News:Dan Ellis allowed four goals on 38 shots Thursday against the Rangers, including Ryan Callahan's game-winner in overtime.
Analysis: So much for his modest two-game winning streak. Dan Ellis suffered from some hard luck in this one, as the Rangers scored the game-tying goal on a Brad Richards shot that went off the board, off Ellis' skate and into the net. Despite the ugly four-goal outcome, Ellis played terrifically well in this game.
News:Dan Ellis is slated to start Thursday's game against the Rangers, Andrew Gross of the Record reports.
Analysis:Dan Ellis, who will be making his third straight start, has come up a winner in his last two turns, surrendering five goals in the process.
News:Dan Ellis saved 36 of 39 through 65 minutes Tuesday against the Islanders, then went a perfect 2-for-2 in the shootout for his second straight win.
Analysis: A fine effort from Dan Ellis against a tough opponent as he looks to end the season strong and stir interest for next year. Ellis will be a free agent at the end of this campaign.
News:Dan Ellis is slated to start Tuesday's game against the Islanders, reports Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis:Dan Ellis will make his second straight start for the Hurricanes on Tuesday after helping the team end a three-game slide by stopping 35 of 37 shots against the Lightning on Sunday.
News:Dan Ellis made 35 saves on 37 shots in a win over the Lightning on Sunday.
Analysis: This is Dan Ellis' first game since April 8, and his first win in the month of April. He has played sparingly this year and has a 3.11 GAA.
News:Dan Ellis will start Sunday's game against the Lightning.
Analysis:Dan Ellis will get the nod Sunday, with the Hurricanes on a three-game slide and Justin Peters having started Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Flyers.
News:Dan Ellis noted Thursday that some knee soreness prevented him from starting Tuesday's game against the Penguins, reports Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis:Dan Ellis referred to the issue as "overcompensation" stemming from a previous injury to his other leg. Fellow goalie Justin Peters will start Thursday's game against the Caps.
News:Dan Ellis was lined up to start Tuesday, but he was scratched due to an injury suffered in warmups, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: Details of Dan Ellis' injury were not available, but the setback will prevent him from playing Tuesday night. Justin Peters will get the start in goal for the Hurricanes.
News:Dan Ellis will start Tuesday's game against the Penguins, reports Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis: The Hurricanes have lost five straight games -- allowing 24 goals as a team in that span -- but if there is any silver lining in their Tuesday matchup, it's that the Penguins are banged up at the moment and have scored just four goals over their last three outings.
News:Dan Ellis came in early for a struggling Justin Peters against the Bruins on Monday. He played 51:59 and let in four goals on 32 shots, taking the loss.
Analysis:Dan Ellis has not been good this season, and he's picked up the loss in four of his last five appearances, and that other game saw him let in three goals on seven shots. He's been better than Peters, but that is a very low bar to clear.
News:Dan Ellis was chased from the Hurricanes' net Saturday after giving up three goals on 30 shots, including an ugly empty-net goal he gifted to the Rangers after he had his pocket picked behind his net. He was replaced by Justin Peters.
Analysis: He has struggled lately and his mistakes only compound that agony. He hasn't won since March 9 and Justin Peters has been the slightly better netminder of late. Consider Dan Ellis a backup right now.
News:Dan Ellis will start in goal against the Rangers on Saturday, the Bergen Record's Andrew Gross reports.
Analysis:Dan Ellis has struggled lately, but he will start over Justin Peters for the second game in a row. Peters has not been particularly effective either, so this could be a fluid situation until (and if) Cam Ward returns. Ward may be able to return for the very end of the season, though he probably won't if the Hurricanes continue to fall out of the playoff race.
Hurricanes' Ellis Struck By Lightning, Figuratively
News:Dan Ellis gave up five goals on 30 shots in Thursday's loss to Tampa Bay.
Analysis: So hot earlier in the year, Dan Ellis is on a really bad run right now, giving up 12 goals in his last three games, including eight tallies in just over four periods since returning from a self-inflicted leg laceration.
News:Dan Ellis will start Thursday's game against the Lightning, reports Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis: Meanwhile, coach Kirk Muller wants either Dan Ellis or Justin Peters to "grab it" and become the team's No. 1 goalie down stretch, though for Ellis to be that guy, he'll need to look sharper than he did in his return to action Tuesday, when he stopped just 4-of-7 shots.
News:Dan Ellis (leg) saved just four of seven shots before being pulled for Justin Peters in the second period of Tuesday's loss to Washington.
Analysis: He didn't look great in his return from a leg laceration, but it's doubtful that the cut is the reason. Dan Ellis has given up 10 goals in his last three starts, all losses.
News:Dan Ellis (leg) will start Tuesday's game against the Caps, reports Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis:Dan Ellis, who last played on March 21, returns to the Carolina net Tuesday on the heels of Justin Peters having started the team's past four games. Ellis checks back in with a 4-5-1 record, with a 2.65 GAA and .918 save percentage.
News: The Hurricanes have activated Dan Ellis (knee) from injured reserve, the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Meanwhile, John Muse is headed back to AHL Charlotte, with Dan Ellis on track to back up Justin Peters on Monday against the Canadiens.
News:Dan Ellis, who was cut near the knee this past Thursday, has been placed on IR by the Hurricanes, the team's official site reports.
Analysis: The move frees up a spot for the recall of fellow goaltender John Muse from AHL Charlotte to serve as Justin Peters' backup while Dan Ellis is out.
News:Dan Ellis, who was cut near the knee late in Thursday's game against New Jersey, will likely be sidelined a week to 10 days, the News & Observer reports.
Analysis: In the meantime, look for the team to turn to Justin Peters in net for the most part, with fellow goalie John Muse likely to be recalled from AHL Charlotte.
News:Dan Ellis left Thursday's loss to the Devils after cutting himself in the leg with his own skate late in the third period.
Analysis: The cut came above his knee, and it will most likely keep him out a few games, depending on the severity. He'd allowed four goals on 22 shots in the game.
News:Dan Ellis is in line to start Thursday's game against the Devils, reports Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis: Assuming that holds, it will be the third straight start for Dan Ellis, who has stopped 75-of-79 shots over his last two games.
News:Dan Ellis allowed three goals on 43 shots in Tuesday's 4-1 loss to the Panthers.
Analysis: Fine play by Dan Ellis, but he still lost for the third straight game. The Hurricanes have not been playing awfully well in front of him, scoring exactly one goal in each of his last two starts.
News:Dan Ellis is slated to start Tuesday's game against the Panthers, reports Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis: The Hurricanes will stick with Dan Ellis on Tuesday after he stopped 35 of 36 shots in Monday's 2-1 shootout loss to the Rangers.
News:Dan Ellis made 35 saves on 36 shots Monday against the Rangers, but allowed two shootout goals and was stuck with a 2-1 loss.
Analysis: That's three losses in the last four starts for Dan Ellis, though he certainly played well in this one. He's been quite solid overall in his continued battle for playing time with Justin Peters while Cam Ward remains out.
News:Dan Ellis will start Monday's game against the Rangers, Andrew Gross of The Record reports.
Analysis:Dan Ellis takes aim Monday at a Rangers squad that has dropped three straight. Te Hurricanes play again Tuesday against the Panthers, a game we'd expect Justin Peters to start.
News:Dan Ellis allowed three goals on 22 shots in Thursday's loss to Washington.
Analysis:Dan Ellis is being outplayed by Justin Peters right now, and as the unexciting, yet established veteran commodity pitted against the potentially exciting young netminder, he can't afford to blow 2-0 leads, as he did on Thursday.
News:Dan Ellis is slated to start Thursday's game against the Caps, the Hurricanes' official site reports.
Analysis: Justin Peters blanked the Caps on Tuesday, but Dan Ellis, who got the nod back on Saturday, gets the start in net Thursday, as the team's rotation between the pipes continues.
News: Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer projects that Dan Ellis will start Thursday's game against the Capitals.
Analysis: Justin Peters shut out the Caps on Tuesday, so it's not out of the question that he could start Thursday, but Alexander bases his projection on coach Kirk Muller's preference for a goalie rotation.
News:Dan Ellis made 31 saves in a 6-3 win over the Devils on Saturday.
Analysis: He will be getting a lot of starts going forward and certainly has the toolbox to help the Canes stay in the playoff hunt.
News:Dan Ellis was the first goaltender off the ice at the morning skate and he's expected to start Saturday against New Jersey, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: With Justin Peters as his competition, Dan Ellis should get an opportunity to take over as the Canes' No. 1 netminder, although he'll almost certainly yield a larger share of the workload than Cam Ward did prior to suffering a knee injury recently.
News:Dan Ellis is feeling under the weather and will give way to Justin Peters against the Sabres on Tuesday, reports Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis: With Cam Ward slated to be out 6-8 weeks, Dan Ellis in in line for added work, but that's on hold temporarily, with Peters slated to make his first start of the season Tuesday.
News:Dan Ellis came into Sunday's game against the Panthers after Cam Ward had to leave with a leg injury. In 31:04 he made 19 saves on 21 shots and picked up no decision.
Analysis:Dan Ellis was actually supposed to start this game, but was a late scratch due to illness. However, if Ward misses more action, Ellis will likely get the nod.
News:Dan Ellis is likely to start Sunday at Florida, according to Hurricanes play-by-play broadcaster John Forslund.
Analysis:Dan Ellis has posted very respectable numbers so far this year as Cam Ward's backup, with a 3-2-0 record, 2.39 GAA and .925 save percentage. However, this is nothing more than the team's No. 2 goalie getting some ice time in the second of back-to-back games, so don't read too much into it. Ellis will likely be back on the bench next time out - Tuesday against Buffalo.
News:Dan Ellis made 34 saves in Saturday's 5-2 loss to the Lightning.
Analysis: He's now 3-2 on the season. He's allowed nine goals in the two losses and just two in the three wins.
News:Dan Ellis is likely going to start in net on Saturday against the Lightning, according to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis:Dan Ellis has a solid 3-1-0 record this season to go along with a 1.74 GAA and .943 save percentage. He will be facing the high-octane offense of the Lightning which will put a test on his game.
News:Dan Ellis allowed just one goal on 23 shots Thursday in a win over Toronto.
Analysis: He may be Cam Ward's backup, but Dan Ellis has posted considerably better stats so far this year. Ward tends to be something of a slow starter, though, while Ellis has never truly held down a No. 1 goalie role in his career. Expect Ward to continue seeing a hearty majority of the action.
News:Dan Ellis will start Thursday's game against the Maple Leafs, according to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis:Dan Ellis will spell Cam Ward on Thursday on the heels of the Hurricanes' recent road trip, which saw Ward start five straight away games.
News: Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer suggests that Dan Ellis will start Thursday's game against the Maple Leafs.
Analysis: Assuming that's the case, Dan Ellis -- who is 2-1 with a .939 save percentage to date -- would be making his fourth start of the season and first since being yanked from the net on February 2 early in the second period after giving four goals on 12 shots.
News:Dan Ellis was yanked from the net Saturday early in the second period after yielding four goals on 12 shots. He was replaced by Cam Ward. The Flyers ultimately won the game, 5-3.
Analysis: He has performed well up to this point so let's chalk this up to a quick start by a motivated Flyers squad. Cam Ward is still the top dog, but Dan Ellis will get his chances.
News:Dan Ellis will be in goal Saturday against the Flyers, the Mike Maniscalco of 99.9 FM The Fan reports.
Analysis: It will mark Dan Ellis' third start in four games, as it seems coach Kirk Muller is rewarding him for his hot play of late. Over three games this season, Ellis is 2-0-0 with a .977 save percentage.
News:Dan Ellis could start Saturday against Philadelphia as head coach Kirk Muller may stick with the hot goalie after Ellis shut out the Senators on Friday, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: Nothing is certain, but it sounds like Dan Ellis' recent strong play - along with Cam Ward's slow start - could mean more of a goalie rotation in Carolina than usual.
News:Dan Ellis turned aside all 33 shots he faced in Friday's shutout victory over Ottawa, his second win of the season.
Analysis:Dan Ellis is turning into a reliable option for Carolina for the several games a year they decide to rest Cam Ward, winning his only two starts of the season. Ellis is behind one of the league's workhorses in Ward but appears to be a sage option for those in daily leagues seeking a spot start provided there are not too many games on that night and it's a favorable matchup.
News:Dan Ellis is likely to start Friday against Ottawa, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis:Dan Ellis has allowed just two goals in two starts. He's a backup to Cam Ward, but watch his performance as Ward is off to a slow start. Ward will likely start Saturday.
News:Dan Ellis turned aside 40 of 41 shots in Friday's win over Buffalo, earning the victory in his first start of the season.
Analysis:Dan Ellis won't see too many starts this season with Cam Ward's penchant for playing almost every game in Raleigh, but it's refreshing for the Canes to know they have a steady veteran who can fill in quite well. Ellis denied one of the league's hottest offensive teams, allowing just one goal on 41 shots. If you're in the need for a spot start and Ellis has a favorable matchup, feel confident inserting him in your lineup.
News:Dan Ellis will start Friday's game in Buffalo, according to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Analysis: The two teams played the previous night and both goalies saw a lot of rubber, so it will be Dan Ellis and Ryan Miller in this one as opposed to the Thursday matchup of Cam Ward and Jhonas Enroth.
News:Dan Ellis relieved starter Cam Ward after the first period of Saturday's 5-1 loss to the Panthers. He stopped 12 of 13 shots.
Analysis: Ward was apparently coming off illness, so we don't expect this kind of performance often. Still, Dan Ellis had a strong first half in the AHL and is more than capable of stepping in should it be required.
News: Carolina has signed Dan Ellis to a one-year, prorated $650,000 contract, the Tampa Tribune reports.
Analysis:Dan Ellis went 1-5 with a .911 save percentage in 10 games last season for the Ducks. He will likely serve as Cam Ward's backup behind the net.
News:Dan Ellis, an unrestricted free agent who signed with the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL in September, was named the AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Oct. 28.
Analysis: His inability to sign an NHL deal this past summer may be a blessing in disguise as he has a 3-1 record with a 1.97 goals against average and .940 save percentage so far. He's also having fun, according to a report in the Winnipeg Sun. "It's awesome actually," Dan Ellis said in a telephone interview. "If I would have signed an NHL deal, I would be in Europe or sitting at home playing shinny hockey." And his groin injury is a thing of the past. "It's been 100 percent. It feels better than it did before." Keep him on a draft list -- he'll probably be scooped up as a backup when the NHL resumes.
News:Dan Ellis (sports hernia) will miss 4-to-6 more weeks, Ducks.NHL.com reports.
Analysis:Dan Ellis' extended prognosis is the result of a surgery he underwent Friday. It could be the end of the season for him.
