NHL Fantasy Finale
You’ve made it into the playoffs and your team is down a player, or you are losing in a category desperately seeking a win to move on. If you have limited player moves, stay the course until you can determine where the best win will be achieved. The following players can offer some help to your championship bound team:
Matt Cooke (LW) Pittsburgh Penguins- the Pens are lurking behind the Rangers for the top seed in the Eastern Conference. With Sidney Crosby back, the heat has been turned up. Cooke can deliver goals, assists and hits to your team. G,A,Hits
Andrew Shaw (C) Chicago Blackhawks- Chicago is clearly in the hunt riding up the standings and solidifying a place. Rookie Shaw has been finding the net often and his momentum may be just what your team needs at this point. Count on him for goals and assists on his hot streak. G,A
Tyler Kennedy (LW,RW) Pittsburgh Penguins- with Sidney Crosby on his line, he has become the counterpart to Crosby’s scoring. With dual positions, his flexibility can be helpful filling a full roster. Count on him for assists, and overall scoring. G,A, +/-
Carl Hagelin (LW) New York Rangers- with his speed, he can score and much more. Overall benefit to the Rangers and they are extremely happy with his performance. Calder potential. Count on him in all categories including SOG. G,A,+/-, SOG
Tyler Ennis (C,LW) Buffalo Sabres- fighting into the playoff race, the Sabres have cranked up the scoring and Ennis is a big part of that. His scoring steak is hot lately so grab him while the fight continues in the East. G, A
Brian Rolston (LW) Boston Bruins- Rolston is on this list because he’s on a hot streak and no telling how long it will last. Consider Rolston for points. G,A
Oliver Ekman-Larsson (D) Phoenix Coyotes- on fire. Grab him now for some points. Six points in the last four games. G,A, SOG
Chad LaRose (LW,RW) Carolina Hurricanes- LaRose pops up in so many categories and is growing in status every week. Goals and Hits will be the best bet here. G, Hits
Drew Stafford (C) Buffalo Sabres- scoring streak is all I can say. The push for Buffalo is crucial and Stafford’s game log is looking good. G,A, Hits
Justin Faulk (D) Carolina Hurricanes- He leads all rookie defenseman in average ice time per game (23 minutes), goals (eight), and power-play goals (five). Calder potential.
Make moves to win. If you have good players to drop, don’t worry about the mediocre ones. Don’t dropa Zetterberg, but a slumper candidate won’t save your team. Go with the flow and momentum of the players who are making a difference right now. Good luck on the final push for the season!
NHL Fantasy Week 21-22
By now in the season, fantasy league teams have clinched a playoff spot or fighting for one. If you are fighting for a spot, consider these players as a boost on your roster:
Jason Garrison (D) Florida Panthers- Florida has had a year to brag about, and Garrison is showing why. Grab this productive defensman now if you still can.
Derek Roy (C) Buffalo Sabres- The Sabres have hit a rough patch, but have bounced back and expected to make a recovery. Roy is consistent in a traditional center role. His last scoring burst came in mid-February, which isn’t long ago. Let’s hope he can keep the fire burning.
Brandon Prust (LW) New York Rangers- With Callahan out for a few games, Prust stepped up. H’s good with short-handed points, fighting and the occasional wow goal. Excellent for a Rangers guarantee in LW, which can be a difficult position to grab. Solid in strength but streaky at times in scoring.
Steve Sullivan (LW) Pittsburgh Penguins- Sullivan has hit a stride with the Pens. On a scoring streak, you’d be best to grab him now as the playoff run begins. He’s a veteran player and can get the job done.
If your team is sitting pretty, only mess with the players you don’t think will gather points for your team. Good luck this week and watch who’s hot and forget about who’s not.
NHL Fantasy Week 19-20
Trades have been made and a few stars have been made as teams fight for a playoff spot. Keep your eye on the trade deadline today that may establish some growth spurts in sagging franchises. Consider these players for your lines:
Bryan Little (C,RW) Winnipeg Jets- With a dual position, he’s an option right now as the Jets sDhoot up in the standings. His streak may stay hot, but there’s no telling if this is consistent or not. Play him now then decided on his fate later.
