Friday, October 6, 2017

Thomas Greiss pulled in second period

Thomas Greiss was pulled at 11:50 of the second period after allowing five goals on 26 shots in the Islanders' 5-0 loss to Columbus on Friday night.

Fantasy Implications: Following an excellent preseason, Greiss scuffled in his 2017-18 regular season debut, surrendering four even-strength goals and one power-play tally to five separate Blue Jackets.  The 31-year-old netminder was relieved by Jaroslav Halak, who is scheduled to tend the twine in Saturday's home-opener against Buffalo. Islanders coach Doug Weight is expected to ride the hot goaltender to start the season, which may not bode well for fantasy owners of Greiss. When Greiss faltered down the stretch of last season, it was Halak who started and won five straight critical games as the Isles battled for the final Eastern playoff spot. 

Roberto Luongo to start on Friday

Roberto Luongo will be between the pipes against the Lightning in Tampa Bay on Friday.

Fantasy Implications: Luongo finished last year with a respectable .914 save percentage and a 17-15 record.  He was limited to 40 games because of injury.  Although still considered the No. 1 netminder for the Panthers, the 38-year-old Luongo is expected to be in a time-share with backup James Reimer.  Fantasy owners should no longer anticipate Luongo starting 60-plus games has he was accustomed to do in years past.