News: The Ducks placed Dan Ellis on the IR on Sunday due to his groin strain, according to the Ducks' official site.
Analysis:Dan Ellis could be out up to four weeks, piling on the workload for starter Jonas Hiller.
Ducks' Ellis Leaves Practice With Groin Strain Saturday
News:Dan Ellis left Saturday's practice with a groin strain, the Ducks' official site reports.
Analysis:Dan Ellis will be examined Sunday to determine the extent of the strain.
News:Dan Ellis replaced Jonas Hiller midway through Thursday's loss to the Canucks, stopping 14 of 15 shots in a lost cause, the LA Times reports.
Analysis:Dan Ellis played pretty well, stopping a breakaway and a 2-on-1 shortly after coming into the game. Alas, the Ducks were already trailing 4-0 at the time.
News:Dan Ellis gave up three goals on 25 shots in Saturday's loss to the Predators.
Analysis:Dan Ellis was the busier of the two goalies Saturday night, and couldn't quite stem the tide for the Ducks.
News:Dan Ellis will start against Nashville on Saturday, the Ducks' official Twitter feed reports.
Analysis: When deployed, Dan Ellis has given the Ducks quality goaltending despite a 1-3-0 record over seven appearances. For the season, he's carrying a 2.23 GAA and .929 save percentage in limited duty around his absence due to a groin injury.
News: The Ducks activated Dan Ellis (groin) from injured reserve Tuesday, according to the Ducks' official Twitter page.
Analysis:Dan Ellis will return to the team after missing a couple weeks with the sore groin. He will resume his role as the backup goalie behind Jonas Hiller.
News:Dan Ellis (groin) will undergo treatment for his injury and be reevaluated next week, the Ducks' official Twitter reports.
Analysis:Dan Ellis has been solid for the Ducks this year, so this is unfortunate news for the team. Anaheim recently called up Jeff Deslauriers, who will likely start in Ellis' place.
News:Dan Ellis is questionable for Sunday night's game with a groin injury, the Ducks' official site reports.
Analysis:Dan Ellis probably won't be available, given that the team called up Jeff Deslauriers before the game.
News:Dan Ellis will start on Thursday in the battle of southern California against the Kings, according to Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register.
Analysis: Jonas Hiller has performed unevenly this season while Dan Ellis has been particularly sharp (.948 save percentage). Still, starts will likely be few and far between for the Ducks' backup netminder.
News:Dan Ellis left practice early to "nurse a groin injury," the Ducks' official Twitter account reports.
Analysis:Dan Ellis should have plenty of time to heal, seeing as Jonas Hiller is locked in as the starter for the time being.
News:Dan Ellis came in Sunday against Minnesota after the Wild chased Jonas Hiller. He stopped all 11 shots he faced.
Analysis: A nice relief performance for Dan Ellis, but Hiller will remain the starter, leaving Ellis as a sport start at best.
News:Dan Ellis allowed three goals on 21 shots in Sunday's loss to the Blue Jackets.
Analysis:Dan Ellis doesn't get many starts, and when the team isn't playing well enough to score against a previously struggling Columbus team, it's hard to have much hope for short-term value.
News:Dan Ellis came in for a struggling Jonas Hiller and stopped all 16 shots he faced against Phoenix on Sunday.
Analysis:Dan Ellis stemmed the tide in this game, but he remains Hiller's backup, and thus a spot start option at best.
News:Dan Ellis turned aside 41 of the 43 shots he faced Monday to pick up a win over San Jose.
Analysis: While this is an impressive game for Dan Ellis, he remains the backup to Jonas Hiller, who was one of the best goalies in the league last season. Ellis isn't going to take Hiller's job, so he is, at best, a spot-start candidate.
News: Ellis appears to be in line to be the starter in goal for Anaheim when the Ducks open the playoffs against Nashville on Wednesday, NHL.com reports.
Analysis: Though coach Randy Carlyle hasn't revealed who he will start, Ellis seems to be the logical choice, with Ray Emery and Jonas Hiller each not quite 100 percent.
News: Making his second start in 24 hours, Ellis was again superb as Anaheim beat Los Angeles on Saturday night, 3-1. He turned away 43 shots to bag his eighth victory of the season.
Analysis: Once Ray Emery shakes off his lower-body injury, the Ducks will have two hot goalies heading into the postseason.
News: Ellis made a spot start in place of the injured Ray Emery and backstopped the Ducks to playoff berth in a win over the Kings on Friday.
Analysis: The start was his first since March 20 and 10th since being acquired by Anaheim. If Emery is healthy enough to play, Ellis will serve as the Ducks' No. 2 netminder assuming Jonas Hiller remains sidelined by vertigo.
News: Ellis only lasted through two periods of action against the Coyotes on Sunday. He let in four goals on 21 shots.
Analysis: With Jonas Hiller still unable to play, Ellis is going to continue to see ice time, and with his improved play since moving to the Ducks he's worth starting in favorable matchups.
News: Ellis is expected to get the start Friday against Colorado, Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register reports.
Analysis: Ellis has won four of six starts since taking over the starting job in Anaheim. With Jonas Hiller (vertigo/dizziness) still out indefinitely, you can safely continue to start Ellis for fantasy purposes.
News: Ellis made 24 saves in the Ducks' win over Colorado on Friday night.
Analysis: He's been rolling since the trade to Anaheim, going 5-1-1 in his seven starts with the Ducks and entering Friday's game with good ratios (2.26 GAA, .911 save percentage). As long as Jonas Hiller remains sidelined by vertigo, Ellis figures to collect the majority of the starts for Randy Carlyle's club.
News: Ellis is expected to start against the Rangers on Wednesday, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: The Ducks don't make a habit of confirming their goaltending plans prior to game time, but it was revealed that Ray Emery will be back from Syracuse to serve as the backup netminder, which leaves Ellis to get the call as the starter.
News: Ellis will start Sunday's game against Vancouver, Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register reports.
Analysis: In five games since taking over for the injured Jonas Hiller (head), Ellis has a 3-0-2 record and has yet to lose in overtime. He has helped the Ducks to collect eight of a possible 10 points over that span, keeping their postseason hopes alive as they chase eighth-place Los Angeles for the final playoff spot in the West.
News: Ellis stopped 28 shots in the Ducks' 2-1 overtime win over the Wings on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Ellis made a number of fantastic saves. He's really stepped up with the opportunity presented to him after the trade to Anaheim.
News: Ellis is expected to start Wednesday against Detroit, Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register reports.
Analysis: Ellis is 1-1 since his arrival in Anaheim, and with Jonas Hiller (head) still out of action, will continue to get the majority of starts for the Ducks as long as he's playing well. Ray Emery was recalled last week to handle backup duties, but he could be pressed into action if Ellis falters. Monitor carefully.
News: Ellis stopped 22 of the 24 shots he faced Sunday to pick up a win over the Avalanche, his first victory with the Ducks.
Analysis: Ellis struggled in Tampa Bay, but maybe the change of scenery will be a positive for him. While Jonas Hiller is out, he's going to get plenty of opportunities in net, and he could be a good spot start option.
News: Ellis made 28 saves in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Wild on Friday night.
Analysis: He gave up the game-winning goal on a breakaway in the final seconds of overtime, after making a pair of clutch stops to keep the Ducks in the game just moments before that. It's unclear how much time he'll get in a timeshare with Ray Emery while Jonas Hiller battles back from vertigo, but it seems likely that his opportunities to contribute will increase with his new club.
News: The Lightning have traded Ellis to the Ducks for backup goalie Curtis McElhinney, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
Analysis: Many may ask why teams are swapping backup goalies, but for the Lightning, McElhinney comes cheaper than Ellis and may give the team more payroll flexibility to make another deadline move. It remains to be seen where Ellis fits in with the Ducks, as Jonas Hiller is battling an illness and the team is intrigued by Ray Emery. At least there's an opportunity for PT if he gets a chance and performs well.
News: Ellis made 24 saves in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Panthers on Saturday night.
Analysis: He only allowed a single goal in the shootout. His starts are few and far between these days; don't count on him for your netminding needs.
Bolts' Ellis Gets Rare Start Saturday Against Panthers
News: Ellis will start against the Panthers on Saturday, according to the Tampa Tribune.
Analysis: Dwayne Roloson has given up 19 goals in his last four starts, so it looks like coach Guy Boucher will give him a rest. Ellis has just four starts under his belt since the beginning of January, and hasn't played back-to-back since the end of December, so he may be a little rusty in this one. However, with the Bolts' high-powered offense playing in front of him, his chances of picking up a win are still very good. Roll him if you need him.
News: Ellis stopped 29 of the 32 shots he faced as the Lightning pulled off an overtime victory Sunday against the Blues.
Analysis: With Dwayne Roloson down in Tampa Bay, Ellis' starts could be sporadic the rest of the way. If you know he's in net and you want to stick him in your lineup, he's not a bad play, but don't expect that situation to come up all that often.
News: Ellis is scheduled to start against St. Louis on Sunday, Tampa Tribune writer Erik Erlendsson reports.
Analysis: This is nothing more than a spot start for Ellis, who is firmly in the role of backup goaltender now that Dwayne Roloson is in the fold. Ellis' win-loss record is a respectable 12-7-5 on the season, but his save percentage of .887 suggests that he has trouble making key saves, and too often must rely on the Bolts' high-octane offense to bail him out.
News: Ellis put in a strong performance Friday, stopping 29 of 30 Florida shots in regulation and all three shooters in the shootout.
Analysis: He played well given his long layoff but it doesn't guarantee him a lot more starts; the Bolts seem committed to Dwayne Roloson now.
Bolts' Ellis Gets Rare Start Friday Against Panthers
News: Ellis is expected to start against Florida on Friday, Tampa Tribune writer Erik Erlendsson reports.
Analysis: Looks like Ellis will give the team's regular starer Dwayne Roloson a night off, as Roloson has started all but one game for the Bolts since arriving in early January. Ellis will more than likely be back on the bench for Sunday's matchup against the Thrashers.
News: Ellis relieved starter Dwayne Roloson with four minutes left in the first period of Friday's loss to the Devils. He stopped 15 of 16 shots.
Analysis: He gave his mates a chance to come back but they just couldn't muster enough offense in a 5-2 loss. Ellis will continue to see duty as the back-up in Tampa Bay; the job is Dwayne Roloson's now.
News: Ellis stopped 20 shots in Sunday's loss to the Devils. He allowed four goals.
Analysis: He wasn't sharp against Jersey's popgun offense, further solidifying is role as a backup.
Lightning To Give Ellis Rare Start Between Pipes Sunday
News: Ellis will start against the Devils on Sunday, according to the Lightning's official website.
Analysis: With coach Guy Boucher deciding to rest his regular starter Dwayne Roloson, Ellis gets his first start since December 28 against Boston. Ellis' win-loss record of 11-6-5 isn't bad, but his peripheral stats are weak - 3.08 GAA, .884 SV% - suggesting he has a tendency to rely on his team's offense a little too much.
News: Ellis relieved starter Dwayne Roloson early in Wednesday's game against Pittsburgh only to be pulled himself later in the game after yielding three goals on 18 shots.
Analysis: The Bolts were flat out invisible in the game -- outmatched in every single way. It looks like Roloson has assumed the reins as starter; you'll need to get goalie points somewhere else.
News: The arrival of Dwayne Roloson in Tampa Bay will likely relegate one of Ellis or Mike Smith to the minors or to another team in a trade.
Analysis: The Bolts' netminders have been sketchy at best this season and the addition of a greybeard like Rolie pretty much seals the fate of the other two men. Start looking for help elsewhere.
News: Ellis is expected to start against Montreal on Thursday, Tampa Tribune writer Erik Erlendsson reports.
Analysis: Montreal's 93 goals on the year rank in the bottom half of the NHL, so this is a decent matchup for Ellis on paper. Despite an 11-6 record, however, Ellis is saving just 88.6 percent of shots so far this year.
News: Cedric Desjardins -- and not Ellis -- may start Thursday against Montreal, reports the St. Petersburg Times.
Analysis: Ellis has started five straight games and Desjardins would be stoked to play against his former team. Coach Guy Boucher hasn't named a starter yet so the call may come close to game time. Look elsewhere for netminding help Thursday night.
News: Ellis made 25 saves in Tuesday's loss to the Bruins. He allowed four goals, two of which came on the power play.
Analysis: Sadly, he couldn't attain the win -- the winning goal came on the power play with just 19.7 seconds left. He has been solid enough to keep the starter's job when Mike Smith returns. And if the Bolts can keep winning, Ellis might just return to being a decent fantasy play.
News: Ellis will start in net against the Bruins on Tuesday, reports Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune.
Analysis: Ellis has recorded five wins in eight starts during December, and might be earning the full-time starting role even once Mike Smith comes back from injured reserve.
News: Ellis made 26 saves in a 3-2 overtime win Sunday against the Thrashers.
Analysis: Ellis has stepped up his play while Mike Smith has been down with an injury and it's unlikely that he'll lose that job if he can keep this up. We may just start trusting him again.
News: Ellis will start in goal for the Lightning on Sunday, Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune reports.
Analysis: There is no surprise here, as Ellis has looked very good in his last two outings. Keep an eye on how Tampa Bay decides to split up starts when Mike Smith eventually returns from injured reserve.
News: Ellis will start Thursday against the Rangers, the St. Petersburg Times reports.
Analysis: On Wednesday against the Islanders, Ellis played well enough to earn the win - which would have been his third straight - but the Bolts just couldn't find a way to solve Dwayne Roloson. They'll face an even tougher task against Henrik Lundqvist and the Blueshirts on Thursday, so govern your fantasy expectations accordingly.
News: Ellis pulled on his super-goalie cape Thursday in a 4-3 SO win over the Rangers, making 34 saves through overtime and turning away all but two shooters in 11 rounds in the shootout.
Analysis: It was a truly impressive effort and just when he needed it most. He has had two good to great performances in his last two outings and with continued good work, he could wrench more starts from Mike Smith after Smith returns from the IR. He's beginning to be a decent activation.
News: Ellis stopped 26 shots Wednesday in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Islanders.
Analysis: Ellis doesn't have to look over his shoulder much in the coming weeks, as teammate Mike Smith is nicked up for a bit. Giving up just two goals for a high-flying team like Tampa is what he's supposed to do, but the Lightning couldn't solve the Islanders. Ellis has his streaks, but if you're in a pinch for goaltending, consider him, just don't expect the world.
Bolts' Ellis Goes For Three Straight Wins Wednesday
News: Ellis will start against the Islanders on Wednesday, according to Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune.
