News:Andrew Raycroft will play for Italy's Milano Rossoblu this coming season, NHL.com reports.
Analysis: The 32-year-old Andrew Raycroft -- the NHL's 2004 Calder Trophy winner -- went 2-8-0 with a 3.52 goals-against average and .858 save percentage in 10 games with the Stars this past season. We suppose that if he plays well overseas, he could resurface in the NHL at some point, but he's clearly at the journeyman stage of his career.
News:Andrew Raycroft cleared waivers and was assigned to AHL Texas on Thursday, according to the Stars' official Twitter page.
Analysis:Andrew Raycroft went just 2-8-0 in 10 games with the Stars this season, but with 250 NHL starts under his belt, it's he could return to Dallas later this season or garner some consideration for a team looking for goalie help.
News:Andrew Raycroft will be placed on waivers, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Richard Bachman (5-2-0, 2.76 GAA) has wrested the backup goalie spot from Andrew Raycroft, who is expendable with the impending return of Kari Lehtonin.
News:Andrew Raycroft stopped 11 of 12 shots in relief of Richard Bachman during Monday's loss to St. Louis.
Analysis:Andrew Raycroft had not seen the ice lately with the strong play of Richard Bachman, but Raycroft had the unfortunate occurrence of allowing the winning goal to St. Louis. Look for Raycroft to pick up the odd start, but, with Bachman around, his starts won't be too many.
News:Andrew Raycroft gave up five goals on 25 shots through two periods before being removed from the game Thursday in San Jose.
Analysis: Rayzor has been less than sharp in his last two outings, giving up 10 goals combined. Richard Bachman replaced him and stopped 11 of 11.
News:Andrew Raycroft will be in net when the Stars take on the Sharks Thursday, according to ESPN DAllas .
Analysis:Andrew Raycroft has been pressed into duty with the injury to Kari Lehtnon. In his last outing he permitted five goals in a loss against the Islanders, so he will be looking for redemption against a motivated Sharks club.
News:Andrew Raycroft's fine string of starts ended with a thud Saturday as the visiting Islanders hung five goals on him on just 27 shots (.815) to take a 5-4 win.
Analysis: The Stars really don't have an alternative to sending Andrew Raycroft out to mind the crease, with Kari Lehtonen out for the bulk of December. This nightmare isn't typical, but it might shake his confidence unless he can summon some hockey amnesia.
News:Andrew Raycroft will start Saturday against the Islanders, according to ESPN Dallas.
Analysis:Andrew Raycroft will continue to handle the bulk of the starting duties with Kari Lehtonen on the shelf with a sore groin. He has played very well thus far, winning two of three games with a 2.11 GAA and .944 save percentage over that span.
News:Andrew Raycroft won his second straight start Thursday night, stopping 33 of 35 shots en route to a 3-2 win over Ottawa. It was his third straight start since taking over as the No. 1 in Dallas while Kari Lehtonen recovers from a groin problem.
Analysis: He's now 2-1 since Lehtonen went down and will get the bulk of the starts for the Stars over the next three weeks which is how long Lehtonen is expected to be out of action.
News:Andrew Raycroft will continue to sub for the injured Kari Lehtonen on Thursday, according to ESPN Dallas.
Analysis:Andrew Raycroft was strong last game allowing one goal on 36 shots, but don't let that fool you. He has a 3.08 GAA in six games plays and can't always be counted on. The Stars are slumping pretty bad, but at least he gets a decent match-up at home Thursday, though the Senators have been no pushover lately.
News:Andrew Raycroft made 35 saves on 36 shots as he picked up a win against Colorado on Monday.
Analysis: With Kari Lehtonen out at least three weeks with a groin injury, Andrew Raycroft will likely see most of the starts in his stead. This is a great start, but Raycroft's career numbers don't inspire much confidence.
News:Andrew Raycroft will face the Avalanche on Monday night for the Stars, according to Mark Stepneski of Dallas ESPN.
Analysis: With Kari Lehtonen on the IR with a groin issue, Andrew Raycroft will be asked to step up in net. If his recent play is any indication of what to expect, the Stars would do well to avoid expecting too much as he's yet to emerge victorious in five starts.
News:Andrew Raycroft's teammate Kari Lehtonen was placed on IR with a groin injury Sunday, the Stars' official Twitter feed reports.
Analysis: Lehtonen may only miss a pair of games if he's able to recover quickly, but Andrew Raycroft figures to get at least two starts (he's already been tabbed for Monday's game against Colorado) while Richard Bachman has been recalled from Texas (AHL) to serve as the Stars' temporary No. 2 netminder.
News:Andrew Raycroft will receive a start in place of Kari Lehtonen on Monday, Mark Stepneski of ESPN Dallas reports.
Analysis: The start will be Andrew Raycroft's fifth of the season. He has defined backup quality in these starts, losing all four with an .894 save percentage and a 3.54 GAA.
News:Andrew Raycroft made 34 saves in a 4-1 loss to San Jose on Saturday night.
Analysis: It was just his fourth start of the season and first at home. His value is restricted -- he's a handcuff for Kari Lehtonen and nothing more.
News:Andrew Raycroft is expected to start Saturday's game against San Jose, according to ESPN reporter Mark Stepneski.
Analysis:Andrew Raycroft will be looking to improve on his last start, Nov. 12 against the Red Wings, when he allowed five goals on 40 shots. For now, he remains nothing more than a backup option for regular starter Kari Lehtonen and doesn't merit much fantasy consideration.
News: Stars coach Glen Gulutzan has tabbed Andrew Raycroft as the starting goalie for Saturday's game against the Red Wings, according to ESPN reporter Mark Stepneski.
Analysis:Andrew Raycroft has appeared in just two games so far this season, posting an 0-2-0 record, 2.56 GAA and .907 save percentage. The team's regular starter, Kari Lehtonen (11-2-0, 2.20, .934), has come out of the gate very strongly this season, meaning Raycroft will not see much more than the odd game here and there in order to keep Lehtonen fresh. He's a decent play on those nights when he does get the starting nod, but make sure you have other netminders on your fantasy bench to help carry the load.
News:Andrew Raycroft was superb in Saturday's contest at Los Angeles, stopping 23 of the 24 shots he saw. But it wasn't enough as the Kings pulled out a 1-0 squeaker.
Analysis: Second-star honors were probably cold comfort for him as Dallas lost for just the second time this season. The strong outing won't earn him the No. 1 goaltender's job -- that belongs to Kari Lehtonen -- but it will probably buy him a bit more crease time down the line when Lehtonen needs a breather.
News:Andrew Raycroft will be given the start Saturday night against the Kings, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Analysis: It's just a routine night off for Kari Lehtonen so there's nothing to worry about. For fantasy purposes, Andrew Raycroft is nothing more than a handcuff here.
News:Andrew Raycroft made 26 saves in a 5-2 loss to Chicago. He allowed four goals.
Analysis: Kari Lehtonen is the man in Dallas but Rayzor is good enough to draw 20 starts this season. Deploy him as a handcuff.
News:Andrew Raycroft is expected to get the start Saturday against Chicago, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Kari Lehtonen played Friday night and figures to get the start Monday against Phoenix as a result.
News:Andrew Raycroft blanked the Blues 4-0 on Saturday. He made 33 saves.
Analysis: He's entrenched as the back-up in Dallas and won't see regular action unless Kari Lehtonen gets hurt. That has been known to happen, though, so your best move is to handcuff Andrew Raycroft to the starter just in case. You don't need someone else poaching and holding him until you're truly desperate.
News:Andrew Raycroft played the last half of Saturday's preseason win over St. Louis. He allowed two goals on 20 shots.
Analysis: Kari Lehtonen is the starter and will see the bulk of the work between the Stars' pipes this season ... unless he gets hurt. Andrew Raycroft is really just a handcuff for Lehtonen at this point.
News: Vancouver's Roberto Luongo outdueled Raycroft on Saturday as the Canucks beat the Stars, 5-2. Raycroft allowed all five Vancouver goals and made 33 saves on the night.
Analysis: At this point in the campaign, he's a must-avoid. His last three starts have featured a seven-goal shellacking by the Flames; his getting yanked ignominiously after just 80 seconds against Boston, after yielding goals on the first two shots he saw; and now this five-goal waxing at the hands of the Canucks. His GAA over that stretch is 6.94.
News: Raycroft will start against Vancouver on Saturday, the Vancouver Province reports.
Analysis: Although he allowed goals on the only two shots he saw in his last start, Raycroft has generally done a decent job this year, posting a GAA of 2.57 while producing an 8-4-0 record.
News: Raycroft allowed goals on both shots he faced in the first 1:20 of Thursday's game against the Bruins and was pulled for Kari Lehtonen.
Analysis: He and the Stars as a whole may have been thrown off by the wild start to the game, featuring three fights in the first four seconds, followed by the two goals off Raycroft in quick succession. Lehtonen, the normal starter, stopped 29 of 32 in relief.
News: Raycroft will start Thursday against the Bruins, according to ESPN reporter Mark Stepneski.
Analysis: The Stars' regular starter, Kari Lehtonen, has allowed 12 goals in his last three games, so it looks like coach Marc Crawford will give him a breather Thursday. Overall however, Lehtonen has been more than solid this season, with a 22-12-5 record, so even a strong showing by Raycroft against the Bruins will likely not be enough to loosen Lehtonen's grip on the starting job. We expect Rayzor to be back on the bench for the Stars' next game - Saturday against the Flyers.
News: Raycroft is expected to start in goal Friday against the Flames, The Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Raycroft is 8-3-0 with a 2.05 GAA and .930 save percentage this season for the Stars. Even though he is a backup, his numbers make him worthy of a start Friday.
News: Raycroft made 26 saves as Dallas beat Minnesota 4-0 on Sunday.
Analysis: Raycroft (8-3) made his first start since December 28 and picked up his second shutout of the season Sunday, giving starter Kari Lehtonen the night off.
News: Raycroft stopped 44 of 46 shots in Tuesday's 4-2 win over Nashville.
Analysis: Raycroft kept his team in the game early, and they responded with three goals in the third period. He has played extremely well this season when given a chance, but he's still the clear backup to Kari Lehtonen in Dallas.
News: Raycroft will start Tuesday against Nashville, the Star-Telegram reports.
Analysis: Kari Lehtonen has started the past three games, so naturally he gets a breather. The Stars have not missed a beat when giving the starting nod to Raycroft. He carries a 2.36 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage through nine starts and 10 games.
Raycroft Gets Starting Nod Sunday Against Red Wings
News: Raycroft will start Sunday against Detroit, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Kari Lehtonen played Thursday agaisnt San Jose and Saturday against Columbus, so Raycroft gets the nod Sunday to avoid Lehtonen playing three times in four days. Raycroft is still considered the #2 guy in Dallas and should be treated as such for fantasy purposes.
News: Raycroft will start Monday's game against the Sharks, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: It will be the fourth straight start and fifth in the last seven games for Raycroft. The Stars' regular starting goaltender Kari Lehtonen remains out with a sore back, so Raycroft will continue to see the bulk of the starting load until further notice.
News: The Coyotes blasted Raycroft from the crease Saturday, chasing him midway through the third frame with their fifth goal in the 30 shots they fired against him.
Analysis: This was his third game in four nights, so he might be a tad weary. Raycroft has been either stellar or awful on any given night; there haven't been any middling performances for him all season. In three of his seven starts, he's yielded five, four, and five goals; in the other four, he's given up one or none. The result is a set of numbers (2.37, .923) that would rank in the NHL's Top 15 if he had enough starts. But he'll be behind Kari Lehtonen again as soon as Lehtonen's back heals. Temper your expectations accordingly.
News: Raycroft will start Saturday against Phoenix, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: With Kari Lehtonen resting a sore back, the Stars will turn to Raycroft for the second of back-to-back games this weekend. On Friday, Raycroft stopped 22 of 23 shots in regulation and overtime and then was 3-3 in the shootout as the Stars beat the Hurricanes 2-1. With the win, Raycroft improved to 4-2-0 on the season with a 1.90 GAA and .937 SV%. Those stellar stats are a reflection of how impressive Raycroft has been when the Stars have called on him this season. Fantasy owners shouldn't hesitate to use him right now, either.
News: Raycroft rebounded from Wednesday's four goals against with a 22-save performance Friday. He also stopped all three Carolina skaters in the shootout round to lift his team to a 2-1 win.
Analysis: Raycroft likely sees the majority of the starts while starter Kari Lehtonen (lower body) finds his way to playing health. Raycroft makes for a solid pickup.
News: Raycroft will make his second consecutive start Friday against Carolina, according to the Stars' official Twitter feed.
Analysis: With regular starter Kari Lehtonen out with a lower body injury, Raycroft is expected to get the majority of starts until he returns. Rayzor is 3-2-0 so far on the season with a 2.10 GAA and .935 SV%, making him a pretty decent fantasy fill-in if you're looking for one.
News: Raycroft allowed five to host Chicago Wednesday and the Stars left town after being beaten 5-3.
Analysis: With the unknown timetable for starter Kari Lehtonen (lower body), it isn't a guarantee that Raycroft will get all the starts as Richard Bachman is also in the mix.
Stars' Raycroft a Late Addition in Net for Wednesday
News: Raycroft will get the start in net Wednesday against Chicago with Kari Lehtonen sidelined with lower body stiffness, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: The Stars recalled goalie Richard Bachman from the minors on emergency conditions, indicating that Lehtonen won't be the backup Wednesday either. Raycroft will absorb any starts that Lehtonen misses.
News: Raycroft was excellent Thursday, stopping 37 of 38 shots to fell Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals.
Analysis: He's only played in five games this year (four starts), but the results have been spectacular (1.65 GAA, .951 save percentage). He's developed into one of the better backup goalies in the game.
News: Raycroft will get the start against the Capitals on Thursday.
Analysis: It's hard to recommend Raycroft against a solid Caps' squad, though it's a light night in the NHL and Washington did play last night so Raycroft deserves some consideration in deeper daily leagues with Dallas' solid play of late.
News: Raycroft will start Thursday against the Capitals, according to the Dallas News.
Analysis: At first glance, it seems like an odd decision to start your backup goalie against one of the NHL's best teams, especially when your starter - in this case, Kari Lehtonen - is on a roll with three consecutive wins under his belt. "We wanted to give [Raycroft] a big challenge," coach Marc Crawford said. "We're banking on the fact that he'll play well." To his credit, Rayzor has played well in limited action this year, with a 1.84 GAA and a 2-1 record in four appearances. He has also done well against the Caps in the past, with a a career mark of 5-3-1 and a GAA of 2.16.
News: Raycroft will be the starting puck-stopper against the Senators on Wednesday, the Star-Telegram reports.
