Fantasy Hockey Unlikely Goalies with Hot Starts: Jakub Dobes, Tristan Jarry and More

Hey folks! Let's talk goalies.

The blue paint is a volatile position. There are very few sure things in the league, which is why the ZeroG (zero goalies) strategy is gaining popularity. Goalies have ups and downs, can gain or lose their position in net with just a bad game or two, and may go from getting a shutout to getting the hook in consecutive starts.

Sometimes goalies can do more harm to your score than good, and if they get the hook after getting shelled, they also lose their opportunity to right the ship and get back to even fantasy points during the game.

It's quite likely that none or very few of these tendies in today's list were drafted in your league, yet most of them are in the top 10 for stats, depending on your league settings. And more importantly, none or very few of these tendies are also likely rostered in your league. If you're in need of help in the blue paint, consider these options and move quick before they are picked up on the waiver wire.

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Jakub Dobes - Montreal Canadiens

Sam Montembeault who? Kidding of course, but seriously, Monteambeault is losing ground and quickly at the start of this season to Dobes.

It's no secret that Montembeault had an unreal season last year and really showed he can hold his own, and despite not playing in the Four Nations Face-Off, was still selected which was a huge sign of his emergence in the league.

Dobes was slated to backup Monteambeault this season, but was probably only going to get 20-25 starts with Montembeault carrying the majority of the load, however based on performance this duo has turned into a tandem. If it was a competition, Dobes would be winning with absolute elite numbers so far. Dobes may play himself into a starter position which is great for him, and better for the Habs. While I would not count Monteambeault out, options are always a luxury to have in net.

Dobes has four wins in four games started as a goaltender. He also has a .950 save percentage, a 1.47 goals against average, and zero shutouts.

Tristan Jarry - Pittsburgh Penguins

Who had a Jarry resurgence on their bingo card this year? Not me, that's for sure. And given the defensive state of this team, somehow Jarry is winning games, with decent numbers to boot. We all know how both Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson always play defense first, right? Right?!

Jarry has really taken a beating the last couple seasons, and last year was basically unplayable in any fantasy format. If he was drafted in your league, I would be shocked.

Yet, this season so far, he has looked like the Jarry a few years ago. Granted that was either a shutout, or getting shelled with no inbetween, but the stats are the same.

Could Jarry regain his form, and steal his starting position back? Maybe. I would still be hesitant, but as long as he is stacking starts and getting wins, he is safe to hold on your roster.

Jarry has three wins in four games started as a goaltender. He also has a .921 save percentage, a 2.52 goals against average, and one shutout.

Karel Vejmelka - Utah Mammoth

Hard work and consistent wins has allowed Vejmelka to battle himself into a starting position. An impressive five wins in six games on a team with a lacking defensive core has impressed head coach Andre Tourigny.

Vejmelka is helping lead the Mammoth to a second place position in the Central Division to start the season. A team with not very deep superstar power is still managing to find a way to compete and win games, and Vejmelka is a big part of that. He is playing much better so far than he did last season, and although a small sample size, he looks good to be a firm hold and give value to any roster he is on in the back end and can be started with confidence.

Vejmelka has five wins in six games started as a goaltender. He also has an .896 save percentage, a 2.50 goals against average, and zero shutouts.

Jake Allen - New Jersey Devils

With starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom out, Allen has stepped in and provided solid backstopping. Markstrom has seen three games, starting two and winning two and is very likely to take back over upon his return scheduled for the first or second week in November, but until then Allen has performed above expectations.

Allen has a good competitive team in front of him which helps, but his numbers speak for themselves. Should his productivity continue, he may steal a few starts from Markstrom as he conditions back into a heavy workload, but there is no doubt head coach Sheldon Keefe has trust in Allen and will get great goaltending no matter who he puts between the pipes.

When Markstrom does return though, keep an eye on who is getting starts, as Allen's fantasy value will potentially plummet as his workload goes from full to backup.

Allen has three wins in five games started as a goaltender. He also has a .925 save percentage, a 2.08 goals against average, and zero shutouts.

Alex Lyon - Buffalo Sabres

Hear me out here. A Sabres' goalie? Really? Have I seen their record? Have I watched any of their games? Yes, but...

Lyon has been an absolute workhorse. His numbers may not be the best, but he's starting almost every game, and has even put together a few wins. This is the perfect case of stacking starts, and points by more volume than quality.

Lyon has already had over 200 saves and has started seven out of eight games this season. These numbers are not likely to slow down anytime. Despite the Sabres being a flat team, who until recently has struggled to give their netminder any scoring support, Lyon's numbers are actually respectable.

He may not have the best save percentage, or goals against average in the league by any stretch of the imagination, but he is far beyond the worst, so coupled with his league leading amount of starts, Lyon is a great option for deep fantasy leagues.

Lyon has three wins in seven games started as a goaltender. He also has a .922 save percentage, 2.62 goals against average, and one shutout.