Analysis: The good news is - Ellis recorded a win his last time out, a 21-save victory over the Hurricanes on Monday. The bad news is - it was just the second time all season Ellis has recorded consecutive wins, and he has yet to win three in a row. He may have the Bolts' starting job for the time being with Mike Smith currently out with a knee injury, but he's too inconsistent to be relied on as a dependable fantasy goalie option. Use with caution.
Bolts' Ellis Likely To Get Starts While Smith Is Out
News: Ellis made 21 saves in Monday's 5-1 win over Carolina.
Analysis: Mike Smith is out with a knee injury and he's out for a couple weeks. Ellis should get the majority of starts in his absence.
News: Ellis may get the start Monday against Carolina after Mike Smith suffered a knee injury in practice earlier in the day.
Analysis: Smith is still slated to start as long as he checks out okay with the doctor but the team called up Cedric Desjardins from the AHL as a precaution. Smith is clearly under a dark cloud as he's been cursed with injuries; this could be a make or break opportunity for Ellis who has struggled this season.
News: Ellis will start in net for the Lightning on Saturday, according to Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune.
Analysis: Tampa Bay will take on the Canucks, and Ellis will look to hold an opponent to under two goals for the first time since November 9.
News: Ellis allowed two of three Edmonton shooters to score in the bonus round and his team fell by a score of 4-3 Friday.
Analysis: Even though his numbers aren't great, Ellis has been returning good value from his likely draft position, mostly because his team has overachieved. Keep riding him or possibly look at a sell-high scenario (if one exists in your league).
News: Ellis will start in net Friday against the Oilers, reports Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune.
Analysis: Ellis has not had what one would call a good game in quite a while. He has yielded at least three goals in eight of his last 10 games, and two each in the other two game during that time frame. Still, the Lightning will stick with him in hopes that he snaps out of it soon.
News: Ellis will start in goal Tuesday against the Flames, Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune reports.
Analysis: Ellis has allowed at least three goals in six of his last seven starts, so he does not enter Tuesday's game on any sort of hot streak. However, the Flames have not scored more than three goals in any of their last eight games, so one trend is likely to be bucked Tuesday.
News: Ellis allowed five goals on 24 shots Saturday but his teammates scored one more to give him the win.
Analysis: Things got tense late in the third when he allowed two goals in 1:05. Rolling him is like using a butter knife to cut your favorite steak -- a real crime. He needs to be a whole lot better than this to earn more playing time.
News: Ellis will start Saturday against the Avalanche, according to ESPN 1040AM's Mike Corcoran.
Analysis: Ellis has been anything but sharp lately, posting an ugly .777 save percentage over his last five starts, with just a single win to show for his efforts over that span. The Bolts' high-octane offense can score in bunches and is usually capable of bailing out a weak effort by their goalie once in a while, but not on a nightly basis. Ellis needs to tighten up his game or risk losing playing time to Mike Smith. Monitor carefully.
News: Ellis appeared in relief Thursday night and surrendered three goals on 10 shots in an 8-1 Boston win.
Analysis: Ugh. There's nothing good about the Bolts' effort Thursday night. And it looks like we're back to a time share in the twine tent. Bench him for now and wait for the Bolts to shake this game off.
News: Ellis made 22 saves in a 4-3 OT win over the Maple Leafs on Tuesday night.
Analysis: He wasn't overly busy but he delivered the win. Maybe -- just maybe -- he's the man of the minute in Tampa Bay. But obviously, the Lightning netminding situation isn't exactly the best play for fantasy wealth.
News: Ellis will make his second straight start Tuesday at Toronto, the Tampa Tribune reports.
Analysis: Ellis lost a close 4-3 shootout decision to the Panthers on Saturday, which was a good enough performance for him to earn another start against the Leafs on Tuesday. Neither he nor Mike Smith has exactly jumped up to claim the Bolts' starting goalie job this season, so expect the platoon situation to continue for now.
News: Ellis started Saturday and made 24 saves through overtime in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Panthers.
Analysis: He only allowed a single goal in four rounds of the shootout but his opposition was one shot better. The Bolts' carousel in the blue paint continues; we recommend you watch from afar.
News: Ellis replaced starter Mike Smith in Friday's 6-0 loss to the Capitals. He allowed two goals on eleven shots in relief.
Analysis: The Caps were all over the Bolts, completely dominating them in every single area of the game. Ellis wasn't bad but we're not sure it's enough to flip Smith out of the Tampa net.
News: Ellis was yanked late in the first period of Thursday's game after yielding four goals on just 10 shots.
Analysis: There was zero defense on the night in an ultimate 8-7 Tampa win. The only silver lining for Ellis and his owners? He didn't suffer the loss. The netminding situation in Tampa Bay is less than ideal. But you already knew that.
News: Ellis will be in goal again Thursday when the Lightning takes on the Flyers, according to Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune.
Analysis: This is significant because it gives Ellis back-to-back starts while he's battling for PT with Mike Smith. Obviously, Ellis is being rewarded for making 34 saves in a 4-2 win over the Islanders on Wednesday, but a road matchup in Philly presents a little tougher task. A win here could go a long way in the PT battle.
News: Ellis made 34 saves in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Islanders.
Analysis: It's just his second win this month. The timeshare with Mike Smith will continue until one of the two gets better. Until then, your goalie starts are best served elsewhere.
News: Ellis was the first goalie off the ice Wednesday morning, making it likely he'll get the start against the Islanders, according to Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune.
Analysis: Although it's like watching two wimpy kids slug it out at recess, you can't help but watch as the Bolts are having a battle for playing time in net right now. Ellis actually gets a decent chance at a win here, against the league's tied for worst team. Mike Smith stands a decent chance to start Thursday at Philadelphia.
News: Ellis made just 14 saves in Sunday's 4-1 loss to the Wild. He allowed three goals, two of which came on the power play.
Analysis: Your goalie has to be your best penalty killer and he just wasn't. And the Wild snagged all three goals in the first when they fired just six shots. So the pendulum swings between the pipes in Tampa Bay; Mike Smith could be in line for the next start.
News: Ellis will start against Minnesota on Sunday, according to the Lightning's official Twitter page.
Analysis: The timeshare continues in the Tampa Bay crease this year, with Ellis and Mike Smith sharing the duties pretty much down the middle, even though Ellis has the better numbers. Ellis should be a decent fantasy start going forward, but don't expect him to play more than half the team's games over the forseeable future.
News: Ellis made 20 saves in Thursday's 6-3 loss to the Capitals. He allowed five goals.
Analysis: Alexander Semin absolutely owned Ellis who held his boys in the game until early in the third. Semin sniped three and added two helpers, and his goal at 4:33 in the third broke a tie.
News: Ellis could start Thursday against the Capitals, the Tampa Tribune reports.
Analysis: Slotting Ellis in goal against the Capitals, winners of five consecutive contests, makes plenty of sense. He's been far better than alternate goalie Mike Smith, whose goals-against average (3.43) looks massive next to Ellis' (2.11).
News: Ellis stopped all 28 shots he faced in Tuesday's 4-0 win over Toronto.
Analysis: Ellis has clearly outplayed fellow goaltender Mike Smith early in the season for the Lightning. Expect Ellis to get more playing time going forward. He's a pretty decent fantasy option for a Lightning team that is playing well.
News: Ellis will start against the Leafs on Tuesday night, Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune reports.
Analysis: He's playing well recently and should be active in all formats in his return from an illness Tuesday night. Ellis has a golden opportunity to secure the No. 1 netminder spot in Tampa if he continues to outplay Mike Smith.
News: Ellis missed Saturday's game against the Sharks due to illness, the St. Petersburg Times reports.
Analysis: He's 3-2, but Ellis has played well of late, letting up just two goals in his last two starts. Don't expect Ellis to be out too long, unless anyone says otherwise.
News: Ellis made 27 saves in a 3-2 overtime win Wednesday in Anaheim.
Analysis: Fresh off his first shutout of the NHL season at Phoenix October 30th, Ellis was back between the pipes against the erratic Ducks. It was Anaheim that scored late in the third period to steal an overtime win at home. His counterpart Mike Smith may have a 4-0-0 record, but that is deceiving when you look at the goal support in his games. Ellis is clearly the better option and the Lightning goaltender to own.
News: Ellis will get the tap on the pads when the Lightning takes on the Ducks on Wednesday, Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune reports.
Analysis: He's starting to take over the playing time from Mike Smith with his fine play in the last two games. For the season, Ellis will now have six starts to Smith's five, and currently has a 2.37 GAA to Smith's 3.59 to go with a .910 vs. .870 save percentage edge.
News: After a wobbly start in terms of goals against and save percentage, Ellis has really turned things around in the last two games and has moved ahead of Mike Smith in the battle for the number one job.
Analysis: In his first four games, he had a 3.67 goals-against-average and .870 save percentage. But in his past two games, he has dropped his overall GAA to 2.37 (12th in the league) and raised his save percentage to .912 (19th overall).
Smith, who is 4-0, is ranked 38th out of 41 listed goaltenders in both goals-against-average and save percentage.
News: Ellis solidified his claim on the Bolts' No. 1 netminder job with a shutout on the road Saturday. He registered 23 saves as Tampa Bay beat Phoenix, 3-0, before a half-full arena.
Analysis: Counting his relief appearance Thursday, he's now gone 107 minutes in his last two games without ever having to sweep the puck out of his own net. His recent performance spells bad news for teammate Mike Smith, who has struggled lately; Ellis may be close to seizing the starter's job here.
Lightning to Start Ellis on Saturday Against Coyotes
News: Ellis will start Saturday against Phoenix, according to the Lightning's official website.
Analysis: Ellis was practically guaranteed this start following his 24-save shutout win over Pittsburgh on Wednesday. He hasn't won the Bolts' starting job just yet, but another solid start or two would just about accomplish that for him. In the meantime, he should continue to share duties with fellow netminder Mike Smith.
News: Ellis was pressed into duty on Wednesday night after starter Mike Smith was pulled in the first period. He stopped all 24 shots he faced.
Analysis: Looks like the pendulum has swung in his direction. Watch for him to get the call next time out.
News: Ellis will tend the goal Sunday against Nashville, the St. Petersburg Times reports.
Analysis: Ellis getting this start comes as no surprise since he is familiar with the Predators, having spent three campaigns with the team prior to signing on with Tampa Bay this year. He must bring his 'A' game since his former club has yet to lose in regulation.
News: Ellis allowed three goals on 25 shots in Thursday's overtime loss to the Islanders, including Matt Moulson's video-reviewed game-winner.
Analysis: Neither Lightning goalie -- Ellis and Mike Smith -- has looked great in the early going, but Ellis has a track record of being better than this. Still, when was the last time we saw a Lightning goalie put up good fantasy numbers?
News: Ellis will start Thursday's game against the Islanders, Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune reports.
Analysis: Ellis has allowed five goals in his two games, including three in the first period of his previous start before being replaced after 15 minutes. Ellis does not have a favorable matchup against an Islanders team that has scored 20 goals in six games, so it is probably best to avoid him Thursday.
News: Mike Smith and not Ellis will get the start Monday against Dallas, reports the St. Petersburg Times.
Analysis: Ellis stunk Saturday night but then again, so did his entire team -- he got no support at all. Neither goalie has delivered their A-game yet so watch for them to continue to get turns until one does. And that makes them a risky play in weekly formats.
News: Ellis has been named the starting goaltender for Saturday's game, according to Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune.
Analysis: The Lightning's goal rotation is supposed to be somewhat of an even split, though Ellis has now played two straight. The pattern of play won't be apparent until the team gets a few more games under their belt.
News: Ellis was pulled in the first period of Saturday's loss to the Panthers after yielding three goals on 15 shots. He was replaced by Mike Smith.
Analysis: Neither man was strong Saturday and that only further muddies the blue ice in Tampa Bay. Mind you, the team did nothing to help their goalies. The platoon remains; exercise caution.
News: The Lightning would not commit Friday to a netminder for Saturday's game, reports the Tampa Tribune, so it may be a game-time decision between Ellis and Mike Smith.
Analysis: Ellis started Thursday and in a platoon, it would likely be Mike Smith's turn. But coach Guy Boucher hasn't come clean on his plans on how he'll handle the split of duty of his so-called "equal" netminders. You may have to hedge your bets on this one; go elsewhere if you have another option.
News: Ellis made 24 saves in Thursday's 3-2 win over Philadelphia.
Analysis: He faced his biggest test in the first when he stopped 13 of 14 shots. He and Mike Smith will likely continue to split starts until one man takes a big step forward. Handcuff them together for the best bang for your buck.
News: Ellis will start Thursday against Philadelphia, according to a report in the St. Petersburg Times.
Analysis: Bolts coach Guy Boucher indicated Ellis and Mike Smith will split the Wednesday-Thursday games and Smith got the tap for Wednesday's tilt. Boucher has suggested a time share between the two tenders is in order, making them both best suited to daily transaction leagues.
News: Mike Smith and not Ellis will get the start Saturday but coach Guy Boucher says the two goalies are "equal," says the St. Petersburg Times. A platoon split is the most likely scenario going forward.
Analysis: Boucher was clear: "(Dan) Ellis is coming in and I think it's normal that with two equal goaltenders, I go with the guy [Smith] who was here last year, who knows our barn and feels comfortable." A platoon is the worst thing in fantasy but it can help if you handcuff the two players together in a daily league. Ellis will get his shot soon.
News: Ellis has apologized for a recent Twitter rant about his cash woes that have resulted from the NHL escrow, reports Sportsnet.ca.
Analysis: Yet another pro athlete underestimating the power of social media. He first tweeted that the 18 percent NHL escrow amount that NHL players are forced to surrender was causing him financial hardship: "...I can honestly say that I am more stressed about money now than when I was in college." He then told his some 12,000 followers that if they don't like his tweets that they should just "unfollow" him. He was then forced to acknowledge the power of Twitter and formally apologize. Quite frankly, this isn't a great way to start a new $1.5 million, two-year relationship with fans in Tampa Bay.
News: The Lightning signed goalie Dan Ellis to a two-year contract on Thursday. Ellis was traded recently from Nashville to Montreal, but the Canadiens chose to sign Alex Auld on Thursday and let Ellis go to Tampa Bay. "We are very pleased to sign Dan," Lighting GM Steve Yzerman told NHL.com. "We expect him to come in and compete for playing time with Mike Smith. This is a great opportunity for Dan and we look forward to him making the most of it. From the entire Lightning organization, I’d like to welcome Dan to Tampa Bay." Ellis was equally as excited. "I’m very excited about coming to Tampa Bay," Ellis said. "To me, the Lightning are an up-and-coming team that has all the right pieces. They have great scoring and defensive talent. They picked up a world-class coach and general manager this summer and it is a team that is headed in the right direction. As soon as I saw that they quickly became my number one option."
