News: The Rangers recalled G Steve Valiquette from Hartford of the AHL on Tuesday and assigned Matt Zaba to the AHL team.
Analysis: New York sent Valiquette to the minors in December, so he could work on his game. Unfortunately, he returns to the NHL with a 4-5-1 record, a 3.73 GAA and an .877 save percentage in 11 appearances with Hartford. He did have one stretch where he posted a 4-1-1 record, 2.29 GAA and a .919 save percentage in six games. Valiquette will continue to provide backup to Henrik Lundqvist and has minimal Fantasy appeal.
News: Rangers G Steve Valiquette has cleared re-entry waivers. This could be a sign that he is making a return to New York after being demoted in early December.
Analysis: The Rangers have been rotating backups Chad Johnson and Matt Zaba recently, but maybe Valiquette is ready to take his turn behind Henrik Lundqvist. Keep an eye on his situation over the Olympic break, as he might be worth adding in super-deep leagues.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Rangers G Chad Johnson, who was recalled last week to replace demoted backup goalie Steve Valiquette, was sent back to Hartford (AHL) to play in a 5-2 loss Friday against Portland and then brought back to the Rangers to serve as Henrik Lundqvist's understudy Saturday night against Buffalo. "It's a mess," coach John Tortorella said of the backup-goalie situation. "We sent a veteran (Valiquette) down and he's still struggling down there and we don't even know what we have in Johnson as far as the backup."
Analysis: Valiquette is 1-2-0 with a 4.95 GAA and .849 save percentage in three appearances with Hartford. It's easy to see why New York isn't ready to bring him back. It's obvious the Rangers want a proven NHL goalie as a backup to Lundqvist, so Valiquette better find his game soon or worry about NHL exile. Keep Valiquette off Fantasy rosters until further notice.
News: Rangers G Steve Valiquette has cleared waivers and is on his way to the AHL.
Analysis: Valiquette has struggled mightily in his backup role to Henrik Lundqvist this season, and obviously has little Fantasy appeal until further notice.
News: The New York Post reports the Rangers have placed backup goalie Steve Valiquette on waivers and have claimed Erik Christensen off waivers from Anaheim. The Rangers called up Chad Johnson from Hartford of the AHL to take the backup role behind Henrik Lundqvist.
Analysis: Valiquette has struggled mightily in his backup role to Lundqvist this season. It's a strange set of developments since Valiquette has done so well in that role the last few years. Valiquette might be claimed by another team, but he has little Fantasy appeal until further notice. The Rangers TG is still a high-end option thanks to Lundqvist.
News: Rangers G Steve Valiquette had a dreadful performance on Saturday, falling to Penguins 8-3. Valiquette allowed all eight goals the team coughed up, with Sidney Crosby scoring three of those goals and adding two assists. Valiquette made 24 saves in the game as his record dropped to 2-3-0 on the season.
Analysis: This was Valiquette's sixth appearance of the season and fifth start, coming on in relief of Henrik Lundqvist on Friday. He had been decent in his backup role before the debacle on Saturday. He remains just a handcuff for Lundqvist and flier in leagues that use weekly averages. The Rangers TG on the other hand is a high-end Fantasy option.
News: Rangers G Henrik Lundqvist gave up four goals on 22 shots before giving way to backup Steve Valiquette with seven minutes left in the second period during a 5-1 loss to the Lightning on Friday. Lundqvist gave up a pair of power-play scores before Valiquette took over. Valiquette made eight saves in relief.
Analysis: Valiquette was pulled in one start this season, but Friday was the first time he entered in relief. Lundqvist has played well for the most part in 2009-10, and even when he is struggling, he still has the ability to turn it around in any given game. As long as Lundqvist is healthy, Valiquette will be a seldom-used backup. Valiquette has minimal Fantasy appeal.
News: Rangers G Steve Valiquette made 19 saves Saturday as New York fell 3-1 to the Flames.