Mikael Samuelsson (RW) Florida Panthers-Since he’s joined the Panthers, 17 points on eight goals in 28 games. Not bad for a fresh start and Samuelsson has potential but just needs to find the right fit. This may be it.
Marek Zidlicky (D) New Jersey Devils- This is a good pick up if he’s available. The Devils are making a case in the East and Zidlicky brings veteran leadership on the blue line. Get him before he’s gone.
Chris Neil (RW) Ottawa Senators- He’s been proactive and creating some opportunities for scoring. While he has 11 goals on the season, his activity keeps him on the hot list for now.
Stephen Weiss (C) Florida Panthers- Weiss now has 15 goals and 45 points in 59 games, and he is a plus-7 as the Panthers are in hot pursuit of a playoff run. The team looks good and Weiss is a sturdy Center to rotate in as the Panthers surge.
P.A. Parenteau (RW) New York Islanders-His stock is rising, so don’t delay. Parenteau now has 58 points, 15 goals and 43 assists, in 62 games.
Hold on to key players as the race to the Cup begins. We’re at Week 20 in the season and the teams will be revamped after today. Keep up-to-date on transactions and take what you need to hold on to a lead or gain some in you fantasy league.
NHL Fantasy Week 18
It’s been a whirlwind trying to keep track of the weeks this fantasy season. While my teams are doing well, the Red Wings and the my hometown are doing even better. The Detroit Red Wings extended their win steak to 20, tying an NHL record. Ann Arbor, MI will host the Winter Classic 2013 in an NHL version of the Big Chill at the Big House, and the college town will be packed with crazy Toronto and Detroit hockey fanatics.
With that in mind, the players to keep your mind on for the next few weeks will help you fantasy crew cruise into the playoffs if lucky. Injuries and suspensions mount as daily alerts are key to keeping up on the news. Consider these fine fellows:
Tomas Holmstrom (RW) Detroit Red Wings- If Franzen is the Mule, then Holmstrom is the Camel. He continues to play with heart and hitting hockey through his 1000th games. Benefits of having Holmstrom on your team can lift your boost for key matchups. If you need a Red Wing for the night, he may be an option. Scoring 18 points, but a negative rating, his value comes in assists and PIMs. Watch and decide if he’s your man.
Sam Gagner (C) Edmonton Oilers- One fantasy owner declared Gagner is the Money, and rightly so. Pundits speculated that this scoring-steak would wain, but when those results land you on the top line playing alongside Taylor Hall and Jordan Ebererle, you could win some money in your league. Grab him now and look like an insider.
Teddy Purcell (RW) Tampa Bay Lightning- With five in four games, the upswing is in Purcell’s favor. Though he’s streaky, riding his streak can help in just one week or two if he’s really doing well Don’t wait for the dry spell and put him in this week, next at the latest. Evaluate weekly.
Mike Fisher (C) Nashville Predators- He’s a hard worker and no one can say he isn’t helping the team. He’s not the flashy guy who can raise the bar on your team, rather keep it consistent. If you have some lame Centers, add Fisher for added power in the SOG, and assists, maybe the occasional goal.
Brandon Dubinsky (C) New York Rangers- There was a time, like the last few seasons, when you couldn’t get your hands on Duby but you can these days. His slump isn’t really a slump just a backseat to other talent in New York. He’s coming out of his funk and should begin to display his skills as the Rangers race towards the playoffs.
Joey MacDonald (G) Detroit Red Wings- While Howard is out, the Wings have continued their winning ways with MacDonald in net. Though he’s not owned by many in leagues, he’s doing something to get the wings. His other stats may not look good, but at least you will get the wins.
Devan Dubnyk (G) Edmonton Oilers- Winning his place in the net catapulted Devan up the ranks. But buyer beware with the rotation in Edmonton of goaltenders. Ride him when he’s hot, drop him when he’s not.
As the trade deadline approaches and the playoffs near, the teams will look different. Watch nightly transactions reports or sign up for those Twitter updates we all must have. However you get the info, get it.