Analysis: It was just a few years ago that Ellis was a rising star in the Predators' organization, but he seemed to fade into the background the last few years with the emergence of Pekka Rinne, who signed a new contract late last season with Nashville. Ellis went 15-13-1 with a 2.69 GAA and .909 save percentage in 31 games last season for Nashville. This is a better situation for Ellis than both Nashville and Montreal. Smith has shown the last few seasons that he might not be No. 1-goalie caliber and that leaves the door open for Ellis to re-emerge as a starting goalie. Draft him as a No. 3 Fantasy goalie on Draft Day, but there is clearly potential for him to be much more. The Lightning TG is still at best a No. 2 option.
News:Sergei Kostitsyn's tumultuous stint with the Montreal Canadiens ended when the forward was traded to the Nashville Predators. The Canadiens are getting forward Dustin Boyd, goalie Dan Ellis and future considerations from Nashville in the trade announced Tuesday. The Predators are also receiving future considerations from Montreal.
Analysis: Ellis is expected to backup Carey Price in 2010-11, if Montreal re-signs the restricted free agent Price as expected. It was just a few years ago that Ellis was a rising star in the Predators' organization, but he seemed to fade into the background the last few years with the emergence of Pekka Rinne, who signed a new contract late last season with Nashville. Ellis went 15-13-1 with a 2.69 GAA and .909 save percentage in 31 games last season for Nashville. We know how unpredictable Price can be, so Ellis is a qualified backup just in case. However, he heads into the season as a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis made 27 saves during a 3-2 overtime win against the Panthers on Monday. Ellis held a 1-0 lead until Keith Ballard scored 3:12 into the third period. Stephen Weiss then put Florida ahead more than two minutes later with his 27th goal. Ellis buckled back down to stop Florida the rest of the way, and earned the win after Francis Bouillon scored a minute into overtime.
Analysis: Ellis has won four of his last six appearances. Unfortunately, he has made only four outings since the Olympic break. Pekka Rinne has been something else for Nashville the last month and he is seeing most starts in net. Nashville just wanted to give him a rest on Monday since it plays again on Tuesday. Ellis has become a poor Fantasy play since he isn't seeing a lot of PT. The Predators TG is a high-end No. 2 option because of Rinne.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis stopped just 17 of 23 shots during Thursday's 8-5 loss to the Sharks. He was pulled after allowing four third-period goals.
Analysis: Ellis isn't playing very well lately, allowing 11 goals in three games since the Olympic break. He splits starts with Pekka Rinne, and is only 14-13-1 on the season, so he is at best a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis stopped 30 shots in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Thrashers. He's won three of his last four starts.
Analysis: Ellis splits starts with Pekka Rinne, although he's been playing less than Rinne since 2010 began, so he remains at best a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis made 27 saves against the Red Wings on Friday but it wasn't enough, as Nashville fell 5-2. Detroit scored an empty-netter in the final seconds of the third period. Ellis is now 13-12-1 for the season.
Analysis: Ellis splits starts with Pekka Rinne, although he's been playing less than Rinne since 2010 began, so he remains at best a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News:The Tennessean reports that Predators G Dan Ellis isn't likely to be traded before the deadline. "You knew we were going to try to sign one of our goaltenders and we signed Pekka (Rinne)," GM David Poile told the media on Wednesday. "If you told me we were going to have the same goaltending (tandem) back next year, I would be very happy with that."
Analysis: When the Preds signed Rinne to a new deal on Wednesday, many had to think that Ellis was a candidate to be dealt, even though he has better numbers than Rinne this season. While both continue to split starts, Ellis has been playing less than Rinne since 2010 began, so he remains at best a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis stopped both skaters he faced in a shootout, as Nashville escaped with a 4-3 win against the Penguins on Sunday. Ellis overcame three one-goal deficits to send the game into overtime. He finished with 30 saves for his second straight win.
Analysis: Ellis watched Pekka Rinne start five straight games before playing Wednesday against the Rangers. Rinne has lost his last two starts, so coach Barry Trotz could very well give Ellis more playing time after the Olympic break. If Nashville holds onto both goalies the rest of the season, then we expect a muddled situation. Ellis is at best a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Predators TG is a No. 2 option.
News: Rookie Colin Wilson scored the go-ahead goal on a second-period power play, Dan Ellis made 37 saves and Nashville Predators snapped a five-game road losing streak with a 2-1 victory over the New York Rangers on Wednesday. New York had gotten even at 9:48 of the second period when Vaclav Prospal scored during the Rangers' two-man advantage. Olli Jokinen, shortly after he made a deft play at the blue line to keep the puck in the zone, fired wide of the net. The puck caromed hard off the end boards and came to Prospal at the right post for a shot that struck Ellis and bounced in. Ellis impressed in the third period as he made 18 saves and kept New York off the scoreboard.
Analysis: Ellis won for the first time since Jan. 15 at Calgary. He was 0-3 since and had played only once in Nashville's previous eight games. Pekka Rinne had started the previous five. However, Ellis' performance Wednesday definitely could have earned him another start. It's tough to gauge what coach Barry Trotz is going to do in net on a nightly basis. Ellis is at best a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Predators TG is a No. 2 option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Predators G Pekka Rinne has started five straight games, the first time a Predators goaltender has made five straight starts since Rinne started eight consecutive games from Nov. 12-27. Dan Ellis hasn't played since Jan. 29, the end off a three-game losing streak.
Analysis: It's very interesting Ellis hasn't gotten a shot to play over the last five games since Rinne is 2-1-2 in that span and has allowed three or more goals in all but one of those games. Coach Barry Trotz hasn't had a problem in the past rotating goalies, but perhaps the front office is telling him to play Rinne more in trying to evaluate his future with the team. Rinne is the better start of the two goalies right now. The Predators TG is still a No. 2 option.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis made 25 saves during a 4-2 loss to the Red Wings on Friday. Ellis never led the game, but he came within one goal twice. Two power-play scores, however, did him in. "It really came down to special teams," Ellis said. "We were brutal again. We've had some meetings about our power play and our penalty kill. Maybe it's time to change things. You can't be 29th in the league on both sides of penalties and expect to win."
Analysis: Ellis is winless in three straight outings and has allowed four goals in each of his last two starts. If he is not careful, then Pekka Rinne might start getting the majority of starts again. Right now, Nashville is committed to a two-goalie system. Ellis is a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Predators TG is a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: The Columbus Dispatch reports that Predators G Pekka Rinne will start on Tuesday against the Blue Jackets.
Analysis: The Preds had been using pretty much a standard rotation with Rinne and Dan Ellis lately, but Rinne will be making a second straight start on Tuesday. Columbus play three times in Fantasy Week 17 (Jan. 25-31), with the second and third games coming on back-to-back nights. That should mean Rinne will get at least two starts in the scoring period, with Ellis likely limited to one. Use Rinne as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option in deeper leagues, while Ellis should probably be ignored. The Predators TG is a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 option.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis allowed Scottie Upshall to score three times in the third period on Thursday as Phoenix rallied past Nashville for a 4-2 win. Ellis allowed only Matthew Lombardi to score 2:49 into the second before Upshall began his third-period barrage at 4:02. Ellis finished with 19 saves for his second straight loss.
Analysis: Ellis allowed all of six goals in his previous five outings, so it's not like he has been struggling for a long period. He just really had a third-period lapse on Thursday. Hopefully, he will be able to rebound. Unfortunately, Ellis still shares time in net with Pekka Rinne. Ellis is a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Predators TG is a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Predators G Pekka Rinne lasted only nine minutes on Monday against the Maple Leafs after giving up three goals on eight shots. Dan Ellis, who replaced Rinne, did his best to keep Nashville in the game. The Predators did tie it up at 3 in the third before Phil Kessel scored the tiebreaking goal with 5:48 left to give the Toronto a 4-3 victory. Ellis made 13 saves in relief.
Analysis: It's a shame Ellis was dealt the loss since he played well cold off the bench. He still has allowed only six goals in his last five outings. He is playing very well and continues to share time in net with Rinne. Ellis is a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Predators TG is a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:The Tennessean reports that Predators G Pekka Rinne will get the start Monday vs. Toronto as Nashville stays with their goalie rotation, despite Dan Ellis' shutout on Friday.
Analysis: Apart from a couple of hiccups, the Predators have been switching their goalies every game for the last month or so. If they stick with that through Fantasy Week 16 (Jan. 18-24), Rinne would get two starts in the period, while Ellis would only get one. Use Rinne in deeper leagues as a No. 2 option, while Ellis should probably be benched outside of super-large formats. The Predators TG remains a No. 2 choice.
News:Patric Hornqvist scored with 6:22 left, and Dan Ellis made 22 saves for his first shutout of the season in the Nashville Predators' 1-0 victory over the Calgary Flames on Friday night. Ellis didn't have to face more than eight shots in a period. He won for the third time in four starts.
Analysis: Ellis hasn't allowed more than two goals in four straight outings and seems locked in. That will keep him in the mix for starts, however, he still has to battle Pekka Rinne. Ellis is a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Predators TG is a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Dan Ellis made 30 saves for the Predators during a 3-2 win against the Canucks on Monday. Ellis never trailed in the game and allowed only a pair of scores to Alexandre Burrows. Ellis made eight saves during a scoreless third. It was his second win in three starts.
Analysis: Ellis has allowed two or fewer goals in three straight starts. He has been playing well as of late, but so has Pekka Rinne. The two goalies have been trading off starts for the most part since mid-December, but Ellis is a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Predators TG is a No. 2 option.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis made 31 saves during a 3-1 loss to the Flames on Tuesday. The game was 2-1 before Daymond Langkow finished off the win with an empty-net score. Ellis lost for the third time in four starts.
Analysis: As Pekka Rinne has struggled over the last month that has allowed Ellis to see a few more appearances for Nashville. But his recent cold spell will open the door again for Rinne to perhaps take back the full-time gig. But until that happens, Ellis is a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Predators TG is a No. 2 option.
News: Nashville G needed 60 minutes and 28 seconds to earn his ninth win of the season on Thursday in a 2-1 overtime win over the Blue Jackets. Ellis made 31 saves in the game and allowed just one goal to Raffi Torres. He got the win when David Legwand scored a goal 28 seconds into the overtime period.
Analysis: Ellis has been rocked in his two previous starts, allowing nine total goals in two losses. He does usually start at least once a week, but his performances of late do not warrant him taking away more ice time from Pekka Rinne. Ellis remains just a No. 3 Fantasy option while the Predators TG is a No. 2 Fantasy unit.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis allowed four third-period goals Sunday as Nashville fell 5-4 to the Blackhawks. Ellis made 24 saves in defeat.
Analysis: Ellis has now allowed three or more goals in five of his seven December starts. Those kind of numbers aren't exactly going to earn him more starts ahead of Pekka Rinne any time soon. Ellis remains just a No. 3 option, while the Predators TG is a No. 2 choice at best.
News: Nashville netminder Dan Ellis did not allow a goal to the Vancouver Canucks in the 1st period Tuesday. That was where the good vibrations ended for Ellis. The Predators goalie allowed two goals in the 2nd period and two more in the 3rd to lose the game, 4-2. He stopped 32 of the 36 shots he faced in the loss.
Analysis: Ellis entered Tuesday’s game having won three straight games – two of them were starts – but he had allowed three goals in each of the wins in which he started. Ellis was solid again in net on Tuesday until late in the game when he allowed two 3rd-period goals but his Predators couldn’t get anything going offensively against Roberto Luongo and the Canucks. Ellis’ record drops to 8-6-1 on the year. Ellis remains the No. 2 to Pekka Rinne in Nashville for the moment and that keeps him a No. 3 Fantasy option in most leagues. The Predators TG is still a No. 2 choice.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis made 29 saves Saturday as Nashville defeated Calgary 5-3. He has now won five of his last six starts.
Analysis: Ellis has allowed two or fewer goals in four of his last six games and No. 1 Pekka Rinne has to be a little nervous about losing some more starts to Ellis if he keeps this hot play up. For now, Ellis remains a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game, while the Predators TG is still a No. 2 choice.
News: Predators G Pekka Rinne lasted only 5:01 into Thursday's game against the Oilers before being pulled in favor of Dan Ellis. The goalie changed seemed to spark Nashville, who outscored Edmonton the rest of the way in a 6-3 victory. Edmonton scored twice on their first four shots before Rinne got the hook. Nashville then scored four unanswered goals and ran away with the win. Ellis allowed only a second-period power-play score to Robert Nilsson. He made 21 saves.
Analysis: Ellis has won in three of his four appearances in December. There is no doubt coach Barry Trotz is likely going to give Ellis a few more starts while he has the hot hand, but Rinne is still the favored netminder. Treat Ellis as a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News:Dan Ellis had 28 saves in goal for Nashville, which improved to 14-2-1 when scoring the first goal, during Monday's 5-3 win against the Blue Jackets. Ellis never trailed in the game and allowed a pair of power-play scores. He won for the fourth time in six starts.
Analysis: Ellis has started three times in December, but he was playing a lot more earlier in the season. He has kind of settled into a backup role since Pekka Rinne has emerged as a better option in net for Nashville. Ellis is still in the picture and could always get more starts if he goes on a rolle, so treat him as a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Predators TG is a No. 2 option.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis, making a second straight start, was pulled after two periods of Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Wild. Ellis was replaced by Pekka Rinne after allowing four goals on 28 shots.
Analysis: Ellis looked great in Friday's win over the Blackhawks, but he couldn't keep things going on Saturday. Ellis has decent numbers this season, but he's still stuck as Rinne's backup for the time being. Only use Ellis in average point leagues if you have no other option. The Nashville TG remains a low-end No. 2 option.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis stopped 34 of 35 shots in a 4-1 win over the Blackhawks on Friday night.
Analysis: Ellis has decent numbers this season, but he's still stuck as Pekka Rinne's backup for the time being. Only use Ellis in average point leagues if you have no other option. The Nashville TG remains a low-end No. 2 option.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis made 23 saves Saturday as Nashville defeated the Panthers 4-1.
Analysis: Ellis looked a little shaky in allowing four goals to the Sharks in his previous outing, but the Nashville backup got back on track Saturday as he helped continue the Panthers' losing streak. The Preds play four times in Fantasy Week 9 (Nov. 30-Dec. 6), and Ellis should get at least one of those starts. Still, as a backup he has minimal Fantasy value. The Nashville TG remains a low-end No. 2 option.
News: Nashville G Dan Ellis choked late in the Tuesday game against the Sharks and coughed up the win in the process. The Predators were winning 3-2 after an early goal in the 3rd period but Ellis allowed consecutive scores from Devin Setoguchi and Dan Boyle and the Predators lost the game 4-3. Ellis stopped 25 shots in the loss.