Analysis: Valiquette is now 2-2 on the season as he continues to fill in for Henrik Lundqvist now and again. He is just a handcuff for Lundqvist and should not be active in any Fantasy format unless this injury is a long-term one for Lundqvist. The Rangers TG on the other hand is a high-end Fantasy unit.
News: Rangers G Steve Valiquette won his second game on Thursday, beating the Oilers 4-2. Valiquette allowed only two goals in the contest and made 26 saves. His record improved to 2-1-0 on the season with the performance. He got the start because Hendrik Lundqvist was out with a stiff right thigh.
Analysis: Valiquette had not made an appearance in a game since Oct. 19, which is a pretty long time for most goalies to go between starts. He performed well however, facing 28 shots this season, a season high. He is just a handcuff for Henri and should not be active in any Fantasy format unless this injury is a long-term one for Lundqvist. The Rangers TG on the other hand is a high-end Fantasy unit with a healthy Lundqvist.
News:Devin Setoguchi scored two of San Jose's six consecutive goals and the Sharks took advantage of backup goalie Steve Valiquette in a 7-3 victory Monday night that snapped the Rangers' seven-game winning streak. Valiquette didn't make it out for the third period, replaced by No. 1 netminder Henrik Lundqvist after allowing five goals on 18 shots -- three on 10 shots in the second. Lundqvist gave up Ryan Vesce's third NHL goal -- second in two games this season -- at 3:46 of the third, and one to Patrick Marleau with 1:55 remaining that completed the scoring. Lundqvist finished with 10 saves. "I don't really have an answer for you as far as why that went the way it did," Valiquette said. "I'm definitely angry and upset that I was a part of our team not winning the hockey game and keeping our streak going."
Analysis: It seemed Valiquette was going to cruise to a second win in as many starts when New York jumped out to a 2-0 lead Monday, but San Jose didn't quit and made Valiquette look foolish. This one bad outing won't be enough for the Rangers to lose faith in Valiquette, but he is still not threatening Lundqvist for the starting job. Valiquette is more of a handcuff option for Lundqvist owners and Fantasy flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Rangers TG is a high-end option because of Lundqvist.
News:Ales Kotalik's power-play goal snapped a third-period tie, and backup Steve Valiquette made 18 saves in the Rangers' fourth straight victory, 3-0 over the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday. Valiquette stopped 11 shots in the second period after a quiet start and earned his fourth NHL shutout and 15th career victory. "We are happy with four wins in a row," Valiquette said, "but we don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves because we know a pat on the back is only a few feet from a kick in the butt."
Analysis: With the Rangers slated to play three times in four nights, coach John Tortorella gave Valiquette his first start of the season in place of No. 1 goalie Henrik Lundqvist. Valiquette was barely tested in the first period when New York held a 13-1 shots advantage, but he bailed out teammate Marc Staal in the second. Valiquette stopped Todd Marchant's hard drive from in close after the defenseman turned over the puck in the Rangers zone. It was Valiquette's first shutout since Oct. 17, 2008, against Toronto. Maybe because there are a few more back-to-back games in 2009-10 due to the Olympics, Valiquette will get a few extra starts. However, as long as Lundqvist is healthy, Valiquette won't see the net as much as other backup netminders. Valiquette is more of a handcuff option for Lundqvist owners and Fantasy flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News: Rangers G Steve Valiquette was taken into a penalty shootout on Thursday against the Thrashers but was unable to get the win. He allowed four goals in the game and made 26 saves, ultimately taking the 5-4 shootout loss. It was his first start since Feb. 6 as his record fell to 5-5-2 on the year.
Analysis: Valiquette's last win came back on January 27, showing how little of an impact he has had in Fantasy down the stretch this season. He is not worth using in Fantasy. The Rangers TG on the other hand is a high-end option with Henrik Lundqvist between the pipes.
