Just like we did for the forwards and defense, we’re trying to identify players that will far exceed expectations of the general fantasy community line of thinking (sleepers), and also those that will crash and burn from unreasonably high expectations (busts). Here are those picks for this year’s crop of fantasy goalies.

Sleepers

Ray Emery, PHI – The attitude problems and his overall resume might scare people away. The talent is there though, and he should be the go-to guy for a strong Flyers team.

Mike Smith, TB – Smith is one person who can’t be blamed for the Bolts’ struggles last year. He’s fully recovered from the concussion that ended his 08/09 campaign, and has a much improved defense in front of him.

Cristobal Huet, CHI – Huet is coming off a year in which he managed to lose his job as the Hawks number 1 goalie. Chicago is a team on the rise though, and Huet is their go-to guy this year.

Jonas Hiller, ANA – Hiller was great as he battled for playing time last season, and he was superb in the playoffs. He should see more starts this season, so an increase in wins, saves, and shutouts are sure to follow.

Jonathan Quick, LA – His start total should increase from 44 last year, and the young Kings will be an exciting and improved team this season.

Honourable mentions: Carey Price, Nikolai Khabibulin.

Busts

Dwayne Roloson, NYI – Roloson bounced back with a 28 win season last year, posting a .915 save percentage. And then he signed with the Islanders.

Pekka Rinne, NAS – Dan Ellis will give him steady competition, and Nashville’s situation should be interesting given that both goaltenders are in contract years. He might not get enough starts to warrant serious consideration as a starter in anything but the deepest leagues.

Vesa Toskala, TOR – Sure the Toronto defense has improved, but Toskala is going to be on a short leash this year. Even if he plays reasonably well, he isn’t likely to get much more than 50 starts as the Leafs bring Jonas Gustavsson into the fold.

Chris Osgood, DET – Some will overvalue him based on a strong playoff, but he was downright awful in the regular season, and isn’t getting any younger.

Chris Mason, STL – The last time he entered the season as the number one guy he was less than stellar. Dan Ellis ended up starting a good chunk of the Preds’ games, and Mason was sent to the Blues in the off-season. Ty Conklin should start a decent number of games for the Blues this year.