Analysis: Ellis has allowed three or fewer goals in every appearance he's made this season but made only his second start since Oct. 28 on Tuesday and has just three wins to show for it. It is clear he's taken a back seat to Pekka Rinne in the Music City. He is barely worth using in Fantasy play right now, but might have some value in deeper leagues that reward average points. The Predators TG is a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis made 27 saves in his first start since Oct. 28 as Nashville defeated the Kings 3-1 on Saturday afternoon.
Analysis: Ellis' victory was his first in almost a month, and it's clear he's taken a back seat to Pekka Rinne in the Music City. He is barely worth using in Fantasy play right now, but might have some value in deeper leagues that reward average points. The Predators TG is a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Predators G Pekka Rinne improved to 2-3 on the season, stopping 11 shots after replacing Dan Ellis at the 2:18 mark of the second period during Wednesday's 4-3 win against the Wild. Ellis was removed from the game for the second time in seven starts this season after blowing a 2-0 lead very early in the second. Rinne then stopped all 12 shots he faced as Nashville rallied for the win. Ellis made seven saves before leaving the game.
Analysis: Ellis allowed three goals on three shots in seven minutes at Dallas on Oct. 14 in the Predators' 6-0 loss. After winning his first two starts, Ellis is winless in his last six outings. He has had a few bad performances, but for the most part has been pretty good. Still, he is not starting on a full-time basis. Ellis is at best a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 option right now. The Predators TG is a No. 2 option.
News: Nashville G Dan Ellis made 32 saves and allowed only two goals but ended up taking the loss on Saturday against the Blackhawks 2-0. Opposing goalie Cristobal Huet ended up with the shutout, making 27 saves. Ellis' record dropped to 2-3-1 on the season with the loss.
Analysis: Ellis has not picked up a victory in each of his previous five starts, going 0-3-1 during that span. He has been pretty good during that span however, not allowing more than three goals in any start the entire season. Ellis continues to split starts with Pekka Rinne, limiting his Fantasy value. Ellis is at best a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 option right now. The Predators TG on the other hand is a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis made 24 saves during a 3-2 loss to the Bruins on Wednesday. Ellis held two one-goal leads before Boston scored the game winner 8:33 into the third. Ellis is winless in his last four appearances (0-2-1).
Analysis: While the wins might be a little scarce for Ellis, he still hasn't allowed more than three goals in any of his six outings this season. He has looked much better to start the 2009-10 season than he did for most of the 2008-09 campaign, when he eventually lost his starting job to Pekka Rinne. The two are splitting time right now, so Ellis is at best a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Predators TG is a No. 2 option.
News: Predators goalie Dan Ellis allowed two goals in Saturday's shootout loss to the Capitals. He stopped 33 of 35 shots faced.
Analysis: Ellis won his first two starts of the season, but has not had a win since. Ellis at best a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Predators TG is a high-end No. 2 option.
News: Nashville starting goaltender Dan Ellis gave up three goals on three shots before he was pulled less than seven minutes after the opening faceoff during Wednesday's 6-0 loss to the Stars. Brenden Morrow beat Ellis on a one-timer from the left circle at 3:17, and Brad Richards converted Loui Eriksson's centering pass 40 seconds later. Eriksson's deflection at 6:31 ended Ellis' night as coach Barry Trotz brought in backup Pekka Rinne. Rinne didn't fare much better, with Morrow notching his second of the night on the power play at 8:48 of the first period to make it 4-0. Rinne finished with 20 saves on 23 shots.
Analysis: Trotz pulled Rinne on Monday night against Edmonton after he gave up four goals on nine shots in the first period. Both Predators goalies have struggled in their last two starts since both starting the season on a high note. This kind of inconsistency is why Trotz isn't ready to name a full-time starter. Ellis at best a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Predators TG is a high-end No. 2 option.
News: After stopping 41 of 42 shots against in a losing effort against Buffalo on Saturday, Predators goalie Pekka Rinne allowed four first period goals on just nine Edmonton shots during a 6-1 loss Monday. Dan Ellis replaced Rinne at the start of the second period. Ellis made nine saves on 11 shots.
Analysis: Ellis has won his first two starts of the season and has looked impressive. He has been that way since training camp and has won back coach Barry Trotz. However, Trotz still isn't ready to name just one starter. Ellis at best a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Predators TG is a high-end No. 2 option.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis made 22 saves during a 3-2 comeback win Thursday against the Avalanche. olorado scored first on a power-play goal at 4:30 of the second period. Triston Grant went to the box for interference, and John-Michael Liles passed along the blue line to Kyle Quincey whose one-timer beat Ellis for a 1-0 lead. Marek Svatos then scored in the third just as the Avalanche's third power play of the night was ending. Darcy Tucker passed to T.J. Hensick along the left boards, and Hensick passed along the line to Svatos who wristed his first goal this season over the glove of Ellis at 7:44 of the third. Colorado held a 2-1 lead before Patric Hornqvist scored twice 2:17 apart in the third period, and the Predators rallied to beat the Avalanche 3-2 in their home opener Thursday.
Analysis: Ellis was in net Thursday after winning the season opener Saturday against the Stars. While Ellis has looked sharp in net since the preseason, coach Barry Trotz has already said Pekka Rinne will get the start Saturday against the Sabres. Trotz intends to use both netminders until one of them emerges with the hot hand. Consider Ellis at best a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Predators TG is a high-end No. 2 option.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis made 38 saves in regulation and then got the win in a shootout Saturday as Nashville edged the Stars 3-2.
Analysis: Ellis was great in the preseason with a 3-0 record and 1.61 GAA, numbers that earned him the opening-night start. Expected No. 1, Pekke Rinne, did not impress during camp, but is still likely to get the majority of the starts this season for Nashville. Still, Ellis is worth using in deeper leagues as a No. 3 option, with the potential to be much more if he can continue to steal starts away from Rinne. The Predators TG is a No. 2 Fantasy choice.
News: Nashville G Dan Ellis made his second straight start on Thursday against the Rangers, taking a 4-2 loss. It was his fourth straight loss, including an overtime loss against the Capitals on Tuesday. Ellis made 28 saves in the game, allowing four goals.
Analysis: Ellis has completely lost the starting job to Pekka Rinne this season and his performance while Rinne is out with the flu has not done anything to change that. Ellis will go back to the bench as soon as Rinne is healthy, so he remains at best a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Predators TG has high-end Fantasy potential since Rinne has been playing well as of late.
News:Sergei Fedorov scored 2:20 into overtime past Dan Ellis to give the Washington Capitals a 2-1 victory over the Nashville Predators on Tuesday. From the right corner, Alexander Semin passed the puck to Viktor Kozlov on the right boards. Kozlov moved it into the low slot to Fedorov, who slid in a backhander past Ellis for his eighth goal of the season. Nicklas Backstrom tied it one with 1:21 left in the second period. Alex Ovechkin sent a pass to Backstrom in the low slot, and he saw Ellis fall to the ice. Backstrom then lifted a wrist shot into the vacated net for his 18th goal. Ellis made 42 saves in the overtime loss.
Analysis: Ellis started for Nashville after projected starter Pekka Rinne showed up to the morning skate with flu-like symptoms and was sent home. Despite playing in just three games since the All-Star break, Ellis was strong in net Tuesday, but just didn't get a lot of offensive support. Ellis will go back to the bench as soon as Rinne is healthy, so he remains at best a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Predators TG has high-end Fantasy potential since Rinne has been playing well as of late.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis, making his third start in the month of February, gave up six goals to the Red Wings on Wednesday in a 6-2 loss. It was only his third start since Jan. 17 when Pekka Rinne took a stranglehold of the starting job in Nashville.
Analysis: Ellis' loss drops his overall record on the season to 11-18-3. He has lost four of his last five starts and is not likely to threaten Rinne for the starting job the remainder of the season. He is now only a flier reserved for the deepest of leagues. The Predators TG on the other hand is a No. 2 option.
News: Nashville G Dan Ellis lost for the fifth time in his last six starts, giving up three goals in a 4-1 loss to the Stars on Sunday. The loss dropped Ellis' record on the season to 11-17-3. It was just his second start since Jan. 17 as Pekka Rinne has taken over the starting role in Nashville.
Analysis: Ellis is no longer the top goalie in Nashville although he has started twice this past week. Pekka Rinne is now the Fantasy goalie worth owning in Nashville. Ellis can only be cosndiered a flier reserved for the deepest of leagues. The Predators TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Relegated to backup status, Dan Ellis showed he can still be counted on in the final two months of the season. Ellis made 22 saves for a shutout in his first start in nearly three weeks, leading the Nashville Predators to a 2-0 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Friday. Ellis, who started the season as Nashville's top goalie, had not played since being pulled from a Jan. 17 start after allowing three goals on his first four shots. Pekka Rinne started the last six games, and has emerged as the No. 1 goalie. "You play the sport to play in games, and not just be a practice target," Ellis said. "You always hope for opportunities to play again and when you get those opportunities you need to go out there, play your best and give them a reason to keep you in the net."
Analysis: Ellis said his mind-set entering the game was that he had nothing to lose. "I'd already lost my spot, so what else do you got," Ellis said. "I figured I'd just go out there and enjoy it. I hadn't played a full game in a long time, and that's what you really enjoy. My goal tonight was to have fun, relax and not worry about the outcome." Ellis, 0-4 with a 4.54 goals-against average and an .837 save percentage in his previous five starts, was fortunate early to earn his third shutout of the season. Mikko Koivu just missed the net from in front, and Marek Zidlicky tipped a cross-ice pass wide, both in the opening minute. Ellis rebounded from a collision with Shea Weber to scramble back to stop James Sheppard less than five minutes later. Ellis' best save was sliding across the crease to stop Cal Clutterbuck on a 2-on-1 with 4:25 to play. Ellis might get another start in net for his strong performance, but coach Barry Trotz has been pleased with Rinne and is going to go with the rookie. Consider Ellis a No. 3 Fantasy goalie for flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Predators TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne has started in net in all three games since the All-Star break. No one is saying Dan Ellis has lost the No. 1 spot at this stage of the season, but it would appear that Rinne is the man between the pipes until further notice.
Analysis: The Predators carousel in net is getting pretty sickening to Fantasy owners. They have gone through the likes of Tomas Vokoun and Chris Mason in recent seasons, and now Ellis appears to be on his way out after starting the season as their top dog. Ellis should be reserved in Fantasy until further notice.
News: Nashville G Dan Ellis saw four shots come his way on Saturday, and he allowed three of those to get past him for a goal. After that, he was pulled less than 10 minutes into the game and replaced with Pekka Rinne who allowed four more goals in a 7-2 loss to the Thrashers on Saturday. Ellis has now lost his last four starts in a row.
Analysis: Ellis has only won once in his last seven appearances with the Predators partially due to the fact that he hasn't been getting enough offensive support. Saturday's game was basically inexcusable as far as Fantasy owners should be concerned. Ellis is a low-end No. 2 or No. 3 option in most leagues. The Predators TG falls into the same category.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis made 30 saves during a 3-1 loss to the Blackhawks Sunday. Ellis never led in the game and allowed Dave Bolland to score the eventual game winner 5:58 into the second period. Ellis allowed one power-play score and Martin Havlat iced the game with an empty netter.
Analysis: Ellis has just one win in his last six appearances. In five of those games, he has allowed three or fewer goals. Ellis has been playing better as of late, but just isn't getting a lot of offensive support. Continue to view him as a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The same goes for the Predators TG.
News: Predators G Pekka Rinne battled back from a 3-0 deficit after replacing Dan Ellis in net and Nashville beat the Penguins 5-3 Thursday. Ellis was pulled 3:29 into the second period when Jordan Staal put his team ahead 2-0. Maxime Talbot scored 21 seconds later on Rinne, but then the comeback began. Rinne stopped 17 shots, while Ellis made just five saves.
Analysis: Coach Barry Trotz gave Ellis a very short leash Thursday and that might not bode well for him in the long run. Ellis is winless in four of five appearances. He still has a GAA under 3.00, so Ellis is not yet in jeopardy of losing his starting job. Ellis is at best a low-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The same goes for the Predators TG.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis allowed three goals and made 23 saves in a 3-2 loss to the Flames on Saturday. Ellis has now lost three of four games and got pulled in his previous start against the Oilers. His record fell to 10-14-3 on the season.
Analysis: Ellis has been pretty solid recently but the Predators haven't really helped him out. Ellis is only 2-4-1 in the month of December despite giving up only 14 goals in seven games. Ellis remains a low-end No. 2 option in Fantasy and the Predators TG is also a low-end No. 2 option.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis allowed four goals on 17 shots before being pulled from Sunday's loss to the Oilers mid-way through the second period.
Analysis: Ellis was having a nice December until this outing, so hopefully this is just a minor bump in the road. His GAA this month remains below 2.00, but his record is now just 2-3-0. Consider Ellis a low-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie for Fantasy Week 13 (Dec. 29-Jan. 4), and the same goes for the Predators TG.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis made 38 saves Friday night in a 3-1 win over the Red Wings. He is now 10-12-3 on the season and has won two of his last three starts after losing six of his previous seven.
Analysis: After a shaky start to the season, Ellis has a stellar 1.39 GAA in December and is starting to heat up as the year comes to a close. He is doing his best to hold off Pekka Rinne for the moment. Consider Ellis a low-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie for Fantasy Week 13 (Dec. 29-Jan. 4), and the same goes for the Predators TG.
News:Joakim Lindstrom told Phoenix Coyotes teammate Kyle Turris how to handle Nashville goalie Dan Ellis. The rookie then put that knowledge to good use. Turris recorded his first two-goal game, including the go-ahead score with 9:58 left, and the Coyotes beat the Predators 2-1 Thursday. Turris put Phoenix ahead 1-0 on a breakaway with 9.7 seconds left in the first period after Ed Jovanovski chipped the puck off Martin Erat's stick and just outside the Coyotes zone. Turris gained control, skated in alone on Ellis and waited until the goalie was flat on the ice before tucking the puck just inside the right post. Turris took advantage of the tip from Lindstrom, who said to watch how far Ellis comes out of his crease and to wait for the goalie to make the first move. Turris scored his second goal when the rebound bounced to Enver Lisin at the right side of the net, where he fired a second time. Ellis again couldn't control the rebound, losing the puck just in front of his pads, and Turris forced the puck through for the goal. "The first one hit me in the head, the second came at my armpit and I tried to squeeze it," Ellis said. "It must have fallen down, and they just hammered home the third one."
Analysis: Ellis made 25 saves in the loss and has just one win in his last six outings (1-3-2). He has allowed two or fewer goals in his last four outings, so the losses haven't been all his fault. He has played better as of late after a rocky start to the season and is doing his best to hold off Pekka Rinne. Consider Ellis a low-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie and the same goes for the Predators TG.