Analysis: Raycroft has been rarely utilized in his first year donning the star on his uniform. As a backup netminder who will be making just his third start of the season, he's a tough recommendation in fantasy leagues beyond the occasional spot start. Raycroft is best viewed as insurance to starter Kari Lehtonen at this time.
News: Raycroft endured a frustrating night Saturday as the Avalanche peppered him for 45 shots in a 5-0 bludgeoning.
Analysis: If you want to see him in Dallas' next game, check the end of the bench. He'll be the guy in the baseball cap.
News: Raycroft will start against the Avalanche on Saturday, according to Stars blog defendingbigd.com.
Analysis: The Stars' regular starter Kari Lehtonen played the previous night, earning his second straight win with a 25-save performance against Phoenix, so it looks like he gets the night off against the Avs. Raycroft should be back on the bench for the Stars' next game, Thursday against the Kings.
Raycroft Gets Regular Season Debut for Stars on Saturday
News: Raycroft will make his regular season debut on Saturday against Buffalo, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: The Stars' regular starter Kari Lehtonen has lost four of his last five starts, including three straight, so this is an opportunity for Rayzor to step up and show he can do the job. This is not a changing of the guard in Dallas by any means, but a solid performance by Raycroft on Saturday might mean more of a timeshare between the two goalies going forward. Monitor carefully.
News: Raycroft made 34 saves Saturday night for his eighth career shutout. It was his first start of the season.
Analysis: He was busy in the second when the Sabres rifled 14 shots at him. The 10-year vet won't get a lot of action this season unless Kari Lehtonen gets injured; don't roster him until that happens.
News: Raycroft stopped all eight shots he faced in relief of Kari Lehtonen in Thursday's loss to the Kings.
Analysis: This was Raycroft's first appearance of the year, but don't be surprised if he finds some more work thanks to Lehtonen's inconsistency.
News: Raycroft will begin the year as Dallas' backup goalie with Brent Krahn placed on waivers, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: It's hard to recommend Raycroft as anything more than a handcuff for Kari Lehtonen owners, though he'll have some value in that role should Lehtonen get hurt.
Dallas' Raycroft Solid in Loss, Inches Closer to Backup Job
News: Raycroft stopped 25 of 27 shots in a 2-1 loss in Colorado on Tuesday.
Analysis: This was considered a big start for Raycroft in his battle with Brent Krahn as Dallas' backup goalie, and was likely good enough to have earned him the job.
News: Raycroft stopped 16 of 18 shots in his preseason debut Tuesday.
Analysis: Brent Krahn, competing for the backup job along with Raycroft, allowed two goals on 13 shots, with neither goalie clearly outplaying the other. This battle figures to linger for most of the preseason.
Dallas' Raycroft to Feel the Wrath of Krahn in Goalie Battle?
News: Raycroft will have to beat out Brent Krahn this preseason to earn a spot as Dallas' backup goalie, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Raycroft has the edge when it comes to experience (Krahn has yet to stop a puck in the NHL), but it sounds like it will come down to who plays best in the preseason. Neither is expected to play much behind starter Kari Lehtonen, but would offer some upside if Lehtonen gets injured.
News: Canucks backup G Andrew Raycroft got the start in net on Thursday with Vancouver locked in as the third seed for the playoffs. Raycroft made 27 saves in a 4-2 loss to the Sharks.
Analysis: Raycroft has allowed four goals in each of his last two starts, but could get the nod in Saturday's season finale if Vancouver decides to rest Roberto Luongo. Under normal circumstances, Raycroft is only a handcuff for Luongo. The Canucks TG is a high-end option.
News: Canucks G Andrew Raycroft was beaten by Ducks C Saku Koivu at 18:36 of the third period to send Friday's game into overtime. But Raycroft was solid the rest of the way, as Vancouver won 5-4 in a shootout. He made 34 saves.
Analysis: Raycroft didn't have his best game of the season on Friday, but he is only a handcuff for Roberto Luongo. The Canucks TG is a high-end option.
News: Canucks G Raycroft got a rare start in place of Roberto Luongo on Wednesday, turning away 30 pucks in a 4-1 win over the Ducks. It was only his 12th start of the season.
Analysis: Raycroft has played well when he's gotten the opportunity -- he hasn't allowed more than three goals in any of his 2010 appearances. However, he is only a handcuff for Roberto Luongo. The Canucks TG is a high-end option.
News: Canucks G Andrew Raycroft stopped all seven shots he faced Tuesday against the Islanders. Raycroft came into the game in relief of Roberto Luongo to start the third period after Luongo allowed four goals. New York added an empty-netter late to make it a 5-2 final.
Analysis: Raycroft has played well when he's gotten the opportunity -- he hasn't allowed more than three goals in any of his 2010 appearances. However, he is only a handcuff for Roberto Luongo. The Canucks TG is a high-end option.
News: Canucks G Andrew Raycroft stopped 31 shots in regulation and overtime but it wasn't enough, as Vancouver fell to Phoenix 4-3 in a shootout on Wednesday. It was Raycroft's second start since the Olympic break.
Analysis: Wednesday was only Raycroft's 17th appearance this season behind Roberto Luongo, and he isn't likely to see consistent starts the rest of the way. The Canucks TG remains a high-end option.
News: Canucks G Andrew Raycroft took over the netminding duties to start the second period in Friday's 6-3 loss to the Blackhawks. Roberto Luongo was yanked after allowing five first-period goals. Raycroft made nine saves on 10 shots the rest of the way.
Analysis: Raycroft has made only 16 appearances this season behind Roberto Luongo, and isn't likely to see consistent starts the rest of the way. The Canucks TG remains a high-end option.
News: Vancouver G Andrew Raycroft played well on Tuesday night as the Canucks faced the Blue Jackets in the first game since the Olympic break. Raycroft, who got the start for Roberto Luongo as he returned from Canada's gold medal, allowed three goals to score in regulation but stopped 27 shots and did not allow a single goal after the second period as the Canucks tied the score in the third and won the game in overtime, 4-3.
Analysis: Raycroft was making his first start since Feb. 12, also at Columbus, and is now 7-4-0 on the season for the Canucks. He was just filling in on Tuesday and isn't likely to see consistent starts with Luongo on the roster. The Canucks TG remains a high-end option.
News: The Canucks' official web site reports that G Andrew Raycroft will start in place of Olympic champion Roberto Luongo on Tuesday at Columbus.
Analysis: The Canucks play again on Wednesday at Detroit and you have to think Luongo will be back in goal for that critical matchup. Don't use Raycroft in any Fantasy leagues for Week 20 (March 1-7), while Luongo remains a must-start option, even if there is a slim chance he could sit for a couple of contests. The Canucks TG remains a high-end option.
News: The Wild scored three of their four power-play goals against Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo, sending the Olympian to the bench early in a 6-2 victory on Sunday against Vancouver. Cal Clutterbuck's shot off an uncovered rebound in the slot with 11:56 remaining slipped past Luongo for a 5-1 lead, prompting coach Alain Vigneault to summon backup Andrew Raycroft to finish up. Raycroft allowed one goal on nine shots. Luongo finished with 27 saves.
Analysis: Raycroft has had to relieve Luongo a few times in 2009-10, so he is used to coming off the bench cold. We doubt Vancouver is going to give Luongo a lot of time to rest down the stretch as it tries to lock up a playoff berth. Raycroft continues to have minimal Fantasy appeal.
News: Canucks G Andrew Raycroft earned his 100th career win during a 4-3 victory over the Blue Jackets on Friday. The night got off to an inauspicious start as Rick Nash beat Raycroft 22 seconds into the game. Columbus built a 3-1 lead midway through the second before Raycroft buckled down. He stopped 19 shots in the third period as Vancouver rallied for the win. Raycroft finished with 32 saves.
Analysis: Raycroft might have gotten his 100th career victory Friday, but he already had 100 career losses. Raycroft showed promise early in his career as a prospect with Boston, but he has become a backup netminder the last few years. Now, he pulls backup duty to Roberto Luongo in Vancouver and has minimal Fantasy appeal. The Canucks TG is a high-end option because of Luongo.
News: Canucks G Andrew Raycroft made 18 saves in his first start in two months during a 3-1 loss to the Senators on Thursday. Raycroft, who recorded his 100th career loss, trailed 2-0 after one period. He didn't allow a goal the rest of the way as he made nine saves, but Ottawa iced the game with an empty-net score.
Analysis: Raycroft had made two relief appearances -- including his 99th career win in the Canucks' 5-3 come-from-behind win in Toronto on Saturday night -- since allowing four goals in a 5-3 loss at Carolina on Dec. 5. He got the start on Thursday because Roberto Luongo really needed a night off. Luonogo is not injured or sick. Raycroft has generally done well when he has been called on in 2009-10, but he hasn't played much since Luongo starts most nights. Raycroft continues to have minimal Fantasy appeal, while the Canucks TG is a high-end option because of Luongo.
News: Canucks G Andrew Raycroft stopped all 13 shots he faced Saturday after relieving an ineffective Roberto Luongo in a 5-3 win over the Leafs. Raycroft played the final two periods.
Analysis: As Luongo's backup, Raycroft has only played twice in 2010. He has minimal Fantasy appeal while Luongo is healthy.
News: Canucks G Roberto Luongo was pulled during a 5-2 loss to the Wild on Wednesday. Luongo battled back from a 2-0 deficit and the game was tied heading into the third. Coming out of a timeout on a power play in third, Marek Zidlicky passed to Mikko Koivu in the right circle. His touch pass went to Antti Miettinen in the slot, and his one-timer beat Luongo on the stick side at 1:08 for a 3-2 lead. It was Minnesota's first goal in 21 power-play chances against Vancouver this season. Owen Nolan added an insurance goal at 7:50 when his wrist shot from the right dot went off Luongo's glove and trickled in. Miettinen scored on a slap shot at 9:32. Luongo, who stopped 14 shots, was replaced by Andrew Raycroft after the goal. It was the third time this season Vancouver allowed three third-period goals. Raycroft stopped all three shots he faced.
Analysis: Raycroft made his first appearance on Tuesday since starting a game on Dec. 5 against Carolina. Luongo has started the last 18 games for Vancouver. Raycroft will only see significant PT in the event Luongo is dinged up. Raycroft has minimal Fantasy appeal as a seldom-used backup netminder.
News: Canucks G Andrew Raycroft made 23 saves in his first start since Nov. 10 as Vancouver fell 5-3 to the Hurricanes on Saturday afternoon.
Analysis: Raycroft is currently entrenched as Roberto Luongo's backup in Vancouver and has minimal Fantasy value as a handcuff to Luongo in deeper leagues. The Canucks TG remains a solid No. 1 Fantasy option.
News: Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo is back in the nets after missing two weeks because of a broken rib. Luongo, who hadn't played since he was injured on Oct. 27, replaced Andrew Raycroft at the start of the second period Tuesday night against the St. Louis Blues. The Blues led the game 4-0 after one period. Luongo took part in the Canucks' morning skate Tuesday but wasn't expected to play until Thursday in Detroit. Canucks coach Alain Vigneault removed Raycroft after the goalie allowed four goals on 13 shots. Luongo fared slightly better in the game as he allowed two goals and stopped 15 shots. Raycroft took the loss in the game.
Analysis: Raycroft was blasted at the worst possible time with Luongo ready to return. His record falls to 4-2-0 on the season and it seems that Luongo will likely regain his starting job going forward. Raycroft really only has low-end Fantasy value at this point and Luongo would go back to being a low-end No. 1 Fantasy goalie if he continues to get consistent starts. This is probably a situation still worth monitoring yet. The Canucks TG is still a solid Fantasy option.
News:The Province reports Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo (rib, illness) was on the ice Monday for a 30-minute workout with goalie consultant Ian Clark and went through a full practice with the team. However, he said that he probably expects to backup Andrew Raycroft on Tuesday against the Blues.
Analysis: Luongo said while he is feeling much better, he still feels a bit of pain from his rib injury and needs to work on his timing. We definitely could see him during Fantasy Week 6 (Nov. 9-15), but how much still remains to be seen. Consider Luongo a low-risk start for the upcoming scoring period. Raycroft is a low-end start since he might not see a full workload.
News: Vancouver G Andrew Raycroft won his third straight start on Thursday against the Wild, beating Minnesota 5-2. He made 28 saves in the game, allowing two goals. He has allowed only three goals during his three-game winning streak, making 68 saves in the process as well.
Analysis: Raycroft continues to get starts for Vancouver with Roberto Luongo out with a rib injury and he keeps on putting together solid performances. Luongo will likely be back at some point in Week 6 (Nov. 9-15) however, making Raycroft not likely someone worth starting in the upcoming scoring period. When Luongo is healthy, Raycroft is just a No. 3 Fantasy option. The Canucks TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option without Luongo between the pipes.
News: Vancouver G Andrew Raycroft continues to fill in nicely for injured Roberto Luongo. Raycroft won again on Tuesday night 4-1 over the Rangers. Raycroft was given a one-goal lead early but he coughed it up early in the 3rd period. That didn’t last long, however, as his teammates scored three times to pull away and win 4-1. Raycroft stopped 22 of the 23 shots he faced in the game.
Analysis: Raycroft held off the Rangers for the victory and improved to 3-1-0 on the season for the Ducks. He has started the last four straight games and is 3-1 over that span as he continues to play in place for the injured Roberto Luongo. Raycroft is almost making Vancouver forget about Luongo with his play. Raycroft probably earned himself a few more starts so Vancouver can rest Luongo until he is absolutely 100 percent. Continue to view Raycroft as a stopgap Fantasy option. The Canucks TG is more of a No. 2 option without Luongo.
News:Mason Raymond and Ryan Kesler each had a goal and an assist, and Andrew Raycroft made 18 saves to lead the Vancouver Canucks over the Colorado Avalanche 3-0 on Sunday night. Raycroft, who was replaced by Craig Anderson in Colorado over the summer, made his third straight start since a hairline rib fracture forced star goalie Roberto Luongo to sit out. He wasn't tested too often by his old teammates but did stop Paul Stastny on a 2-on-1 shortly after Mason Raymond opened the scoring in the first. Raycroft had his first shutout since the 2007-08 season and seventh in his career.
Analysis: Raycroft has won two of three starts since replacing Luongo and this should give the Canucks coaching staff a little boost of confidence. Raycroft probably earned himself a few more starts so Vancouver can rest Luongo until he is absolutely 100 percent. Continue to view Raycroft as a stopgap Fantasy option. The Canucks TG is more of a No. 2 option without Luongo.
News: Canucks G Andrew Raycroft stopped 18 of 22 shots over two periods in his second straight start for the injured Roberto Luongo, who was sidelined by a cracked rib, during Friday's 7-2 loss against the Ducks. Cory Schneider replaced Raycroft, who held a 2-0 lead before Anaheim scored four unanswered goals, at the start of the third and gave up three goals, two by Bobby Ryan and another by Joffrey Lupel on a weird carom after Mathieu Schneider left his crease to play the puck.