News: Rangers G Steve Valiquette, starting in place of Henrik Lundqvist, made 33 saves in his first appearance since Feb. 15 during a 3-0 loss to the Hurricanes Monday. Lundqvist backstopped the Rangers' 4-3 victory Sunday over NHL-leading Boston. The Rangers were denied their first four-game winning streak since October, and were shut out for the first time since a 2-0 defeat at Ottawa on Jan. 10. Joe Corvo had the eventual game winner 9:01 into the second period and Tuomo Ruutu capped the win with an empty netter.
Analysis: Valiquette was much better as a backup in 2007-08 to Lundqvist, but he did make his career-high 14th appearance Monday. New coach John Tortorella is likely going to lean heavily on Lundqvist down the stretch, so Valiquette remains at best a flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Rangers TG has high-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Rangers G Steve Valiquette replaced an ineffective Henrik Lundqvist in Sunday's 5-2 loss to the Flyers. Valiquette entered midway through the second and allowed one goal on six shots.
Analysis: Valiquette allowed 10 goals in his last outing, so this effort should give him a bit of confidence back. As a seldom-used goalie, Valiquette remains at best a flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News: Rangers G Steve Valiquette started in place of Henrik Lundqvist, bothered by the flu, Friday against the Stars, although he probably wishes he didn't. Valiquette was peppered for six goals in the third period as Dallas routed New York 10-2. He actually had a 1-0 lead before Dallas scored three unanswered goals to end the first period. The Rangers closed the game at 3-2 before Dallas put the pedal to the metal. Valiquette made 29 saves while allowing all 10 goals.
Analysis: If Lundqvist was healthy, he probably would have bailed out Valiquette. But he wasn't so the five-year veteran took his lumps. He made just his 12th appearance Friday, but had done extremely well this season up until the Dallas massacre. Valiquette won't have too many nights like Friday, but since he is a seldom-used goalie, Valiquette remains at best a flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Rangers TG remains a high-end Fantasy option.
News:Steve Valiquette made 33 saves as the New York Rangers returned from the All-Star break with a 3-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night. He never trailed in the game and allowed just two even-strength goals. Valiquette won for the first time in three appearances.
Analysis: Valiquette, the backup to All-Star goalie Henrik Lundqvist, earned his fifth win of the season. He started for the third time in 10 games and helped the Rangers improved their current run to 5-1-1. Lundqvist, the Rangers' lone All-Star, is expected to play Wednesday night at Pittsburgh. Valiquette gets very few starts as long as Lundqvist is healthy and can't help Fantasy owners much. Valiquette remains at best a flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Rangers TG remains a high-end Fantasy option.
News: The Buffalo Sabres may have loved Ryan Miller's terrific play in goal, but Miller was more impressed with his New York counterpart. Miller and Rangers backup Steve Valiquette waged a goaltending battle Friday night, with Miller's Sabres outlasting Valiquette's Rangers 2-1 in a shootout. Miller made 43 saves in regulation and overtime and turned aside three attempts in the shootout, and Ales Kotalik scored the lone goal in the tiebreaker to send New York to only its second loss in 10 shootouts this season. Valiquette finished with 32 saves in just his eighth start for the Rangers, who began a five-game trip. He was particularly sharp in the third period when the Sabres peppered him with 16 shots. "It was fun. I can't imagine Steve's feeling as high about it, but he should be happy with his game," Miller said. "He played really well. These nights don't come around too often where you go head-to-head with the other guy."
Analysis: Kotalik's wrister blew past Valiquette in the first round of the shootout. Miller ended the game by stopping Drury's attempt in the third round. Valiquette was giving starter Henrik Lundqvist a break after Lundqvist allowed five goals on 24 shots Wednesday night in a loss to Montreal. "If I go a week or three between games, I know I'm going to be ready to play," Valiquette said. "We can't control the outcome of the game, but our performance is very much within it." Valiquette continues to be a solid backup goalie, but he still makes very few appearances as well. Valiquette remains at best a flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Rangers TG remains a high-end Fantasy option.