NHL Fantasy Week 16-17
Now that the All-Star break is over, the season will pick up for teams making the stretch to the playoffs. Players will made strides to lift their team or play to be noticed as the trade deadline approaches. Here’s the latest to watch:
Sam Gagner(C,RW) Edmonton Oilers- Receiving texts from Wayne Gretzky and Paul Coffey puts Sam at the receiving end of your attentions. With 8 points in one game, he could spurt again. He did this last season scoring a hat trick when no one was looking. He’s a great player who is under the radar. Only 12% owned in Yahoo leagues, he could be ready to erupt again. Grab him now.
David Clarkson (RW) New Jersey Devils- This season, Clarkson is scoring goals with not as much growling. Clarkson is one of those enforcers who has been able to make the transition. Topping a season-high 18 goals, he has three goals and five points in the last two games. He’s always done well by my team.
Steve Ott (C, LW) Dallas Stars- Here’s another enforcer who can captain a team with some spirit. Ott is the kind of player who passes for the score. With the crew he has to manage, you can expect some assists in your category. Penalty minutes work for him too.
P.A. Parenteau (RW) New York Islanders- His stock is rising, and now owned by 57% of the teams in Yahoo leagues. What are you waiting for? He has 47 points and 43 PIMs on the season. Looking like a winner.
Derick Brassard (C) Columbus Blue Jackets- Rumors are that he’s a good trade for his value for the Jackets. Coming off of a 2-goal game. Consider if you like his style. He was a huge pick up last season nearing the end. He can contribute in the PIM category too.
This is the time to watch for trade rumors and plan accordingly. Players who hold value and can bring a team some needed push, will be the first to be considered. Update your watch list with these players, particularly Gagner and Brassard.
NHL Fantasy Week 14-15
If you missed Week 13 in fantasy hockey, so did I. It was a busy All-Star selectin week, trades and the afterglow of the Winter Classic. The ups-and-downs have your team spinning so the importance of the Watch List Candidates are essential to your weekly adds and drops. Here’s who to keep on your radar:
Kyle Okposo(RW) New York Islanders- with 11 goals in 24 games and is on the line with Tavares. Grab and go for now. See how he adapts…he’s been a hopeful star for the Islanders and the potential is franchise style.
Michael Ryder(RW) Dallas Stars- he’s on a hot streak again. Did you drop him from your watch list? Keep him there and pick up when he’s spot on, as in this week. Dallas slumped a bit, but have found some of their groove again.
Valterri Filppula (C) Detroit Red Wings- from out of nowhere this Center delivers when the Red Wings need the extra hand. Filppula’s potential is superior but he can run cold at times. Great pick up right now for the solid Center capabilites.
Martin Biron (G) New York Rangers- always, always put this goalie at close hand, especially after delivering a shutout to the Toronto Maple Leafs. He’s one of the best backups in the NHL. May consider sitting him on your roster consistently.
These are the players to put on your list for the next few weeks for watching. If you can spare a player who had dropped down in ranking and vanished from scoring, some new energy can help.
NHL Fantasy Week 12
The Winter Classic was a huge draw this week, so if you had any Philadelphia Flyers or New York Rangers on your roster, hopefully they delivered. Both teams have bragging rights on some superior talent, who are included in this week’s picks:
Carl Hagelin (C) New York Rangers- he’s dazzled his way in the Rangers top line and has been a consistent scorer since he’s been in New York. His speed and skill impressed Coach Torts to promote, so look for more from Carl. He plays like he’s not leaving the line with Brad Richards and Ryan Callahan and he should stick around for awhile.
Derek Stepan (C) New York Ranges- though your team may not need a ton of centers, he’s a good option for key games. In other words the watch list works for Stepan so deploy when he’s ready to boost your SOGS or FWs. He can score too.
Wayne Simmonds (RW) Philadelphia Flyers- he’s traveled a long way from the Los Angeles Kings, and his skill is just right for the Flyers. Simmonds can score and scrap. Chose him on a regular basis or just as a day for PIMs and points.