Analysis: Now, this is the Raycroft we are used to seeing. Not the guy that made 30 saves in a 2-1 win against the Kings on Thursday. Raycroft will have some good nights in net, but he has been more of a disappointment than surprise in his NHL career. He is merely a stopgap Fantasy option until Luongo returns. The Canucks TG is more of a No. 2 option without Luongo.
News:Andrew Raycroft made 30 saves in his first start of the season for the Canucks during a 2-1 shootout win on Thursday against the Kings. After Ryan Kesler scored for Vancouver in the first round of the shootout, Jack Johnson answered for Los Angeles in the second. Raycroft made a pad save on Ryan Smyth before Mikael Samuelsson beat Jonathan Quick with the winner.
Analysis: Raycroft had played just 53 minutes in relief of Luongo during his first month with Vancouver, but he'll be in the Canucks' net for possibly a week after Luongo decided he couldn't keep playing through a cracked rib from last Saturday's victory over Toronto. Luongo played two games with the injury, giving up five goals in a loss to Detroit on Tuesday, before taking the break. Raycroft beat a pretty good team on Thursday and looked like the once promising Bruins' prospect. Still, he is merely a stopgap Fantasy option until Luongo is healthy. The Canucks TG is more of a No. 2 option without Luongo.
News:The Province reports that Canucks G Roberto Luongo has a hairline fracture of one of his ribs, an injury he suffered after taking a shot against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Oct. 24. There has been no word on an expected length of time he will be out.
Analysis: Luongo played through two games with this injury but apparently it was bothering him too much to continue. He missed a couple of months last season with a groin injury, so getting banged up is nothing new to him and his Fantasy owners. Luongo is a must-start Fantasy goalie when healthy, so just stash him away and hope that he's out for weeks rather than months. Andrew Raycroft will start in his place and will initially be a No. 2 Fantasy goalie, with the potential to emerge as a low-end No. 1 choice if he plays well and Luongo is down for a while. Corey Schneider will be called up to be the No. 2 in Vancouver, but has no Fantasy value at this time. The Canucks TG should still be considered a No. 1 option for the time being, but a risky one.
News: Canucks G Roberto Luongo couldn't stop the Calgary barrage Friday and was pulled during a 5-3 loss. Luongo stopped 14 of 19 shots he faced through two periods, while Andrew Raycroft stopped all five shots he faced in the final frame. Calgary tallied a short-handed and power-play score in the first before chasing Luongo after three even-strength scores in the second.
Analysis: Raycroft has made both of his appearances this season in relief. While Luongo has gotten off to an atrocious start, the Canucks aren't about to turn to Raycroft in net. Raycroft still has minimal Fantasy appeal.
News:Kristian Huselius, Rostislav Klesla and Nikita Filatov scored over a 3:44 span early in the second period to chase star Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo and lead the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 5-3 victory against the Canucks on Monday night. Huselius broke a tie 2:07 into the second period, and Klesla and Filatov broke the game open and ended Luongo's night early with goals 22 seconds apart. Huselius used Rick Nash as a decoy off the rush and blew a wrist shot past Luongo's glove, Klesla scored on a wrist shot through traffic at 5:29, and Filatov finished a 3-on-2 with a shot through Luongo's legs on the next shift. Luongo made eight saves before getting pulled. Backup goalie Andrew Raycroft stopped 11 of 12 in his surprise regular-season debut and almost got his first win as the Canucks rallied but fell short in the third period.
Analysis: Raycroft wasn't brought in to challenge Luongo for the starting job and pretty much just to provide insurance for when Luongo needs some time off. Luongo is off to a sluggish start, but he is the franchise goalie. Raycroft might get a start coming up, but he is still more of a Fantasy flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Canucks G Andrew Raycroft admitted he didn't expect to play much after signing for $500,000 to back up workhorse star Roberto Luongo this season. But after the schedule was released in mid-July, the Canucks might need more minutes from their backup than in recent years. Luongo, who had played close to 70 games a season before missing two months to a groin injury last year, might bear the brunt of a condensed schedule that will see the Canucks leave home for more than six weeks while the city of Vancouver -- and their home ice rink, GM Place -- hosts the 2010 Olympics for three weeks in February. That Luongo will almost certainly play for Canada during the Olympics only adds to the impact on the Canucks' most important player, as does the fact their last game before the break comes in his old NHL city -- and summer home -- of Florida.
Analysis: In 230 career NHL games in eight seasons with Toronto, Boston and Colorado, Raycroft is 94-96-16, with six shutouts, a 2.90 GAA and .899 save percentage. He failed miserably for the most part in 2008-09 with the Avalanche and is still trying to get his career back on track after he showed so much promise in his early years with the Bruins. It sounds promising that Raycroft might get a few extra starts than expected in 2009-10, but unless something drastic happens to Luongo, he is still going to see limited PT. Raycroft is merely a Fantasy flier in leagues that use average points per game and handcuff option for Luongo owners.
News: The Vancouver Canucks added depth in the nets by signing free agent goalie Andrew Raycroft to a one-year deal on Monday worth $500,000. Raycroft went 12-16-0 with a 3.14 goals-against average and an .892 save percentage in 31 games last season. He will serve as the backup to Roberto Luongo. Vancouver lost backup goalie Jason LaBarbera last week when he signed a two-year, free-agent contract with the Phoenix Coyotes.
Analysis: In 230 career NHL games in eight seasons with Toronto, Boston and Colorado, Raycroft is 94-96-16, with six shutouts, a 2.90 GAA and .899 save percentage. He failed miserably for the most part in 2008-09 with the Avalanche and is still trying to get his career back on track after he showed so much promise in his early years with the Bruins. Unless something happens to Luongo, Raycroft is going to spend a lot of time on the bench. He is merely a Fantasy flier in leagues that use average points per game and handcuff option for Luongo owners. The Canucks TG is still a high-end Fantasy option because of Luongo.
News:The Sports Xchange reports captain Joe Sakic is the most prominent of the eight Avalanche players who are eligible for unrestricted free agency, and goalie Peter Budaj is the most significant of four players who could become restricted free agents. The other unrestricted free agents are goalie Andrew Raycroft, defenseman Daniel Tjarnqvist, forwards Tyler Arnason, Ben Guite, Ian Laperriere, Per Ledin and Brian Willsie. The other restricted free agents are forwards T.J. Hensick, David Jones, Cody McCormick and Cody McLeod.
Analysis: The Avalanche signed Raycroft to a one-year, $800,000 contract last summer after losing Jose Theodore to Washington, and his play was no better than average (12-16-0, 3.14 GAA, .892 save percentage). It's doubtful he'll be re-signed. Raycroft once had a very promising career, but when he arrived in Toronto in 2006-07 it started to unravel and now he is just fighting to get on a NHL roster. Raycroft is likely to be a backup somewhere, but is going to have minimal Fantasy appeal Draft Day.
News: On most nights, Andrew Raycroft would have walked away with a win after making 16 saves and allowing just one goal. Sunday was not one of those nights. Brad Boyes' goal six minutes into the game was enough for goalie Chris Mason, who made 28 saves, to make stand in St. Louis' 1-0 win against the Avalanche. Raycroft lost his last nine decisions dating back to Feb. 22.
Analysis: In one of his better efforts in months, it was a real shame to see Raycroft go out with a close loss Sunday. His best run of the season came when he won seven straight decisions from Nov. 29-Jan. 10. Raycroft appeared to steal the starting job away from Peter Budaj, but then hit a severe slump in the second half. Raycroft is headed for free agency again in the offseason with an uncertain future. Track his progress before taking a flier on him Draft Day 2009, but he is long shot to land a starting job next season. The Avalance TG was a low-end Fantasy option for most of 2008-09.
News: Colorado G Andrew Raycroft played well on Wednesday night against the Phoenix Coyotes. He didn't play as well as opposing netminder Al Montoya, however. Montoya pitched a shutout in his first start of the season for the Coyotes to defeat Raycroft and the Avs. Raycroft stopped 32 shots but allowed two in the 3-0 loss.
Analysis: Raycroft drops his season record to 12-15-0 and has lost six straight starts. The Avs are losers of eight in a row. All together that is a lot of losing going around for the Avalanche. Raycroft is nothing more than a flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Avalance TG has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Avalanche G Andrew Raycroft made 30 saves during a 4-1 loss to the Canucks Friday. Raycroft looked sharp after one period as he stopped 10 shots in the first period and carried a one-goal lead into the second. Vancouver then tied the game in the second and put the game out of reach with three goals in the third. Raycroft lost his seventh straight decision.
Analysis: Raycroft has allowed three or more goals in eight of his last nine appearances. He has pretty much lost his grip in net and has seen Peter Budaj make a fair amount of starts in the last month. Raycroft is nothing more than a flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Avalance TG has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: It was a rough night in net for Colorado goalies Peter Budaj and Andrew Raycroft during Wednesday's 7-2 loss to the Ducks. Budaj began the game in net, but was pulled after the first period. Corey Perry chased Budaj with his 25th goal with 36 seconds left in the first. Andrew Raycroft took over for the second period, but didn't fare well. He gave up four goals on eight shots, including Perry's second 2:46 into the frame. Budaj, who finished with 18 saves, was back in goal in the third and stopped all seven shots he faced. "It was tough," Budaj said. "I had a bad goal to start the game. I misplayed (the first goal) and then they kept coming."
Analysis: Raycroft remains winless in his last eight outings. He has allowed three or more goals seven times in that span. He has pretty much given coach Tony Granato few reasons to start him over Budaj, who is starting to struggle again. Raycroft is nothing more than a flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Avalance TG has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Avalanche G Andrew Raycroft stopped 25 shots during a 3-1 loss to the Sharks Sunday. Raycroft never led in the game and battled through a scoreless game until Jamie McGinn broke through on the power play 9:25 into the second. Colorado tied the game less than two minutes later before Milan Michalek scored the go-ahead goal with 35 seconds left in the second. Devin Setoguchi added an empty netter in the third.
Analysis: Raycroft has lost all four starts in March and hasn't won his last six decisions. He has fallen on hard times after looking so good earlier in the season. Peter Budaj is now seeing most starts in Colorado, so Raycroft is more of a flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Avalance TG has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Avalanche G Andrew Raycroft allowed four goals on 23 shots Sunday as Colorado fell 4-2 to the Canucks. Raycroft has now lost five of his last six starts.
Analysis: Raycroft is the cooler of the two Avalanche goalies right now and shouldn't be used in Fantasy Week 24 (March 16-22). The Avalanche TG remains a low-end Fantasy option, and one definitely not worth relying on at this crucial time.
News: Colorado G Andrew Raycroft made 27 saves and allowed three goals in a 3-2 loss to the Red Wings on Wednesday. Raycroft's last win came on Feb. 20 against the Capitals, having lost his last three decisions. His record on the season fell to 12-11-0 with the loss.
Analysis: Since beating Washington on Feb. 20, Raycroft has given up at least three goals in each of his starts and Wednesday was obviously no exception. He can get a pass for allowing three to the team with the best record in the league, but he should only be viewed as a No. 3 or flier option. The Avalanche TG has low-end appeal since they've been finding wins hard ot come by.
News: Avalanche G Andrew Raycroft stopped 27 shots during a 4-2 loss to the Islanders Monday. Raycroft was in a 1-all tie before New York scored twice in the second period to take the lead for good. Jeff Tambellini capped the scoring with his third goal 4:48 into the third. Raycroft has lost his last three starts, allowing four goals in each outing.
Analysis: Raycroft didn't even look sharp in relief Saturday against the Rangers as he allowed three goals on 21 shots. Peter Budaj hasn't been performing much better as of late and coach Tony Granato is just frustrated with his goalie situation. It appears he is leaning on Raycroft a bit more, but Raycroft is at best a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Avalanche TG is more of a low-end option since the wins have been scarce as of late.
News: Colorado goalies Peter Budaj and Andrew Raycroft were quite ineffective during Saturday's 6-1 loss to the Rangers. The only suspense was gone with 6:55 left in the second when Ryan Smyth snapped Henrik Lundqvist's shutout bid. By then, the Rangers had built a 5-0 lead. Budaj opened the game by allowing three goals in the first 13:24. He made six saves before giving way to Raycroft, who allowed two more goals by the 5-minute mark in the second. He would allow just one goal the rest of the way while making 18 saves.
Analysis: Budaj has lost his last five starts and is giving coach Tony Granato plenty of reasons to keep him on the bench. Raycroft hasn't been much better as of late, but seems to be getting more of the starts. The Colorado goalie situation is a real mess right now, so Raycroft is at best a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Avalanche TG is more of a low-end No. 2 option.
News: All Avalanche G Andrew Raycroft could do is watch in awe of opposing goalie Martin Brodeur during Thursday's 4-0 loss to the Devils. In what seemed like a layup win for Raycroft as Brodeur was making his first appearance since having elbow surgery in early November, it turned out to be the opposite as the future Hall of Famer taught Raycroft a thing or two about making a valiant return. Jamie Langenbrunner beat Raycroft 4:38 into the game and it was the only goal Brodeur would need to make the lead stand. Raycroft made 28 saves in the loss.
Analysis: Raycroft has lost his last two starts after winning three straight. He has allowed four goals in each loss and is once again making Tony Granato uneasy. He just handed Raycroft back the starting job, but his recent run of poor performances could mean Peter Budaj gets a chance to showcase his skills again. The Colorado goalie situation is a real mess right now, so Raycroft is at best a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Avalanche TG is more of a low-end No. 2 option.
News: Avalanche G Andrew Raycroft saw his three-game win streak come to an end Sunday as Colorado fell 5-2 to the Hurricanes. Raycroft made 34 saves in defeat.
Analysis: Raycroft has been a streaky goaltender this season with a seven-game win streak and a six-game losing streak. He's a nightmare for Fantasy owners as you never know what you're going to get out of him week to week and he plays for one of the poorer teams in the NHL. Consider him a No. 3 option, while the Avalanche TG is more of a low-end No. 2 option.
News:Andrew Raycroft made 28 saves in Colorado's 4-1 victory over Washington on Friday. The Capitals had only two partial power plays all night and Raycroft allowed his only goal to Nicklas Backstrom with 15 seconds left in the first. He stopped 21 shots over the final two scoreless periods. "We did a great job," Raycroft said. "I think we took two penalties, both with 30 seconds left on our own. When you don't let them have five or six power plays, it makes a big difference."
Analysis: Raycroft has won his last three starts and seems to have won back the starting job from Peter Budaj temporarily. It appears after erratic play all season from his two goalies, coach Tony Granato is going to start the hot hand down the stretch. That doesn't help Fantasy owners since uncertainty is never a good thing. Raycroft is at best a No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Avalanche TG is more of a low-end No. 2 option.