News: Rangers G Steve Valiquette allowed two goals in a 2-1 loss to the Capitals on Saturday, making 29 saves in the contest. The loss drops his record to 4-3-0 on the season as Valiquette gave usual goalie Henrik Lundqvist the night off.
Analysis: Valiquette is a good handcuff for Lundqvist but can't be counted on to get a start in every week. He should only be used as a handcuff at this point. However, the Rangers TG remains a high-end option.
News: Rangers goalie Steve Valiquette ended up making 39 saves during Wednesday's 3-2 overtime win against the Kings. Valiquette lost a 2-1 lead 2:27 into the third period as Dustin Brown tied the game with his 12th goal. He allowed just one power-play score as he won for the second straight start.
Analysis: Valiquette continues to be a solid backup option to Henrik Lundqvist, but he has made just eight appearances this season and continues to be a seldom-used option. Until that changes, Valiquette remains just a Fantasy flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Rangers TG is a high-end Fantasy option.
News: G Steve Valiquette had 27 saves and allowed two goals in a 3-2 overtime win over the Thrashers on Wednesday. It was his fifth decision of the season and it improves his record to 3-2-0. His last appearance was in relief on Nov. 30 at Florida.
Analysis: Valiquette has made very few appearances in 2008-09 since Lundqvist has been solid for the most part. Valiquette has made just seven outings this season and won't see significant PT until something long-term happens to Lundqvist. Valiquette remains just a Fantasy flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News: Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist recorded the win at Florida at the start of the home-and-home series Friday, but was gone with 3:47 left in the second period Sunday after allowing three goals on 23 shots during a 4-0 loss. Lundqvist then left in favor of Steve Valiquette, who wasn't treated much better at 1:00 of the third period when Michael Frolik made it 4-0 with his second NHL goal in 20 career games. Valiquette had six saves in relief.
Analysis: Valiquette has had to make very few relief appearances in 2008-09 since Lundqvist has been solid for the most part. Valiquette has made just six outings this season and won't see significant PT until something long-term happens to Lundqvist. Valiquette remains just a Fantasy flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News: Rangers G Steve Valiquette allowed four goals in a 4-1 loss to the Senators on Saturday afternoon. Valiquette stopped 32 shots as he was peppered by Ottawa with 36 shots on goal.
Analysis: Valiquette started for Henrik Lundqvist a game after being inserted for the Rangers No. 1 option and stopping all 15 shots he faced. He wasn't nearly as good against the Senators Saturday and that probably means Lundqvist will be back between the pipes with Valiquette only getting a start every now and again. Valiquette remains just a Fantasy flier in leagues that use average points per game and the Rangers TG is a high-end option.
News:Roberto Luongo came out on top in his busiest night of the season, yet the goalie duel everyone expected against Henrik Lundqvist never materialized. Alexandre Burrows scored two of Vancouver's five goals against Lundqvist, and the Canucks feasted on turnovers Wednesday night in a 6-3 victory over the New York Rangers. The matchup of Vezina Trophy favorites Lundqvist and Luongo fizzled as the New York netminder was gone 5:33 into the second period. He allowed five goals on 17 shots. Vancouver's first four goals resulted from Rangers turnovers, and the last was scored while the Canucks were on a two-man advantage. The Canucks made it 5-1 when Pavol Demitra ripped in his fourth of the season 5:33 into the second frame. Lundqvist skated right to the bench after coach Tom Renney summoned him with his finger. He was replaced by Steve Valiquette, who stopped all 15 shots he faced. Vancouver capped the scoring with an empty-net goal.
Analysis: Lundqvist, who started for the 14th time in 15 games, had gone 12 without allowing more than two goals. "It was a good call," Lundqvist said. "It was a game where I had to be really sharp. There were a lot of situations where we got left alone out there. I have to be sharp. I wasn't." Lundqvist was hurt by the early turnovers and never really recovered. He lost for just the fifth time all season and second time in six starts. He hasn't had many off night this season, so please forgive him for Wednesday. Lundqvist remains a No. 1 Fantasy goalie and the Rangers TG is also a must-start Fantasy option. Valiquette will see a start every now-and-then, but remains just a Fantasy flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News: The New York Rangers lost 5-2 to Toronto on Saturday and goalie Steve Valiquette allowed five goals in the loss. Valiquette stopped 30 shots in defeat for the Rangers. He could not duplicate the shutout he posted on the Maple Leafs on Oct. 17.