Jakub Voracek (RW) Philadelphia Flyers- his stats have been catapulting him up the ranks. He may appear in some categories your team needs help in. Keep an eye on his name as it appears on your needs list. He’s a good pick up now and then.
Sergei Kostitsyn (LW) Nashville Predators- with a hat-trick, he should be a possible pick up this week. He’s hot and he’s had his hot steaks on and off. Consider him seriously if you have a weak left-winger.
Tuomo Ruutu (LW) Carolina Hurricanes- Ruutu is a double whammy for points and punch. His coring has improved and his hot head has been calmed just enough to make him a good bet. Grab now or he’ll be gone as his draft numbers in leagues are rising.
Good luck in this New Year!
NHL Fantasy Week 11
It’s a shorter week due to the Christmas holiday, so get your wish list together for some specific talent on some specific teams- Boston, Detroit, Winnipeg are actually doing some damage and are nice for your list. Be watchful that these players don’t lose their spirit and drop as the week progresses and the holidays are upon you.
Rich Peverley (C) Boston Bruins- under-rated talent who has finally received the attention he deserves. At 23% owned, his six points in the last three games. He was sat due to an injury but has bounced back to play Montreal. With 24 points, 14 PIMS and a plus-11 rating, you could do worse.
Danny Cleary (LW,RW) Detroit Red Wings- though he’s been slow on starting the year, just put Cleary in your stats buster and see how high he’s climbed recently. Put on the next Red Wings game and see how Danny can fly. Put him on your watch list if you are impressed.The dual wing position is always helpful.
Zach Bogosian (D) Winnipeg Jets- also off to a slow start, the young defenseman has found his stride and is escalating his level of play. His recent three-point game put him on the radar. If you can watch a Jets game, check him out. He has a bright future and is under 20% owned in most leagues.
Michael Del Zotto (D) New York Rangers- the blueliner has found his home and is playing defense like he was meant to play. Good pick up as he has maintained consistency lately and is flourishing. Grab if you are in need of the D.
Martin Biron (G) New York Rangers- King Henry has had a few tough battles, but Biron is a bountiful backup in net. If Hank gets too much play, he won’t be fresh for the Winter Classic Jan. 2. Biron could see more ice time in the days leading up to the big game.
Now get back to wrapping your gifts and prepping for Chanukah. Enjoys the holidays and don’t forget to set you lines early. Have a happy holiday season!
NHL Fantasy Weeks 9-10
It’s been a carousel of coaching changes and accusations of who has been pulling their weight or not. Thus, your team must examine who must take a rest and exchange for some new blood if your team is stagnating. These are the players who have exhibited consistent performance for a few weeks and could be interchangeable within your lineup. The New York Rangers have been hot,so look to the the Bluehirts of Broadway for some inspiration and look to the Pens with Crosby back for some unified scoring. Some slow starters are making a comeback and should be noted and put in you lineup or on the watch list.
Ryan McDonagh (D) New York Rangers- At 22% owned in Yahoo league, Ryan is catching on with his growing numbers. His coring streak has been a big part of the Ranger revitalization lately. Impressive plus/minus and penalty minutes add to the extra bonus. Keep you lineup open for the next Rangers game.
Artem Anisimov (C) New York Rangers- Keep Art on you radar as the Rangers continue to reap the benefits of their talent. He may not be the strongest Center but he and his teammate Derek Stepan are good options for game day in SOG and points on both goals and assists.
Pascal Dupuis (LW,RW) Pittsburgh Penguins- The dual wing position is desirable in any scenario and with his stock rising at 47% owned, you may want to seriously consider who could be spared. Watch list for certain and maintain the research, but don’t wait too long for another team to grab him and then he’s gone.
Cal Clutterbuck (RW) Minnesota Wild- Cal suffered a slight setback, but is up and running again. He’s scored in almost every game and has depth in SOG and penalty minutes. He’s a top watch list, but consider keeping him close and pull the trigger when you can spare a drop.
Valterri Filpulla (C) Detroit Red Wings- The Center is back in the Hockeytown groove and is a smart pick for SOG and points. His plus/minus bodes well for your team if that is lacking. Weigh the Center options and find if he’s worth the trade up. The Wings are solid as usual and you can’t go wrong.
