NHL Fantasy Hockey 101: The Top 20 Fantasy Goaltenders, Part One

With fantasy hockey opening up soon, I figured I would help you out in your draft rankings. Over the next week or so I am going to have a four-part series ranking the best fantasy goaltenders 1-20, so stay tuned.

1. Martin Brodeur (NJD)

Last year's stats: Wins: 45 / GAA: 2.24 / SV%: .916

The Devils may have lost Paul Martin, but they added two very solid defensemen in Anton Volchenkov and Henrik Tallinder. They also added more scoring punch up front in Jason Arnott, which should provide Brodeur with more goals to work with.

In my opinion he could hit 50 wins, but with the addition of Johan Hedberg he won't get 75 starts.

2. Ryan Miller (BUF)

Last year's stats: Wins: 41 / GAA: 2.22 / SV%: .929

The Sabres lost two very good defensemen in Henrik Tallinder and Toni Lydman, but they added Jordan Leopold and bolstered their PK with Rob Niedermayer. All in all, they have a very similar team to last season.

With a healthy Thomas Vanek, the Sabres should score more goals and Ryan Miller should be able to do what he did last season (or close to it).

3. Jimmy Howard (DET)

Last year's stats: Wins: 37 / GAA: 2.26 / SV%: .924

The Red Wings have almost the same team they had last season, but with Howard getting an increase in starts (probably around 70) he should be able to win some more games.

4. Marc-Andre Fleury (PIT)

Last year's stats: Wins: 37 / GAA: 2.65 / SV%: .905

Fleury really struggled last season, but with a better group of defensemen (added Martin and Michalek) and a better offense (Crosby, Malkin, etc.), Fleury should be able to regain form and pick up 40+ wins.

5. Henrik Lundqvist (NYR)

Last year's stats: Wins: 35 / GAA: 2.38 / SV%: .921

In my opinion Lundqvist is the most talented goalie in the league (this coming from a Devils fan), but has always been stuck with an average team in front of him. With the new talent of the Rangers' young defensemen and the addition of Alexander Frolov, the Rangers should be able to score more goals, which will lead Hank to his first 40-win campaign.

I hope you enjoyed the first edition of ranking the top 20 fantasy goaltenders. Part two should be up in the next few days.

Please feel free to comment (and agree or disagree) with my rankings.

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