone's guess who the starter is but at this point I would bet on Lalime. If I hear any different I will update you immediately.

Speaking of which, Boucher backed up Lalime in the Hawk's last game with Khabibulin sitting out the game in the press box. If that happens again tonight I think we can take it as a sign that Chicago is close to inking a deal to send Khabibulin packing. Regardless of where he ends up it will probably increase his fantasy value quite a bit.

Bears, Buffaloes and other furry beasts

Good afternoon, finally came out of my stupor to look around and read some stuff today.

First off... Jagr, got no points last night... Tim Thomas threw another hanging curve in net and the Rangers smacked it out of the park.

Hannu Toivonen didn't do much better after replacing Thomas and let in 3 goals on 14 shots. Despite the poor showing by Hannu last night his play has picked up of late and you can expect him to get more starts in the future, including tonight against Buffalo.

If you own Thomas and you have room, you might want to pick up Toivonen as backup insurance. Or do what I did, drop his ass and pick up someone better. Budaj was on the waiver wire and my league and I decided that I liked his chances better than Thomas'.

The Buffalo Sabres seem to be generating some goaltender controversy as well lately. Ryan Miller has not been playing very well of late and Lindy Ruff has declared that Martin Biron will get the next two starts to give Miller some quality practice time.

Keep an eye on this situation and if you have Biron make sure you get him in the lineup tonight against the Bruins.

Welcome back Carolina and who to start in goal tonight?

Up until last night I was convinced that the All Star break managed to give us nothing but time and rumours. Apparently I was wrong.

Carolina seems to have taken the time to recharge there batteries and they came out swinging against the Washington Capitals last night. The 6-2 win over the Caps was a convincing one and it seemed like every offensive threat they have was contributing last night. Even Eric Staal! Keep in mind that almost every game between these two teams has been a blowout this year and it is a pretty even swap. Carolina is now leading the season series 3-2 and they have game 2 of a back to back going tonight. If you have either Caps or Canes players it might be a good idea to get them in your lineup for tonight.

Speaking of underachieving power forwards, Rick Nash potted a goal last night as well. Hopefully this is a sign that Nash and Staal are actually going to show up for the rest of the season.

And speaking of lineups... 13 teams play the second of their back to back games tonight. Seriousely. Carolina, Washington, Buffalo, Columbus, New York Islanders, St. Louis, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pittsburgh, Nashville, Phoenix, Edmonton and Los Angeles all play game 2 tonight. This means lots of games played by backups tonight.

Expected starters for each team are listed below. NOTE: this is nothing more than an educated guess coupled with some reading of local newspapers.

Carolina Hurricanes: John Grahame
Washington Capitals: Olaf Kolzig
Buffalo Sabres: Martin Biron
Columbus Blue Jackets: Fredrik Norrena
New York Islanders: Rick DiPietro
St. Louis Blues: Manny Legace
Minnesota Wild: Niklas Backstrom
New Jersey Devils: Martin Brodeur
Pittsburgh Penguins: Jocelyn Thibault
Nashville Predators: Chris Mason
Phoenix Coyotes: Mikael Tellqvist
Edmonton Oilers: Dwayne Roloson
Los Angeles Kings: Sean Burke

Make sure you take a look at your roster and make adjustments where necessary. Some of these are guesses, some of them are common sense and some are pulled from local news sources.