Ryan O’Reilly (C) Colorado Avalanche- Despite the ups and downs in Denver, O’Reilly plays true hockey and has the skills. His SOG and points per game are impressive enough to sit for at least a week to try out. Use as needed, but keep on watch list.
Adam Henrique (C) New Jersey Devils- This rookie is putting up numbers for SOG, goals and assists. While he may not take a regular spot on the D bench, look for him to fill any loose categories in these areas for now.
Kevin Bieksa (D) Vancouver Canucks- Finally Bieksa is hitting his stride. Assists, PIMs and SOGs look good for the 48% owned defenseman. Grab and go if you are in a daring mood right now. No definite on how long this will last as the Canucks can slump at times.
As the new teams gel with their coaches in the early changes, expect some surprises in lines and expectations of players output. Keep up on player lists and stats for who is hot and who is not. One day can make a huge difference in your weekly matchups. These players are suggested for two weeks because they have had some staying power. Give them an opportunity to prove their worth.
NHL Fantasy Week 5
Steadfast goaltenders such as Jimmy Howard and Henrik Lundqqvist have struggled in net. Backup goalies are stepping in and getting noticed in Minnesota, St. Louis and new starters in Edmonton and Phoenix.
Goaltenders worth noting:
Brian Elliott- St. Louis Blues- Since Halak has had a tough toss in net, Elliott has emerged and usurped the starter for now. His impressive record of 5-1-0 has him sitting in the top 20 ranking for goaltenders. Pick him up if you need a win or just a backer on the bench.
Josh Harding-Minnesota Wild- Harding is 4-0-1 on the season but holding a steady hand in goal while Backstrom gets his groove back. Harding is a grabber now to ride while he’s streaking.
Mike Smith- Phoenix Coyotes- Smith is the new kid in town showing his might. Grab Smith now. He may already be gone and he’s one of the hot tickets in town.
Your fantasy team isn’t all about the goaltenders, but also about the goals. Here’s a few forwards who may be able to give your team some numbers in goals and asssits:
P.A. Parenteau-New York Islanders- He made a splash last year, but many doubted he had the staying power. At 36% owned in leagues, his value could help with his 11 points thus far this season. Put him in if you are so inclined.
Brooks Laich- Washington Capitals- Brooks has the dual positions which makes him adaptable to your roster rearranging. Any Cap right now is a good all, at least while he can fill a void. Watch list for sure.
Evander Kane-Winnipeg Jets- Kane is on fire as he gets his ice legs in motion. Great option if you are in need of a left-winger. He has 8 points now, but his streak is riding and may not last.
Fantasy hockey for Week 6-8 will be on vacation, but please check out Landon at www.hockeyfanland.com
NHL Fantasy Week 4
Surprises and sinkers this week in the standings. The New York teams have slid down the Eastern Conference while Philly and Pittsburgh are holding steady. In the West, California is enjoying a solid Los Angeles Kings run and watching the Sharks put San Jose in the running again. This accordian rhythm can send fantasy owners running to find quick fixes for those few roster spots left open for catching up. Here’s the picks for the week:
Milan Michalek (LW,RW) Ottawa Senators- Michalek has been the hot pick for the week so check your league now for his status. At 65% owned his value is rising for goals, assists and shots-on-goal. Ottawa is fine in their situatin with good goaltendng as of lately. Grab now.
Teddy Purcell (RW) Tampa Bay Lightning- Despite the shaky start, Purcell is getting his hockey legs back. Goals and assists are helping Purcell gain a 30% ownership. Take him if you are short on a solid RW.
Matt D’Agostini (RW) St. Louis Blues- Matt has been a hot add/drop lately in leagues. Keeper for watch list for certain and add/drop based on his stats as his value begins to even. He has a healthy plus-9 and good shots-on-goal stats.
Alex Burmistrov (C) Winnipeg Jets- This is a watcher candidate. Alex has shown great skill but hit a scoring slump recently. Watch his progression and use as needed for key contests and his up-streak, which will come at any time.