News:Andrew Raycroft stopped 20 shots for the Avalanche during a 3-2 overtime win Tuesday against the Senators. Ottawa wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, scoring 30 seconds into the game as Ryan Shannon lined a shot through Raycroft's legs. He didn't allowed another goal until Shannon tied the game at 2 on a power-play 4:45 into the second.
Analysis: Raycroft has won his last two starts after losing his previous six. It's no surprise to see Raycroft back in net after winning Sunday's game against the Red Wings. It appears coach Tony Granato is going to ride the hot hand down the stretch, which just leaves the Colorado goalie situation a mess in Fantasy. Consider Raycroft and Peter Budaj more of No. 3 Fantasy goalies or flier in leagues that use average points per game until the Colorado situation becomes a bit more clearer. The Avalanche TG is at best a low-end No. 2 option.
News:The Denver Post reports Avalanche goalie Andrew Raycroft will make his second consecutive start Tuesday against the Senators, while Peter Budaj will pull backup duties.
Analysis: It's no surprise to see Raycroft back in net after winning Sunday's game against the Red Wings. It appears coach Tony Granato is going to ride the hot hand down the stretch, which just leaves the Colorado goalie situation a mess in Fantasy. Consider Raycroft and Budaj more of No. 3 Fantasy goalies or flier in leagues that use average points per game until the Colorado situation becomes a bit more clearer. The Avalanche TG is at best a low-end No. 2 option.
News: Avalanche G Andrew Raycroft stopped 40 shots in regulation and overtime, then only allowed Henrik Zetterberg's goal in the second round of the tiebreaker during Sunday's 6-5 shootout win Sunday against the Red Wings. Raycroft lost a 2-0 lead and trailed 3-2, 4-3 and 5-4 before rallying for the win. It was his first victory since Jan. 10 and put an end to his personal six-game skid.
Analysis: Raycroft had emerged as the Avalanche's top goalie in early January after posting several solid starts, but then lost his touch during the six-game skid. He could steal some starts away from Peter Budaj, but the Colorado goalie situation is really a mess right now. Raycroft is at best a No. 3 option or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Avalanche TG is at best a low-end No. 2 option.
News: Colorado G Andrew Raycroft was unable to snap a losing streak that began on Jan. 13 against the Blue Jackets. The streak was extended to six games as he lost 3-2 to the Wild on Wednesday, allowing three goals and making 23 saves. The loss drops his overall record to 9-7-0.
Analysis: After a 9-1-0 start, Raycroft has simply fallen apart since mid-January. He has really struggled of late and seems to have lost any claim to the starting job back to Peter Budaj. Raycroft hadn't started in two weeks before getting the nod on Wednesday. This loss won't likely get him any more starts either. Raycroft is at best a No. 3 option while the Avalanche TG only a low-end No. 2 option.
News: It was not a pretty night in net for Colorado goalie Andrew Raycroft during a 7-4 loss to the Maple Leafs Thursday. Raycroft actually held a 2-1 lead early in the second period before Toronto scored three times in the final 17 minutes to take a 4-3 lead. Colorado tied the game at 4 3:10 into the third, but Raycroft then allowed three unanswered goals to cap the loss. He made 23 saves while losing a fifth straight time.
Analysis: Raycroft came into Thursday's game having allowed seven goals in his previous three games. He has been pretty steady in net, but couldn't get enough offensive support. Well, he got it Thursday, but struggled defensively. His recent slump has left the door open for Peter Budaj to regain his starting status. For now, the two battle it out, so view Raycroft as a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Avalanche TG is a No. 2 option at best.
News: Avalanche G Andrew Raycroft posted a strong performance Tuesday against the Sharks, but opposing goalie Evgeni Nabokov was just that much better in a 3-0 win for San Jose. Raycroft made 35 saves, but was done in by a pair of Milan Michalek goals. Patrick Marleau sealed the win with an empty-net goal.
Analysis: Raycroft hasn't won in four straight outings and has lost his last two starts despite allowing just two goals in each appearance. His recent slump has left the door open for Peter Budaj to regain his starting status. For now, the two battle it out, so view Raycroft as a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Avalanche TG is a No. 2 option at best.
News: Colorado G Andrew Raycroft came on in relief of Peter Budaj on Wednesday and ended up taking the loss in a 6-5 game against Los Angeles on Wednesday. Raycroft came on in the seventh minute of the second period after Budaj had given up four goals and was down 4-1. Raycroft gave up only two more goals and made 11 saves as the Avalanche mounted a comeback. However, because they fell just a goal short, it ended up giving Raycroft the loss. Budaj made 11 saves and gave up four goals in the game.
Analysis: Raycroft was an unlucky loser on Wednesday. He has been pretty good when substituting for Budaj as this record drops his record to only 9-4-0. Raycroft has been dealing with a minor calf injury but it doesn't seem to be slowing him down. Think of Raycroft as a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 option while. The Avalanche TG is a No. 2 option at best.
News:Shawn Horcoff scored past Andrew Raycroft and broke a tie with 6:35 left in the Edmonton Oilers' 3-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Friday. Horcoff scored off a mad scramble in front of the Avalanche net, beating a sprawled-out Raycroft with a shot into the corner of the net. After reeling off seven consecutive wins, Raycroft has lost in his last two starts. He had 34 saves against the Oilers.
Analysis: Raycroft was scratched Thursday against the Blues with a minor calf injury, but the injury obviously isn't serious since he was back in action Friday. Despite the two losses, Raycroft is still performing better in net than Peter Budaj. This could be a goalie battle that wages on in the second half, but right now, Raycroft is a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Avalanche TG is at best a No. 2 option.
News: Colorado G Andrew Raycroft, who had a seven-game winning streak snapped Tuesday in a 4-3 loss to Columbus, sat out Thursday against the Blues with a with a minor calf injury. Peter Budaj, who started for the first time since Jan. 4, took the 5-2 loss.
Analysis: Raycroft dressed as the backup goalie Thursday, so if he had to play, he could. The Avalanche list it as a minor injury and it could be from all the work he has gotten as of late. Raycroft has been solid for Colorado while Budaj has not. Coach Tony Granato won't name Raycroft the starter, but said he will play more as long as he stays hot in net. Consider Raycroft a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie for the time being.
News: Avalanche G Andrew Raycroft made 23 saves during a 4-3 loss to the Blue Jackets Tuesday. Raycroft battled with rookie goalie Steve Mason to a 1-all tie heading into the third period. However, Raycroft then allowed three of the next four goals as Columbus took a commanding 4-2 lead. He allowed just one power-play goal while seeing a seven-game win streak end.
Analysis: Raycroft has been playing extremely well as of late and that has garnered recognition from coach Tony Granato. It has also given him a few extra chances to start in net. Granato is not yet ready to name Raycroft his starter over Peter Budaj, but he has said Raycroft has deserved to play a bit more. Consider Raycroft a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie for the time being. The Avalanche TG remains a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports a goaltending controversy could be brewing on the Avalanche with the sudden resurgence of Andrew Raycroft. Signed as a free agent in July to a one-year, $800,000 contract after Jose Theodore left for Washington, Raycroft sure seems to be supplanting Peter Budaj as the Avalanche's No. 1 goalie. Raycroft, who went 2-9-5 with Toronto last season, has won a career-high seven games in a row and surely will make his fourth start in a row Tuesday when the Avalanche opens a two-game road trip against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. Avalanche coach Tony Granato, who designated Budaj as his top goalie in the preseason, sidesteps any controversy only by saying that Raycroft deserves to "get the net" based on his recent play.
Analysis: Raycroft has won nine of 10 decisions this season and has permitted a total of 15 goals during his seven-game streak. "I feel good out there," Raycroft said. "I feel like I have a good rhythm. I'm seeing everything and seeing the plays well." Raycroft will likely be the Avalanche's top goalie heading into Fantasy Week 15 (Jan. 12-18). With games against Columbus, St. Louis and Edmonton, he could be in for a nice week. Consider him a low-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie for the upcoming scoring period. The Avalanche TG also remains a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Avalanche G Andrew Raycroft allowed three goals and made 21 saves in a 5-3 win over the Penguins on Saturday. Raycorft has now won nine of the 10 starts he has made this season, including victories in the Avalanche's past three games. It was the first time this season that Raycroft has started in three straight games.
Analysis: Raycroft may have locked up the starting job in Colorado away from Peter Budaj who has not been sharp this season. Raycroft's record is bound to take a hit eventually, but right now he is on fire and should be consider for Fantasy Week 15 (Jan. 12-18). With games against Columbus, St. Louis and Edmonton, he could be in for a big week.
News: The Rocky Mountain News reports that Avalanche G Andrew Raycroft will make another start Saturday vs. Pittsburgh.
Analysis: Raycroft has won six games in a row and appears to have wrestled the starting job away from Peter Budaj in Denver. The Avalanche play four times in Fantasy Week 15 (Jan. 12-18), with games against Columbus, St. Louis and Edmonton, which are three tasty matchups. Grab him in deeper leagues if you have a need at the position.
News:Andrew Raycroft stopped 43 shots, including a late flurry, in the Colorado Avalanche' 2-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday. Raycroft kept the game tied with sensational saves on shots from Patrick Sharp and Troy Brouwer late in the second period. Chicago pulled Nikolai Khabibulin with 1:20 remaining, but couldn't get anything past Raycroft, who tied a career high by winning his sixth consecutive start. He's 8-1 this season, and has won two straight since stepping in for the struggling Peter Budaj.
Analysis: Coach Tony Granato hasn't officially said he is going to go to a goalie rotation, but with the way Raycroft is playing and with how poor Peter Budaj has been, it wouldn't be surprising. Fantasy owners in larger formats might want to take a flier on Raycroft as it seems more starts might come his way. The Avalanche TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Avalanche G Andrew Raycroft stopped 22 shots during a 2-1 win against the Predators Tuesday. Colorado fell behind 1-0 at 7:30 of the first period after J.P. Dumont fired a wrist shot from low inside the left circle that bounced off Raycroft. The shot moved Raycroft to the far side of the goal mouth and Ryan Jones, stationed in front of the net, put the rebound into an open net. Raycroft would then shutout Nashville over the next two periods as Colorado rallied for the win.
Analysis: Raycroft has won his last five starts and continues to be an ample backup goalie to Peter Budaj. Despite his recent run of wins, Colorado is still not budging with their goalie situation. Raycroft has started just four times since Dec. 1 and remains more of a Fantasy flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Avalanche TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Avalanche G Andrew Raycroft made 37 saves in regulation and overtime, then stopped all three skaters he faced in the shootout during Thursday's 2-1 win against the Lightning. Raycroft allowed just Jeff Halpern's goal in the second period as he won a third straight start.
Analysis: Raycroft has started the last two games for Colorado and has looked darn impressive. There is no goalie controversy brewing in Colorado with Peter Budaj, but Colorado could ride Raycroft's hot hand. Consider him primarily a flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Avalanche TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: The Denver Post reports that Avalanche backup G Andrew Raycroft will start for the second time in three games Thursday at Tampa Bay, fueling rumors that Peter Budaj's poor performance on Tuesday may cost him his starting job temporarily.
Analysis: Budaj's save percentage has been below .870 in his last two losses, but he had been playing most of the season until this latest Raycroft spurt. Still, his record is only 11-14-1 and the Avs are only one point out of last place in their division. This is a situation that you should keep a close eye on. Whoever is starting out of Budaj and Raycroft is only a No. 2 option at best, along with the Avs TG.
News:Andrew Raycroft made 34 saves and the Colorado Avalanche held on for a 3-2 victory against the Detroit Red Wings on Monday night. Raycroft never trailed in the game and had a 2-0 lead after one period. He faced just seven shots in the opening frame before Detroit peppered him with 29 shots the rest of the way.
Analysis: Raycroft made his first appearance since Nov. 29 Monday and has won his last two starts. In fact, he has won four of the six times he has taken the ice this season. Raycroft has been a decent backup to Peter Budaj, but the fact he hardly plays is never a good thing for Fantasy purposes. Raycroft remains just a flier in leagues that use average points per game. Treat the Avalanche TG as a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Colorado G Andrew Raycroft needed to make just 17 saves in Saturday's 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Raycroft took a 4-1 lead into the 3rd period and allowed late goals to Ryan Malone and Steven Stamkos but held on to win the game and improve his record to 3-1-0 on the year.
Analysis: Raycroft has a 3.67 goals against average and has only seen action in five games this season backing up Peter Budaj. Raycroft is a backup who has very minimal Fantasy appeal at the moment. Treat the Avalanche TG as a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Peter Budaj was replaced after giving up three goals on 19 shots in the first two periods of action Monday night against Anaheim. He was replaced by Andrew Raycroft, who stopped just four of five shots in the 4-1 loss.
Analysis: Budaj has allowed three goals in three of his last four games. He has just one win in that span. Perhaps getting yanked on Monday will be the wakeup call he needs. He's no more than a No. 2 Fantasy goaltender when going well. Now is not one of those times. Raycroft is a backup who has very minimal Fantasy appeal at the moment.
News:Andrew Raycroft, who finished with 10 saves, gave up four goals in his first 13 shots before being pulled in favor of Peter Budaj to start the third period during Thursday's 4-2 loss to the Blue Jackets. Derick Brassard wasted little time in getting the first goal of the game and his fourth of the season. He came into the Avalanche end along the right boards and handcuffed Raycroft with a shot over the goalie's left arm to make it 1-0 just 1:38 into the game. At 8:30 of the second period, Jason Chimera sent a slap shot over Raycroft's left shoulder for his fourth goal. Andrew Murray scored his second goal of the season at 13:50 of the second, and Jan Hejda got his first goal 2:58 later to make it 4-0. Budaj stopped all three shots he faced in relief.
Analysis: Raycroft won his first two starts for Colorado and was nipping at Budaj's heels for a bit. But Colorado stuck with Budaj and he has responded like a No. 1 goalie should. Raycroft might see just one start per week, so continue to view him as a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Avalanche TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: The Rocky Mountain News reports that Andrew Raycroft will start in goal for the Avalanche on Thursday night against the Blue Jackets.
Analysis: Raycroft is backing up Peter Budaj right now and this will be his third start of the season. Budaj lost for the first time in four starts on Tuesday when Colorado fell 3-0 to the Flames. Raycroft is one of the more popular backups in Fantasy play simply because Budaj has a lot to prove. Continue to hold on to him in deeper leagues as a third option. The Avs TG remains a No. 2 option.
News: Avalanche G Andrew Raycroft stopped 26 shots in Saturday's win over Dallas in Dallas. He allowed four goals, though. This was just his second start of the season.
Analysis: Raycroft is the backup to Peter Budaj, who got the night off. He does not need to be owned outside of deeper leagues as a handcuff for Budaj and remains a No. 3 Fantasy goalie and flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Avalanche TG is also at best a No. 2 option for now.