News:Dan Ellis made 27 saves for his second shutout in his last six games on Saturday against the Stars. Ellis has allowed only three goals in his last three starts. He has eight career shutouts, two against the Stars -- the team that originally drafted him.
Analysis: It's fest or famine with Ellis. He hadn't won in his last four appearances, but has two shutouts in six games. That kind of inconsistency makes him a low-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie for the time being. The Predators TG is a No. 2 option.
News: Nashville G Dan Ellis was locked in a goalie battle with Steve Mason of Columbus through two periods on Thursday night. In the 3rd, each team scored one goal as Ellis allowed Mike Commodore to score his first of the season and tie the game to send it into overtime. After a scoreless extra frame, Ellis allowed Jakub Voracek and Rick Nash to score shootout goals as the Predators fell, 2-1.
Analysis: The Predators have now lost four straight games with Ellis in goal. The bad-luck goalie has now allowed just three goals over his last two contests with zero victories to show for it. That said, he is still proving a decent low-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie and hopefully his team will start getting him some victories in games like Thursday's. The Predators TG is at best a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Nashville G Dan Ellis gave a valiant effort on Tuesday night against the Canucks but Curtis Sanford was better in the 3-1 loss. Ellis allowed just two goals to score as the final goal came on the empty net. He stopped 25 shots in the game and took a tie game into the 3rd but allowed Alexander Edler to score the game winner 24 seconds into the period.
Analysis: Ellis still played well to fall to 8-11-2 on the season. The Predators have now lost the last three times he's been in goal, though he's allowed eight goals over that span. Coach Barry Trotz is still is backing Ellis, but there is no denying Pekka Rinne is improving. Ellis should be treated as a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Predators TG is at best a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis did not start Monday's game against the Blues, but did dress as a backup to Pekka Rinne after being scratched Saturday with a bruised knee.
Analysis: Ellis probably could have started Monday, but Nashville opted to go with Rinne, who had the hot hand before losing 6-3 Monday. Coach Barry Trotz has shown in the past with Chris Mason and Tomas Vokoun to have a short leash with his starting goalies. He still is backing Ellis, but there is no denying Rinne is improving. Ellis is a low-risk start for Week 10 (Dec. 8-14), but should be treated as a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Predators G Dan Ellis was scheduled to start against the Wild Saturday, but a puck hit him in the knee during the morning skate. "It's a charley-horse type of effect," coach Barry Trotz said. "That's something a goaltender can't play with." Trotz listed Ellis as day-to-day. He thought he should be ready to back up Pekka Rinne on Monday night at St. Louis and could be ready to start Tuesday against Vancouver.
Analysis: Ellis can't afford to sit idle too long with the way Rinne, who is 6-0, has been playing as of late. Trotz has shown in the past with Chris Mason and Tomas Vokoun to have a short leash with his starting goalies. He still is backing Ellis, but there is no denying Rinne is improving. Ellis is a low-risk start for Week 10 (Dec. 8-14), but should be treated as a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie.
News: Nashville G Dan Ellis was not sharp in Saturday's 6-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild. Ellis stopped just 23 of 29 shots that came his way. He allowed two goals scored in each period of the game for the Predators and falls to 8-10-2 on the season.
Analysis: Ellis' Predators have lost in four of the last five times he's started. Ellis remains a No. 2 goalie in Fantasy but is ice cold at the moment. The Predators TG is the same.
News: Nashville G Dan Ellis was out-dueled by the Blues' Chris Mason on Tuesday night in a 1-0 shootout loss. Ellis posted his first blanking of the season with a 17-save effort but allowed shootout goals to Dave Perron and Brad Boyes as Mason was perfect.
Analysis: Ellis has now had his team lose three of his last four starts though he's allowed just 10 goals in those games. He looked sharp on Tuesday despite being overshadowed by Mason. Ellis remains a No. 2 goalie in Fantasy and the Predators TG is the same.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis made 24 saves Sunday as he snapped a two-game losing streak in a 5-2 win over the Hurricane.
Analysis: Ellis had allowed four goals in his last two games, so his owners will be glad to see him limit the damage on Sunday. In Fantasy Week 8 (Nov. 24-30), the Predators play three times with games against poor teams St. Louis and Atlanta, and a contest against the solid Wild. Those first two matchups are nice ones, so get Ellis active in most formats as a No. 2 goalie for the upcoming scoring period. The Predators TG is a No. 2 option at best.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis stopped 20 shots as coach Rick Tocchet got his first NHL victory in a 4-1 Lightning win Friday. Ellis could not stop Tampa early as the Lightning led 2-0 after 7:05 and 3-1 after the first period. Ellis shut out the Lightning in the third period, but by then it was too late. He allowed one power-play goal in the loss.
Analysis: Ellis has lost his last two starts after winning his previous three. Here we go again. Ellis has been inconsistent in his first full season as a starter, and the only benefit going for him right now is that a rookie (Pekka Rinne) is backing him up so his job is safe for now. Ellis passes as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie until he starts winning a bit more. The Predators TG is also a low-end Fantasy option.
News: San Jose jumped on goalie Dan Ellis for two goals in the first period Monday and never looked back in a 4-1 win. Ellis made 28 saves while allowing one power-play goal. His winning streak came to an end at three games.
Analysis: Despite a few wins as of late, Ellis has still allowed three or more goals in five of his last seven outings. Ellis is having a hard time in his first full season as a starter, but Nashville isn't ready to turn to rookie Pekka Rinne full-time. Therefore, Ellis passes as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Predators TG is also a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Nashville defeated the Kings 3-1 on Saturday night as goalie Dan Ellis improved to 7-7-1 on the season. Ellis was great in stopped 33 shots and allowing just the lone goal to Michal Handzus in the 2nd period.
Analysis: Ellis has now won three straight games for the Predators after going winless in his previous four outings. Still, he has allowed three or more goals in six of his last eight appearances. Ellis is having a hard time in his first full season as a starter, but Nashville isn't ready to turn to rookie Pekka Rinne full-time and he's starting to come out of his funk. Therefore, Ellis passes as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Predators TG is also a low-end Fantasy option.
News:Dan Ellis, coming off a franchise-record 54-save performance in Nashville's 4-3 overtime win at San Jose on Tuesday night, stopped 32 Anaheim shots during a 4-3 overtime win Friday. Ellis allowed two power-play scores, including one to Teemu Selanne that tied the game at three 9:33 into the third period.
Analysis: Ellis has now won two straight starts after going winless in his previous four outings. Still, he has allowed three or more goals in six of his last seven appearances. Ellis is having a hard time in his first full season as a starter, but Nashville isn't ready to turn to rookie Pekka Rinne full-time. Therefore, Ellis passes as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Predators TG is also a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Nashville G Dan Ellis allowed Devin Setoguchi to score in the 3rd period Tuesday against the Sharks to give San Jose a 3-2 lead. Nashville's Ryan Suter tied the game at three and sent it into overtime and Ellis was sharp in OT as the Predators won the game. Ellis stopped 54 shots in the overtime victory and allowed three goals.
Analysis: Ellis had lost three straight starts heading into Tuesday's game against one of the hottest teams in the league. Well, Ellis was able to hold the Sharks off although they absolutely pelted him with shot attempts and he proved he is his team's best option. That said, Ellis will likely be just a No. 2 Fantasy goalie all season, so keep expectations in check. The Predators TG is also a No. 2 option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports goaltender Dan Ellis has carried a lot of the burden for the Predators' defensive woes on his shoulders this season. While he would have liked to have been on the winning side, holding a team to only one goal was a confidence-booster for him. Ellis, given the No. 1 spot last season after coming out of nowhere in training camp, has been a victim of bad luck and poor defensive coverages in front of him for much of the season. Still, he knows that no goaltender can continue to give up four or five goals on a regular basis and expect to survive in the NHL.
Analysis: Jason Arnott, center and team captain, has often said that if the goaltender is standing on his head and making great plays, then the rest of the team is inspired to follow his lead. Ellis made those kinds of plays against the Avalanche on Saturday night, including two brilliant stops of shots by left wing Ryan Smyth late in the game. Ellis had to face only 20 shots, but many of them were from close range. He withstood the pounding, and that is something he admits he can move forward with and build on. Ellis has lost three straight starts and has just four wins this season. Ellis will likely be just a No. 2 Fantasy goalie all season, so keep expectations in check.
News: Nashville G Dan Ellis narrowly missed a shutout on Saturday night against the Avalance. He narrowly missed winning the game, too, as Colorado took the game 1-0. Ellis stopped 19 shots and allowed Darcy Tucker to score in the 2nd period for the game's only goal.
Analysis: Ellis fell to 4-7-1 on the season for the Predators. He has now lost three straight contests and has allowed eight goals in them. Ellis hasn't really looked very sharp in his first full season as a starter and is showing he can't handle the extra responsibility. Ellis still remains a low-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie and the Predators TG the same.
News: Predators goalies Pekka Rinne and Dan Ellis had a rough night in net during Thursday's 7-6 loss to the Flames. Rinne started the game but allowed four first-period goals on 10 shots and was pulled after the period. Ellis then got in net to start the second, but couldn't stop the bleeding as Calgary scored twice in the second period. He stopped 16 of 19 shots as Rinne took his first loss.
Analysis: Ellis recently returned to net after missing a few games with a back injury, but he has allowed seven goals in his last two outings and hasn't allowed fewer than three goals in six straight appearances. Ellis hasn't really looked very sharp in his first full season as a starter and is showing he can't handle the extra responsibility. Rinne has had some nice starts for Nashville, but he is too inconsistent right now to dethrone Ellis. Therefore, Ellis still remains a low-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie.
News: Nashville G Dan Ellis missed two games with a back injury but was able to return between the pipes on Tuesday night against the Canucks. Ellis could not stop Vancouver as their goalie, Roberto Luongo, pitched a shutout. Ellis allowed four goals in the 4-0 loss and stopped 35 shots along the way.
Analysis: Ellis lost to drop his record to 4-5-1 on the season for the Predators. He's allowed four goals in three of his last five games and allowed three goals in the other two. Back problems have not been the reason Ellis has suffered this season. He is just off to a slow start. He is not in jeopardy of losing his starting status, but Ellis remains just a No. 2 Fantasy goalie when healthy. The Predators TG is a low-end Fantasy option.
News:Dan Ellis, the Predators' No. 1 goaltender, injured his back at Washington on Tuesday night and sat out Thursday and Saturday with Pekka Rinne getting the starts and winning both games. He should return to the net shortly for Nashville.
Analysis: Ellis is 4-4-1 with a 3.28 GAA and .873 save percentage. Back problems have not been the reason Ellis has suffered this season. He is just off to a slow start. He is not in jeopardy of losing his starting status, but Ellis remains just a No. 2 Fantasy goalie when healthy.
News:Dan Ellis, the Predators' No. 1 goaltender, injured his back at Washington on Tuesday night and sat out Thursday against the Oilers. He was having problems with stiffness and took off Wednesday from practice. He was ready to play against Edmonton if needed, but coach Barry Trotz decided to give Pekka Rinne another chance. "Having Dan sit out was more precautionary than anything," Trotz said. "With a stiff back, he is not going to be moving around like a goalie needs to move."
Analysis: Ellis is 4-4-1 with a 3.28 GAA and .873 save percentage. Back problems have not been the reason Ellis has suffered this season. He is just off to a slow start. He is not in jeopardy of losing his starting status, but Ellis remains just a No. 2 Fantasy goalie when healthy.
News: The Tennessean reports that Pekka Rinne will start in goal Thursday for the Predators as Dan Ellis continues to deal with a strained back sustained Tuesday.
Analysis: Rinne struggled in his first start of the season as he was yanked in favor of Ellis before the first period had even ended. The rookie will have his ups-and-downs as a backup goalie, and is at best a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Predators TG is a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Nashville lost to Washington in a shootout on Tuesday, 4-3, as Predators goalie Dan Ellis allowed three goals in regulation while stopping 29 shots. Ellis stopped Viktor Kozlov's first shootout attempt but Alexander Semin got one past him. After stopping Nicklas Backstrom's attempt, Ellis allowed the game-winner to Michael Nylander.
Analysis: Ellis did not play terribly as he was able to limit the Capitals to three regulation goals. In nine games this season, Ellis is now 4-5 and he's allowed 29 goals. He has not been as strong in net as he was last season for Nashville, but with rookie Pekka Rinne as his backup, Ellis is still not in jeopardy of losing his job. Continue to treat him as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Predators TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Nashville beat Los Angeles 5-4 on Saturday and goalie Dan Ellis stopped 26 shots. He allowed four goals in the game but earned the victory nevertheless.
Analysis: Ellis has now won two of his last three starts after losing two in a row against Dallas and Columbus earlier in the year. He's still allowing too many goals as he's given up seven in the two victories. He has not been as strong in net as he was last season for Nashville, but with rookie Pekka Rinne as his backup, Ellis is still not in jeopardy of losing his job. Continue to treat him as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Predators TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis lost a three-goal cushion Thursday against the Flames and ended up making 22 saves in a 5-3 loss. Nashville built a 3-0 lead halfway through the second period, but Jarome Iginla started Calgary's comeback at 14:04 with a one-timer from the right circle that beat Ellis wide to his left side. Ellis had come out in front of the crease to the right. "A goal like that always gives you momentum," Calgary coach Mike Keenan said. "I think that was the big goal for us." In the third period, the Flames scored two quick goals. Iginla beat Ellis to the right side at 6:52. David Moss tied it at 3 at 8:05 with a shot from the edge of the crease. Mike Cammalleri scored the go-ahead goal during a power play at 7:29 as he was stationed in front of the net. He redirected defenseman Dion Phaneuf's long shot from the left side. "In the second period we pretty much owned Calgary," Ellis said. "Then in the third we just kind of let up and they took it to us.
Analysis: Ellis has now lost three of his last four starts and has allowed three or more goals in three of those starts as well. He has not been as strong in net as he was last season for Nashville, but with rookie Pekka Rinne as his backup, Ellis is still not in jeopardy of losing his job. Continue to treat him as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Predators TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Nashville G Dan Ellis had a fairly easy time defeating Columbus on Saturday. Ellis allowed three goals and stopped 23 shots as the Predators won 6-3.
Analysis: Ellis is expected to see most starts in net for Nashville this season, but remains more of a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Predators TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Predators rookie G Pekka Rinne started Friday's game against the Blue Jackets, but was pulled before the first period ended and finished with the loss as Columbus won 5-3. Rinne was replaced by Dan Ellis after rookies Nikita Filatov and Jakub Voracek scored eight seconds apart in the first period to give Nashville a 3-0 lead. Rinne made just five saves in 14:26 of ice time. Ellis finished up by allowing two goals on 20 shots.
