The Blue Jackets are slated to face Karel Vejmelka in Utah in the second game of a back-to-back.

On every game day this season, THN Fantasy will highlight players and goalies for fantasy managers to stream or roster for the rest of the season. The recommended players and goalies can be used in standard fantasy leagues or for daily fantasy games.

4 games on Friday, Jan. 31

* = confirmed

Justus Annunen, NSH* at Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, BUF (7 p.m. ET)

Thatcher Demko, VAN* at Jake Oettinger, DAL* (8 p.m. ET)

Joel Hofer, STL* at Mackenzie Blackwood, COL* (9 p.m. ET)

Daniil Tarasov, CBJ at Karel Vejmelka, UTA* (9 p.m. ET)

Goalies

Justus Annunen, NSH at BUF (6% rostered)

With Juuse Saros losing two in a row and this being the first game of a back-to-back with the Predators in Pittsburgh tomorrow, Annunen could get this start. Annunen has been somewhat of a revelation for the Preds lately after a disastrous start with the Avs to the 2024-25 season. He's won four straight for the Preds - with thanks to a strong defense or lots of goal support - and has won 12 of his 16 starts this season despite a below average .894 SP and 2.95 GAA. His winning percentage is absolutely not representative of how good he actually is. 

The Sabres are coming off a big 7-2 win against the Bruins and their offense is admittedly dangerous, but it's really inconsistent. The Preds aren't that much better, so there's a wide range of outcomes with this start. 

Odds are Annunen won't have a quality start and he needs good goal support to earn the win. If you're looking for saves, Annunen is a viable option but that's about it. The Preds are 6-15-4 on the road, and the Sabres offense has the potential to be really explosive. I'd pass on this streaming option. 

Daniil Tarasov, CBJ at UTA (2% rostered)
Karel Vejmelka, UTA vs. CBJ (32% rostered)

There's no question Vejmelka's the better goalie. Tarasov was lit up for six goals in his previous start and has four wins in 13 games; that he's been a backup all season even though Elvis Merzlikins has a .894 SP says a lot. Tarasov is 1-6-2 on the road this season with a .859 SP (!) and 4.32 GAA (!), and the Jackets are playing the second game of a back-to-back. 

Meanwhile, even though Utah is coming off three straight losses, goaltending has been one of their strengths this season. Vejmelka's play has fallen off just a little bit since Connor Ingram's return, but he recently shut out the Wild on Jan. 23 and allowed three goals on 27 shots (.889 SP) against a Sens team that was rolling. Of course, the Jackets' dangerous offense can be scary, but no question Utah has the upper hand. 

Upsets are common in today's NHL, but Tarasov's play has been weak all season, the Jackets are playing back-to-back and he'll need plenty of goal support to win. Vejmelka is the safer play but imperfect option; he will secure a win but the save percentage likely won't be good. 

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