Analysis: Valiquette came into the game with a record of 2-0, having allowed three goals in two starts this year. This severely hurts his average, especially coming off a shutout of Toronto in his last start. Valiquette will see a start every now-and-then, but remains just a Fantasy flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Rangers TG remains a high-end Fantasy option.
News:Steve Valiquette gave Henrik Lundqvist a night off and made Madison Square Garden his own personal playground. Getting a rare start in front of the home crowd, Valiquette was nearly perfect. In the end, his performance was good enough to give the New York Rangers a 1-0 shootout victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday. "I really want to feel as comfortable as possible in this rink," said Valiquette, an Ontario native. "I know that my job and my role on the team is to be ready at all times. I have to add value to the team, no matter if I'm starting or I'm supporting." Valiquette, already 2-0 seven games into the season, outdueled Vesa Toskala, winning on Fredrik Sjostrom's deciding goal in the shootout.
Analysis: Valiquette was the less busy of the netminders and allowed the tying goal in the second round of the tiebreaker to Nikolai Kulemin. Valiquette completed his third NHL shutout when Jason Blake hit the post on the final shot. "I don't feed off the other goalie. I feed off the energy my team is creating," said Valiquette, who made 21 saves and two more in the shootout. "In the third period, I felt like I could have played another game. We has so much energy." Three of Valiquette's 11 career NHL victories have come against the Maple Leafs, including a shootout win last season. He skated off as the first star of the game to chants of "Vall-ey! Vall-ey!" from the appreciative crowd. Valiquette is expected to give way to Lundqvist on Saturday night in Detroit. Valiquette will see a start every now-and-then, but remains just a Fantasy flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Rangers TG remains a high-end Fantasy option.
News: Rangers G Steve Valiquette won on Saturday as he defeated the Flyers. Valiquette saved 25 shots on goal but allowed three goals to score.
Analysis: Valiquette was 5-3-3 with a 2.19 GAA and two shutouts in 13 games last season for the Rangers. Unless something happens to Henrik Lundqvist, Valiquette will once again see limited time in 2008-09. He remains just a Fantasy flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News: The Rangers worked out free-agent deals Tuesday with forwards Aaron Voros, Pat Rissmiller and Andreas Jamtin from Sweden, as well as re-signed backup goalie Steve Valiquette.
Analysis: Valiquette was 5-3-3 with a 2.19 GAA and two shutouts in 13 games last season for the Rangers. Unless something happens to Henrik Lundqvist, Valiquette will once again see limited time in 2008-09. He remains just a Fantasy flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News: Stephen Valiquette gave up three goals on 30 shots and the New York Rangers battled back to earn a valuable point before losing 4-3 in a shootout to the Philadelphia Flyers. Mike Richards and Jeff Carter each beat Valiquette in the shootout. The Rangers are sixth in the East, but closed within three points of New Jersey and Pittsburgh -- the co-leaders in the Atlantic Division.
Analysis: Valiquette has five wins this season including a pair of shutouts over Philadelphia. Three of his wins have come against the Flyers. Valiquette still sees limited games behind Henrik Lundqvist and remains a less than desireable Fantasy option.
News: Pucks flew into the net at such a dizzying pace that the starting goalies for the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers were gone before two minutes elapsed in the second period Sunday. The backups fared much better, and when it was over Steve Valiquette had his third win over the Flyers this season. Coming on in relief of ineffective Henrik Lundqvist, Valiquette stopped 17 of 18 shots through overtime and was perfect in the shootout for the Rangers, who beat the Flyers 5-4 Sunday.