Analysis: The Predators put Rinne in net Friday to give Ellis the night off as he was expected to start Saturday. Well, those plans ended early as Rinne struggled in his first start this season. Ellis is expected to see most starts in net for Nashville this season, but remains more of a No. 2 Fantasy goalie.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis made 22 saves and allowed five goals during a 6-4 loss Wednesday against the Stars. Dallas had an empty-net goal with four seconds to play. Ellis never led in the game and allowed Fabian Brunnstrom's first career hat trick in his first NHL game.
Analysis: Ellis had a two-game winning streak end Wednesday and has now allowed a total of 10 goals in his two losses. He has been either really good or really bad this season. Ellis was pretty solid in 2007-08 for the Predators, but he was kind of playing above his talent level. He is still a solid No. 2 Fantasy goalie, but don't expect much else right now. The Predators TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Dan Ellis stopped 23 shots as the Predators spoiled the Blackhawks' home opener during Monday's 3-2 shootout win. Ellis stopped Patrick Kane and Martin Havlat in the shootout to secure the victory. Ellis, who has started all three of the Predators games so far, was especially sharp in the first period, blocking several point-blank attempts by Chicago. He stopped Chicago captain Jonathan Toews twice from close-in early in the first.
Analysis: Ellis has won two of his first three starts and the Predators have made a strong commitment to him as their starting goalie. He will need to keep the good times going in order to hold off rookie Pekka Rinne, but he is doing a good job so far. Continue to treat Ellis as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Predators TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Nashville G Dan Ellis was able to stop 19 of the 20 shots that came his way on Saturday in a defeat of the Dallas Stars.
Analysis: Ellis has put together one successful season, leading the NHL in save percentage (.924) and also setting a franchise record for shutouts in a season with six. Probably most impressive was his 11-3-3 record in one-goal games. Ellis, for the first time in his career, has bought a home in the city where his team plays. He has looked sharp in practice and is healthy. He does have to be careful of Rinne since Nashville has in recent seasons pulled the plug on goalies (Mason and Tomas Vokoun), but Ellis remains a decent No. 2 Fantasy goalie.
News:The Sports Xchange reports this time last season, Predators G Dan Ellis was simply trying to get noticed. Destined for Milwaukee (AHL), he refused to give up. Not only did he make the team, he eventually became the No. 1 goaltender, prompting the Predators to trade Chris Mason. Ellis is feeling more comfortable in camp. But he doesn't want to be too comfortable. He is backed up by talented Pekka Rinne, who had planned to be the backup in Nashville last season before Ellis stepped up. They are both talented, but they are by far the most inexperienced goaltending duo in terms of NHL games played.
Analysis: Ellis has put together one successful season, leading the NHL in save percentage (.924) and also setting a franchise record for shutouts in a season with six. Probably most impressive was his 11-3-3 record in one-goal games. Ellis, for the first time in his career, has bought a home in the city where his team plays. He has looked sharp in practice and is healthy. He does have to be careful of Rinne since Nashville has in recent seasons pulled the plug on goalies (Mason and Tomas Vokoun), but Ellis remains a decent No. 2 Fantasy goalie heading into 2008-09.
News: The St. Louis Blues acquired goaltender Chris Mason from the Nashville Predators for a fourth-round pick in Friday's draft. The 32-year-old Mason played in a career-high 51 games for the Predators last season, posting a 2.90 goals-against average and a .898 save percentage. "Acquiring Chris really solidifies our goaltending position which was one of our goals going into this weekend," Blues president John Davidson said in a statement. "We are looking forward to a big day today at the draft." Nashville has two picks each in the first, second and fourth rounds. The team also agreed with goalie Dan Ellis on a multi-year deal.
Analysis: Ellis had a great year with the Predators. He went 23-10-3 with a 2.34 GAA. He also had six shutouts and a .924 save percentage. He opened the 2007-08 season as a backup to Mason, but when he struggled, Ellis stepped in and eventually become the favorite. This is the second year in a row Nashville dealt their starting goalie. Before last season, Nashville traded Tomas Vokoun to the Panthers so Mason could start in net. Ellis is a minor-league journeyman who really got his first taste of NHL life in 2007-08. The fact Nashville kept their two previous starters on a short leash, doesn't bode well for Ellis if he starts to struggle. Consider Ellis a No. 2 Fantasy goalie on Draft Day.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis couldn't last even seven minutes Tuesday against the Blues. St. Louis scored three times in the first 6:46 of the game and Ellis was pulled in favor of Chris Mason after making just three saves. Mason had better luck as he made 10 saves the rest of the way. He picked up the 4-3 win as Nashville won in overtime.
Analysis: Ellis had a shutout string of 233:39 snapped in Sunday's 1-0 overtime loss at Detroit. Ellis' streak was the fifth best in NHL history dating back to the 1943-44 season. So it's not like he has been awful as of late. In fact, he has seen most of the starts in net for Nashville as Mason has been pretty awful this season. Continue to treat Ellis as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie.
News:Johan Franzen scored with 1:39 left in overtime to give the Detroit Red Wings a 1-0 win over the Nashville Predators on Sunday. Franzen's goal also ended the franchise-record 233 minute, 39 second shutout streak of Nashville goalie Dan Ellis, who finished with 35 saves. Ellis stopped Henrik Zetterberg's original shot, but Franzen was able to get just enough of the rebound and bounce it into the net for his 26th goal.
Analysis: Ellis played well enough to earn his fourth straight win Sunday, but just couldn't get any offensive help. Oh well. He has still emerged as the top goalie in Nashville and has temporarily taken the starter's job away from Chris Mason. Start Ellis as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie while he is hot. The Predators TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Dan Ellis shut out Columbus for the second time in four days, and the Nashville Predators mastered the Blue Jackets again with a 2-0 win on Friday night. Ellis made a career-high 43 saves. He beat the Blue Jackets 3-0 on Tuesday night, stopping 36 shots.
Analysis: Ellis faced a lot of shots but not a lot of strong scoring chances. The best came midway through the third period when Nikolai Zherdev fed Ron Hainsey for a point-blank, one-timer in the slot that Ellis smothered. He also stopped Aaron Rome on a similar shot with 5 1/2 minutes left. Ellis is a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Predators TG is also a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Goaltender Dan Ellis stopped 36 shots for his fifth career shutout and the Nashville Predators beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-0 Tuesday night for a second straight victory to keep their fading playoff hopes alive. Ellis has been in goal for both wins just as he was about to be replaced by Pekka Rinne, who was called up from their American Hockey League affiliate in Milwaukee.
Analysis: Ellis has been pretty much starting every game in net for Nashville in March since Chris Mason continues to struggle. Ellis is a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Predators TG is also a low-end Fantasy option.
News:Dan Ellis stopped two of three attempts to help Nashville improve to 3-5 in shootouts and the Predators stopped a six-game home skid with a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday afternoon. Ellis improves his record to 20-10-2.
Analysis: Ellis has been pretty much starting every game in net for Nashville in March since Chris Mason continues to struggle. Ellis is a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Predators TG is also a low-end Fantasy option.
News:Dan Ellis has started nine of the last 10 games, but he was replaced by Chris Mason for the second straight time after he gave up two goals on 13 shots against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday. Mason took the loss after he allowed three more goals for a 6-3 result. Ellis was on the ice for 24 minutes.
Analysis: Ellis has been pretty much starting every game in net for Nashville in March since Mason continues to struggle. Ellis is a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Predators TG is also a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Predators goalie Dan Ellis gave up three goals on eight shots and was pulled in favor of Chris Mason in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Washington Capitals. Ellis was on the ice for just 14:40 and took his 10th loss this season.
Analysis: Ellis has been pretty much starting every game in net for Nashville in March since Mason continues to struggle. Ellis has done well as a rookie with 19 wins. He has the hot hand in Nashville for now, just not on Tuesday night. Ellis is a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Predators TG is also a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis allowed just a first-period Niklas Kronwall goal during Saturday's 3-1 win against the Red Wings. It was his first win in three outings, despite having allowed just a total of six goals in his last three games. He made 34 saves Saturday.
Analysis: Ellis has been pretty much starting every game in net for Nashville in March since Chris Mason continues to struggle. Ellis has done well as a rookie with 19 wins. He is the flavor of the moment in Nashville, but is still more of a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Predators TG is also a low-end Fantasy option.
News:Dan Ellis allowed three goals on 29 shots and the Kings added an empty net goal for a 4-1 win over the Nashville Predators on Thursday night. The first NHL win for Ellis was against Los Angeles in his only game for the Dallas Stars during the 2006-2007 season.
Analysis: As a backup goalie, Ellis has 18 wins this season. He can be considered a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Predators TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Dan Ellis stopped 40 shots which was impressive, but the Predators still came up short in losing 2-1 to the red-hot San Jose Sharks. The first goal was decided after a lengthy video review in the second period. On the power play, Jonathan Cheechoo was skating close in on the left side when he passed the puck to Pavelski in front of the net, pulling Ellis out of position. Pavelski and Nashville's Greg Zanon got tangled in front of the net but Pavelski was able to get off a shot from close range. It looked like Zanon, who was lying down in the net behind the goal line, had stopped the puck. The review ruled the puck had crossed the goal line.
Analysis: Ellis has won three of the last five games. As a backup goalie, Ellis has 18 wins this season. He can be considered a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Predators TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Dan Ellis stopped 12 shots in the third period and 29 total, and the Nashville Predators edged the Calgary Flames 2-1 in overtime thanks to a goal from J.P. Dumont on Friday night.
Analysis: Ellis has won three of this last four games. As a backup goalie, Ellis is up to 18 wins for the season. He can be considered a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News:Dan Ellis was replaced by Chris Mason just six minutes into the game after Ellis gave up three goals on 11 shots and was tagged with a 6-2 loss to the Canucks on Thursday. Mason also allowed one goal in the first period on 13 shots and one goal each in the second and third periods.
Analysis: Ellis has 17 wins and now seven losses this season as Chris Mason's backup. Ellis remains a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News:Dan Ellis made 29 saves and Martin Erat scored his first career hat trick for the Nashville Predators who beat the Edmonton Oilers for the eighth straight time with a 5-1 win Tuesday night.
Analysis: Ellis has 17 wins this season as Chris Mason's backup. Ellis remains a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News:Dan Ellis made 24 saves for the Predators, who came in tied with Colorado for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, but beat the Dallas Stars 3-1 on Saturday night to snap a three-game losing streak. Ellis also earned a win (1-0) over the Stars on Dec. 31.
Analysis: Ellis has 16 wins this season as Chris Mason's backup. Ellis remains a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News:Dan Ellis replaced Chris Mason in the second period, but did not fare a whole lot better in relief on Wednesday when the Nashville Predators lost 8-4 in Buffalo. Ellis was beaten on the first shot he faced when Derek Roy made it capping a give-and-go with newcomer Steve Bernier. Ellis allowed three goals on 14 shots. Mason gave up five goals on 19 shots.
Analysis: Ellis has 15 wins thhis sseason as Mason's backup. Ellis remains a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News:Dan Ellis was yanked after two periods Saturday against the Stars after giving up four goals on 18 shots. Regular starter Chris Mason played the third period and allowed two goals on 11 shots. But it was Ellis tagged with the loss.
Analysis: Ellis has won three of his previous four appearances and has 15 wins for the season as Mason's backup. Ellis remains a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News:Dan Ellis stopped 32 shots, including all 14 in the third period and the Nashville Predators edged the Edmonton Oilers 5-4 on Tuesday night. The Predators have won four of their last six.
Analysis: Ellis has won three of his last four appearances and is up to 15 wins for the season as Chris Mason's backup. Ellis remains a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News:Dan Ellis made 18 saves in the first two periods and had nothing to do in the third when the St. Louis Blues did not have a shot on goal and the Predators won 2-1 in overtime.
Analysis: Ellis has been some starts lately, but continues to remain the backup to Chris Mason. Ellis remains a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News: Predators G Chris Mason saw less than 13 minutes of action Thursday against the Blackhawks as he allowed three goals on the first seven shots. He was replaced by Dan Ellis, who allowed three goals on 13 shots. The Predators lost 6-1.
Analysis: Ellis has won three of his previous four appearances before being used in relief Thursday. He continues to see starts in Nashville, but remains the backup to Mason. He remains a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis stopped 27 shots during a 6-3 win Sunday against the Coyotes. Ellis squandered a 3-0 lead, but shut out the Coyotes in the third period as Nashville scored three goals to win the game. "We were able to respond in the third period and come up with a big win," Ellis said. "Did I get rattled? No, I mean their goals were kind of hitting bodies and it's just unfortunate. You're going to get those goals during the course of the season."
Analysis: Ellis has now won three of his last four outings, and the three goals Sunday were the most he allowed in five appearances. Ellis is 13-5-1 with a 2.22 GAA, but can only be considered a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average scoring systems. He is still the backup to Chris Mason. The Predators TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Dan Ellis does not get starts too often in the Predators net, but on Thursday he came close to winning for the third straight time when he got the call. However, Tampa Bay had other ideas and when Brad Richards fired a slap shot from the top of the right faceoff circle, Ellis managed to make the initial save, but Prospal was standing just to the right of Ellis, and was able to send the rebound between the goaltender's pads for his 23rd goal of the season. Tampa Bay went on to a 2-1 win for its sixth straight road victory after starting off the season 3-14-3 away from the St. Pete Times Forum.
Analysis: Ellis is 12-6-1 for the season, but can only be considered a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average scoring systems. The Predators TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Dan Ellis took full advantage of his first start since Jan. 22 and stopped 35 shots to help the Nashville Predators beat the Phoenix Coyotes 3-2 in overtime.
Analysis: Ellis improved to 12-5-1 for the season, but is nothing more than a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average scoring systems. The Predators TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Dan Ellis got the call Tuesday in place of Chris Mason, who had started the previous four games for Nashville, including Monday against St. Louis. Ellis made good on his start and stopped 39 shots in a 4-0 win at Colorado for his fourth shutout of the season.
Analysis: Ellis, who improved to 11-5-1 and gave the Predators a third straight win, is to be counted on as a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average scoring systems. The Predators TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Patrick Sharp scored a second-period goal and then netted the winner in the shootout past Dan Ellis, sending the Chicago Blackhawks to a 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators on Sunday night. Ellis made 28 saves and allowed two goals in the shootout loss. He is now winless in his last two appearances (0-1-1), but has allowed two or fewer goals in five of his last six outings.