Martin Hanzal (C) Phoenix Coyotes- Marty is on a scoring streak but only 11% owned. Not a permanent fixture, but a great rememedy for goals, assists and the need for a Phoenix matchup down the road. Put on watch list.
Brian Elliott(G) St. Louis Blues- Halak has hit some sour notes, but Elliott has come through. Grab for starts that are possible wins. He’s been streaky in the past so he’s not a reliable starter rather a fill in.
Mathieu Garon (G) Tampa Bay Lightning- Garon has been an excellent backer in net for Roloson. Keep him on your watch list and use when the start looks like a good win for Garon. No telling how his rank in net will shake out, but he’s 33% owned so there is confidence in his play.
Not much can really surface so early in the season, but your attention to the games and who are the players making the plays will help keep your watch list in good health. Use those allowed adds each week even if you can take over a few categoies for the home-stretch.
NHL Fantasy Week 3
Now that fantasy players have had their game on, take a look at the categories that are consistently a loser for your team. Pinpoint the one player who may be able to keep that column a wrap each week. Shots on goal and FW are an easy category to win if you are watching the who’s who in puck possession. Your plus/minus category which will help you as well. Here are some players who will be able to punch some points for the FW, SOG and +/- columns:
Stephen Weiss (C) Florida Panthers- While most of you jumped on the Kris Versteeg streak, Weiss ia a veteran Panther who could fill the void or boost some points. At 60% owned, there is indication his skills are worthy. He’s solid across the board and should be waiting in the wings for a start. FW, SOG
Kevin Bieksa (D) Vancouver Canucks- Bieksa’s plus/minus has taken a hit, but if it’s hits you want then he can contribute in hits, and PIMS. Keep him on your watch list unless you need him as a hitman. Hits, +/-
Tyler Seguin (C) Boston Bruins- All-around center will up your team. Surprisingly, Tyler is only 60% owned in Yahoo Leagues. Check yours and toss aside a struggling dud. FW, SOG
Brad Marchand (C) Boston Bruins- If Seguin has been snapped up, try his teammate who has the same skills. Brad is 60% owned in the same leagues, so it’s an even score for your roster. FW, SOG
Jakub Voracek (RW) Philadelphia Flyers- Decent right winger on a great team. Put on watch as of now and follow the Flyers through their journey to see how Voracek could be a benefit. His stats are even, but not as outstanding early in the season. GWG, G, A
Simon Gagne (LW) Los Angeles Kings- Another winger to watch or take for a spin now while the Kings are hot. He’s a healthy plus-6, while the goals and assists add to his value. G, A, +/-
John-Michael Liles (D) Toronto Maple Leafs- His categories for PPP and assists have pumped up his value, so he may be gone. Check into your league free agents and scoop him up or put on the watch list until he does come available. G, A, +/-
Drew Stafford (RW) Buffalo Sabres- With a healthy plus-6 and a roud of goals and assists, Stafford should be considered as Buffalo is doing so well. He’s a handy third liner for your roster but don’t expect him to handle the heaviest load. G,A, +/-
Andrej Meszaros (D) Philadelphia Flyers- He’s a hitman if you play in a league that counts that. His plus/minus is usually healthy. Watch and dish out when he can help you edge out the opponent. +/-, Hits
Take note every few days of each category comparing your team with free agents. Yahoo has a good tool to use to show how each player ranks on your roster and watch list; just click near the top right of your roster, and you’ll gain insight into how your guys fare.
NHL Fantasy Week 2
Depending on your roster’s debut, your team made need to fill in some holes. The dust should settle soon on some players who will be taking more prominent roles as other team members exit. The New York Rangers put millions into Brad Richards, who has been at the helm of the Rangers slow regular season start. Preseason gave hope to the blueshirt fans that their team was not jut shit and giggles. The blueline on Broadway lacked the pivotal play of Marc Staal, who is expected to return in early November. Not all of New York has slowed down the rush as the Buffalo Sabres and the New York Islanders have a few good skaters and netminders to consider for your team this week:
James Neal (LW) Pittsburgh Penguins- He’s finally found a home and it shows in his remarkable week. Owned 83% in most leagues, he would be trade option if you like his style.
