Pepsi_NHL-Goalie-Challenge

Each Tuesday, NHL fans can play the Pepsi Zero Sugar NHL Goalie Challenge. For more coverage, visit NHL.com/Fantasy.

The weekly contest will allow fans to showcase their knowledge by choosing team goalies for three different categories (win, fewest goals against, most saves) with bonus points awarded for any shutouts from your team goalie picks.

NOTE: Fans can create their own leagues or join the “NHL Fantasy on Ice” podcast group (league code: BT219R).

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TUE. DEC. 31

Potential win: Edmonton Oilers (vs. UTA)

Prior to consecutive road losses, one in overtime, against the Kings and Ducks, the Edmonton Oilers had won 11 of their past 13 games and outscored their opponents 53-28 during that span. Since Zach Hyman returned to the lineup on Dec. 5 after a five-game absence (undisclosed injury), he shares the NHL lead with 10 goals while his linemate Connor McDavid leads the League in assists (18). Goalie Stuart Skinner seems to be improving after a slow start as his save percentage improved from .872 in October (seven games) to .898 in November (nine games) to .907 through eight games in December. The Oilers have bounce-back appeal after blowing a multigoal lead in their last game on Saturday (vs. ANA), espially considering Utah is on the second of a back-to-back set after playing in Seattle on Monday night. -- Troy Perlowitz

Chance at fewest goals allowed: New Jersey Devils (at ANA)

The New Jersey Devils have allowed the second-fewest goals per game (2.51) this season and this month (1.92). The Devils have allowed a League-best 22.2 shots on goal per game and the Anaheim Ducks have scored the third-fewest goals per game (2.31) in December. In nine games this month, Jacob Markstrom leads the NHL with a .945 save percentage and 1.11 goals-against average. He’s second in wins (eight) and tied for first in shutouts (two) this month, and he’s only allowed 10 goals over that span (8-0-1). Only Connor Hellebuyck has a lower goals-against average (2.00) this season than Markstrom’ 2.11. Per NHL EDGE stats, Markstrom ranks among the leaders in games with at least a .900 save percentage (16; 91st percentile) and goal differential per 60 minutes (1.33; 95th percentile). -- Chris Meaney

Chance at most saves: Chicago Blackhawks (vs. STL)

Since the Blackhawks made a coaching change, they are 4-7-0 dating to Dec. 7. They are allowing the 12th-most shots on goal per game (28.5) but quietly have the third-best penalty kill in the span (94.1 percent) under new coach Anders Sorensen. That stat could translate to the Discover NHL Winter Classic matchup against the St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field considering the Blues have the fifth-worst power-play percentage (14.9) in the League. Veteran Petr Mrazek is expected to start the outdoor game, but Arvid Soderblom, if he gets playing time, has been underrated this season with a .907 save percentage in 16 games; he is 4-4-0 since the coaching change, including two games with at least 30 saves. -- Pete Jensen

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Sign up: Pepsi Zero Sugar NHL Goalie Challenge

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Read: Projected lineups, starting goalies