Analysis: Valiquette, who has five wins this season including a pair of shutouts over Philadelphia, stopped defenseman Kimmo Timonen in the first round of the tiebreaker and kept out Jeff Carter's drive after it hit the left post. "I was just focusing on staying square and taking away shooting options," Valiquette said after his ninth career NHL victory. "I didn't think it went in. I thought it was going wide. Then I heard it hit the post and I had to make sure I didn't kick it in." Valiquette now has three wins in his last four appearances -- all coming against Philadelphia. Valiquette still sees limited PT behind Lundqvist and remains a less than desireable Fantasy option.
News: Rangers G Steve Valiquette, making only his fourth start of 2008, was on the losing end Sunday in a 3-2 overtime defeat at the hands of the red-hot Washington Capitals. Valiquette made 21 saves in the loss.
Analysis: Valiquette gets the occasional look when starter Henrik Lundqvist needs a rest, but his Fantasy value is basically zero, unless you have him as insurance for the Swede. The Rangers TG remains a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Steve Valiquette made 31 saves to record his second straight shutout over the Philadelphia Flyers in the New York Rangers' 2-0 win on Saturday. Valiquette's only other career shutout came in Philadelphia on Jan. 31. He made 20 saves in a 4-0 win. Valiquette, who backs up Henrik Lundqvist, stoned Jeff Carter on a short-handed breakaway in the third period to preserve the two-goal advantage and in the end the back-to-back shutout.
Analysis: Valiquette has four wins this season, two in Philadelphia and two in Toronto. The Rangers snapped a two-game losing skid and won their fourth straight on the road. While it's good for the Rangers to have a quality backup goalie, Valiquette remains just a Fantasy insurance for Henrik Lundqvist owners. The Rangers TG remains a high-end Fantasy option.
News:Steve Valiquette made 20 saves in his first career shutout to help the New York Rangers beat the Philadelphia Flyers 4-0 on Thursday night, New York's first road win in more than a month. Valiquette was hardly tested after the first period but still blanked a Flyers team that hadn't scored fewer than three goals in a game since Jan. 4. He picked up only his third win of the season and first shutout in 21 career games.
Analysis: The Rangers won for the sixth straight time at Philly and snapped a winless road skid that stretched back to a 6-1 win at Toronto on Dec. 29 -- which happened to be Valiquettte's last victory. They were 0-4-2 on the road since the win over the Maple Leafs and only 1-6-4 since the start of December. Valiquette remains just a Fantasy insurance for Henrik Lundqvist owners. The Rangers TG remains a high-end Fantasy option.
News: Rangers G Steve Valiquette stopped 16 shots during a 3-0 loss to the Canucks Thursday. Valiquette got his eighth start of the season after Henrik Lundqvist lost in Calgary on Wednesday. Valiquette has now lost three of his last four starts.
Analysis: Valiquette doesn't see much action behind Henrik Lundqvist in New York, but he has done pretty well in his few minutes between the pipes. Valiquette remains just Fanatasy insurance for Lundqvist owners. The Rangers TG remains a high-end Fantasy option.
News: Rangers backup G Steve Valiquette made 27 saves in only his fifth start of the season as New York easily handled the Maple Leafs 6-1 on Saturday night.
Analysis: Valiquette doesn't see much action behind Henrik Lundqvist in New York, but he has done pretty well in his few minutes between the pipes. The Rangers head to Canada for three games in Fantasy Week 14 (Dec. 31-Jan. 6), and the TG should be considered a solid No. 1 start for that period.
News: Wild forward Marian Gaborik slipped five goals past Rangers G Henrik Lundqvist Thursday and New York was forced to pull their goalie with 10 minutes left during a 6-3 loss to Minnesota. He allowed six goals on 18 shots before giving way to Steve Valiquette with eight minutes remaining. Valiquette stopped all four shots he faced.