Luke Adam (C) Buffalo Sabres- Like a sprinter out of the gate, this center is one to watch if he’s not taken in your league already. The verdict is still out, but he could be a crucial reason for the Sabres to stay on top.
Brandon Prust (LW) New York Rangers- Now that Sean Avery has been demoted, Prust will take the role of Enforcer and the short-handed points. He’s a good scorer and knows when a goal is needed in the end, but may not be consistent. If you have a spot, then watch and use when he fits into your scheme.
Jhonas Enroth (G) Buffalo Sabres- Enroth will get plenty of chances between the pipes to ensure that starter Ryan Miller can rest for key matchups. Enroth beat the Pittsburgh Penguins Saturday, but no telling how he’ll fare when Crosby returns.
Evgeni Nabokov (G) New York Islanders- After last season’s fiasco, Nabokov has returned to the Islanders with a positive attitude and a good show beating the New York Rangers Saturday. Grab him now since it looks like he’s the man with the plan on the Island. In fantasy leagues he’s about 31% owned compared to the Islanders starter Al Montoya who is about 45% owned. Ricky D is out again so don’t count on him- I did it for years until I just walked away. Just saying.
Ty Conklin (G) Detroit Red Wings- Jimmy Howard is doing well, but so is Conklin as backup. Conklin has the abilities to relieve Howard and still deliver a win. Pick him up if you want some piece of the Wings action.
Goaltenders will lend your team those categories that often times wins leagues. As the blueliners find their chemistry, goaltenders like Henrik Lundqvist’s numbers will increase. Keep a nice balance of goaltenders too if injuries begin to mount and the rush on backups in net devour your league.
NHL Fantasy Week 1
Diamonds. Dark Horses. If you find your draft to be nearing or you just drafted, check out a few of the rough around the edges kind of players who could benefit your team. These are the players who may have been thrown back in for a keeper league or just deeper picks. Rookies are good, but also look at some veterans who can stabilize a team providing leadership to a young entourage.
Alex Pietrangelo (D)- The St. Louis Blues claim this is the year, and they have confidence in Alex to head the blueline. Pietrangelo is the centric force on the defense and will be a good pick. Will be able to grab midway in the draft.
Ryan Whitney(D) Edomonton Oilers- Solid with 27 points last season, an uplifting plus-13. As a veteran , he’s not a bad blueline option on this young Edmonton team. An expected later pick.
Kevin Shattenkirk (D) St. Louis Blues- He’ll be one of the reasons the Blues make the playoffs this year. Shattenkirk is a top defenseman who was traded from Colorado, and the Avs took flack for that. He’ll be a late pick.
Teddy Purcell(RW) Tampa Bay Lightning- With 51 points last season, how can you not pick this guy if he’s still undrafted? Under Steve Yzerman’s management, the Lightning will do well this year.
Chris Stewart (RW) St. Louis Blues – worker bee who is finally coming due on his talent via the pundits. He’s in it to win and play the game in the manner in which is supposed to be played. He’ll be a higher pick so plan this selection within the first few rounds.
Justin Williams (RW)- LA Kings sleeeper winger. Struck gold near the end of last season and was unavailible in most leagues. He’s been listed as a top 20 winger, so he’ll go in the first few rounds to a middle pick.
Mikhail Grabovski (C) Toronto Maple Leafs- With 58 points last season he will be a crucial center in Toronto. After some shuffling, the Leafs are making another drive and Gravovski should make a big difference. He had a plus-14 and 60 PIMs last year too which hits many categories. Could still be an option if he wasn’t drafted in your leagues.
Brian Boyle (C) New York Rangers- Solid center for the Rangers, he’s been hyped by hockey pundits. New York will do very well this year and Boyle will contribute greatly. Last season he had 35 points, 74 PIMs and was a plus-2.
Drafting your team is just the beginning. Some managers take a week or two to see how the players perform, so get your watch list started now. Good luck!