Analysis: Ellis has really only struggled once in his last six appearances. He allowed five goals to the Ducks on Monday. The Predators continue to split time with Ellis and Chris Mason in net. Ellis remains a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average scoring systems. The Predators TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis saw his three-game win streak end Monday when Nashville fell 5-2 to the Anaheim Ducks. Ellis, who let in four second-period goals, made 32 saves in defeat.
Analysis: Ellis has now started four straight games for the Predators and appears to have prised the No. 1 job away from Chris Mason, as Ellis has already been named starter for Tuesday night's game at Los Angeles. Consider him and the Predators TG as No. 2 options for now.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis made 29 saves during a 4-1 win Saturday against the Wild. His shutout bid was broken up in the second period by Mark Parrish. He has now won his last three starts and has allowed just three goals in that span.
Analysis: Ellis improved to 10-4-0 Saturday and has the hot hand in Nashville at this time. Expect the Predators to lean on him until the well runs dry. Consider him a solid No. 2 Fantasy goalie with four games in the upcoming scoring period (Jan. 7-13). The Predators TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis stopped 26 shots during a 5-2 win against the Oilers Thursday. He has now won consecutive starts and three of his last four. He hasn't allowed more than three goals in an outing in his last seven appearances.
Analysis: Ellis has the hot hand right now in Nashville and will likely remain in net until head coach Barry Trotz is ready to play Chris Mason. Ellis has had some good and bad moments as a rookie. Ellis remains a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Predators TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Rookie Dan Ellis stopped 22 shots for his third career shutout and the Nashville Predators ended a seven-game losing streak in Dallas with a 1-0 victory over the Stars on Monday night. Ellis, a former minor league goaltender in the Stars organization who started one game for Dallas in the 2003-04 season, signed with the Predators as a free agent last summer. Ellis improved his record to 8-4 this season, helping stop his former team's four-game winning streak.
Analysis: Ellis was much better Monday than in his previous start when he lasted just 15 minutes. He has had some good and bad moments as a rookie, but the Preds continue to go with Chris Mason as their top goalie. Ellis remains a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Predators TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Predators backup G Dan Ellis lasted only 15 minutes of Nashville's 5-2 loss to the Blackhawks on Wednesday night as he allowed two goals on three shots. Chris Mason replaced him and didn't fare much better, giving up two goals on 18 shots to take the loss.
Analysis: The Preds goalie situation is a bit of a mess at the moment, as neither Ellis or Mason is playing well enough to get more than a couple of starts in a row. Nashville has lost nine of its last 11 games and neither tender, or the Predators TG should be starting at the moment.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis made 34 saves and was assisted by Jason Arnott's hat trick during a 4-3 win Saturday against the Kings. The win snapped a four-game losing skid for Ellis, who has now allowed three or more goals in four of his last five outings.
Analysis: Arnott really helped out Ellis Saturday or else he could have been looking at another loss. The Predators' goalie situation is up in the air because Ellis and Chris Mason are both struggling. Ellis is to be considered a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or useful in leagues that average points per game scoring systems until further notice.
News: Nashville starting goalie Chris Mason was pulled early in first period during a 5-2 loss to the Blackhawks Wednesday after allowing goals on the first two shots he faced. He was replaced by Dan Ellis, who stopped 25 of 28 shots. Ellis took the loss Tuesday against the Wild after allowing three goals and making 28 saves.
Analysis: Ellis has made five appearances in December and continues to be a valuable commodity whenever Mason struggles. But head coach Barry Trotz is committed to Mason after shipping Tomas Vokoun to Florida. Ellis is to be considered a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or useful in leagues that average points per game scoring systems.
News: Wild C Brian Rolston scored the winner Tuesday against the Predators with just over a minute to go when he chipped in a rebound over the right pad of Nashville goalie Dan Ellis, who made 28 saves in the losing effort. He has now lost his last three starts and has allowed a total of nine goals in that stretch.
Analysis: Ellis has made four appearances in December and continues to be a valuable commodity whenever Chris Mason struggles. But head coach Barry Trotz is committed to Mason after shipping Tomas Vokoun to Florida. Ellis is to be considered a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or useful in leagues that average points per game scoring systems.
News:Dan Ellis lost a 2-1 game to Detroit Monday. He allowed two goals on 35 shots.
Analysis: As Chris Mason’s backup in Nashville, Ellis has been quite valuable winning six games. Ellis has been a steady backup goalie for the Predators, but he won’t get regular starts unless Mason struggles or gets injured. Ellis is to be considered a third-string Fantasy goalie, more useful in leagues that average points per game scoring systems.
News:Dan Ellis lost his first game of the season Thursday against the visiting Canucks, 5-2. “If you are going to lose, you want it to be in a closer game,” Ellis said. It was his third appearance in the Nashville's past four games and his second start. “We had a really strong first period, but in the third we got away from what was giving us success which was getting pucks deep and funneling pucks to the net.," Ellis noted. "We didn’t take advantage of our chances in the second and third.”
Analysis: As Chris Mason’s backup in Nashville, Ellis has been quite valuable winning six games. Ellis has been a steady backup goalie for the Predators, but he won’t get regular starts unless Mason struggles or gets injured. Ellis is to be considered a third-string Fantasy goalie, more useful in leagues that average points per game scoring systems.
News: Predators G Chris Mason got off to a bumpy start Saturday against the Canadiens and was yanked 13:39 into the first period. Mason allowed two goals on six shots. He was replaced by Dan Ellis, who allowed two goals on 20 shots. He picked up the win after allowing just one goal during the shootout.
Analysis: Ellis was sharp in relief Saturday and has now won his last six appearances dating back to Oct. 25. The Predators realize how valuable he has been to them this season, but he still remains the backup to Mason. Ellis remains a No. 3 Fantasy goalie and someone to use in leagues that have average points per game scoring systems.
News: Nashville backup goalie Dan Ellis survived blown leads to maintain his perfect record with his fifth win in five starts Thursday at Ottawa.
Analysis: Consider the second-year netminder a decent No. 3 goalie for now. He doesn't play much (three games in November), but he plays well when he does go. The Predators TG also remains a No. 2 Fantasy option at this time.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis made 30 saves and improved to 4-0 with a 4-1 win against the Oilers on Friday. Ellis has won his last four starts while posting two shutouts in that stretch.
Analysis: Don't look now, but Ellis -- not Chris Mason -- is the best goalie in Nashville. Head coach Barry Trotz would like to stick with Mason, but he has been awful this season and Ellis is streaking. Consider the second-year netminder a decent No. 2 goalie and someone to start in leagues that use average points per game as long as he is winning. The Predators TG also remains a No. 2 Fantasy option at this time.
News: Dan Ellis helped the Nashville Predators end their road woes with a shutout. It didn't hurt to be playing a Vancouver team that's struggling at home. Ellis made 29 saves, lifting the Predators to their first road victory of the season -- 3-0 against the Canucks on Thursday night. "To finally get that monkey off our backs and realize we can win on the road, that's it's not a curse or anything like that, it feels great," said Ellis, who was making his first road start after winning both his home games last week.
Analysis: It was the third start -- and third victory -- in four games for Ellis, who is playing more while No. 1 Chris Mason tries to overcome a seven-game losing streak. "I'm happy to get the opportunity," said Ellis, a second-round draft pick by Dallas in 2001 who spent almost all of his first four seasons in the minors. Now he has two shutouts in three starts with Nashville, and victories in all four career NHL starts, including one with the Stars in 2003-04. "I'm a minor-league guy who just came up and I just want to stay here, really," he said. "I was in the minors for four years and you finally get the chance, you want to make a career of it and not just be a flash in the pan." Ellis has been strong in net this season for Nashville, while Chris Mason has been flat out awful. Consider picking Ellis up as a reserve goalie in Fantasy play.
News: Predators G Dan Ellis made his second consecutive start Saturday and won for the second time as Nashville prevailed 4-3 over the Panthers. He made 24 saves in the win.
Analysis: Ellis has been strong in net this season for Nashville, while Chris Mason has been flat out awful. However, head coach Barry Trotz said Thursday after Ellis' first win that Mason is still the No. 1 goalie in Nashville. There is no controvery yet for the Predators, but Fantasy owners need to keep an eye on the situation. Ellis is nothing more than a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or a flier in leagues that use average points per game in a scoring period. The Predators TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option at this time.
News: Dan Ellis stopped 20 shots for his first career shutout, helping the Nashville Predators snap a six-game losing streak and beat the Atlanta Thrashers 3-0 Thursday. It was Ellis' second NHL start, and first this season after Chris Mason got the first eight for Nashville. Ellis was playing his fourth game with the Predators. He has not allowed more than two goals in any of his four appearances.
Analysis: Mason has been pretty awful as of late, while Ellis has shined in his four appearances this season. There is no controvery yet for the Predators, but Fantasy owners need to keep an eye on the situation. Ellis is nothing more than a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or a flier in leagues that use average points per game in a scoring period. The Predators TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option at this time.
News: Los Angeles took a 4-0 lead in the second period Tuesday, prompting Nashville coach Barry Trotz to replace goalie Chris Mason with Dan Ellis midway through the period. Mason faced 19 shots, and the Kings had 17 against Ellis, who also gave up a pair of goals.
Analysis: Ellis has replaced Mason three times this season. Mason has been pretty awful as of late, but still holds down the starting gig for the Predators. That makes Ellis a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or a flier in leagues that use average points per game in a scoring system.
News: Predators G Chris Mason is having a bad week. After being pulled from Wednesday's loss to the Coyotes, Mason was pulled again from net during Saturday's 7-4 loss to the Flames. He allowed six goals on 23 shots before being pulled with 12 minutes left in the third period. He was replaced by Dan Ellis, who allowed one goal on seven shots.
Analysis: Ellis also replaced Mason on Wednesday and stopped 14 shots without allowing a goal. Don't be surprised if he earns himself a start in the upcoming scoring period (Oct. 15-21). Mason has been pretty awful as of late, but still holds down the starting gig for the Predators. Tha makes Ellis a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or a flier in leagues that use average points per game in a scoring system.
News: Predators goalie Chris Mason allowed four goals on 18 shots at St. Louis Wednesday before being pulled midway through the second period and replaced by Dan Ellis.
Analysis: Ellis made his second career appearance, and first since his lone NHL start in goal on Feb. 8, 2004, a victory while with the Stars. He is only worth a look in the deepest of Fantasy leagues which average points per game in a scoring period.
News: Chris Mason has posted two wins, an impressive 1.76 GAA and a sparkling .947 save percentage so far during the preseason, making Predators fans ask Tomas who? Coach Barry Trotz told the Nashville Tennessean he is uncertain who Mason's backup is just yet, as Dan Ellis and Pekka Rinne continue to battle. Ellis is 0-1 in the preseason, but he has an 0.90 GAA and .964 save percentage. Rinne is 1-0 with a 2.65 GAA and .925 save percentage in three games.
Analysis: Whether Ellis or Rinne wins the backup job, they are unlikely to see much playing time as long as Mason stays healthy. It appears Ellis, the former Stars minor leaguer and backup, has the upper hand in the battle so far. He is only worth a look in the deepest of Fantasy leagues which average points per game in a scoring period if he wins the job.
News: The Nashville Predators added two free agents, goaltender Dan Ellis and forward Shane Willis, and re-signed defenseman Nolan Yonkman on Thursday.
Analysis: Gaoltender Dan Ellis, 27, went 30-21-1 with a 2.78 goals-against average in 55 games with the AHL's Iowa Stars last season. He is only being added for organizational depth and will likely see minimal action in the NHL.
News: Mike Smith (back) has been activated from injured reserve, so he will be back to serve as the backup to Marty Turco on Friday against the Penguins. Dan Ellis was returned to Iowa of the AHL as a result.
Analysis: Ellis might be back at some point, but he is not a recommended Fantasy option in any format.
News: The Dallas Stars assigned Tobias Stephan to Iowa of the AHL over the weekend and they recalled Dan Ellis to serve as the backup to Marty Turco.
Analysis: Neither Ellis or Stephan are worthy of any Fantasy consideration unless Marty Turco suffers a long-term injury. The only reason either are seeing time in the NHL is due to the fact Mike Smith (back) is sidelined.
News: The Dallas Stars recalled goaltender Mike Smith from the AHL Iowa Stars on Friday and assigned center Joel Lundqvist and goaltender Dan Ellis to the minor league team. Earlier Friday, the Stars had assigned Smith to the Iowa team in exchange for Ellis, but Ellis' flight to Los Angeles for the Stars' game Saturday was canceled, the team said. Smith will be the backup goalie Saturday. Smith has a 5-3-0 record for Dallas this season, with a 2.27 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage.
Analysis: Smith is only worth using in the largest of Fantasy leagues which average points per game in a scoring period since he backups one of the best goalies in the league in Marty Turco. Lundqvist and Ellis should not be on Fantasy rosters at this time.
News: The Dallas Stars assigned goaltender Mike Smith and center Joel Lundqvist to the AHL Iowa Stars on Friday and recalled goaltender Dan Ellis from the minor league team. Smith has a 5-3-0 record with Dallas this season, along with a 2.27 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage. The team said the move is for conditioning. Lundqvist, who appeared in his fifth NHL game Thursday night against the New York Rangers, has scored eight goals in 25 games for Iowa this season. Ellis has a 7-7-0 record for Iowa this season, with a 3.85 goals-against average and a .871 save percentage. He played his only NHL game with Dallas in a 4-3 win against Los Angeles in February 2004.
Analysis: Smith should only be held onto in long-term keeper leagues. It is safe to cut him in seasonal leagues while he is not on the Stars rosters. Lundqvist and Ellis should not be on Fantasy rosters at this time.
News: The Dallas Stars have assigned G Dan Ellis, D Niklas Grossman, D Vadim Khomitski, RW Junior Lessard and C Joel Lundqvist to Iowa of the AHL. They also recalled LW Loui Eriksson from Iowa.
Analysis: None of the players mentioned above are worthy of any Fantasy consideration. The demotion of Ellis has no affect on the Fantasy value of the Stars TG, which is among the best in the league.
News: Ellis was assigned to Iowa of the AHL on Tuesday.
Analysis: Ellis was recalled on Monday to serve as the backup to Johan Hedberg at St. Louis with Marty Turco (flu) resting.
News: Dan Ellis was recalled from Iowa of the AHL on Monday to serve as the backup to Johan Hedberg in St. Louis with Marty Turco sidelined by the flu.
Analysis: Ellis will return to Iowa as soon as Turco is ready and he is not likely to see any playing time.
News: The Dallas Morning News reports that Dallas called up Ellis from Utah of the AHL Monday.
Analysis: Ellis will serve as Marty Turco's backup until Ron Tugnutt (groin) returns from injury this weekend.
