The Goalie Report: Changing Narratives

With Week 1 in the books, some veterans have hit the ice running, while others have had a disappointing start.

Find out who is expected to be between the pipes with RotoWire's NHL Starting Goalies page!

Risers

Igor Shesterkin, Rangers

The Rangers were among the top disappointments last year, and they're off to a substandard start again this year, having been shut out in their first three home starts. That's a league record, folks.

However, Shesterkin is doing his part to make amends for his own worst campaign of his career. Through three starts, he's sporting strong numbers (0.76 GAA, .972 Sv%). Those ratios are unsustainable even for the best of the best, but the Rangers have to be thrilled their top goalie is intent on returning to top form.

Juuse Saros, Predators

The Predators were another disappointing club last year and their poor play reflected on Saros in a similar fashion. Like Shesterkin, Saros is vitally important to an aging Predators squad.  

He, too, has responded by charging out of the gate (1.64 GAA, .947 Sv%). That's an early message to his teammates, indicating that he's ready to be their backbone as they try to get back into playoff contention.

Jake Oettinger, Stars

Last year, Oettinger had a very solid season, except for the ending that saw him pulled early in their last playoff game. He has spoken of using that as motivation heading into the new campaign. He still has the benefit of a highly regarded roster in front of him, of course. In his three starts, all wins, he's only been just good enough (3.24 GAA, .905 Sv%) to earn the decisions, with the Stars' potent offense doing the heavy lifting. Oettinger's yet to show top form, but there nothing to suggest he won't get there soon.

Scott Wedgewood. Avalanche

During the Avs' training camp, Mackenzie Blackwood suffered a lower body injury which is expected to keep him out until late October. In his absence, Wedgewood has stepped in and made the most of his opportunity, earning three wins and an overtime loss in four starts on the strength of a 1.71 GAA and .935 Sv.%.

While he isn't likely to retain such a heavy workload or stellar ratios, he has, at the very least, cemented his role as the No. 2 and is well positioned to expect a high win percentage in his starts on a very good team. This is a prime situation to have both Colorado goalies on your fantasy team's depth chart.

Jeremy Swayman, Bruins

Another goalie on a redemption tour, Swayman has looked sharp in his first two starts of the season, both wins, while allowing a total of only two goals against. His case is slightly different than others noted above, as he doesn't have a track record of success when handling a large volume of starts.

Until he changes that narrative, there will be questions around his ability to be a true No. 1. This will be compounded by the notion that Boston is not expected to be among the Atlantic Division leaders this season.

Cam Talbot, Red Wings

The Red Wings inked John Gibson to a two-year, $12.8M contract in the hope of solidifying a goaltending situation that saw the Wings cycle through four veterans last season. Instead Gibson was pulled from his first start with Detroit after allowing five goals on only 13 shots.    

Ironically, one of last year's returning goalies, Cam Talbot, a 38-year-old-veteran, stepped in and hasn't looked back. He has won three starts in four appearances (1.78 GAA, .932 Sv%). Talbot was Detroit's busiest goalie last season and is sending a loud message that he won't concede the crease just yet.

Fallers

Ilya Sorokin, Islanders

Sorokin has been one of the league's perennial workhorses, averaging 55 starts over the last four seasons. During his time with the Isles, he's produced a very respectable 2.60 GAA, despite the fact that this squad has been middle of the pack at best.

He's started the current campaign with subpar results through his first three starts, all losses, allowing a total of 12 goals on 82 shots (4.18 GAA, .854 Sv%).

As his team is not an offensive juggernaut, Sorokin will simply have to be much better, if this team has any visions of contending. Otherwise, it will be a long season for him and his mates.

Linus Ullmark, Senators

Ullmark parlayed an outstanding three-year run in Boston into a big free agent contract with the Sens a year ago. He backed that up by becoming a big reason Ottawa ended a seven-year playoff drought.

However, that positive profile has taken an early hit, as he has gotten off to a poor start (4.07 GAA, .842 Sv%). In the competitive Atlantic Division, the Sens need Ullmark to get back into top form as a soon as possible.

A wrist injury to captain Brady Tkachuk will hamper both the offense and the defense for at least a month, putting more pressure on Ottawa's top goalie. Ullmark will have to elevate his game to offset this key loss.

Adin Hill. Golden Knights

Hill entered this season as Vegas' clear top goalie option after compiling an excellent campaign with 32 wins in 50 appearances last year. The Golden Knights are expected to be among the top contenders in the Western Conference. As a result, Hill is projected to be among the top goalies this year, as much due to his talent and that of his team.

These positive vibes have been shaken by consecutive overtime losses to begin the season. He followed that up with a rocky appearance and a leg injury that may sideline him, though he's currently listed as day-to-day. If he does miss time, Akira Schmid should become an instant value play if you can snag him in your fantasy leagues. He's looked good in winning his first two appearances.

That's an example of how quickly expectations can change, for goalies in the NHL.