The year of the presumed back-up goaltender continues to be fun to watch as backups to backups are making their mark in fantasy hockey. In nearly two-thirds of the league, second and third string goalies are being asked to keep teams in games and the relevant part of the standings.

The latest netminder to stick between the pipes is Martin Jones of the Los Angeles Kings. Injured starter Jonathan Quick remains out due to injury, and backup Ben Scrivens saw his hot run cool off as soon as he heated up. Jones was stuck behind former King Jonathan Bernier, but was not able to gain the inside track on the bench role for the parent club as Scrivens was acquired in the trade that sent Bernier to Toronto.

Quick has returned to the ice, skating during practice. For the near future, feel free to role out Jones over Scrivens. Jones has won six of L.A.’s last seven games that he has started, meaning Scrivens is back to being well, the backup.

Rising

James Reimer– Toronto Maple Leafs: Jonathan Bernier has had a rough time keeping his save percentage over 90%, failing to do so in five of his last eight starts. Reimer has played well enough for the up-and-down Leafs, and Bernier is now dealing with an undisclosed lower body injury. The 50-50 split in Toronto continues to rear its ugly head.

Justin Peters– Carolina Hurricanes: The once forgotten backup in Raleigh is now stealing starts from the long-time incumbent Cam Ward. In five starts in December, Peters has three wins and at least a save percentage of .930 in four of them. Peters has also allowed two goals or less in one calendar month. The last time he gave up more was his last start before Ward returned Thanksgiving week.

Ilya Bryzgalov– Edmonton Oilers: Hooray for spot starts! Use him while he is playing well. He has not won in two starts since returning from the IR, but he does have 68 saves while facing 73 shots.

Falling

Braden Holtby– Washington Capitals: One win in December and the emergence of yet another capable backup has pushed Holtby to the wayside in the nation’s capital. He is borderline droppable at this point. Michal Neuvirth is healthy and can also challenge for starts if Philpp Grubauer were to slip up.

Henrik Lundqvist– New York Rangers: Just when you thought turned the corner… The “King” has two wins this month and has one game in which he has allowed one goal or less. That start was over two weeks ago. A recent neck injury could lead to more starts for Cam Talbot.