Sleeper Watch

If you already have Kari Lehtonen as your third-string goalie, then this article is not for you. But if you are taking chances on netminders like the Canadiens’ Cristobal Huet, the Stars’ Johan Hedberg, or the Kings’ Jason LaBarbera, read on.

Sean Burke started two straight games on January 13 and 16 for the defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning, and he is looking great, posting a .924 save percentage over his last five contests. Meanwhile, teammate John Grahame is struggling with consistency, having allowed four goals or more in three of his last five outings.

With the defense struggling, Lightning coach John Tortorella might be looking for consistency and leadership from his goalie. Sean Burke is exactly what the doctor ordered, with 17 years of NHL experience and only one sub-.900 save percentage year since the 1992-93 season.

Sean Burke is still widely available in 12-team leagues, and he’s a good bet to win over the starting job in Tampa Bay. And if the Lightning decide to wake up one day and play tight defense, he could be a top 15 goalie option.

Related Cafe Articles

• Other articles by Hongfu Chen
• Curtis Sanford by Hongfu Chen (posted on 03/03/2006 in Sleepers)
• Johan Hedburg by Thomas Allen (posted on 12/13/2009 in Sleepers)
• Marc-Andre Fleury by Hongfu Chen (posted on 01/06/2006 in Sleepers)