Fantasy Hockey Goalie Updates: Add Jake Oettinger

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Jake Oettinger, Stars (15-6-0, .921 Sv%, 2.34 GAA)

The Stars have been the toughest team to figure out this season, alternating between really good stretches and really bad stretches, but at least one thing’s been consistent: Oettinger has been their best goalie. Sunday’s loss to the Coyotes was a huge downer because a win was well within reach, but more importantly for Oettinger, it was his seventh start in eight games. Judging by the rumors about a potential move for either Anton Khudobin or Braden Holtby, it’s clear the Stars’ goalie of the future has arrived earlier than expected. Yet for a team seven games over .500, Oettinger is still available in more than 30 percent of Yahoo leagues.

The Stars face some tough questions the next few weeks — are they buyers? — as the trade deadline approaches, so fantasy managers can roster Oettinger with full confidence in his role as the starter. Some good matchups are coming too, with two games against the struggling Preds and the Sabres and Kings at home, where Oettinger is 12-3-0.

The key for Oettinger’s fantasy value, aside from his own performance, will also depend on his goal support; if Roope Hintz, Jason Robertson or Joe Pavelski is missing from the top line, all bets are off because the other nine Stars forwards look lost in space in the offensive zone most nights.

Samuel Montembeault, Canadiens (Since Feb. 10: 2-2-0, .925 Sv%, 2.43 GAA)

Last week, I had a sneaking suspicion that Andrew Hammond‘s short-term impact may be getting overlooked, but it’s really a “rising tide raises all ships” kind of scenario. The Habs are playing with much more purpose under Martin St. Louis, who has three wins in six games when Dominique Ducharme took 11 games to get there, and the scoring has come alive with many thanks to Cole Caufield and improved play from top defenseman Jeff…