News:Andrew Raycroft's first career start for Colorado was a success Thursday night as the former Toronto goaltender helped the Avalanche beat the Philadelphia Flyers 5-2 for their first win after three one-goal losses with Peter Budaj in net. "It's always nice to win," Tony Granato said after his first win in his second stint as Colorado's coach. "We've played extremely well in different parts of the four games and tonight we played pretty much the entire 60 the way we'd like to play all year." The goals Raycroft allowed came on a 5-on-3 power play and a penalty shot. He made 16 saves in the win.
Analysis: Raycroft is the backup to Budaj, who accepted much of the blame for the Avs' 0-3 start. Granato said this wasn't a matter of Budaj being benched, just Raycroft getting his normal one start per week to get into a good rhythm. Either way, Budaj got a rest, the Avalanche pressured the Flyers early and relied on Raycroft's steady play in goal and captain Joe Sakic's three assists to pull out their first win of the season. Budaj has allowed 13 goals in three games, and that put pressure on Raycroft, who started 16 games for the Maple Leafs last year before joining the Avalanche after they lost free agent Jose Theodore to Washington. "You feel that. You don't want to go 0-4," Raycroft said. "That's the bottom of the line, you don't want to dig to big a hole early in the year." If Raycroft keeps winning and Budaj keeps struggling, Colorado might not have a choice but to make a change. For now, Raycroft remains a No. 3 Fantasy goalie and flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Avalanche TG is also at best a No. 2 option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports the goaltending has been terrible, the penalty killing is just as bad, and the Avalanche can't score enough to make up for those problems. That pretty much sums up the Avalanche's 0-3 record, the team's worst start since it dropped four in a row to begin the 1998-99 season. One has to wonder if Granato is getting ready to pull the plug on goalie Peter Budaj and give backup Andrew Raycroft a shot. Budaj has allowed at least one bad goal in all three games and given up 13 goals on 74 shots overall for a dismal .824 save percentage. "The first three games haven't been the Peter that we know and will have," Granato said. "We know he'll be better. This is not the way we thought the season would start for him. He had a lot of confidence coming out of training camp, so we have to find a way to get that confidence back in him and get his game going."
Analysis: Budaj gave up three bad goals, two in the first period, during Tuesday's 5-4 loss to the Flames. Todd Bertuzzi whacked in a strange rebound after Budaj failed to glove a shot that deflected high above his head. When the puck fell to the ice, Bertuzzi whacked it into the net. Craig Conroy followed with a weak back-hander that slid between Budaj's pads. In the third period, with the Avalanche trailing 4-3, Budaj made a save on Jarome Iginla but kicked the rebound about 25 feet to Bertuzzi, who fired it into the net for what proved to be the winning goal. The Avs want Budaj to be their guy, but they brought in Raycroft as insurance for this reason alone. Budaj remains a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie at this time, but Budaj owners might want to pick up Raycroft as a handcuff option just in case he eventually ends up in net. The Avalanche TG is also a low-end option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports the Avalanche isn't likely to have much success unless Peter Budaj proves he is capable of handling the No. 1 goaltending chores for a full season for the first time in his NHL career. Budaj, 26, was handed the reins in July when Jose Theodore left as a free agent to sign with Washington. Needing a veteran to replace Theodore, general manager Francois Giguere signed free-agent Andrew Raycroft, 28, to a one-year, $800,000 contract to serve as Budaj's backup. "I'm really excited about the season," said Budaj, who went 16-10-4 last season with a 2.57 goals-against average and .903 save percentage. "It's a big challenge for me and I'm really looking forward to it."
Analysis: Raycroft won the Calder Trophy as the league's best rookie with Boston in 2003-04 and he posted 37 victories for Toronto in 2006-07 but slumped miserably last season with the Maple Leafs. He had a 2-9-5 record with a 3.92 average and .876 save percentage, and the Leafs bought out his contract last summer. "I expect a lot from myself," Raycroft said. "Obviously, last year wasn't my finest year and I'm looking forward to bouncing back." Until Raycroft becomes a factor in net again, he remains more of a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News:The Sports Xchange reports G Peter Budaj, 25, will begin training camp as the Avalanche's No. 1 goalie following the departure of free agent Jose Theodore to Washington. Budaj was dethroned by Theodore last year as the top goalie on the Avalanche, which signed Andrew Raycroft in July to give him some veteran competition.
Analysis: Raycroft played in 19 games for Toronto last season, posting a 2-9-5 record with one shutout. He was the NHL rookie of the year in 2004. Raycroft spent two years in Toronto, but was relegated to the backup role last season after the Maple Leafs traded for Vesa Toskala. If Budaj has a poor camp and Raycroft returns to his rookie of the year ways, don't be surprised if he opens the season in net for Colorado. Continue to track this competition through training camp, but view Raycroft as nothing more than a No. 3 Fantasy goalie at this time.
News: The Colorado Avalanche signed former Maple Leafs goalie Andrew Raycroft and forward Darcy Tucker, who both had their contracts bought out by Toronto last week, on Tuesday. Raycroft signed a one-year deal on Tuesday, and Tucker agreed to a two-year contract. The Avalanche also signed Swedish forward Per Ledin to a one-year contract.
Analysis: Raycroft played in 19 games for Toronto last season, posting a 2-9-5 record with one shutout. He was the NHL rookie of the year in 2004. Raycroft spent two years in Toronto, but was relegated to the backup role last season after the Maple Leafs traded for Vesa Toskala. Since Jose Theodore signed with Washington, Raycroft's biggest challenger for playing time is Peter Budaj. Follow this competition into training camp before taking a flier on Raycroft. If he wins the starting job, consider him more of a No. 2 Fantasy goalie to open the season.
News: The Toronto Maple Leafs put goaltender Andrew Raycroft on unconditional waivers Friday and will buy out the final year of his contract. He was due to earn $2.2 million next season. "We decided to go that route," general manager Cliff Fletcher said. "We wish Andrew all the best."
Analysis: Raycroft spent two years in Toronto, but was relegated to the backup role last season after the Maple Leafs traded for Vesa Toskala. We knew this move was coming with Raycroft after Fletcher voiced his displeasure with the goalie all season. Raycroft will likely find a job with another team in 2008-09, but only as a backup. His draft outlook really depends what team he ends up on, as he could be useful if he backs up for a serious contender.
News: The Toronto Maple Leafs put C Kyle Wellwood and G Andrew Raycroft on waivers Tuesday, possibly paving the way for their exit. Wellwood had 21 points and a minus-12 rating in 59 games last season while earning $950,000 in the last year of his contract. If he goes unclaimed on waivers, it's expected the Leafs will not tender him a qualifying offer which will make him an unrestricted free agent July 1. Raycroft appeared in only 19 games last season after losing his starting job to Vesa Toskala. Raycroft went 2-9-5 with a 3.92 goal-against average and .876 save percentage. He earned $2 million, and has a year left on his deal at $2.2 million.
Analysis: Wellwood took a big step back last season with only 21 points -- exactly half of what he put up in 2006-07. He will undoubtedly find himself somewhere else in the NHL next season but with a lower salary and probably diminished ice time. Leave him undrafted. Raycroft will also likely find a job with another team in 2008-09, but only as a backup. His draft outlook really depends what team he ends up on, as he could be useful if he backs up for a serious contender.
News: Maple Leafs backup G Andrew Raycroft allowed three goals Saturday in a 3-1 season-ending loss to the Canadiens. Raycroft, who finished with a 2-9-5 record, made 33 saves in defeat.
Analysis: Raycroft performed about as well as the Leafs this season. He is clearly entrenched as the No. 2 in Toronto and should be ignored in most Fantasy leagues next season unless he ends up with another team as a starter. The Maple Leafs TG is a low-end Fantasy option as well for now.
News: Sabres LW Maxim Afinogenov, in the sixth round of the shootout, faked right and shot left against Toronto goalie Andrew Raycroft putting in the winner during a 4-3 victory Tuesday. Raycroft, making his first appearance since Feb. 5 and first start since Jan. 20, made 38 saves as he lost a 2-0 lead and 3-2 lead.
Analysis: Raycroft likely made his final start as a Maple Leaf Tuesday, as he is not expected back next season. He has made only 18 appearances this season after making 72 outings as Toronto's No. 1 goalie in 2006-07. Well, this year Vesa Toskala came to town and pushed Raycroft out of the picture. Raycroft is not a recommended Fantasy option at this time, and we will see what his Fantasy value is heading into 2008-09 with the offseason transactions. The Maple Leafs TG is a low-end Fantasy option as well.
News:Andrew Raycroft did not fare any better than starter Vesa Toskala on Tuesday in a bad 8-0 loss at home to the Florida Panthers. Raycroft came in the game for Toskala in the second period when he stopped the one shot he faced. But then he gave up four goals on 10 shots in the third to match Toskala.
Analysis: Raycroft continues to backup Vesa Toskala, but every time he takes the ice, he is giving head coach Paul Maurice few reasons to start him more regularly. Raycroft is nothing more than a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Maple Leafs TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option at best.
News: Maple Leafs G Andrew Raycroft stopped 29 shots during a 3-2 loss Sunday against the Devils. He has now lost his last five appearances and is winless in his last nine outings (0-7-2). He has also allowed three or more goals in his last six outings.
Analysis: Raycroft continues to backup Vesa Toskala, but every time he takes the ice, he is giving head coach Paul Maurice few reasons to start him more regularly. Raycroft is nothing more than a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Maple Leafs TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option at best.
News:Andrew Raycroft faced the Kings on Thursday for the first time since Jan. 12, 2006, when they beat him 6-0 at Boston with a hat trick by Alexander Frolov that included a penalty shot. He now lost 5-2. Toronto coach Paul Maurice didn't want goalie Vesa Toskala to play on back-to-back nights after losing 5-0 at Anaheim in his first game back from a groin injury, but had no choice to use him because of Raycroft's poor outing.
Analysis: Raycroft is nothing more than a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Maple Leafs TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option at best.
News: Maple Leafs G Andrew Raycroft stopped 29 shots during a 3-2 loss Saturday against the Flyers. He has now lost three straight starts and is winless in his last seven outings (0-5-2). His last win came Nov. 9 against the Sabres.
Analysis: Raycroft has been sharing starts with Scott Clemmensen as Vesa Toskala recovers from a groin injury. He hasn't played that well and he might be sent to the minors as soon as Toskala is healthy. Right now, he is nothing more than a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Maple Leafs TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option at best.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Toronto general manager John Ferguson hinted at change as January approached for his slumping team, and coach Paul Maurice has backed it up with two significant lineup moves. Before the start of three games this week, Maurice made center Kyle Wellwood a healthy scratch for the first time in his three-year Leafs career and started farmhand Scott Clemmensen in goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, bypassing Andrew Raycroft.
Analysis: Raycroft was ineffective in three starts with goaltender Vesa Toskala recovering from a groin injury. Clemmensen responded with 30 saves in a 4-3 shootout win. The Raycroft move was not a shocker, given that the Air Canada Centre has been a snakepit for him since he joined the team last season and the Leafs could not risk another soft goal to inflame the home crowd. Raycroft is having a pretty crummy season at 2-5-4 with a 3.86 GAA. Toskala is expected back soon and Raycroft might be the odd man out. Right now, he is nothing more than a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News: Toronto G Andrew Raycroft allowed four or more goals for the fifth time in his last six starts as the Maple Leafs fell 6-1 to the Rangers on Saturday night. Raycroft made 24 saves before getting yanked midway through the second period for Scott Clemmensen.
Analysis: Raycroft has just been brutal this season and has only two wins on the year. Starting goalie Vesa Toskala should be back in a week or so, and Raycroft will return to the bench where he belongs. With as bad as the Leafs are playing right now, you shouldn't be starting any of their goalies.
News: Maple Leafs G Andrew Raycroft lost for the second time in as many nights on Thursday as Toronto lost 4-1 to the Flyers. Raycroft made 40 saves in defeat.
Analysis: Raycroft is filling in for Vesa Toskala, who is nursing a groin injury, but he has won only twice in 12 appearances this season as the Leafs continue to struggle at 15-15-8. Avoid Raycroft, as he is unlikely to get you many wins while Toskala is crocked.
News: Toronto G Andrew Raycroft fell to 0-4 this season in overtime games as the Maple Leafs fell 4-3 to the Islanders on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Raycroft backs up Vesa Toskala in Toronto and is playing like a backup at the moment. He has allowed four or more goals in three of his last four starts and hasn't won since Nov. 9. He shouldn't be starting in any leagues at this point.
News: Coyotes forward Daniel Winnik opened the scoring Saturday against the Maple Leafs at 4:16, and Peter Mueller then beat Andrew Raycroft to the short side at 8:24. At that point, Toronto coach Paul Maurice pulled Raycroft for Vesa Toskala. "I didn't like that first goal and made the change," Maurice said. "But that was not the story. We didn't move our feet, and that's a big part of the game." Toskala allowed a goal on the first shot he faced, with Steven Reinprecht firing a wrist shot under the crossbar and over the goalie's glove hand at 8:42. Raycroft made just five saves, while Toskala allowed three goals and made 27 saves.
Analysis: Raycroft continues to struggle for consistency and that is why he is the backup to Toskala. Raycroft's Fantasy value remains limited to leagues as a No. 3 option or a flier in leagues that use average points per game in a scoring period. The Maple Leafs TG is a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Former Bruins goalie Andrew Raycroft started for the third time in four games for Toronto and stopped 22 shots during a 5-2 loss Thursday against Boston. Raycroft, who was in net for a second straight game as Vesa Toskala battles the flu, has allowed nine goals in his last two games (0-1-1).
Analysis: Raycroft continues to struggle for consistency and that is why he is the backup to Toskala. Raycroft's Fantasy value remains limited to leagues as a No. 3 option or a flier in leagues that use average points per game in a scoring period. The Maple Leafs TG is a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Andrew Raycroft allowed four goals on 25 shots in an overtime loss against Montreal Tuesday. Raycroft, coming off a 30-save night in Buffalo, continues to suffer from bad luck at home. He made some great saves, but let the winner in and was out-shone by Montreal's Carey Price.
Analysis: Raycroft was the surprise starter Tuesday as G Vesa Toskala fought a flu bug. G Scott Clemmensen was around the corner with the farm team if needed, but Toskala was okay to sit on the bench. Raycroft's Fantasy value remains limited to leagues as a No. 3 option or a flier in leagues that use average points per game in a scoring period. The Maple Leafs TG is a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports it's hard to tell when Maple Leafs G Andrew Raycroft will make his next start. Though he impressed everyone with a 30-save shutout of the Buffalo Sabres on Friday, the Leafs don't play back-to-back again until Nov. 23-24 in Dallas and Phoenix. Coach Paul Maurice might figure that Raycroft will be extra motivated to play his old club, the Boston Bruins, on Nov. 15 in Boston or home on Nov. 20. Raycroft was 3-3-1 against the Bruins last year, with a .907 save percentage.