Analysis: Valiquette hasn't played much bettert han Lundqvist in his few December appearances and the state of goaltending for the Rangers is in disarray. They will continue to feed Lundqvist starts and Valiquette will remain a seldom used backup. Valiquette remains just Fanatasy insurance for Lundqvist owners. The Rangers TG remains a high-end Fantasy option.
News: Rangers G Steve Valiquette had a second period to forget Sunday. Starting in place of Henrik Lundqvist (flu), Valiquette allowed four goals in the second frame en route to a 5-1 loss Sunday against the Coyotes. "The second period obviously lost us the game," said Valiquette, who made 21 saves in his fifth outing. "The first three goals, I would say they were team goals. The last two I should have had."
Analysis: Valiquette has lost his last two starts, but Sunday was the first time he allowed more than three goals in an outing. Lundqvist should be back in net shortly and Valiquette will remain the seldom-used backup goalie. Valiquette remains just Fanatasy insurance for Lundqvist owners. The Rangers TG remains a high-end Fantasy option.
News:Slava Kozlov's slap shot from beyond the left circle with about 5 minutes left in the game lifted the Atlanta Thrashers to a 4-2 win over New York on Friday night, handing the Rangers their third straight loss. Kozlov shot the puck above the left shoulder of Rangers goalie Steve Valiquette, breaking a 2-2 tie. New York goalie Henrik Lundqvist was given the night off one day after he was pulled in the Rangers' 6-2 loss to Toronto. Lundqvist, coming off a 4-0 loss to Carolina, was pulled after stopping only six of 10 shots against Toronto. Valiquette made only his third start of the season and had 18 saves while picking up his first loss.
Analysis: Valiquette had allowed just two goals in each of his first three appearances this season, but broke the streak by allowing three goals Friday. He is still not seeing a lot of playing time behind Lundqvist. Despite some poor outings by Lundqvist, he is not in jeopardy of losing starts to Valiquette, who remains just Fanatasy insurance for Lundqvist owners. The Rangers TG remains a high-end Fantasy option.
News:Nik Antropov scored a career-high three goals, chasing Henrik Lundqvist and sending the Toronto Maple Leafs to a season-high fourth straight victory, 6-2 over the slumping New York Rangers on Thursday. Steve Valiquette started the third period for New York in relief of Lundqvist, who allowed four goals for the second straight game -- both at home -- after going 18 straight without yielding more than three. He made just six saves. Valiquette made four saves and allowed two goals.
Analysis: Valiquette made his first relief appearance and third overall appearance this season Thursday. You can see how much he is used as the backup goalie. Despite some poor outings by Lundqvist, he is not in jeopardy of losing starts to Valiquette, who remains just Fanatasy insurance for Lundqvist owners.
News:Olli Jokinen scored the only goal of the shootout past Steve Valiquette, giving the Florida Panthers a 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers on Friday. Each team missed four shots before Jokinen's wrist shot beat Valiquette, who stopped 33 shots in his second start of the season for New York.
Analysis: Valiquette has done well in two starts this season for the Rangers, but unless something happens long-term to Henrik Lundqvist, he will continue to see a start every few weeks. Valiquette doesn't get many starts and he is nothing more than insurance for Lundqvist owners. The Rangers TG is a No. 1 Fantasy option, however.
News: Marcel Hossa scored the decisive goal in the shootout and Steve Valiquette made 32 saves as the New York Rangers beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 Saturday in the annual Hall of Fame game. Valiquette spelled regular goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who had played every minute of New York's previous 16 games this season. With his parents watching in the stands, Valiquette helped the Rangers win their first road game (1-5-1). They were the last team in the NHL to win away from home this season.
Analysis: Valiquette hasn't played in a NHL game since March, so it is good to see he still knows how to stop a puck. Hopefully you can tell that Valiquette doesn't get many starts, and despite the win, he is nothing more than insurance for Lundqvist owners. The Rangers TG is a No. 1 Fantasy option, however.
