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Fantasy Hockey Goalie Report: Schedule analysis, waiver wire pickups for opening week of 2026-27

Fantasy hockey participants preparing for the start of the 2026-27 NHL season must carefully evaluate crease workloads as exhibition play wraps up. Alex Nedeljkovic stopped all 20 shots during his lone preseason appearance for San Jose and could split time alongside Yaroslav Askarov, while Sam Montembeault turned aside 34 of 35 pucks over three outings for Montreal after Jacob Fowler was optioned to Laval.

In Anaheim, Lukas Dostal struggled by allowing eight goals on 39 shots across two losses, though he faces little pressure from Ville Husso, who surrendered six goals on 21 shots in his own exhibition action. As teams prepare for the opening week schedule, the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks lead the league with four games apiece.

Rangers starter Igor Shesterkin could make three appearances despite tough upcoming matchups against Boston, Tampa Bay, and Utah, while Joonas Korpisalo might draw the start against Detroit. In Vancouver, Kevin Lankinen could share duties with Leevi Merilainen as the club manages without Thatcher Demko while he recovers from hip surgery.

Elsewhere, injuries and roster decisions could create opportunities for several backups, including Dallas goaltender Casey DeSmith if Jake Oettinger remains sidelined by lower-body tightness, Calgary netminder Devin Cooley, and Colten Ellis for Buffalo with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon currently nursing injuries.

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