Analysis: The Maple Leafs have opted to use free-agent signee Vesa Toskala in net more this season and that has relegated Raycroft to a backup role. Raycroft's Fantasy value remains limited to leagues as a No. 3 option or a flier in leagues that use average points per game in a scoring period. The Maple Leafs TG is a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Andrew Raycroft made 30 saves for his sixth career shutout in the Toronto Maple Leafs' 3-0 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Friday. Raycroft made his first start after two relief appearances. His last start was Oct. 20, when he surrendered five goals in a loss to Chicago.
Analysis: The Maple Leafs have opted to use free-agent signee Vesa Toskala in net more this season and that has relegated Raycroft to a backup role. Raycroft's Fantasy value remains limited to leagues as a No. 3 option or a flier in leagues that use average points per game in a scoring period. The Maple Leafs TG is a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Maple Leafs goalie Vesa Toskala was chased at 8:08 of the middle period at Ottawa Tuesday with a power-play goal that made it 4-0. Andrew Raycroft stopped seven shots after taking over from Toskala, who made nine saves.
Analysis: Raycroft's Fantasy value remains limited to leagues as a No. 3 option or a flier in leagues that use average points per game in a scoring period.
News: Andrew Raycroft replaced starting goalie Vesa Toskala after Washington's fourth goal Monday. The Leafs have four on the road now, starting with back-to-back contests in New Jersey on Friday and Montreal on Saturday.
Analysis: Raycroft thought he might be looking at back-to-back games Nov. 9-10 for his next action. But when the Capitals put four past Vesa Toskala in less than 12 minutes, he was in for the first time in more than a week. Raycroft was beaten three times on 17 shots. With three days off, Toskala will have had plenty of rest to play both games if Maurice decides Monday's game was just a hiccup. Raycroft's Fantasy value remains limited to leagues as a No. 3 option or a flier in leagues that use average points per game in a scoring period. Toskala can be considered either a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy goalie at this time. The same goes for the Maple Leafs TG.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Maple Leafs G Vesa Toskala had made a strong statement the past three games about taking the No. 1 job away from Andrew Raycroft. Most thought it was going to be his by default, but both he and the incumbent Raycroft were hot-and-cold through training camp and much of October. But Toskala seems headed for a fourth straight start on Monday against the Capitals. Raycroft, meanwhile, did little in his stint to improve management's faith in him or get interest from other clubs seeking a goalie.
Analysis: Raycroft has opened the season by allowing four or more goals in three of his four starts. Toskala has been improving in the last week and Raycroft appears headed for a role as a backup goalie. Right now, Raycroft's Fantasy value remains limited to leagues as a No. 3 option or a flier in leagues that use average points per game in a scoring period.
News: Maple Leafe G Andrew Raycroft cruised through the first two periods of Saturday's game against the Blackhawks. The Razor allowed just one goal on 23 shots through the first two frames. It then got very ugly in the final period. Raycroft allowed four goals on 15 shots, and watched the Maple Leafs lose 6-4. He made a total of 33 saves in the contest.
Analysis: If the game had ended after two period, Raycroft would have moved to 2-0-2 on the season. But as rules have it, a complete hockey game is three periods and The Razor opted not to show up for Saturday's final period. He is now 1-1-2 on the season. Neither Raycroft or Vesa Toskala are playing very well right now, so they will likely continue to split time in net. Treat both players and the Maple Leafs TG as No. 3 Fantasy options at this time.
News: Andrew Raycroft, making his third start, finished with 37 saves in Monday's game at Buffalo. D Bryan McCabe inadvertently knocked in a rebound in overtime after Raycroft made a save, as the Maple Leafs took the loss. "It doesn't feel too good right now," Toronto coach Paul Maurice said. "We don't have a lot of confidence in our defensive game right now, and it showed. We sat back, and that's the kiss of death especially against a team that can wind up like that."
Analysis: Raycroft has played a lot better than Vesa Toskala at times this season and it wouldn't be surprising to see Maurice go back to the Razor for Thursday's game against Florida. With the Panthers and Blackhawks at Air Canada Centre for the next two games, it is favorable for Fantasy owners of whichever goaltender gets the nod.
News: Andrew Raycroft allowed a goal in Thursday's game against the Islanders while making 30 saves to pick up his first win of the season. Raycroft was making his second start of the year and first since Vesa Toskala was knocked around for seven goals on Tuesday against the Hurricanes.
Analysis: Head coach Paul Maurice has been mixing up his lines, trying to find that winning combination. He had the offense hitting on all cylinders on Thursday and he might stick with Razor in net for Saturday's game against the Penguins since he picked up the win. Stay tuned. Toskala and Raycroft are No. 1 and 1A on the depth chart.
News: Andrew Raycroft was named as the starter for Wednesday's regular season opener against the Senators, as coach Paul Maurice obviously thought he had the better preseason than offseason acquisition Vesa Toskala. Razor made 26 saves while allowing four goals in the overtime loss. He was beaten by Dany Heatley for the game-winner in the extra session. "I thought the first two [goals] were tough," Maurice said. "They were good shots but ... clearly he was not loved [by the crowd] early but I think he did a really good job settling into the game, and after that I thought he was very good."
Analysis: Look for Toskala to make his Maple Leafs debut in the second half of the home-and-home on Thursday in Ottawa. Raycroft and Toskala look like they might be locked into a goaltender platoon early on, something Toskala is used to from his days in San Jose. That's a no-win situation for Fantasy owners in cumulative leagues, although each goaltender still has value in formats which average points per game in a scoring period.
News: Vesa Toskala was in net for all seven goals in Wednesday's preseason game against the Sabres, making 29 saves in the loss. Andrew Raycroft, who is 1-0-1 with a 2.98 GAA and .889 save percentage in two preseason games, got the night off.
Analysis: So far during the preseason, Toskala is not endearing himself to Maple Leafs fans, who thought they were getting an upgrade over Andrew Raycroft. Toskala is 0-2-0 with a 5.04 GAA and .844 save percentage in two preseason games. Grab Raycroft as insurance in all leagues if you own Toskala. He still has something to say about keeping his starting job despite the addition of the Finn from San Jose.
News: The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired G Vesa Toskala and F Mark Bell on Friday for the 13th overall pick in 2007, a second-round pick and a fourth-round selection in 2008.
Analysis: Raycroft's Fantasy value goes immediately into the dumper, as Toskala will be the starter in Hogtown after that mortgaging of the future. Justin Pogge also drops a peg on the overall franchise depth chart, although he is still years away from making a Fantasy impact.
News: Andrew Raycroft allowed four goals on 26 shots in Thursday's game at N.Y. Islanders, taking the loss.
Analysis: Raycroft will look to bounce back for Saturday's game against the Canadiens, the team's regular season finale. The Leafs need a win in that game and the Islanders to lose at least one point in Saturday's game at Philadelphia or Sunday's game at New Jersey to make the playoffs.
News: Andrew Raycroft picked up the win in overtime on Tuesday against Philadelphia, as Bryan McCabe potted the game-winner in the 3-2 game. He managed to stop 23 of 25 shots.
Analysis: Raycroft and the Maple Leafs will look to keep hope alive in Thursday's game against the Islanders in New York.
News: Andrew Raycroft allowed three goals on 27 shots in Thursday's game at Atlanta, including the game-winner to Slava Kozlov in overtime, as the Maple Leafs took the loss.
Analysis: Raycroft and the Maple Leafs will look to bounce back on Saturday against Sidney Crosby and the Penguins at Air Canada Centre.
News: Andrew Raycroft allowed just one goal on 27 shots in Tuesday's game against the Hurricanes, as he helped the Leafs to their season-high sixth straight win on home ice.
Analysis: Raycroft will look to keep the Maple Leafs' playoff hopes alive on Thursday in Atlanta. He remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy play in most leagues.
News: Maple Leafs G Andrew Raycroft made 29 saves in a 5-4 loss to the Sabres on Friday. He is 3-2-1 in his last six games.
Analysis: Raycroft remains just a No. 2 Fantasy goalie in most formats because of his inconsistency. He gets a ton of starts, but he is just an average goalie on most occasions.
News: Andrew Raycroft allowed just one goal on 25 shots in Tuesday's game against the Devils to pick up a much-needed win and important two points for the Maple Leafs.
Analysis: Every time we are about to write off Raycroft, he surprises us with a big-time performance against a quality opponent. He remains a decent No. 2 or 3 Fantasy option in all formats.
News: Maple Leafs G Andrew Raycroft had 29 saves in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Canadiens Saturday. Raycroft is 4-2-1 in his last seven starts.
Analysis: Raycroft has been better as of late in net, but still remains just a solid No. 2 Fantasy goalie in most formats.
News: Maple Leafs G Andrew Raycroft stopped 28 shots in a 5-1 loss to the Capitals Friday. Raycroft has lost twice in the last four games and has allowed five goals in each loss.
Analysis: Raycroft has been better as of late in net, but still remains just a solid No. 2 Fantasy goalie in most formats.
News: Maple Leafs G Andrew Raycroft stopped 19 shots in a 4-3 win over the Senators Saturday. He has now won three of his last four starts. He now has 21 wins on the season.
Analysis: Raycroft has been better as of late in net, but still remains just a solid No. 2 Fantasy goalie in most formats.
News: Andrew Raycroft allowed five goals on 40 shots in Thursday's game at Ottawa, as the Maple Leafs goaltender fell to 2-4-1 in seven games against the Senators this season.
Analysis: Raycroft remains a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option or solid No. 3 in most formats. He'll look to rebound in the second half of the home-and-home against the Sens. That is, unless coach Paul Maurice elects to use Jean-Sebastien Aubin instead.
News: Andrew Raycroft made 24 saves for his second shutout of the season in a 3-0 victory over the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night.
Analysis: Raycroft has won consecutive starts after being pulled in a pair of starts last week. He remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy play in most leagues.
News: Maple Leafs G Andrew Raycroft started his 26th straight game for Toronto Friday in a 4-3 shootout win over the Devils. He made 27 saves in his 29th win this season. He ended a personal two-game losing streak Friday.
Analysis: Raycroft remains a high-end Fantasy goaltender based on the fact that he makes so many starts. He is not a bad netminder, but those 20 losses on the season don't look good either.
News: Andrew Raycroft allowed four goals on 11 shots through two periods on Tuesday against the Sabres before being lifted in favor of Jean-Sebastien Aubin for the second straight night. He allowed two goals on 17 shots in the third period in relief.
Analysis: Raycroft has struggled mightily and the Leafs will face 16 of 18 playoff contenders during the remainder of the regular season. That doesn't bode well for Raycroft as poorly as he struggled against Buffalo and Montreal. Those two teams comprise five of those 18 games.
News: Andrew Raycroft allowed five goals on 16 shots in Monday's game at Montreal and he was pulled midway through the second period in favor of Jean-Sebastien Aubin. The backup stopped all eight of the shots he faced in the 5-4 loss.
Analysis: Coach Paul Maurice said he wanted to give Raycroft a rest, as he is likely to start Tuesday's game against Buffalo back at Air Canada Centre. Hopefully he'll be able to bounce back for his Fantasy owners.
News: Andrew Raycroft, making his 23rd consecutive start in goal for Toronto, stopped 22 shots for his 28th win in a 5-2 victory over the Flyers Saturday. Raycroft has now won three times in the last five games.
Analysis: Raycroft has been kind of up and down all season, but is still a decent high-end Fantasy goalie because he is in net almost every game.
News: Toronto backup Jean-Sebastien Aubin replaced Andrew Raycroft to start the third period on Tuesday against the Bruins after Raycroft allowed three goals on 13 shots.
Analysis: Raycroft has struggled this season to make saves with his glove, but Toronto coach Paul Maurice might also have wanted to rest Raycroft, who started his 21st straight game.
News: Goaltender Andrew Raycroft made 28 saves against Edmonton on Saturday, and is 7-1-2 with a 2.16 goals-against average since Jan. 27. Raycroft will face his former team, the Boston Bruins, for the sixth time this season on Tuesday night at Air Canada Centre.
Analysis: Raycroft, who has made 20 consecutive starts for Toronto, is 3-2-0 with a 2.42 GAA in his career against Boston - the team with which he won the Calder Trophy in 2003-04.
News: Maple Leafs G Andrew Raycroft played in his 20th consecutive game Saturday against the Oilers. He made 28 saves in a 4-3 win.
Analysis: Raycroft remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy goaltender in most formats because he is in net so much.
News: Andrew Raycroft allowed two goals on 36 shots in Thursday's game at Philadelphia, as he picked up a win and ended a three-game personal losing streak.
Analysis: Raycroft has started 19 straight games for the Maple Leafs, which is the longest such streak for a Toronto goaltender since Felix Potvin.
News: Andrew Raycroft allowed two goals on 20 shots in regulation and overtime in Tuesday's shootout loss against the Islanders.
Analysis: Raycroft remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy goaltender in most formats despite this latest loss.
News: Andrew Raycroft made 22 saves against the Penguins, but he's lost four of his past five home games, allowing six goals in two of his last three contests there. The Maple Leafs host the Islanders on Tuesday.
Analysis: Raycroft is 2-2-0 with a tie and a 2.56 goals-against average in five starts against New York. He earned the win in this season's first matchup with 19 saves.
News: Maple Leafs G Andrew Raycroft allowed six goals in an overtime loss to the Penguins Saturday. He did make 22 saves in the loss.
Analysis: Raycroft has now lost two straight starts after winning his previous four. He remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy option in most formats.
News: Andrew Raycroft allowed three goals on 27 shots in Thursday's game at Nashville, as his five-game winning streak came to a conclusion.
Analysis: Despite the loss, Raycroft looked pretty decent. He made spectacular saves, as his team put him in countless shorthanded situations. He remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy option in most formats.
News: Andrew Raycroft's spectacular stop on Bill Guerin made Alex Steen’s game-winning goal in the second period stand up in the Toronto Maple Leafs' 2-1 victory Tuesday night. Raycroft robbed Guerin during a power play at about the four-minute mark of the third, recovering from a nice stop on a deflection by lunging to his left and gloving Guerin's shot that would've tied it at two. "He double-clutched and I got a chance to dive across," Raycroft said. "A couple of times a year you get lucky on a play like that."
Analysis: Raycroft has been on fire lately, as have the Maple Leafs. He has won five straight starts, including the past four on the road. Coach Paul Maurice is leaning hard on the former Calder Trophy winner and it is paying dividends.
News: Andrew Raycroft was named as the NHL's first start of the past week, posting a 3-0 record on the road with a sparkling 1.33 GAA and amazing .960 save percentage.