News: The Rangers cut their roster to the necessary 23 for Thursday's season opener at the Garden against Florida, and it was 22-year-old goaltender Al Montoya who found himself on the outside looking in. Montoya packed his bags and began getting ready to start another season with the AHL's Hartford Wolfpack. "You learn something every day with these guys," Montoya said after practice, before being told about his demotion. "Just being on the ice with these guys is a bonus." This means that Stephen Valiquette will fill the role of backup to Henrik Lundqvist, who started all but 15 games last season and is expected to play more this season, barring injury.
Analysis: This move is not a surprise as, according to the New York Daily News, Montoya's $1.8 million cap number is three times Valiquette's and the youngster will be better served playing every day in the minors instead of 10-15 times over the NHL season. Montoya is only worth holding on to in long-term keeper leagues at this point, while Valiquette has some value as insurance for Lundqvist owners.
News: Henrik Lundqvist allowed four goals on 15 shots in Tuesday's game at Montreal before being pulled by coach Tom Renney midway through the second period. Steve Valiquette finished up and allowed two goals on 10 shots.
Analysis: Valiquette took over for his first appearance in 12 games. That gives you a little idea about his Fantasy value.
News: Even Stephen Valiquette agreed. The safe plan for the desperate New York Rangers would be to ride goalie Henrik Lundqvist until the end. But after 19 straight starts and a pair of key games upcoming next week against the New York Islanders, it was time for Lundqvist to take a break. Valiquette had a rough beginning Saturday before turning it around and helping the Rangers to a 3-2 shootout victory over the St. Louis Blues. He stopped 19 shots over the final two periods of regulation and overtime. Then he turned away Glen Metropolit in the first extra round of the shootout to earn his first NHL win since March 27, 2004. He made 25 saves total.
Analysis: Valiquette has just made two starts since being recalled from the minors. Needless to say, he has very little Fantasy value and could return to the minors as soon as Kevin Weekes returns from injury.
News: Rangers backup G Steve Valiquette got into the game Saturday after starter Henrik Lundqvist left the game after the second period with a shoulder injury. He stopped two of eight shots in the 5-3 loss.
Analysis: Valiquette wasn't supposed to see any time with Kevin Weekes out with injury, but was forced into action Saturday. He will be back in the AHL shortly, so don't add him to Fantasy rosters.
News: The New York Rangers placed Weekes on injured reserve due to a strained quadriceps muscle he suffered in practice on Tuesday. The team recalled Stephen Valiquette from Hartford of the AHL to serve as the backup to Henrik Lundqvist.
Analysis: Weekes will be sidelined at least a week. Valiquette is not expected to see any time, so avoid him in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Minnesota Wild have been very busy in the free agent market so far this offseason. Over the weekend, the added defensemen Keith Carney, Kim Johnsson and Peter Ratchuk, as well as forward Mark Parrish and goaltender Steve Valiquette.
Analysis: Valiquette will battle Josh Harding for the backup goaltender job behind Manny Fernandez in Minnesota. He has very little Fantasy appeal.
News: Steve Valiquette was recalled from Hartford of the AHL on Saturday to start for Mike Dunham (shoulder). He made 38 saves in the 3-1 win at Philadelphia.
Analysis: Despite the solid showing, Valiquette is not worth using in any format for the final week of the regular season.
News: Steve Valiquette was traded to the Rangers on Wednesday, along with minor-league center Dwight Helminen and a second-round draft pick in 2004. The Oilers acquired veteran Petr Nedved and backup goaltender Jussi Markkanen.
Analysis: Valiquette might be used as the backup to starter Mike Dunham, but he is not worth using in most Fantasy leagues unless Dunham suffers a long-term injury.
News: Steve Valiquette was recalled from Toronto of the AHL on Monday.
Analysis: Valiquette will serve as the backup to Ty Conklin while Tommy Salo (groin, hip) is out. He has no Fantasy value.
News: The Edmonton Oilers reclaimed Steve Valiquette off waivers from the Florida Panthers, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Analysis: Valiquette will likely spend the season in the minors. He has no Fantasy value.
