Rookie Review

Now in the twelfth week of the NHL season, it’s time to review the rookies scoring and impact on each player’s team.  The Colorado Avalanche have scored with three top rookies gearing up for their playoff run.

This season has produced some star talent for years to come.  Not only have these rookies energized the game of hockey, but also they energized the fans.  Despite some ups and downs for their respective teams, the rookie class of the 2009-10 season made signature strides of their future careers in the NHL.

John Tavares leads the pack and his team as point leader with 28 points- 16 goals, 12 assists.   His contribution to the New York Islanders is pure energy, despite their struggles on the ice.  The Islanders sit in 13^th in the Eastern Conference right now; however a streak of flurry to reach the playoffs may spark the team.  Doubtful.  While Tavares brought excitement to the Island and brought media attention home, scoring slumps of the team has dragged players down.

Matt Duchene gave the Colorado Avalanche 24 points thus far with plenty more to come.  The chemistry of the Avalanche blows up all dire expectations representing the team.  But as in the West, you fight to be sheriff in town and the Avs are sitting in the top three behind Chicago and San Jose; impressive company.  This Center has made a huge impact.

Niclas Bergfors, right- wing for the scorching hot New Jersey Devils have headlined the depth of this Devils bench.  Points for Bergfors stands at 23 as of now, but his contribution to the team far surpasses his monetary value.   The Devils are contenders, and this player is rolling.

Jamie Benn total is 20 points.  And with a young and talented Dallas Stars team, Benn has played point on as left wing.  He fits right in and is reliable.

James Van Riemsdyk (LW) seems born to play as a Philadelphia Flyer.  He’s taken in most fantasy leagues for his 20 points and his can-do attitude on the ice.  Unfortunately, the Flyers are not performing to the expected standards, but James is a buzz.  Definite impact.

Michael Del Zotto was such a great pick.  The New York Rangers needed some fire up their…Not that 20 points isn’t good, but Z is good for the Rangers because he plays with heart and scores.  He’s the defenseman who is exciting on the Rangers.  Del Zotto raised a bar of energy the Rangers desperately needed.

Tyler Myers is a great pick-up if you play fantasy hockey leagues.  Myers is a workingman who has his hand in every game. He has 19 points in the year.  The Buffalo Sabres are a talented group including this defenseman.

Ryan O’Reilly(C ) was the rookie who caught everyone’s eye at the Colorado Avalanche training camp.  He leapt over other rookies who were expected to produce. Radar totaled 17 points this year and is one of the nicest players I’ve met.  He’s a good guy and the Avs like him.

T.J.Galiardi ( LW ) deserves to be seen.  Galiardi fought his way onto the team last year by creating frenzy around his play.  His contribution to the Avs is 15 points, but his hits are very helpful.  At training camp he came to play as if he was already on the roster.  The player to watch right now.

Artem Anisimov ( C) began his career last season near the end of the demise of the Rangers.  He’s’ been there, done that, so his 15 points should grow.  His youth and work ethic can get the job done.

Evander Kane ( LW)  Kane has  15 points and an impressive 29 penalty minutes.  Evander is very fitting as this rookie fights his way into the spotlight.  The Atlanta Thrashers are hovering in the middle, but a good team to watch.  So Kane has stepped up his performance because people are watching.

Not all rookies can make it into the NHL, yet alone survive when they get there.  So Victor Hedman D had a decent year with the Tampa Bay Lightning with 11 points, and a grand 38 penalty minutes.  And while he’s not on the top list, he deserves a nod on a good debut.

It was a great start to the season as the rookies foretold a new trend in the NHL. Just look at the excitement surrounding the World Junior Hockey championship coverage on the NHL station.  Fans want to know who’s the next Ovechkin or Crosby.  Younger and smarter players are getting into the game quicker and holding their own.  New equipment, techniques and the youthful eye build the smart skilled hockey player of the future.

Avery Again

New York Ranger Sean Avery has been at the top of my shit list for a few years, but this year, Flame Dion Phaneuf, has achieved the top status.  As I draft my fantasy team every year, I always pick up a New York Ranger.  I’ve drafted Dubinsky, Callahan, the best goaltender, Henrik Lundquist, even Sean Avery years back before the battle with his cheap shots and loose talk.  But my moment of humble pie set in when I had to draft two players due to IR status for David Clarkson and Joffrey Lupul.  Like a kid in a candy store, I was able to pick up two freebie players to try out for a few weeks to months.  My fist pick was Wayne Simmonds of the LA Kings whose impressive play stood out.  Wayne would take care of goals and assists.

The next best type of player to have on your team is the PIM guy, the fighter.  So I popped in the roster stats to PIM and found a list including Sean Avery.  Had I gotten over his behavioral issues with that chick from 24 who now ironically is with Phaneuf?  Did what he say really matter?  Isn’t he just like any New Yorker, whose attitude I defend because I like it and appreciated the bluntness and their matter of fact way?  Not exactly.

Before making any move I cruised the Rangers roster to make certain I wasn’t missing anyone I couldn’t live without.  Brandon Dubinsky was on IR, Ryan Callahan was taken in both leagues, and I’ve broken up with Chris Drury for good after last year. Del Zotto was gone and far away from my reach in my leagues.  Defensemen Dan Girardi, Michal Rozsival, and Wade Redden didn’t exactly have the chutzpah I was looking for in defending my blue line.  I wanted a fighter.

Earlier in the year I posed the question in my story, Juicing Up the Big Apple, was Donald Brashear, punk or player?  I went on to say: Really?  Some say he’s the best defenseman in the league, but all I’ve seen is bashing. I’m a fan of fighting when it’s making room for the players to play, but some of his antics seem bullying.  He’s tallied one point yet 54 penalty minutes.  Still wasn’t interested.

Sean Avery raged 19 PIMs Saturday against the Penguins and caught my attention. So, alas, he has taken a LW seat on my roster being challenged for starts against Alex Burrows, Michael Cammalleri, and Tuomo Ruutu.  With 11 points on the season and 44 penalty minutes, he’ll get his start on Monday.   I think Sean will have a few weeks to prove himself or it’s back in the bin.