Colorado gets an epic goaltending performance, Backes drops four on Arizona, another strong game from Mason, lineup news, Fantasy tips and more in Scott Cullen’s Statistically Speaking.

HEROES

Semyon Varlamov – Recorded a 54-save shutout in Colorado’s 2-0 win at Chicago, the most saves in a road shutout since 1987-88. In his past six starts, Varlamov has a .942 save percentage, a step forward after a relatively slow start to the season, which included a .909 save percentage through his first 15 games.

David Backes – The Blues centre scored four goals in a 6-0 rout over Arizona. He now has eight points (5 G, 3 A) in the past six games and comes following my post that included data about how Backes was generating a lower percentage of scoring chances.

ZEROES

Goalies:

Anders Lindback – Allowed four goals on 20 shots in a 4-2 loss to Columbus, not unusual for the Stars backup, sporting an .856 save percentage this season.

Mike Smith – Arizona’s former starter isn’t going to reclaim the crease from Devan Dubnyk after surrendering six goals on 39 shots in a 6-0 loss to St. Louis; he has a career-low .882 save percentage after 25 games this season.

more heroes, zeroes and other topics from Cullen at TSN...