Analysis: Raycroft has kept the Maple Leafs in the hunt for the postseason and appears to be re-gaining his form for the 2003-04 season when he earned Calder Trophy honors.
News: Maple Leafs G Andrew Raycroft made 30 saves in a 3-2 S0 victory over the Senators Saturday.
Analysis: Raycroft has now won four straight starts and six of his last seven. He has re-emerged as a must-start No. 2 Fantasy goaltender.
News: Andrew Raycroft allowed just one goal on 38 shots in Wednesday's game at N.Y. Rangers to win his second consecutive road game.
Analysis: Raycroft gave the Leafs two huge points and has managed to win eight of his past 13 games. He has re-emerged as a must-start No. 2 Fantasy goaltender.
News: Andrew Raycroft stopped 28 shots for the Maple Leafs, who kept the Hurricanes scoreless in the final two periods on Tuesday.
Analysis: Raycroft remains a decent No. 2 or 3 Fantasy goaltender in most leagues, as the Leafs are starting to play a little better.
News: Maple Leafs G Andrew Raycroft made 27 saves in a 4-1 win over the Canadiens Saturday.
Analysis: Raycroft has now won three of his last four starts. However, he is too unreliable to count on anything more than a No. 2 Fantasy goalie at this time.
News: Toronto pulled G Andrew Raycroft after two periods Saturday against the Penguins with him giving up five goals on 21 shots. His replacement, Jean-Sebastien Aubin, did not fair much better in the final period by giving up three goals on nine shots.
Analysis: Raycroft had been on a roll going into Saturday's game, but the Penguins showed him who was boss. Raycroft remains a decent No. 2 or 3 Fantasy goaltender despite Saturday's whooping. Aubin is not much of a Fantasy option at this time.
News: Andrew Raycroft stopped 39 shots and the Maple Leafs defeated the Florida Panthers 3-2 on Thursday night. "I feel good," Raycroft said. "Yeah, there were 40-something shots but I was able to see them. I'd rather have a lot of pucks and get warm moving instead of standing around getting cold."
Analysis: Raycroft remains a decent No. 2 or 3 Fantasy goaltender. He is 3-1 in his past four starts.
News: Andrew Raycroft made 21 saves to help the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2 on Tuesday night. He allowed just two goals and made some big-time saves.
Analysis: Raycroft remains a decent No. 2 or 3 Fantasy goaltender. He rebounded nicely after a 6-1 thrashing at the hands of the Canucks on Saturday.
News: Maple Leafs G Andrew Raycroft had a rough night against the Canucks on Saturday. He made just 15 saves and gave up six goals in a lopsided 6-1 win for the Canucks.
Analysis: Raycroft continues to be a dicey start in net for the Maple Leafs, making him a No. 2 Fantasy goalie.
News: Andrew Raycroft allowed two goals on 24 shots in Thursday's game at Buffalo to pick up another victory.
Analysis: Raycroft ended a two-game slide with the win. He has not played all that poorly lately, however, as he has allowed three or fewer goals in seven of the past eight starts.
News: Andrew Raycroft allowed three goals on 28 shots in Tuesday's game against the Hurricanes to take the loss.
Analysis: Raycroft is 3-1-1 over the past five starts and remains a No. 2 or 3 Fantasy goaltender in most formats.
News: Maple Leafs G Andrew Raycroft stopped 25 shots in a 4-3 loss to the Sabres on Saturday.
Analysis: Raycroft remains useful as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie.
News: Andrew Raycroft had 29 saves for Toronto on Thursday night at Boston in a 10-2 romp. The Leafs also beat the Bruins on Monday 5-1.
Analysis: After allowing two quick goals by the home team in the first period, the Bruins faithful jeered Raycroft and chanted his name. However, he and the Leafs had the last laugh in the lopsided win.
News: Jean-Sebastien Aubin stopped nine of the 10 shots he faced in the third period on Tuesday against the Panthers, as he came on for an ineffective Andrew Raycroft. The starting Toronto netminder allowed six goals on 26 shots through the first two periods.
Analysis: Aubin might be rewarded with a start in Friday's game at Chicago. Raycroft has been shaky at times recently and is nothing more than a No. 2 or 3 netminder in most Fantasy formats.
News: Raycroft made 29 saves for Toronto, who beat the Hurricanes 4-3 on Friday.
Analysis: After a rough stretch of games from late November to early December, Raycroft has rebounded to win his last two starts. It looks as though he is primed for a nice run, so make sure to have him active in Fantasy lineups.
News: TSN.ca reports Jean-Sebastien Aubin will start Tuesday's afternoon game against the Lightning instead of Andrew Raycroft.
Analysis: Aubin has allowed three or fewer goals in each of his past five starts, so perhaps if he plays well he can cut into Raycroft's time. Set your daily Fantasy lineups accordingly.
News: Maple Leafs G Andrew Raycroft was pulled after two periods on Saturday and replaced by Jean-Sebastien Aubin in a 5-1 loss to the Red Wings.
Analysis: Raycroft has been struggling in net as of late, losing five of his last six starts. Consider him a No. 2 Fantasy goalie at this time. Aubin is more of a No. 3 Fantasy goalie.
News: Andrew Raycroft allowed four goals on 36 shots in Tuesday's game against the Thrashers. All of the scores came in an atrocious third period for the Maple Leafs, which continually gave the Thrashers opportunities on the power play.
Analysis: Raycroft has seen a drop in Fantasy value due to a lack of wins. That is mostly due to some undisciplined play and a lack of scoring from Toronto's big guns.
News: Maple Leafs G Andrew Raycroft made 19 saves in regulation and overtime, but got beat twice in a shootout and lost 4-3 to the Canadiens on Saturday.
Analysis: Raycroft is now 2-4-1 in his last seven starts. He is having a tough time as of late and perhaps should be used as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie until he turns things around.
News: Former Bruin Andrew Raycroft made 22 saves for the Maple Leafs, who lost 3-1 to Boston on Saturday.
Analysis: Despite the loss, Raycroft remains a solid Fantasy goalie in all formats.
News: Andrew Raycroft finished with 22 saves at Buffalo Wednesday in making his second start since missing three games because of a strained groin. He allowed five goals in the loss.
Analysis: Raycroft is 10-5-2 on the year, so he remains a nice starter in all formats despite the loss.
News: Toronto's Andrew Raycroft made 19 saves on Monday after missing three games with a strained groin and the Maple Leafs beat the Islanders 4-2.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Raycroft back into your active Fantasy lineup. He didn't have to face many shots on Monday, but had a solid game nonetheless.
News: Maple Leafs G Andrew Raycroft (groin) did not dress on Saturday against the Devils.
Analysis: Raycroft is considered day to day. He has been skating in full pads this week and might return for Monday's game against the Islanders. Keep him reserved in all leagues for Fantasy Week 8 (Nov. 20-26).
News: Andrew Raycroft (groin) was out of the lineup again for Thursday's game at Boston. Mikael Tellqvist (finger) served as the backup to started Jean-Sebastien Aubin in the overtime loss.
Analysis: Raycroft is considered day to day. He has been skating in full pads this week and might return for Saturday's game against New Jersey. Keep him reserved in all leagues for Fantasy Week 8 (Nov. 20-26) if he cannot play this weekend.
News: TSN.ca is reporting that Andrew Raycroft (groin) was able to skate in full pads for Tuesday's practice, but he will not play on Thursday night at Boston.
Analysis: The Razor might be able to return to the nets for Saturday's game against New Jersey. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Maple Leafs G Andrew Raycroft (groin) did not play Saturday against the Canadiens.
Analysis: Raycroft doesn't think the injury is serious, and he should be back soon. Continue to keep him reserved until he makes his return.
News: Andrew Raycroft's return to Boston mirrored his career with the Bruins. He got off to a great start but had an uneasy finish. Raycroft made 28 saves in the Toronto Maple Leafs' 6-4 victory over the Bruins. But he didn't make it to the end Thursday night because of a groin strain. "The script, it was going to be too good to be true," Raycroft said. "Of course, something has to happen at some point to me. It would have obviously been really nice to finish that."
Analysis: Raycroft doesn't think the injury is serious, and he should be back within a week. In his first game back in Beantown since being traded by the Bruins during the offseason, Raycroft stayed around long enough to win his fifth straight start. Toronto was leading 5-2 when Raycroft was forced out late in the second period.
News: Andrew Raycroft makes his return to Boston with the Bruins (4-6-2) struggling to find a reliable starting goalie of their own. They recently assigned Hannu Toivonen to Providence of the AHL.
Analysis: Since allowing seven goals in a 7-2 loss at Ottawa on Oct. 26, Raycroft has allowed only six goals while winning four straight starts. He has re-emerged as a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Andrew Raycroft, named the NHL's second star of the week, continued his solid play on Monday against the Flyers. He made 40 saves and allowed just one goal to win again.
Analysis: The Razor has won four straight starts, allowing two or fewer goals in each game. He has re-emerged as a must-start in all Fantasy leagues after a shaky stretch which saw him allow 16 games in three starts from Oct. 21-26.
News: Maple Leafs G Andrew Raycroft made 29 saves, including 16 in the third period, in winning his third straight start in a 4-1 win over the Sabres on Saturday.
Analysis: Raycroft and the Maple Leafs had been absolutely horrendous lately, but three straight wins could signal a resurgence. Raycroft and the Maple Leafs TG should be considered as No. 2 Fantasy options.
News: Andrew Raycroft allowed two goals on 25 shots at Tampa Bay in Wednesday's win.
Analysis: Raycroft and the Maple Leafs had been absolutely horrendous lately, but two straight wins could signal a resurgence. Raycroft and the Maple Leafs TG should be considered as No. 2 Fantasy options.
News: Andrew Raycroft allowed only two goals on 33 shots against Atlanta on Monday.
Analysis: Raycroft and the Maple Leafs had been absolutely horrendous lately, but this could signal a resurgence. For that Raycroft and the Maple Leafs TG should be considered as No. 2 Fantasy options.
News: Maple Leafs G Andrew Raycroft was on the wrong end of a rout Thursday as Ottawa trounced Toronto 7-2. Raycroft allowed all seven goals and stopped 33 shots.
Analysis: Raycroft and the Maple Leafs have been absolutely horrendous as of late. For that Raycroft and the Maple Leafs TG should be considered as No. 2 Fantasy options.
News: Andrew Raycroft was pulled after two periods in Tuesday's game against the Senators after allowing five goals on just 21 shots. Jean-Sebastien Aubin replaced the Razor and received a nice cheer from the remaining home crowd.
Analysis: The Razor has been up and down at times, especially against the Senators. He has been bombarded in two starts against the Senators at Air Canada Centre, but he shut them out at ScotiaBank Place in the second start of the year.
News: The Maple Leafs fell to the Rangers 5-4 on Saturday as result of a shootout loss. Leafs G Andrew Raycroft stopped 24 shots in the loss.
Analysis: The Maple Leafs had struggled as of late giving up 18 goals in its last four games. Aside from that they have gotten off to a 4-2-3 record and have looked pretty good along the way. Raycroft and the Maple Leafs TG are viable Fantasy options.
News: Maple Leafs G Andrew Raycroft had 23 saves for Toronto on Friday in a 4-2 win over the Blue Jackets.
Analysis: The Maple Leafs had struggled as of late giving up 14 goals in its last three games. Aside from that they have gotten off to a 4-2-2 record and have looked pretty good along the way. Raycroft and the Maple Leafs TG are viable Fantasy options.
News: Maple Leafs G Andrew Raycroft stopped 22 shots Wednesday but allowed four shots to get by as the Avalanche won 4-1.
Analysis: The Maple Leafs, including Raycroft, have gotten off to a good start this season. Raycroft and the Maple Leafs TG are viable Fantasy options.
News: Maple Leafs goalie Andrew Raycroft stopped 26 shots Saturday in the Leafs' 5-4 OT win over the Flames.
Analysis: The Maple Leafs, including Raycroft, have gotten off to a good start this season. Raycroft and the Maple Leafs TG are viable Fantasy options.
News: Jean-Sebastien Aubin will start Thursday's game at New Jersey in place of Andrew Raycroft.
Analysis: Set your daily Fantasy lineups accordingly. The Maple Leafs TG remains a must-start in all leagues regardless.
News: It looks like during back-to-back games next week against Columbus and the New York Rangers, the Leafs may select someone other than Andrew Raycroft to start. Coach Paul Maurice is carrying three goaltenders at the moment, but said there was a danger in arbitrarily selecting when Jean-Sebastien Aubin or Mikael Tellqvist get their shot. "You can't tell a guy, 'you won't be playing for two weeks', because who knows what will happen in between," Maurice said. "You can't pick a game... so I don't tell them. Raycroft will play until I tell him he's not."
Analysis: Raycroft has been solid for the Maple Leafs in their first four games, allowing a total of six goals. He has just one regulation win to show for his efforts, however.
News: Andrew Raycroft outdueled Florida's Alex Auld in Monday's shootout win against the Panthers. The Razor made 24 saves while allowing just one goal.
Analysis: Raycroft has been solid for the Maple Leafs in their first four games, allowing a total of six goals. He has just one regulation win to show for his efforts, however.
News: Maples Leafs G Andrew Raycroft had another strong outing Saturday only allowing two goals and stopping 29 shots in regulation time against the Canadiens. However, he got beat twice in overtime and the Leafs lost the game. The final score was 3-2.
Analysis: Raycroft has had a strong start to the season. Keep an close eye on his status before making him a No. 1 Fantasy goaltender. This early season success might not last.
News: Andrew Raycroft stopped all 34 shots he faced in Thursday's game at Ottawa, as he picked up his first shutout as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs in his second game.
Analysis: Raycroft now has four career shutouts. Don't get too carried away with Raycroft, as he is still just considered a No. 2 Fantasy option right now. However, shutting out the high-flying Senators in Ottawa is very impressive.
News: Andrew Raycroft allowed three goals while making 32 saves in Wednesday's regular season debut for the Maple Leafs. Ottawa's Daniel Alfredsson also added an empty-netter in the 4-1 loss.
Analysis: It is uncertain whether Raycroft will start the second half of the home-and-home on Thursday night, but it certainly was not his fault that the Leafs lost. He did a decent job in his first game in blue and white. He is a solid No. 2 Fantasy goaltender in seasonal leagues and his presence makes the Leafs TG a solid No. 2 option.
News: Andrew Raycroft made 28 saves in Monday's preseason loss against the Sabres. The former Calder Trophy winner looked sharp, but his team took a slew of silly penalties to put Raycroft behind the eight ball.
Analysis: Raycroft had a nightmare, injury-plagued and inconsistent 2005-06 season. However, he was the league's Calder Trophy winner in 2003-04 and might have extra incentive playing in the Northeast Division, getting ample opportunity to prove to the Bruins that he was the best goaltender in the organization and not Hannu Toivonen and Tim Thomas.
News: The Boston Bruins traded goaltender Andrew Raycroft to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday for the rights to goaltending prospect Tuukka Rask, who led the Finland junior team at the World Championships in 2006.
Analysis: Raycroft had a nightmare, injury-plagued and inconsistent 2005-06 season. However, he was the league's Calder Trophy winner in 2003-04 and might have extra incentive playing in the Northeast Division, getting ample opportunity to prove to the Bruins that he was the best goaltender in the organization and not Hannu Toivonen and Tim Thomas.
News: Andrew Raycroft managed to win just eight goals with 19 losses in 30 games with the Bruins, suffering groin, hamstring and knee injuries along the way, as well as the dreaded sophomore jinx.
Analysis: Don't be surprised if Raycroft is moved over the summer. He held out before the 2005-06 season and did not perform well. The Bruins got a decent effort from the cheaper Tim Thomas and they also have Hannu Toivonen returning from an ankle injury.
News: The Boston Globe reports Andrew Raycroft will start Tuesday's game against Atlanta.
Analysis: Raycroft stopped 22 shots in a 3-2 win against the Thrashers on March 2 and Tim Thomas needed a rest anyway. Set your daily Fantasy lineups accordingly.
News: Andrew Raycroft allowed six goals on 30 shots in Sunday's game at Buffalo, as he fell to 0-4 against the Sabres this season.
Analysis: It was a rather curious move for the B's to give Raycroft the start against a team he had not beaten them in three starts this season, especially since they've been red-hot during their six-game winning streak.
News: Andrew Raycroft is clearly the backup in Boston these days following the emergence of Tim Thomas as the top goaltender, but he will get his opportunity down the stretch.
Analysis: The Bruins face 10 games which are in back-to-back situations and Hannu Toivonen (ankle) is nowhere near returning just yet, so Razor will have some value in larger Fantasy leagues down the stretch and could emerge as the No. 1 goaltender again if Thomas has a collapse.
News: Andrew Raycroft (knee) has been recalled from Providence of the AHL and he will dress as the backup to Tim Thomas for Thursday's game against the Canadiens.
Analysis: Razor is not worth using in Fantasy leagues right now, as Tim Thomas is playing too well for the Bruins to make a change.
News: The Boston Globe reports Andrew Raycroft (knee) was sent to Providence of the AHL over the weekend for a conditioning assignment.
Analysis: Raycroft allowed three goals on 23 shots in a shootout win on Saturday at Springfield, but he did not play on Sunday against Philadelphia. It appears he is fully recovered from his injury, but do not look for him to return to the Bruins before the middle of the week at the earliest.
News: Andrew Raycroft (knee) was able to play for Boston's minor league affiliate in Providence on Saturday. He picked up a win in a shootout, stopping 20 of 23 shots and not giving up a single shootout goal.
Analysis: He is probably still at least another week from returning. Even when he does return, however, his value will depend on Tim Thomas because the netminder has done a solid job in relief of Raycroft.
News: The Boston Herald reports that Andrew Raycroft (leg) saw a few shots during Thursday's morning skate. “If you rotate it a certain way, it’ll be good and then the next time it’s just off a little bit and it’ll aggravate it a little bit,” Raycroft said. “I just have to get it used to doing that and build the strength up.”
Analysis: Raycroft will likely be back before Hannu Toivonen (ankle), so expect him to take some starts away from Tim Thomas soon.
News: Andrew Raycroft (knee) was out again on Thursday against the Capitals, as Tim Thomas improved to 4-0-2 in his first six starts with the Bruins in his absence.
Analysis: Craig Anderson served as the backup to Thomas. Raycroft remains day to day and might play with Providence of the AHL once he is healthy to return.
News: Andrew Raycroft (knee) remained sidelined for Tuesday's game at Atlanta, as Tim Thomas got another start with Craig Anderson serving as the backup.
Analysis: Raycroft is considered day to day. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Andrew Raycroft (knee) was unable to suit up for Monday's game at Washington, as the Bruins dressed Craig Anderson to serve as the backup to Tim Thomas.
Analysis: Raycroft remains day to day. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues, as the team will not rush him back with Thomas playing fairly well.
News: The Boston Herald reports that Andrew Raycroft (right leg) spent several minutes on the ice at Boston Garden Sunday taking shots from part-time coach Ray Bourque. “My range of motion is a lot better than it has been,” said Raycroft. “It’s definitely getting a lot better. Hopefully the next couple of days it keeps getting better and I’ll be able to practice fully on Wednesday or Thursday, then go from there.”
Analysis: Both Raycroft and starter Hannu Toivonen (high ankle sprain) are among the many battered and bruised Bruins. Toivonen said he won't skate for at least another week or so. That means Raycroft should see starts sooner.
News: The Boston Herald reports Andrew Raycroft (knee) was able to skate for 15 minutes on Saturday, but he did not do any up-and-down goaltending movements for fear of aggravating his injury.
Analysis: Raycroft is hopeful of returning to practice at some point this week, but he should be kept reserve in all Fantasy leagues. Tim Thomas remains the No. 1 goaltender for now, with Craig Anderson serving as his backup.
News: The Boston Globe reports that Andrew Raycroft (knee) was held out of practice Wednesday. ''Razor's having a hard time practicing every day and trying to get back to 100 percent from his injury," coach Mike Sullivan said. ''We thought it was best that he stay off the ice and see if a couple days off will help him get over the hump."
Analysis: Raycroft has played only two games since incurring the injury on Jan. 7. There is speculation that the team is shopping their former rookie of the year. They called up Jordan Sigalet from Providence of the AHL. Tim Thomas continues to start in goal. Thomas made 37 saves in Boston's 2-1 shootout loss to Dallas Saturday and stopped 25 of 28 shots in the Bruins' 4-3 overtime win over Anaheim Monday. Hannu Toivonen (ankle) is still not ready to return to reclaim his spot as the No. 1 goalie.
News: Andrew Raycroft (knee) was able to play in Tuesday's game against the Sharks, but he allowed five goals on just 26 shots and he was removed in the second period in favor of Tim Thomas.
Analysis: Raycroft might not have been ready to return from his injury or he might have just had a poor game. Whatever the case may be, avoid him in all Fantasy leagues right now.
News: The Boston Globe reports Andrew Raycroft suffered an injury just below his right knee in Saturday's game against the Lightning late in the third period, but it appears he escaped major injury.
Analysis: The Bruins cannot afford another goaltender to go, as Hannu Toivonen is sidelined due to an ankle injury right now. Raycroft said he expects to play on Tuesday night when Joe Thornton and the Sharks visit town.
News: Andrew Raycroft allowed four goals while making just 23 saves in Wednesday's game at Colorado. He was making his first appearance since a setback on Nov. 29 at New Jersey.
Analysis: Raycroft has lost four straight starts and has won just twice in 14 games dating back to Oct. 13. Expect Hannu Toivonen to see a majority of the starts for the Bruins with the Razor struggling to get it done.
News: Andrew Raycroft, who has posted a 1-7 record over his past eight games, was out of the lineup for the third consecutive night on Sunday at Vancouver.
Analysis: Hannu Toivonen shut down the Senators on Thursday night and he played on Saturday at Edmonton and back-to-back on Sunday at Vancouver. It appears as if Toivonen has unofficially wrestled the No. 1 job from Raycroft, but don't give up on the Razor just yet. Keep him reserved, though, until he can play consistently and get back on track.
News: Andrew Raycroft hasn't won since Nov. 23 and is 4-11 on the season with an 3.43 GAA. He is now sharing time with teammate Hannu Toivonen, who posted a shutout vs. Ottawa on Thursday.
Analysis: Raycroft has been a major disappointment to owners who drafted him highly. Until the Bruins show they can win consistently, owners might want to look elsewhere.
News: Andrew Raycroft (hamstring) was able to return to the lineup for Thursday's game against the Senators. He allowed five goals and made 25 saves in the loss.
Analysis: It is difficult for a goaltender to return from an injury and have a successful night, especially when it is against a high-octane offense like Ottawa. Despite the poor evening, it appears safe to get the Razor back into your active Fantasy lineup.
News: Andrew Raycroft (hamstring) was unable to play in Tuesday's game at Philadelphia, as Hannu Toivonen remained between the pipes.
Analysis: Raycroft remains day to day. He is nearing a return, but should be kept reserved until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: The Providence Journal reports Andrew Raycroft (groin) might be able to return for Tuesday's game at Philadelphia.
Analysis: Keep Raycroft reserved for the upcoming scoring period until he can officially return and play consecutive games without any lingering effects of the injury.
News: Andrew Raycroft is expected to miss at least one week due to a strained hamstring suffered in Wednesday's game against the Hurricanes.
Analysis: With the Razor on the mend, the Bruins will go with Hannu Toivonen and backup Jordan Sigalet between the pipes.
News: The Bruins re-signed goaltender Andrew Raycroft, who ended a brief holdout by agreeing to terms of a one-year contract on Friday. "Andrew has emerged as one of the brightest young goaltenders in the NHL," general manager Mike O'Connell said in a statement. "That was established when he won the Calder Trophy in 2004 and finished among the league leaders overall in goals-against average and save percentage."
Analysis: The 25-year-old Raycroft was the NHL rookie of the year in the 2003-04 season with a 2.05 goals-against average, sixth best in the league. During the lockout, he played 11 games with Tappara Tampere in Finland and went 4-5-2 with a 2.92 goals-against average and one shutout. Consider picking him up as a No. 1 goalie after the elite ones are gone.
News: Andrew Raycroft is holding out due to a contract dispute and was absent on Monday when training camp opened. He joined defenseman Nick Boynton on the sidelines. "We're not very close at all right now with Andrew," general manager Mike O'Connell said. "I think Boynton is a little closer. If we can get him done, then maybe we can get Andrew done."
Analysis: O'Connell isn't exactly sure if or when Raycroft would be able to return, but is confident a deal can get done before the regular season opener Oct. 5 against Montreal. If he remains unsigned then Hannu Toivenen would be the team's starter between the pipes. Drop Raycroft down a few pegs on your cheat sheet, but expect a deal to get done.
News: Andrew Raycroft made 31 saves to pick up a shutout in his first-career NHL playoff game on Wednesday against the Canadiens.
Analysis: Raycroft is off to a great start in hockey postseason pools.
News: Andrew Raycroft made 31 saves in Thursday's win against the Penguins.
Analysis: Raycroft has made 67 of 68 saves, winning both of his past two starts.
News: Andrew Raycroft made 36 saves on Wednesday at Detroit for his second-career shutout.
Analysis: Raycroft has done a decent job between the pipes for Boston and is a solid No. 3 Fantasy goaltender.
News: Andrew Raycroft allowed three goals and made 25 saves in Monday's loss at N.Y. Rangers.
Analysis: Raycroft has started nine consecutive games and he is 1-4-4 during the span, but he has allowed two or less goals in seven of those games.
News: Raycroft stopped 30 shots in Boston's 2-0 loss to Carolina on Thursday, as he was bested by Kevin Weekes.
Analysis: Raycroft suffers his first loss of the season, falling to 2-1-1. He is worth adding in larger leagues as a No. 2 or 3 Fantasy goaltender.
News: Andrew Raycroft stopped 27 shots on Wednesday at Dallas to earn his first-career shutout. "They worked the net and created some chances," said Raycroft. "We needed some breaks and we got them (Wednesday)."
Analysis: Raycroft is a decent backup, but the Bruins did not bring in veteran Felix Potvin to sit on the bench. Unless an injury occurs to Potvin, Raycroft is not worth using in most Fantasy leagues.
News: The Boston Globe reports that Andrew Raycroft will make the Bruins' opening night roster. He and Felix Potvin will be the team's two goalies, although it is unclear which of the two will get the starting job.
Analysis: Raycroft is likely to serve as Potvin's backup to start the year, but the veteran has struggled mightily during the preseason. Raycroft will only be a useful midseason pickup if he can move into a starting job.
News: Raycroft (groin) will not play Wednesday, according to the Boston Herald. He is unlikely to see any postseason action if Jeff Hackett can return from a finger injury.
Analysis:
News: Raycroft (groin) practiced in full equipment on Saturday. According to the Boston Globe, he is just "a few days away" from returning. Keep him reserved.
Analysis:
News: Raycroft (groin) missed Monday's game. With Jeff Hackett (finger) still on the mend, Steve Shields will start for Boston. He is considered day to day. He has minimal Fantasy appeal.
Analysis:
News: Raycroft made 26 saves in a 2-1 loss at Phoenix on Tuesday. He is expected to get the bulk of the starts in Jeff Hackett's (finger) absence. Raycroft is not a useful Fantasy player.
Analysis:
News: The Bruins recalled Raycroft from Providence of the AHL on Sunday. He will serve as Steve Shields' backup while Jeff Hackett nurses a bruised finger. Raycroft is not worth adding to a Fantasy roster.
Analysis:
News: Raycroft was assigned to Providence of the AHL on Friday. After acquiring Jeff Hackett on Thursday, the Bruins will not need to carry three goaltenders. Raycroft no longer has Fantasy value.
Analysis:
News: Raycroft was recalled from Providence of the AHL on Monday. With the trade of John Grahame to Tampa Bay on Monday, Raycroft will now be the backup to Steve Shields. He might see more ice time than other reserve goaltenders in the league because Shields is not a bona fide No.1 goaltender.
Analysis:
News: As expected, the Bruins sent Raycroft to Providence of the AHL yesterday. With Peter Skudra recently added as the Bruins' new backup goaltender, the team decided it was best to get the 20-year-old Raycroft regular playing time in the minors.
Analysis:
News: The Bruins picked up Peter Skudra off waivers from Buffalo yesterday, and he will join them at practice today. Raycroft is expected to be sent to Providence of the AHL once it's determined Skudra is ready to be the backup, but for the next few days at least, expect the 20-year-old Raycroft to stick around.
Analysis:
News: After a good start substituting for starter Byron Dafoe, Raycroft has lost three consecutive games, the worst of which came last night when he was pulled in the second period after allowing four goals on 10 shots. Kay Whitmore, who hadn't appeared in an NHL game since 1994-'95, came on to stop seven of nine shots in relief. Expect Raycroft to get a few more chances while Dafoe recovers.
Analysis:
News: Raycroft improved his record to 2-0-0 by winning last night's game in overtime in Anaheim. Starting in place of the injured Byron Dafoe, Raycroft made 28 saves on 30 shots. If you're a Dafoe owner and have the roster space, it might be worthwhile to add Raycroft as insurance.
Analysis:
News: Raycroft got the start in goal in today's matinee against Florida and stopped 29 of 31 shots. He stopped all four shots he faced in relief of Byron Dafoe Saturday. Dafoe was forced to leave the game early in the third period and was unavailable for today's game.
Analysis:
