Some quick injury news and notes...
Marc Andre Fleury is day to day with a lower body injury. Its difficult to know what this is going to mean for Pittsburgh beyond the short term without knowing the severity, location, etc of the injury but for now Dany Sabourin will get the start in net. The Pens are not a spectacular defensive team, even with the addition of Philippe Boucher, and Sabourin is not a shutdown netminder. If Flery is out for any stretch of time don't expect Sabourin to be a Conklin.
Andy McDonald, one the real feel-good comeback players of the year is going to miss the next 8 weeks or so with a broken leg suffered in St. Louis' shootout loss to Montreal on Sunday. McDonald slid feet first into the boards in the first period and fractured his left leg. St. Louis is looking less and less like a playoff contender this year so expect the team to show extreme patience with McDonald's injury. He, and the also injured Paul Kariya, will not be rushed back. Look to Lee Stempniak, Patirk Berglund and Davod Perron to step it up in their abscence.
Joe Sakic is skating again with the Avalanche but will reportedly sit tonight against Calgary. It does look like Sakic is close though, so take heart Burnaby Joe owners.
An undisclosed upper body injury sidelined the league's second leading scorer Alexander Semin in Saturday night's game against the Devils. We'll keep our eye on this for you.
Kevin Bieska, who has been spectacular for Vancouver when healthy, will miss another two weeks with a broken foot. Mattias Ohlund and Sami Salo should step up to fill the offensive voide in Bieska's abscence and might be a good short term add.
Showing posts with label Pittsburgh Penguins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pittsburgh Penguins. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Ice Fishing: Melrose and Delilah
The Tampa Bay Lightning management have tossed back the biggest piece of their rebuilding effort in new head coach Barry Melrose. He should have never cut the mullet. With it went the source of all of his power.
Barry. We hardly knew you. Its a tough call to fire a guy when you give him a team made up of individuals who had never played together before this season. Sure they looked great on paper... until you got to the defensemen. That was the problem with this team from beginning, they were a decent fantasy team but no one could tell whether that would translate to success on the ice. It didn't, and Barry paid the price for the GM's incompetence. Poor Barry.
What's the moral of this? Actual teams are already starting to adjust their rosters, trim the fat, and take their best shot at undoing the damage they did to their own teams in the offseason. Its time for you to do the same.
Keep 'Em:
Kris Versteeg
RW, Chicago
Okay... last time I'm saying this. Versteeg now has 15 points in 16 games this season. He has three goals in the last four games and has scored 7 points in 6 games in the month of November. The window for delay on Versteeg is shrinking and the talented rookie is showing no signs of slowing down.
Joe Pavelski
C, San Jose
You missed out on Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau in the draft. You took some bad advice from some blogger not named Richard O'Brien and drafted Jonathan Cheechoo way too early. And, of course, you didn't listen to me and pick up Devin Setoguchi or Ryan Clowe when I told you to. Now every time you look at the standings and realize that San Jose has scored more goals then anyone else in the league (73) by a wide margin (the next closest is Detroit with 64) you feel like you missed out on the party. Well, you're in luck because Joe Pavelski is probably still available in your league. Pavelski has 7 goals and 9 assists for 16 points through the first 20 games. Of those 16, 6 points (2 goals and 4 assists) came over the course of the last week and 8 (3 goals and 5 assists) have come on the powerplay. He is averaging a little over 3 shots a game and is a +1. As centers go he's kind of average, but he would make a great util player in most leagues. Grab him before you miss out entirely on the Shark Party.
Cam Barker
D, Chicago
Still the subject of widespread trade speculation, Cam Barker has responded with terrific play on the ice. Barker has 9 points in 8 games with the big club this year, with 6 of those points coming on the man advantage. Those 9 points are good for second amongst Hawks D-men with only Brian Campbell above him with 12. This showing becomes even more impressive when you consider that he has played in half the games that the rest of the team has played. The former third overall draft pick is doing a bit of everything, including getting a fighting major in the November 14th 4-3 loss to St. Louis. Grab him now.
Weigh 'Em:
Jordan Staal
C, LW Pittsburgh
You have to love the way Jordan Staal is playing right now. Staal, who had a tremendous rookie season in which he notched 29 goals, has been on something of a slide over the last year or so. This slide came to an abrupt halt this past week as Stall put up 5 goals and an assist over the last three games for the Pens. What you have to like is not only the tallies but the way in which he scored them. Down 5-3 against their Stanley Cup tormentors the Detroit Red Wings, Staal rallied and scored three even strength goals in the last 12 minutes to force overtime. Then, in the overtime period Staal assisted on Fedotenko's overtime winner. He followed this up later in the week with a strong 2 goal performance against the cooling Buffalo Sabers to bring his totals for the season up to 7 goals and 4 assists. Those may not seem like overly flashy numbers, but if this is the beginning of his reemergence then you want to get in on the ground floor.
David Perron, Lee Stempniak
LW, RW St. Louis
With Kariya and McDonald both down to injuries Perron and Stempniak have really stepped up over the last week to provide scoring in their absence. As St. Louis soldiers on through these injuries expect scoring to come from secondary sources. It might be worth a bench slot to try and catch a streak from one of these talented players. Stempniak in particular shoots the puck a ton and has seen some significant time on the powerplay.
Philippe Boucher
D, Pittsburgh
The acquisition of Boucher was a necessary one by the Pens despite his shoddy play thus far this season on the Dalls Stars. Boucher provides a seasoned veteran to man the point on the powerplay. More importantly, it gives the Pens a RIGHT HANDED shot on the point, something that they were lacking during Gonchar and Whitney's injuries. I like this acquisition by the Pens for a number of reasons. For one, it frees up Evgeni Malkin to be a bit more free wheeling on the man advantage. The Pens have given up some heart stopping short handed opportunities in the last few games when opposing forwards pressured Malkin on the point. Malkin has been the Penguins offense so far this year, but he still doesn't know how to skate back and play D as the pointman on the man advantage. Boucher will take care of that and should help with some scoring punch from the point.
Alex Goligoski
D, Pittsburgh
On the flips side, the Boucher acquisition probably puts a bit of a halt on Goligoski's development. Despite his recent scoring streak, Goligoski will more then likely see his powerplay time diminish rapidly. If you still have him on your team you might want to consider benching him for a few games to see how this plays out. If it plays out as expected I foresee his availability skyrocketing in most leagues.
Toss 'Em Back:
Andrei Kostitsyn
LW, Montreal
I've been holding off on this one but with 6 points through 14 games I might have finally given up on Kostitsyn the greater. Montreal is in a bit of funk right now, which will happen even to great teams in their best years. Even taking that into account, Kostitsyn has barely shown any signs of life as of late with long stretches of mediocrity punctuated by one or two point streaks. Put simply, Kostitsyn doesn't deliver enough in the intangible categories to keep him on your team if he isn't scoring, and right now he isn't scoring. Take that as you will.
Erik Cole
RW, Edmonton
Rough times in Edmonton. Cole, The Oilers big offseason acquisition, has only put up 5 points through the first 18 games with his new club. He has been a relatively quiet presence and hasn't even provided much in the way of shots of PIM. I was high on Cole preseason; thinking him a good sleeper pick because of his gritty play and his tendency to rack up the shots, PIM and points. It seems that there have just been one too many injuries for Cole and that his best years of hockey are now behind him as a result.
Matt Carle
D, Philadelphia
Carle was once thought of as an impressive young prospect. Since then he has been moved twice in one year, first from San Jose as the lynch pin of the deal that brought Dan Boyle to the future Stanley Cup Champions (what? Thats right, I'm calling it. Its happening.) and then, less then a quarter of a season later from Tampa to Philly for Steve Downie. Until Carle shows something, anything, resembling offensive skill with his new team I'd leave him right where he belongs; on waivers.
Barry. We hardly knew you. Its a tough call to fire a guy when you give him a team made up of individuals who had never played together before this season. Sure they looked great on paper... until you got to the defensemen. That was the problem with this team from beginning, they were a decent fantasy team but no one could tell whether that would translate to success on the ice. It didn't, and Barry paid the price for the GM's incompetence. Poor Barry.
What's the moral of this? Actual teams are already starting to adjust their rosters, trim the fat, and take their best shot at undoing the damage they did to their own teams in the offseason. Its time for you to do the same.
Keep 'Em:
Kris Versteeg
RW, Chicago
Okay... last time I'm saying this. Versteeg now has 15 points in 16 games this season. He has three goals in the last four games and has scored 7 points in 6 games in the month of November. The window for delay on Versteeg is shrinking and the talented rookie is showing no signs of slowing down.
Joe Pavelski
C, San Jose
You missed out on Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau in the draft. You took some bad advice from some blogger not named Richard O'Brien and drafted Jonathan Cheechoo way too early. And, of course, you didn't listen to me and pick up Devin Setoguchi or Ryan Clowe when I told you to. Now every time you look at the standings and realize that San Jose has scored more goals then anyone else in the league (73) by a wide margin (the next closest is Detroit with 64) you feel like you missed out on the party. Well, you're in luck because Joe Pavelski is probably still available in your league. Pavelski has 7 goals and 9 assists for 16 points through the first 20 games. Of those 16, 6 points (2 goals and 4 assists) came over the course of the last week and 8 (3 goals and 5 assists) have come on the powerplay. He is averaging a little over 3 shots a game and is a +1. As centers go he's kind of average, but he would make a great util player in most leagues. Grab him before you miss out entirely on the Shark Party.
Cam Barker
D, Chicago
Still the subject of widespread trade speculation, Cam Barker has responded with terrific play on the ice. Barker has 9 points in 8 games with the big club this year, with 6 of those points coming on the man advantage. Those 9 points are good for second amongst Hawks D-men with only Brian Campbell above him with 12. This showing becomes even more impressive when you consider that he has played in half the games that the rest of the team has played. The former third overall draft pick is doing a bit of everything, including getting a fighting major in the November 14th 4-3 loss to St. Louis. Grab him now.
Weigh 'Em:
Jordan Staal
C, LW Pittsburgh
You have to love the way Jordan Staal is playing right now. Staal, who had a tremendous rookie season in which he notched 29 goals, has been on something of a slide over the last year or so. This slide came to an abrupt halt this past week as Stall put up 5 goals and an assist over the last three games for the Pens. What you have to like is not only the tallies but the way in which he scored them. Down 5-3 against their Stanley Cup tormentors the Detroit Red Wings, Staal rallied and scored three even strength goals in the last 12 minutes to force overtime. Then, in the overtime period Staal assisted on Fedotenko's overtime winner. He followed this up later in the week with a strong 2 goal performance against the cooling Buffalo Sabers to bring his totals for the season up to 7 goals and 4 assists. Those may not seem like overly flashy numbers, but if this is the beginning of his reemergence then you want to get in on the ground floor.
David Perron, Lee Stempniak
LW, RW St. Louis
With Kariya and McDonald both down to injuries Perron and Stempniak have really stepped up over the last week to provide scoring in their absence. As St. Louis soldiers on through these injuries expect scoring to come from secondary sources. It might be worth a bench slot to try and catch a streak from one of these talented players. Stempniak in particular shoots the puck a ton and has seen some significant time on the powerplay.
Philippe Boucher
D, Pittsburgh
The acquisition of Boucher was a necessary one by the Pens despite his shoddy play thus far this season on the Dalls Stars. Boucher provides a seasoned veteran to man the point on the powerplay. More importantly, it gives the Pens a RIGHT HANDED shot on the point, something that they were lacking during Gonchar and Whitney's injuries. I like this acquisition by the Pens for a number of reasons. For one, it frees up Evgeni Malkin to be a bit more free wheeling on the man advantage. The Pens have given up some heart stopping short handed opportunities in the last few games when opposing forwards pressured Malkin on the point. Malkin has been the Penguins offense so far this year, but he still doesn't know how to skate back and play D as the pointman on the man advantage. Boucher will take care of that and should help with some scoring punch from the point.
Alex Goligoski
D, Pittsburgh
On the flips side, the Boucher acquisition probably puts a bit of a halt on Goligoski's development. Despite his recent scoring streak, Goligoski will more then likely see his powerplay time diminish rapidly. If you still have him on your team you might want to consider benching him for a few games to see how this plays out. If it plays out as expected I foresee his availability skyrocketing in most leagues.
Toss 'Em Back:
Andrei Kostitsyn
LW, Montreal
I've been holding off on this one but with 6 points through 14 games I might have finally given up on Kostitsyn the greater. Montreal is in a bit of funk right now, which will happen even to great teams in their best years. Even taking that into account, Kostitsyn has barely shown any signs of life as of late with long stretches of mediocrity punctuated by one or two point streaks. Put simply, Kostitsyn doesn't deliver enough in the intangible categories to keep him on your team if he isn't scoring, and right now he isn't scoring. Take that as you will.
Erik Cole
RW, Edmonton
Rough times in Edmonton. Cole, The Oilers big offseason acquisition, has only put up 5 points through the first 18 games with his new club. He has been a relatively quiet presence and hasn't even provided much in the way of shots of PIM. I was high on Cole preseason; thinking him a good sleeper pick because of his gritty play and his tendency to rack up the shots, PIM and points. It seems that there have just been one too many injuries for Cole and that his best years of hockey are now behind him as a result.
Matt Carle
D, Philadelphia
Carle was once thought of as an impressive young prospect. Since then he has been moved twice in one year, first from San Jose as the lynch pin of the deal that brought Dan Boyle to the future Stanley Cup Champions (what? Thats right, I'm calling it. Its happening.) and then, less then a quarter of a season later from Tampa to Philly for Steve Downie. Until Carle shows something, anything, resembling offensive skill with his new team I'd leave him right where he belongs; on waivers.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Thoughts on Last Night's Games
About the time that Mike Smith shoved his blocker into Aaron Voros' mouth I was positive that I was sitting at the most exciting game in the NHL last night until I saw the scores of the Edmonton/Pittsburgh game, Washington/Carolina game and Calgary/Nashville. Any doubts that scoring is up this year in the NHL can be quickly dispelled by a quick glance at last night's scoreboard. Of 11 games only 2 had less then 5 goals; 3 had 7 goals; and 3 more had 9 or more. The big one was Calgary v. Nashville which featured a grand total of thirteen tallies. Enough babbling... lots going on...
-To yesterday's BTT Injury update add the following:
- Paul Kariya left Wednesday's game in Anaheim in the second period with an undisclosed lower body injury. He returned to St. Louis for an MRI and missed yesterday's game against San Jose. St. Louis is in the middle of a road trip and plays Los Angeles tomorrow night before flying off to Buffalo for a game next Wednesday. Best case scenario I would expect Kariya to miss at least Saturday's game in LA.
- Joe Sakic missed last night's game against Minnesota with a strained lower back. This is the kind of injury that you worry about with an older player as its the kind of the thing that can become recurring. I wouldn't be too worried about Joe though as he has been a point a game so far and will play unless he is physically incapable.
- Brent Burns left Minnesota's road trip with a dreaded upper body injury. Burns hasn't really caught fire yet this year but if you still have him on your team be aware that he is going to miss at least a few games.
- Evgeni Nabakov oh noes! Nabakov finished the game against St. Louis slumped over on the ice. San Jose is calling it a "lower body injury" today but several sources are saying that he "did something" to his "left leg" and that's at least a little bit more specific. His backup, Brian Boucher, is not spectacular fantasy wise but San Jose might be good enough for a speculative add if you've got a free roster spot.
- A miniature Breaking the Slump:
Congratulations to a pair of Mighty Mites who broke their slumps last night at the Rangers/Tampa Bay game. Martin St. Louis scored one of the prettiest goals I have ever seen. He took the puck, kicked it behind his back up to his stick then skated backwards towards Lundqvist before switching to his backhand and popping the puck top shelf. Follow that? Neither did Hank. It was a freaking street hockey goal.
Marty has had a tough start to the season, but I wouldn't be worried if I were a St. Louis owner. The guy has a history of being streaky but I still think he'll get you somewhere between 70 and 80 points. The big concern, as it is with all Tampa Bay players, has to be the powerplay. I'm not convinced that that is going to change. Watching as many Tampa games as I, unfortunately, have it would seem that their special teams are just... well... off. The penalty kill is just... wow
Also on the score sheet last night, Chris Drury came out of the fog and potted a hat trick. Good for Dru... I don't think this makes him fantasy worthy yet, as you've probably already missed his production for the next few games (and he's currently the Rangers third line center). Big wait and see for Drury.
-Observations on last nights games
- Mike Smith owners... don't you wish goalie PIM's counted? Mike Smith channeled Billy Smith last night and dropped the gloves against Aaron Voros after battling with him for the entire game. Smith apparently saw a vacancy for "Rangers fans most hated goalie" with Marty out and decided to put in his application. Another point. How good is Voros? Still miss Sean Avery Rangers' fans?
- WHOOPS! Blake Wheeler recorded his first NHL hat trick for the Boston Bruins last night. Congrats to Whoops on the achievement. Wheeler, I think, still needs another year before he is reliable fantasy contributor but he is turning into a very fun player to watch.
- Pittsburgh fans! Be discouraged with Fleury's play (though putting up 4 goals and losing is Edmonton's Modus Operandi these days) but be encouraged by the play of Miroslav Satan and Petr Sykora. The Pens put up 5 goals last night and none of them were scored by Crosby or Malkin. Satan is on fire right now (8 goals) but Sykora has been slow to the starting gate. Well, 2 goals last night plus some powerplay time encourages me. If you've got Sykora on your bench it might be a good time to start playing him.
- Shea...motherflippin... Weber... that is all. No. OK so did I think he'd have 7 goals at this point in the season? No, but he does and now you need to figure out what to do with him? Guys like Weber, Semin and Vanek are all performing above their lofty expectations. Is it time to consider selling high? No I don't think so, particularly with Weber and Semin. Weber could very well continue to be a strong contributor throughout the year. He has 7 goals, top amongst d-men, and is ranked second to only Chris Pronger in standard Yahoo leagues. I think he finishes the year in the top 15 amongst d-men and I don't think you'll get that kind of return on him. Same for Semin, the return won't be worth what you are giving up.
- LUONGO! 2 shutouts in a row. Luongo owners... exhale.
- Ryan Clowe... two goals and the shootout winner... told you to watch him preseason based on his strong postseason and told you to pick him up yesterday... just saying. Setoguchi had another great night as well with two assists and 4 SOG.
That's all for now. I should be back a little bit later on in the day with updates, news, musings, etc.
-To yesterday's BTT Injury update add the following:
- Paul Kariya left Wednesday's game in Anaheim in the second period with an undisclosed lower body injury. He returned to St. Louis for an MRI and missed yesterday's game against San Jose. St. Louis is in the middle of a road trip and plays Los Angeles tomorrow night before flying off to Buffalo for a game next Wednesday. Best case scenario I would expect Kariya to miss at least Saturday's game in LA.
- Joe Sakic missed last night's game against Minnesota with a strained lower back. This is the kind of injury that you worry about with an older player as its the kind of the thing that can become recurring. I wouldn't be too worried about Joe though as he has been a point a game so far and will play unless he is physically incapable.
- Brent Burns left Minnesota's road trip with a dreaded upper body injury. Burns hasn't really caught fire yet this year but if you still have him on your team be aware that he is going to miss at least a few games.
- Evgeni Nabakov oh noes! Nabakov finished the game against St. Louis slumped over on the ice. San Jose is calling it a "lower body injury" today but several sources are saying that he "did something" to his "left leg" and that's at least a little bit more specific. His backup, Brian Boucher, is not spectacular fantasy wise but San Jose might be good enough for a speculative add if you've got a free roster spot.
- A miniature Breaking the Slump:
Congratulations to a pair of Mighty Mites who broke their slumps last night at the Rangers/Tampa Bay game. Martin St. Louis scored one of the prettiest goals I have ever seen. He took the puck, kicked it behind his back up to his stick then skated backwards towards Lundqvist before switching to his backhand and popping the puck top shelf. Follow that? Neither did Hank. It was a freaking street hockey goal.
Marty has had a tough start to the season, but I wouldn't be worried if I were a St. Louis owner. The guy has a history of being streaky but I still think he'll get you somewhere between 70 and 80 points. The big concern, as it is with all Tampa Bay players, has to be the powerplay. I'm not convinced that that is going to change. Watching as many Tampa games as I, unfortunately, have it would seem that their special teams are just... well... off. The penalty kill is just... wow
Also on the score sheet last night, Chris Drury came out of the fog and potted a hat trick. Good for Dru... I don't think this makes him fantasy worthy yet, as you've probably already missed his production for the next few games (and he's currently the Rangers third line center). Big wait and see for Drury.
-Observations on last nights games
- Mike Smith owners... don't you wish goalie PIM's counted? Mike Smith channeled Billy Smith last night and dropped the gloves against Aaron Voros after battling with him for the entire game. Smith apparently saw a vacancy for "Rangers fans most hated goalie" with Marty out and decided to put in his application. Another point. How good is Voros? Still miss Sean Avery Rangers' fans?
- WHOOPS! Blake Wheeler recorded his first NHL hat trick for the Boston Bruins last night. Congrats to Whoops on the achievement. Wheeler, I think, still needs another year before he is reliable fantasy contributor but he is turning into a very fun player to watch.
- Pittsburgh fans! Be discouraged with Fleury's play (though putting up 4 goals and losing is Edmonton's Modus Operandi these days) but be encouraged by the play of Miroslav Satan and Petr Sykora. The Pens put up 5 goals last night and none of them were scored by Crosby or Malkin. Satan is on fire right now (8 goals) but Sykora has been slow to the starting gate. Well, 2 goals last night plus some powerplay time encourages me. If you've got Sykora on your bench it might be a good time to start playing him.
- Shea...motherflippin... Weber... that is all. No. OK so did I think he'd have 7 goals at this point in the season? No, but he does and now you need to figure out what to do with him? Guys like Weber, Semin and Vanek are all performing above their lofty expectations. Is it time to consider selling high? No I don't think so, particularly with Weber and Semin. Weber could very well continue to be a strong contributor throughout the year. He has 7 goals, top amongst d-men, and is ranked second to only Chris Pronger in standard Yahoo leagues. I think he finishes the year in the top 15 amongst d-men and I don't think you'll get that kind of return on him. Same for Semin, the return won't be worth what you are giving up.
- LUONGO! 2 shutouts in a row. Luongo owners... exhale.
- Ryan Clowe... two goals and the shootout winner... told you to watch him preseason based on his strong postseason and told you to pick him up yesterday... just saying. Setoguchi had another great night as well with two assists and 4 SOG.
That's all for now. I should be back a little bit later on in the day with updates, news, musings, etc.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
News and Notes + Site News
A couple of quick news items of fantasy interest:
-Petr Sykora made his return last night and was skating on a line with Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal. Though the line was 0's in the box score Sykora added a jump and depth to that line that was lacking previously. He also played on the first powerplay unit.
-Also from the Pittsburgh game the Sidney Crosby line continued to evolve. Satan played Sidney's right wing and Tyler Kennedy and Pascal Dupuis split time on the left side. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.
-Final note on Pittsburgh. Though he hasn't scored since his first game Alex Gologoski is really starting to settle in in his role as pointman on the first powerplay unit. The unit has been quiet but not for a lack of trying, and really appeared to be gelling in the third period last night.
-The Sharks could very well be the most complete team in hockey this year. They appear to have finally found a balance between first and second line scoring and have the ability to move the puck on defense better then at any time in the history of the franchise. If Rob Blake, Devin Setoguchi or Jonathan Cheechoo are available in your league, now may be the time to grab them.
-Kristian Huselius is selfish and lazy. Nash had 9 shots last night but it wasn't because Huselius was a good linemate. At every turn Huselius wold shoot when he should pass, skate in on the off wing and make lazy undirected passes. RJ Umberger also looks lost on this line at the moment.
-Kipprusoff's performance thus far (15 goals in 3 games) is not unprecedented as he looked like this for stretches of last season as well. I'm worried about Calgary's chances this year.
-I'm less worried about Anaheim. Though they and Giguere have been lit up so far this season I expect them to bounce back once their defense gets rolling. Which brings me to...
Site news:
-Tomorrow I will be debuting a new weekly feature to BTT: Breaking the Slump. Each week I'll analyze a player or player who is slumping and give you my advice on whether to bench, drop or keep them rolling. The subject of our first Breaking the Slump J.S. Giguere.
-Also, coming later today the second Two Minute Minor, the new weekly from our contributor Nick Giammona. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
-Petr Sykora made his return last night and was skating on a line with Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal. Though the line was 0's in the box score Sykora added a jump and depth to that line that was lacking previously. He also played on the first powerplay unit.
-Also from the Pittsburgh game the Sidney Crosby line continued to evolve. Satan played Sidney's right wing and Tyler Kennedy and Pascal Dupuis split time on the left side. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.
-Final note on Pittsburgh. Though he hasn't scored since his first game Alex Gologoski is really starting to settle in in his role as pointman on the first powerplay unit. The unit has been quiet but not for a lack of trying, and really appeared to be gelling in the third period last night.
-The Sharks could very well be the most complete team in hockey this year. They appear to have finally found a balance between first and second line scoring and have the ability to move the puck on defense better then at any time in the history of the franchise. If Rob Blake, Devin Setoguchi or Jonathan Cheechoo are available in your league, now may be the time to grab them.
-Kristian Huselius is selfish and lazy. Nash had 9 shots last night but it wasn't because Huselius was a good linemate. At every turn Huselius wold shoot when he should pass, skate in on the off wing and make lazy undirected passes. RJ Umberger also looks lost on this line at the moment.
-Kipprusoff's performance thus far (15 goals in 3 games) is not unprecedented as he looked like this for stretches of last season as well. I'm worried about Calgary's chances this year.
-I'm less worried about Anaheim. Though they and Giguere have been lit up so far this season I expect them to bounce back once their defense gets rolling. Which brings me to...
Site news:
-Tomorrow I will be debuting a new weekly feature to BTT: Breaking the Slump. Each week I'll analyze a player or player who is slumping and give you my advice on whether to bench, drop or keep them rolling. The subject of our first Breaking the Slump J.S. Giguere.
-Also, coming later today the second Two Minute Minor, the new weekly from our contributor Nick Giammona. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
European Vacation Concludes
Rangers v. Tampa Bay Game 2
It should have never been this close. The Rangers absolutely dominated this game through two periods. After the second period shots were 33-9 in favor of the Rangers. The mind boggles.
- Once again, the Naslund, Drury, Gomez line looks very good both at even strength and on the powerplay. Gomez seems to have an extra step in his game and Naslund seems to "get" Gomez better then Jagr ever did. As a long time Devils fan the only other person I've ever seen have this kind of chemistry with Scott is Alexander Mogilny. That should have Rangers fans very excited.
- Redden showed some flashes of the guy he used to be today. 1 goal and 1 assist, plus a knack for pinching into center ice at the right time could lead to a very successful year for the derided defender. I'm still not sold on his defensive game, as I don't think the Rangers have been tested in that regard yet, but offensively he looks like he could be exceptional.
- The Rangers powerplay clicked today. Redden's goal came after 1:20 or so of consistent pressure by that line. They literally tired the penalty killers out to the point that Redden was able to walk in and blast it top shelf.
- Were you paying attention early in the second period? If you were you got a dazzling glimpse of what a Gomez, Zherdev and Naslund line would look like. I think the Rangers top line has good chemistry as is, but should a personnel shift occur, this line would kill.
- I'm being cautious on my Rangers predictions here. I think they are a very good team but I think Tampa might just be awful.
- Defensively speaking the Lightning are pretty abysmal. They are trying to force shots from the perimeter by collapsing around their goalie. That's all well and good (and is padding the save %'s of both Kolzig and Smith) when done properly. The Lightning are failing miserably at it. They are winning NONE of the races to the puck meaning that they will get absolutely deluged by shots and have virtually no time on attack. 33 shots to 9 through two periods is unacceptable.
- Tampa seemed to figure something out in the third, actually giving Lundqvist some work with their 10 shots. Maybe that something was "Give Stamkos the puck." If he had sunk that instead of banging it off the cross bar Tampa very well could have stolen this one. Whose fault is that? I've got to point at Lundqvist here. That Adam Hall goal in the first was disgusting.
- Carle led all Tampa skaters on Saturday in ice time with 29 minutes. I think Melrose saw what I saw in game 1 though as today he was shifted to the third defensive pairing and saw a decrease in his total ice time by 9 minutes.
- So who is it gonna be in Tampa? Kolzig? Smith? They both looked good, and neither one managed to get a W, so I think we may have our first goaltending controversy here. Our second of course was born out of today's other contest.
Ottawa v. Pittsburgh Game 2
Not a whole lot changed for Ottawa today. They still got most of their offense out of their star players. Their D was still mostly underwhelming and they still got to M.A. Fleury 3 times. What was different? Alex Auld baby.
- Daniel Alfredsson arrived today, getting two assists, one an absolute beauty for Heatley's second goal of the game. Speaking of Heater... he looks absolutely fantastic thus far.
- Vermette had the goal of the game, getting his own rebound off of Fleury's chest and then banging it home.
-The Sens D improved slightly, largely because there was less of it. Brian Lee and Cristoph Schubert saw their ice time shaved significantly. Filip Kuba on the other hand had yet another point, this time on the powerplay and another outstanding game, receiving the most ice time of any Senator. Of the two defenders I'm recommending from this game I think he is your best option if you had a lousy defender draft (or say drafted Sergei Gonchar, Sergei Zubov or Ryan Whitney).
- Now is probably the time to talk about M.A. Fleury. I've made no secret that I don't think the guy is an elite option this year, particularly considering the loss of Whitney and Gonchar. Today you saw why. He gives up a ton of rebounds and without seasoned defenders to cover him, guys like Vermette are going to walk in on him all game. I don't so much blame him for either of the Heatley goals, he's gonna score those every time, particularly when there is so much open real estate in his zone. The Pens have a lot of reshuffling to do before they are a team to be feared again.
- "You've failed me for the last time Miroslav." The panic has already begun in the quest to find Sid the Kid suitable linemates. Maybe they should hold a reality show. Call it "Center of Attention." Guests can compete to make Sid feel like he is the greatest player ever to play the game and to do and skate and shoot exactly how and when he tells them to. It would be a ratings smash and Sid is just whiny and unlikable enough for reality TV.
It took less then a game and a half for Sid to tire of Miroslav Satan and for him to be replaced with Tyler Kennedy. Don't go running to pick him up just yet though. Until Sykora returns expect to see Sid go throgh linemates like Darth Vader does Admirals. "Apology accepted Captain Satan."
-How about that Alex Auld? He played a little above his head today but it looks like he and Gerber are going to be battling it out all season. Auld has the early lead, carrying a shutout to the last two seconds of this game before giving one up on the man advantage, and will likely get the start the next time Ottawa laces them up on the 11th. Of course he may not want that honor as whomever gets it will be the the first goalie to be tested (after Vesa Toskala is mercilessly disembowled) by the 2008-2009 Red Wings. My advice... get a cold Alex. Twist an ankle or something, and then tell everyone how you could have done better than Gerber. There's no winning this one.
- The one bright spot for the Pens was the debut of Alex Goligoski. He looks a little suspect defensively but he absolutely blasted one past Gerber from the right circle with 2 seconds remaining. He's not the answer for the this term long term but could be a stop gap in the short term. As such he could be the same for you if you were unsatisfied with your draft crop of D-men. Keep an eye on him over the next week or so.
So that wraps up the "PRE" season. I intend to watch as many games as possible at the beginning of the year so I can give all of you an idea of what is going on. Requests? There are only 4 games opening night so I'm going to try to watch the Toronto v Detroit massacre and then grab some of Boston v Colorado before switching over to San Jose at Anaheim. I'm skipping Calgary at Vancouver but will grab as much of it as possible during commercial breaks.
It should have never been this close. The Rangers absolutely dominated this game through two periods. After the second period shots were 33-9 in favor of the Rangers. The mind boggles.
- Once again, the Naslund, Drury, Gomez line looks very good both at even strength and on the powerplay. Gomez seems to have an extra step in his game and Naslund seems to "get" Gomez better then Jagr ever did. As a long time Devils fan the only other person I've ever seen have this kind of chemistry with Scott is Alexander Mogilny. That should have Rangers fans very excited.
- Redden showed some flashes of the guy he used to be today. 1 goal and 1 assist, plus a knack for pinching into center ice at the right time could lead to a very successful year for the derided defender. I'm still not sold on his defensive game, as I don't think the Rangers have been tested in that regard yet, but offensively he looks like he could be exceptional.
- The Rangers powerplay clicked today. Redden's goal came after 1:20 or so of consistent pressure by that line. They literally tired the penalty killers out to the point that Redden was able to walk in and blast it top shelf.
- Were you paying attention early in the second period? If you were you got a dazzling glimpse of what a Gomez, Zherdev and Naslund line would look like. I think the Rangers top line has good chemistry as is, but should a personnel shift occur, this line would kill.
- I'm being cautious on my Rangers predictions here. I think they are a very good team but I think Tampa might just be awful.
- Defensively speaking the Lightning are pretty abysmal. They are trying to force shots from the perimeter by collapsing around their goalie. That's all well and good (and is padding the save %'s of both Kolzig and Smith) when done properly. The Lightning are failing miserably at it. They are winning NONE of the races to the puck meaning that they will get absolutely deluged by shots and have virtually no time on attack. 33 shots to 9 through two periods is unacceptable.
- Tampa seemed to figure something out in the third, actually giving Lundqvist some work with their 10 shots. Maybe that something was "Give Stamkos the puck." If he had sunk that instead of banging it off the cross bar Tampa very well could have stolen this one. Whose fault is that? I've got to point at Lundqvist here. That Adam Hall goal in the first was disgusting.
- Carle led all Tampa skaters on Saturday in ice time with 29 minutes. I think Melrose saw what I saw in game 1 though as today he was shifted to the third defensive pairing and saw a decrease in his total ice time by 9 minutes.
- So who is it gonna be in Tampa? Kolzig? Smith? They both looked good, and neither one managed to get a W, so I think we may have our first goaltending controversy here. Our second of course was born out of today's other contest.
Ottawa v. Pittsburgh Game 2
Not a whole lot changed for Ottawa today. They still got most of their offense out of their star players. Their D was still mostly underwhelming and they still got to M.A. Fleury 3 times. What was different? Alex Auld baby.
- Daniel Alfredsson arrived today, getting two assists, one an absolute beauty for Heatley's second goal of the game. Speaking of Heater... he looks absolutely fantastic thus far.
- Vermette had the goal of the game, getting his own rebound off of Fleury's chest and then banging it home.
-The Sens D improved slightly, largely because there was less of it. Brian Lee and Cristoph Schubert saw their ice time shaved significantly. Filip Kuba on the other hand had yet another point, this time on the powerplay and another outstanding game, receiving the most ice time of any Senator. Of the two defenders I'm recommending from this game I think he is your best option if you had a lousy defender draft (or say drafted Sergei Gonchar, Sergei Zubov or Ryan Whitney).
- Now is probably the time to talk about M.A. Fleury. I've made no secret that I don't think the guy is an elite option this year, particularly considering the loss of Whitney and Gonchar. Today you saw why. He gives up a ton of rebounds and without seasoned defenders to cover him, guys like Vermette are going to walk in on him all game. I don't so much blame him for either of the Heatley goals, he's gonna score those every time, particularly when there is so much open real estate in his zone. The Pens have a lot of reshuffling to do before they are a team to be feared again.
- "You've failed me for the last time Miroslav." The panic has already begun in the quest to find Sid the Kid suitable linemates. Maybe they should hold a reality show. Call it "Center of Attention." Guests can compete to make Sid feel like he is the greatest player ever to play the game and to do and skate and shoot exactly how and when he tells them to. It would be a ratings smash and Sid is just whiny and unlikable enough for reality TV.
It took less then a game and a half for Sid to tire of Miroslav Satan and for him to be replaced with Tyler Kennedy. Don't go running to pick him up just yet though. Until Sykora returns expect to see Sid go throgh linemates like Darth Vader does Admirals. "Apology accepted Captain Satan."
-How about that Alex Auld? He played a little above his head today but it looks like he and Gerber are going to be battling it out all season. Auld has the early lead, carrying a shutout to the last two seconds of this game before giving one up on the man advantage, and will likely get the start the next time Ottawa laces them up on the 11th. Of course he may not want that honor as whomever gets it will be the the first goalie to be tested (after Vesa Toskala is mercilessly disembowled) by the 2008-2009 Red Wings. My advice... get a cold Alex. Twist an ankle or something, and then tell everyone how you could have done better than Gerber. There's no winning this one.
- The one bright spot for the Pens was the debut of Alex Goligoski. He looks a little suspect defensively but he absolutely blasted one past Gerber from the right circle with 2 seconds remaining. He's not the answer for the this term long term but could be a stop gap in the short term. As such he could be the same for you if you were unsatisfied with your draft crop of D-men. Keep an eye on him over the next week or so.
So that wraps up the "PRE" season. I intend to watch as many games as possible at the beginning of the year so I can give all of you an idea of what is going on. Requests? There are only 4 games opening night so I'm going to try to watch the Toronto v Detroit massacre and then grab some of Boston v Colorado before switching over to San Jose at Anaheim. I'm skipping Calgary at Vancouver but will grab as much of it as possible during commercial breaks.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Swede Surrender: Thoughts on Ottawa v Pittsburgh, that other game today
One team has a great big question mark in net, lost its top two offensive defensemen in the offseason leaving them with no obvious option on the point for the powerplay and is rumored to be a part of virtually every potential trade right now. The other team is the Pittsburgh Penguins.
This was a matchup of mirror images. The Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins both lack reliable options on defense. Pitt was decimated by injuries to their D-men and Ottawa by defections and unfavorable trades to shed salary. The Pens have a netminder in Marc Andre Fleury that has intermittently been both brilliant and awful. The Senators have the tandem of Martin Gerber and Alex Auld, who between them have played their way out of more starting jobs then the Senators have playoff series (oooo burn).
SO... with that backdrop, thoughts from the second game of the NHL season, coming at you live from Sweden (the game, not me):
- Why are these teams in Sweden anyway? Why not the Red Wings who are like 80% Swedish? OK... so lets start naming the Swedish players in this game... Alfredsson...and...uh....
- Its still unclear what the Pens plan to replace Gonchar and Whitney on the point is (though Scuderi had an even strength goal). The Senators, however, seem to be going with Filip Kuba. Kuba failed to impress in this role last year on the Lightning, when Dan Boyle was injured, but had two assists for the Senators.
- The Sens were defensively impressive when they had to be in the third period, allowing only five shots. Gerber was not equal to the task however and allowed 4 goals on 30 shots. Ouch.It wasn't like they were fantastic goals either. With the exception of Malkin's which he literally scored FROM HIS ASS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-e_3K7KSME , all of the goals were scored from odd angles and seemed to go through Gerber. Not a good sign.
- From the "I've got a bad feeling about this" category: The Defensive pairing of Alexandre Picard and Brian Lee was atrocious, accounting for two of the Pens goals. Alfredsson was a -3, being on ice for EACH of the Penguins 3 even strength goals. If you believe in bad signs this could certainly be taken as one for Sensei Swede. Alfie had more ice time then any Senator besides Martin Gerber and Filip Kuba (who played nearly 30 minutes). This may be a simple case of the Captain trying to do too much.
- Fleury actually wasn't that bad. 3 goals to this Ottawa team is almost expected (particularly when one was scored by a guy named Heatley and another by a pretty talented guy named Spezza). What I would be concerned about is that the Pens defense looks about as bad as I thought it would look. Spezza is going to score every time you let him walk in shorthanded like that, and Fleury can't be called upon to face 35 shots a night and not expect him to start breaking down. There's no Ty Conklin safety in net this season, Pitt has to protect M.A. or else face the consequences.
- I wouldn't make too much of Tyler Kennedy's two goals. Let someone else make that panic trigger pull. Satan did show some nice chemistry with Sid the Kid though.
All in all I don't think we learned much that we didn't already know from this game. Gerber is not the answer between the pipes (nor is Auld for that matter) for Ottawa. Both team's D is sloppy (a short handed goal a piece on opening night tells you that) but their offense will keep them in most games.
I think that while many writers are tentative to underrate Ottawa after so many years of "Being surprised" that they were a playoff team this Ottawa squad has finally lost all of the things that made the other ones so successful. One line does not a playoff team make. Pittsburgh looks deep. Three lines deep, and that's without Sykora. If Staal continues this strong play they might just survive until they can get Gonchar and Whitney back.
We'll do this again tomorrow. See you then.
This was a matchup of mirror images. The Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins both lack reliable options on defense. Pitt was decimated by injuries to their D-men and Ottawa by defections and unfavorable trades to shed salary. The Pens have a netminder in Marc Andre Fleury that has intermittently been both brilliant and awful. The Senators have the tandem of Martin Gerber and Alex Auld, who between them have played their way out of more starting jobs then the Senators have playoff series (oooo burn).
SO... with that backdrop, thoughts from the second game of the NHL season, coming at you live from Sweden (the game, not me):
- Why are these teams in Sweden anyway? Why not the Red Wings who are like 80% Swedish? OK... so lets start naming the Swedish players in this game... Alfredsson...and...uh....
- Its still unclear what the Pens plan to replace Gonchar and Whitney on the point is (though Scuderi had an even strength goal). The Senators, however, seem to be going with Filip Kuba. Kuba failed to impress in this role last year on the Lightning, when Dan Boyle was injured, but had two assists for the Senators.
- The Sens were defensively impressive when they had to be in the third period, allowing only five shots. Gerber was not equal to the task however and allowed 4 goals on 30 shots. Ouch.It wasn't like they were fantastic goals either. With the exception of Malkin's which he literally scored FROM HIS ASS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-e_3K7KSME , all of the goals were scored from odd angles and seemed to go through Gerber. Not a good sign.
- From the "I've got a bad feeling about this" category: The Defensive pairing of Alexandre Picard and Brian Lee was atrocious, accounting for two of the Pens goals. Alfredsson was a -3, being on ice for EACH of the Penguins 3 even strength goals. If you believe in bad signs this could certainly be taken as one for Sensei Swede. Alfie had more ice time then any Senator besides Martin Gerber and Filip Kuba (who played nearly 30 minutes). This may be a simple case of the Captain trying to do too much.
- Fleury actually wasn't that bad. 3 goals to this Ottawa team is almost expected (particularly when one was scored by a guy named Heatley and another by a pretty talented guy named Spezza). What I would be concerned about is that the Pens defense looks about as bad as I thought it would look. Spezza is going to score every time you let him walk in shorthanded like that, and Fleury can't be called upon to face 35 shots a night and not expect him to start breaking down. There's no Ty Conklin safety in net this season, Pitt has to protect M.A. or else face the consequences.
- I wouldn't make too much of Tyler Kennedy's two goals. Let someone else make that panic trigger pull. Satan did show some nice chemistry with Sid the Kid though.
All in all I don't think we learned much that we didn't already know from this game. Gerber is not the answer between the pipes (nor is Auld for that matter) for Ottawa. Both team's D is sloppy (a short handed goal a piece on opening night tells you that) but their offense will keep them in most games.
I think that while many writers are tentative to underrate Ottawa after so many years of "Being surprised" that they were a playoff team this Ottawa squad has finally lost all of the things that made the other ones so successful. One line does not a playoff team make. Pittsburgh looks deep. Three lines deep, and that's without Sykora. If Staal continues this strong play they might just survive until they can get Gonchar and Whitney back.
We'll do this again tomorrow. See you then.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Lighting the Lamp: Gonchar out 4-6 months, Campoli injured, and Khabi update
D-Liver Us!: Top Two Penguin Defenders Out Until '09
ESPN is reporting that Sergei Gonchar has elected to have surgery on his injured shoulder (the one he injured on the first shift of the first preseason game of the year) which would put him out for 4-6 months.
Gonchar is a top flight d-man, but this kind of injury makes him nearly useless on your fantasy team. If you already have him stash him on your IR and start scouring the waivers. If you haven't drafted yet then he is a LATE round pick at best... again to stash on your IR and then replace with someone else.
The other interesting storyline here is who will pick up the powerplay slack. The first week of the season should be very illuminating on this point.
Camp Woes: Campoli Injured in Preseason as Well
The Islanders defensive prospect Chris Campoli, who showed some nice improvement last season, was also injured in the preseason. The exact nature of the injury and the time he will miss is, at this point, unknown. Streit will now have no competition on the powerplay.
UPDATE:
ESPN is now also reporting the earlier reported story that Nikolai Khabibulin has been placed on waivers so I'd say thats not so much of a rumor anymore. I wouldn't expect Khabibulin to be taken off of waivers (The nearly 7 million dollar contract might cause a bit of a problem) but I really do think that something will get done with either LA or Ottawa before the season starts, whether it be via re-entry waivers or a trade.
ESPN is reporting that Sergei Gonchar has elected to have surgery on his injured shoulder (the one he injured on the first shift of the first preseason game of the year) which would put him out for 4-6 months.
Gonchar is a top flight d-man, but this kind of injury makes him nearly useless on your fantasy team. If you already have him stash him on your IR and start scouring the waivers. If you haven't drafted yet then he is a LATE round pick at best... again to stash on your IR and then replace with someone else.
The other interesting storyline here is who will pick up the powerplay slack. The first week of the season should be very illuminating on this point.
Camp Woes: Campoli Injured in Preseason as Well
The Islanders defensive prospect Chris Campoli, who showed some nice improvement last season, was also injured in the preseason. The exact nature of the injury and the time he will miss is, at this point, unknown. Streit will now have no competition on the powerplay.
UPDATE:
ESPN is now also reporting the earlier reported story that Nikolai Khabibulin has been placed on waivers so I'd say thats not so much of a rumor anymore. I wouldn't expect Khabibulin to be taken off of waivers (The nearly 7 million dollar contract might cause a bit of a problem) but I really do think that something will get done with either LA or Ottawa before the season starts, whether it be via re-entry waivers or a trade.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Drafting Your Defense Just Got Tougher
A couple of quick injury notes:
Erik Johnson to miss entire season with torn ligaments. Golf Carts To Be Hunted as Criminals in St. Louis.
Erik Johnson, THE future of the St. Louis Blues tore the ligaments in his knee stepping out of a golf cart at a team sponsored event. Holy shit. That has to rival Theodore injuring himself slipping on a patch of ice outside of his house... not in the irony department but definitely in the randomness one. St. Louis President John Davidson when asked for a comment said, "Whoa Baby!" We agree John. This one hurts.
Johnson is expected to miss the entire season so obviously don't draft him unless you like having inactive players on your bench. I don't know maybe you're weird. Masochists play fantasy game too right? In fact it's arguable whether anyone BUT masochists play fantasy games but...
Sergei Gonchar dislocates shoulder... recovery time uncertain.
It now appears that Gonchar's mysterious injury in the Penguins first preseason game was a dislocated shoulder. The Penguins have been quiet about it up until now as there was too much swelling to determine whether surgery would or would not be necessary. Now according to Pens GM Ray Shero, Gonchar is considering surgery. A dislocated shoulder is a strange injury in the NHL. Malkin missed just four game from a dislocated shoulder in the preseason last year... but Malkin was 20 and Gonchar is well into his 30's. Of course it all depends upon the severity. I would move Gonchar down several spots in your draft. He will miss the beginning of the season even under the best case scenario and could be out until December under the worst.
With Whitney out until at least December the Pens powerplay situation becomes murky at best. Expect everyone with a pulse on that team to be trying their hand at the point for the first few games of the season. The early edge looks to go to Daryl Sydor (experience) or Alex Goligoski (potential).
This is a gut check for Pittsburgh. Their depth is being tested ad every weakness is being exploited. Rememer this is still the team that held onto their division lead without Crosby... but with Hossa... and Malone... and Whitney and Gonchar. Uh oh. I'd say the Rangers and Flyers odds in Vegas just went up. In related news this is apparently video of the most recent Penguins practice http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0paUfGmB-Q
Erik Johnson to miss entire season with torn ligaments. Golf Carts To Be Hunted as Criminals in St. Louis.
Erik Johnson, THE future of the St. Louis Blues tore the ligaments in his knee stepping out of a golf cart at a team sponsored event. Holy shit. That has to rival Theodore injuring himself slipping on a patch of ice outside of his house... not in the irony department but definitely in the randomness one. St. Louis President John Davidson when asked for a comment said, "Whoa Baby!" We agree John. This one hurts.
Johnson is expected to miss the entire season so obviously don't draft him unless you like having inactive players on your bench. I don't know maybe you're weird. Masochists play fantasy game too right? In fact it's arguable whether anyone BUT masochists play fantasy games but...
Sergei Gonchar dislocates shoulder... recovery time uncertain.
It now appears that Gonchar's mysterious injury in the Penguins first preseason game was a dislocated shoulder. The Penguins have been quiet about it up until now as there was too much swelling to determine whether surgery would or would not be necessary. Now according to Pens GM Ray Shero, Gonchar is considering surgery. A dislocated shoulder is a strange injury in the NHL. Malkin missed just four game from a dislocated shoulder in the preseason last year... but Malkin was 20 and Gonchar is well into his 30's. Of course it all depends upon the severity. I would move Gonchar down several spots in your draft. He will miss the beginning of the season even under the best case scenario and could be out until December under the worst.
With Whitney out until at least December the Pens powerplay situation becomes murky at best. Expect everyone with a pulse on that team to be trying their hand at the point for the first few games of the season. The early edge looks to go to Daryl Sydor (experience) or Alex Goligoski (potential).
This is a gut check for Pittsburgh. Their depth is being tested ad every weakness is being exploited. Rememer this is still the team that held onto their division lead without Crosby... but with Hossa... and Malone... and Whitney and Gonchar. Uh oh. I'd say the Rangers and Flyers odds in Vegas just went up. In related news this is apparently video of the most recent Penguins practice http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0paUfGmB-Q
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
TEAM PREVIEWS: PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Introduction:
The Penguins began their march to relevance at the beginning of last season with the continued emergence of Evgeni Malkin and the addition of a strong supporting cast in improving Ryan Malone and steady scorer Petr Sykora. Then it was Surf's Up as the Penguins acquired Marian Hossa at the trade deadline and rode the wave all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals. Unfortunately their Happy Feet were cooled by a superior Detroit team and now these Penguins find themselves staring once again at a long and daunting march to the playoffs.
Key Departures:
Marian Hossa
Ryan Malone
Hossa has left for Redder pastures, choosing to join the team that knocked the Penguins off last spring. I don't think his departure will have much of an effect on individual Penguins regular season numbers as he only played thirteen games with them last season and most of those while Sid the Kid was injured.
Malone's departure will be felt on the powerplay. He was the grit and they haven't replaced him via free agency and no replacement exists from within.
New Faces:
Miroslav Satan
Satan was a good grab by the Penguins. He doesn't replace any of the things that they lost, but he will provide some good secondary scoring a la Petr Sykora. I wouldn't draft him per se but I would expect a good ten point bump from playing with Crosby and/or Malkin in some capacity. I'll give Satan an outside shot at 20 goals and 35 assists. Like Elias though his shooting percentage took a massive dive last season while taking fewer shots. Be wary. Satan is on the decline.
FACT: Satan had ONE, count it, one 40 goal season all the way back in 98-99 but its the one everyone remembers on draft day.
The Offense:
Here be our first two legitimate superstars in offensive categories. Sid the Kid and Evgeni the Hemi. The rest of the offense is really a mixed bag. The intriguing breakout candidate of Malone is gone, but several other solid options remain.
You Want to Draft:
Sidney Crosby
Evgeni Malkin
Petr Sykora
Sid. The. Kid. Sidney Crosby only played 53 games last year and he still had 72 points, 173 shots, and 27 powerplay points. Sid is an absolute force. Sid will hit every mark I listed in the Philadelphia Team Preview required to be an elite 6 tool player and he'll absolutely dominate some of those (G, A, PP). Sid slowed down a little bit in some categories last year, and he is absolutely not a 110 PIM guy like he was in his first season anymore. However expect Sid, Ovechkin and Malkin to all be drafted 1, 2 and 3 in just about every league. If you don't have one of those first three picks you are playing catch up.
FACT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Egt-nwZ6Ym8 Gretzky was once asked if anyone stood a chance of breaking his records. He responded, "Yes, Sidney Crosby."
Evgeni Malkin is arguably a more valuable player then Crosby... hear me out. Malkin's goal total last year was higher then any Sid has put up. His overall point total is comparable as are his shots(a few more then Sid), PIM (a few more then Sid), +/- (about the same) and powerplay points (a few less then Sid). Ultimately you're giving up around 20 assists to get 10 goals and eligibility on the wing. Goals are tougher to come by (you'll be able to plug in assist guys LATE in the draft) as are high scoring wings. By this strategy you MIGHT consider taking Malkin or Ovechkin before Sidney, particularly when you consider that the extent of damage to Sid's ankle last season is still unknown. Like I said, in my mind Malkin, Sid, and Ovie go one, two three... its just a question of who is 1.
FACT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZkPn9kjRFE This is why I like these guys. Ovechkin and Malkin are complete players. They play the game hard, fast and physical, the way its meant to be played.
And then, like Bill Christ Jesus' younger brother, here comes the other Penguin I'm recommending. Sykora, like anyone really, pales in comparison to Crosby and Malkin. He is a useful winger though, and due to some of the departures this team has suffered Sykora should see even more time on the powerplay with Sid and Malkin. 65 or so points with a solid 30 coming off the man advantage seems about right for the aging sniper.
FACT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Db2bGQa6oZY Watch around 1:30 for my favorite goal of ALL time. Sykora's still got those hands and he was what made that line work back in the day.
You Want to Keep an Eye On:
Jordan Staal
Pascal Dupuis
Staal is only 19. When he was 18 he scored 29 goals in 81 games... a little of that magic disappeared last season as he hit a bit of a sophomore slump (shooting percentage went from 22.1% to 6.6%... ouch) but there is absolutely no one who doesn't believe that he's got a tremendous amount of talent just bubbling beneath the surface. With most of their stars locked into long term deals Pittsburgh would be wise to give Jordan some time on Malkin or Crosby's wing and certainly use him more on the powerplay. Its early in his development but, like Mike Richards, one of these years Staal is just going to explode. Until I see what they are doing with him in training camp I'll be a little less bullish, but I expect a return to at least 20 goal form this year. If he starts picking it up, you should pick him up without hesitation.
FACT: Jordan Staal was the youngest player to EVER score a hat trick, just 153 days after his 18th birthday.
Dupuis? Yes. Dupuis. In 16 games with Pittsburgh last season Dupuis scored 2 goals and added 10 assists, giving him 12 points in only 16 games. That's almost a point a game. He should still be centered by either Crosby or Malkin. I don't see why a 60 point season is impossible for this talented 29 year old. I'm not saying he'll do it either... I'm just saying pay attention.
FACT: Pascal Dupuis has never done anything close to what I'm suggesting he'll do this year, which is why it will be all the more spectacular when he does and I'm right.
The Defense:
You Want to Draft:
Sergei Gonchar
Elite! 12 goals, 53 assists, 46 powerplay points. Other then a guy by the name of Lidstrom this is one of your absolute best choices as a number one defenseman. He plays point on one of the most potent units on the man advantage in the NHL. Grab him quickly.
FACT: Gonchar has had 8 seasons of 50 or more points. 3 of those have come in his three years with Pittsburgh.
DO NOT... UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES... DRAFT...
Ryan Whitney
What? He's good. I know he's good but he's really really hurt.
FACT: Ryan Whitney just underwent ankle surgery (as in last week). Such surgery is best case going to sideline him for 3 months and worst case for 5 months, meaning that it could be January before Whitney hits the ice.
Reader: Thank you Breaking the Trap. I would have made that mistake in my draft.
BTT: You're quite welcome dear reader. Now go forth and tell your friends of my awesomeness.
The Powerplay:
Sidney Crosby
Evgeni Malkin
Petr Sykora
(mystery Ryan Whitney fill-in to be updated after training camp)
Sergei Gonchar
That will be your unit right there. The Pens have a lot of young d-men and forwards, all of whom should be monitored to see who is getting what opportunities at the beginning of the season. This unit so long as it includes Crosby, Malkin and Gonchar will be absolutely dominant.
The Goalie(s):
Marc Andre Fleury is the presumptive king of the crease in Pittsburgh particularly now that he has signed a 7 year extension. Fleury is at times unbeatable and at times underwhelming and still at other times injured. This team will win its fair share of games however, and the defense won't be as bad as some are speculating. Fleury is a very good option in net should he remain healthy.
FACT: Before the injury Fleury was on his way to having his first season as the goaltender drafted with the first overall pick in 2003. Through 33 starts Fleury had a 2.33 GAA and .921 sv %. The first number is ok, the second is pretty spectacular.
Because of Fleury's injury history it is useful to know who your backup would be. Here Dany Sabourin is will likely fill that role. I don't like Pittsburgh's prospects if he's forced to play regularly... but uh I would have said that about Ty Conklin as well and well.
FACT: Other then GAA Conklin's numbers were equal to Fleury's in about the same number of starts.
The Verdict:
Pittsburgh will be good. Crosby, Malkin et al are too good for them not to be. Draft Crosby and Malkin in the first round, Gonchar amongst the top tier of D-men and Fleury amongst the second tier of goalies. This is a team that is going to compete no matter what.
The Penguins began their march to relevance at the beginning of last season with the continued emergence of Evgeni Malkin and the addition of a strong supporting cast in improving Ryan Malone and steady scorer Petr Sykora. Then it was Surf's Up as the Penguins acquired Marian Hossa at the trade deadline and rode the wave all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals. Unfortunately their Happy Feet were cooled by a superior Detroit team and now these Penguins find themselves staring once again at a long and daunting march to the playoffs.
Key Departures:
Marian Hossa
Ryan Malone
Hossa has left for Redder pastures, choosing to join the team that knocked the Penguins off last spring. I don't think his departure will have much of an effect on individual Penguins regular season numbers as he only played thirteen games with them last season and most of those while Sid the Kid was injured.
Malone's departure will be felt on the powerplay. He was the grit and they haven't replaced him via free agency and no replacement exists from within.
New Faces:
Miroslav Satan
Satan was a good grab by the Penguins. He doesn't replace any of the things that they lost, but he will provide some good secondary scoring a la Petr Sykora. I wouldn't draft him per se but I would expect a good ten point bump from playing with Crosby and/or Malkin in some capacity. I'll give Satan an outside shot at 20 goals and 35 assists. Like Elias though his shooting percentage took a massive dive last season while taking fewer shots. Be wary. Satan is on the decline.
FACT: Satan had ONE, count it, one 40 goal season all the way back in 98-99 but its the one everyone remembers on draft day.
The Offense:
Here be our first two legitimate superstars in offensive categories. Sid the Kid and Evgeni the Hemi. The rest of the offense is really a mixed bag. The intriguing breakout candidate of Malone is gone, but several other solid options remain.
You Want to Draft:
Sidney Crosby
Evgeni Malkin
Petr Sykora
Sid. The. Kid. Sidney Crosby only played 53 games last year and he still had 72 points, 173 shots, and 27 powerplay points. Sid is an absolute force. Sid will hit every mark I listed in the Philadelphia Team Preview required to be an elite 6 tool player and he'll absolutely dominate some of those (G, A, PP). Sid slowed down a little bit in some categories last year, and he is absolutely not a 110 PIM guy like he was in his first season anymore. However expect Sid, Ovechkin and Malkin to all be drafted 1, 2 and 3 in just about every league. If you don't have one of those first three picks you are playing catch up.
FACT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Egt-nwZ6Ym8 Gretzky was once asked if anyone stood a chance of breaking his records. He responded, "Yes, Sidney Crosby."
Evgeni Malkin is arguably a more valuable player then Crosby... hear me out. Malkin's goal total last year was higher then any Sid has put up. His overall point total is comparable as are his shots(a few more then Sid), PIM (a few more then Sid), +/- (about the same) and powerplay points (a few less then Sid). Ultimately you're giving up around 20 assists to get 10 goals and eligibility on the wing. Goals are tougher to come by (you'll be able to plug in assist guys LATE in the draft) as are high scoring wings. By this strategy you MIGHT consider taking Malkin or Ovechkin before Sidney, particularly when you consider that the extent of damage to Sid's ankle last season is still unknown. Like I said, in my mind Malkin, Sid, and Ovie go one, two three... its just a question of who is 1.
FACT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZkPn9kjRFE This is why I like these guys. Ovechkin and Malkin are complete players. They play the game hard, fast and physical, the way its meant to be played.
And then, like Bill Christ Jesus' younger brother, here comes the other Penguin I'm recommending. Sykora, like anyone really, pales in comparison to Crosby and Malkin. He is a useful winger though, and due to some of the departures this team has suffered Sykora should see even more time on the powerplay with Sid and Malkin. 65 or so points with a solid 30 coming off the man advantage seems about right for the aging sniper.
FACT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Db2bGQa6oZY Watch around 1:30 for my favorite goal of ALL time. Sykora's still got those hands and he was what made that line work back in the day.
You Want to Keep an Eye On:
Jordan Staal
Pascal Dupuis
Staal is only 19. When he was 18 he scored 29 goals in 81 games... a little of that magic disappeared last season as he hit a bit of a sophomore slump (shooting percentage went from 22.1% to 6.6%... ouch) but there is absolutely no one who doesn't believe that he's got a tremendous amount of talent just bubbling beneath the surface. With most of their stars locked into long term deals Pittsburgh would be wise to give Jordan some time on Malkin or Crosby's wing and certainly use him more on the powerplay. Its early in his development but, like Mike Richards, one of these years Staal is just going to explode. Until I see what they are doing with him in training camp I'll be a little less bullish, but I expect a return to at least 20 goal form this year. If he starts picking it up, you should pick him up without hesitation.
FACT: Jordan Staal was the youngest player to EVER score a hat trick, just 153 days after his 18th birthday.
Dupuis? Yes. Dupuis. In 16 games with Pittsburgh last season Dupuis scored 2 goals and added 10 assists, giving him 12 points in only 16 games. That's almost a point a game. He should still be centered by either Crosby or Malkin. I don't see why a 60 point season is impossible for this talented 29 year old. I'm not saying he'll do it either... I'm just saying pay attention.
FACT: Pascal Dupuis has never done anything close to what I'm suggesting he'll do this year, which is why it will be all the more spectacular when he does and I'm right.
The Defense:
You Want to Draft:
Sergei Gonchar
Elite! 12 goals, 53 assists, 46 powerplay points. Other then a guy by the name of Lidstrom this is one of your absolute best choices as a number one defenseman. He plays point on one of the most potent units on the man advantage in the NHL. Grab him quickly.
FACT: Gonchar has had 8 seasons of 50 or more points. 3 of those have come in his three years with Pittsburgh.
DO NOT... UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES... DRAFT...
Ryan Whitney
What? He's good. I know he's good but he's really really hurt.
FACT: Ryan Whitney just underwent ankle surgery (as in last week). Such surgery is best case going to sideline him for 3 months and worst case for 5 months, meaning that it could be January before Whitney hits the ice.
Reader: Thank you Breaking the Trap. I would have made that mistake in my draft.
BTT: You're quite welcome dear reader. Now go forth and tell your friends of my awesomeness.
The Powerplay:
Sidney Crosby
Evgeni Malkin
Petr Sykora
(mystery Ryan Whitney fill-in to be updated after training camp)
Sergei Gonchar
That will be your unit right there. The Pens have a lot of young d-men and forwards, all of whom should be monitored to see who is getting what opportunities at the beginning of the season. This unit so long as it includes Crosby, Malkin and Gonchar will be absolutely dominant.
The Goalie(s):
Marc Andre Fleury is the presumptive king of the crease in Pittsburgh particularly now that he has signed a 7 year extension. Fleury is at times unbeatable and at times underwhelming and still at other times injured. This team will win its fair share of games however, and the defense won't be as bad as some are speculating. Fleury is a very good option in net should he remain healthy.
FACT: Before the injury Fleury was on his way to having his first season as the goaltender drafted with the first overall pick in 2003. Through 33 starts Fleury had a 2.33 GAA and .921 sv %. The first number is ok, the second is pretty spectacular.
Because of Fleury's injury history it is useful to know who your backup would be. Here Dany Sabourin is will likely fill that role. I don't like Pittsburgh's prospects if he's forced to play regularly... but uh I would have said that about Ty Conklin as well and well.
FACT: Other then GAA Conklin's numbers were equal to Fleury's in about the same number of starts.
The Verdict:
Pittsburgh will be good. Crosby, Malkin et al are too good for them not to be. Draft Crosby and Malkin in the first round, Gonchar amongst the top tier of D-men and Fleury amongst the second tier of goalies. This is a team that is going to compete no matter what.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Rockin In the Free (Agent) World
So... you meet a girl, or a boy (I don't discriminate) fall rapidly in love and spend a significant amount of time, energy and money on him/her/it over the course of your young relationship. Things are going well. You introduce her to your city, let her know everything about you and do everything you can to form a real bond with her. You don't know where its going but you assume that should anything come up you'll have a shot at talking it through, because you believe compromise and negotiation are key elements in any relationship.
One day you're sitting in a paddle boat with your lady love/knight in shining some such when he/she turns to you and says "Hey sugarplum... I'd like to meet your friends." You happen to be going to the bar that night to meet up with them and you invite her along, eager to show him/her off.
All your friends like her/him. They express how great they are for you. But one keeps asking you strange questions. "How old is he/she? Do you think they'd like it in Canada? How fast do they run a mile... on average?" You get suspicious but you just assume that your friend is drunk. At one point you excuse yourself from your betrothed to use the restroom. When you return your strange friend is forcing his tongue down he/she/its throat and you can't tell whether or not your intended is enjoying it or not.
That friend... that's Kevin Lowe(General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers for those of you not in the know (TYNITK from now on)). You are Brian Burke (General Manager of the Anaheim Ducks for TYNITK). And that until recently so special person who is now sucking face and dreaming of staging their own personal "Battle for Alberta" that's Dustin Penner. Does all of this back and forth between the two make a little more sense now?
Look I support ridiculous offer sheets for RFA's. I do. I spent a couple of hours back in March deciding which RFA defensemen the Devils should make offer sheets to once July rolled around (I was not optimistic about the playoffs). But I only support doing it in the right instances for proven commodities. Hell I'd even support "semi" proven commodities.
When Kevin Lowe went after Vanek he went after the hottest girlfriend in the room. You gotta respect that. The fact that Vanek went on to have a so so year was neither here nor there (lots of people let themselves go a bit once they feel they are set for life). But when you make a 5 year offer sheet at 4.25 per to a guy who wasn't drafted and has scored 52 points in 101 NHL games, effectively making him the highest paid forward on your team... well then even the guys with ugly girlfriends get nervous.
Lowe is right though in his overall philosophy. This NHL is a young man's game. The rest of the league knows this which is why the young guys are getting the big contracts and the old guys are going to Russia. Lowe's aggressive tactics, while they haven't yet paid off for him, have changed the way the league looks at its youngest and brightest stars. When preparing for your draft you should keep that in mind too. While a lot of this year UFA's (Unrestricted Free Agents for TYNITK) are going to look sexy and should be taken in the early rounds, once those big names are off the table maybe you should keep the younger guys in mind before reaching for an aging veteran on his last contract before heading way east.
Without further adieu, let's get to our free agency/off season wrap up. We'll start with... what else the Atlantic Division
The New York Islanders
Mark Streit is a bigger asset then you think he is. Don't laugh. I said don't laugh. Ok fine. He's 30 years old. He's only played two full seasons prior to last year and its impossible to know whether he'll be playing D or Wing or be the next head coach or GM of this team. Is he worth what they paid? No. Should you draft him as high as someone else will considering he got 62 points last year (tied with Brian Campbell for third amongst defenseman)? Probably not. But if he falls in your draft I would keep an eye out. He's going to be a minus on this team, but he's still probably good for 40 points or so. If you are looking for defensemen on this team I think Chris Campoli will be a much better option.
Weight for it... Weight for it... can't do it. Sorry. Don't pick Doug Weight. But you didn't need me to tell you that.
The New Jersey Devils
Rolston was a good signing... but not for 4 years. While the term concerns me as a fan it shouldn't concern you in your fantasy draft. He will play on the first line, probably with Elias and/or Parise. His shot from the point is exactly what the Devils were missing on their power play. I'd say he's a lock for 60+ points with about half of those coming on the man advantage. I would expect his +/- to be positive as well now that he's back in front of Marty. Did you know he rarely played with Gaborik out in Minnesota, yet he had three straight 30 goal seasons there? Fact.
Holik. He came cheap. He shouldn't even be on your list on draft day unless your league only drafts players from Jihlava, Czechoslovakia. Even then you might want to consider taking David Vyborny first.
Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers were relatively quiet. This is not necessarily a bad thing. I think most teams in the NHL at this point should envy their depth at center. A little light on the wings, but shouldn't hurt them too badly. This is a deceptively deep offensive team.
Pittsburgh Penguins
They lost an in his prime star in Hossa. Ouch.
But this Pittsburgh team will likely be fine. They were well within reach of the playoffs when they acquired Maid Marion in the first place. While they were unable to use free agency to acquire anything that will come close to replacing what Hossa's output would have been for an entire year... they didn't have to.
Miroslav Satan is a fine addition and should see a similar spike to that Sykora received last year by playing on Crosby or Malkin's wing. A mid 50's season in points would not be unheard of. He'll put up Malone numbers this year.
I wouldn't expect a similar spike from the other Islander the Pens acquired in Fedotenko. He's a career 30 point producer. If anything the departures open the door for increased ice time for Dupuis, who scored 12 points in 16 games after joining the Pens last year, and the still very very young and talented Jordan Staal.
The New York Rangers
One of the more active teams in free agency. The Rangers added Wade Redden and Dmitri Kalinin to their blue line, resigned Paul Mara and Michal Rozsival, and added by subtracting Christian Backman and Marek Malik.
Looking JUST at what they've done on defense for a moment I would say that the addition of Redden improves their power play immensely (as does... I'm serious... the subtraction of Jagr but more on that in a second). Redden gives them a puck moving defenseman and a power play quarterback the likes of which they haven't had for some time. Additionally, keeping Mara and Rosey means their powerplay is fairly deep and should be able to consistently put two good pressure units on the ice.
Kalinin is a good stay at home defenseman, and Redden's commitment to defense has rarely been questioned (he has one career minus season). All of this means the Rangers should be incredibly solid in their back end. This probably moves Marc Staal's fantasy relevance back at least a year though.
Moving now to the forwards, the Rangers added Nikolai Zherdev and Markus Naslund to their interchangeable flock (sorry couldn't resist). Its probably premature to speculate but I would imagine that both of these men would play with Drury or Gomez though likely not on the same line and some combination of Dubinsky, Dawes and Callahan would round out the top six forwards.
The subtraction of Jaromir Jagr signifies a transition to a more attack oriented team. Gomez will likely now have forwards who zoom through the neutral zone with him instead of circling back as soon as they reach the blue line. One thing is for sure; this is going to be a completely different brand of hockey when it hits the ice this fall.
Early speculation: Gomez sees a bump in value as does Zherdev (who will play on his wing). Naslund stays around the high 50's (he was playing with the Sedin's last year lets not forget) but remains relevant as a run and gun left wing. Drury should see his point totals comfortably return to the mid 60's. Redden improves on last years numbers seeing point totals in the high 40's low 50's. Rosey's numbers dip as he is no longer the go to guy but he remains fantasy relevant. Either Dubinsky or Dawes will be worth owning by years end in all but the shallowest of leagues.
OK thats all for now. We'll see you tomorrow for the rest of the Eastern Conference.
One day you're sitting in a paddle boat with your lady love/knight in shining some such when he/she turns to you and says "Hey sugarplum... I'd like to meet your friends." You happen to be going to the bar that night to meet up with them and you invite her along, eager to show him/her off.
All your friends like her/him. They express how great they are for you. But one keeps asking you strange questions. "How old is he/she? Do you think they'd like it in Canada? How fast do they run a mile... on average?" You get suspicious but you just assume that your friend is drunk. At one point you excuse yourself from your betrothed to use the restroom. When you return your strange friend is forcing his tongue down he/she/its throat and you can't tell whether or not your intended is enjoying it or not.
That friend... that's Kevin Lowe(General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers for those of you not in the know (TYNITK from now on)). You are Brian Burke (General Manager of the Anaheim Ducks for TYNITK). And that until recently so special person who is now sucking face and dreaming of staging their own personal "Battle for Alberta" that's Dustin Penner. Does all of this back and forth between the two make a little more sense now?
Look I support ridiculous offer sheets for RFA's. I do. I spent a couple of hours back in March deciding which RFA defensemen the Devils should make offer sheets to once July rolled around (I was not optimistic about the playoffs). But I only support doing it in the right instances for proven commodities. Hell I'd even support "semi" proven commodities.
When Kevin Lowe went after Vanek he went after the hottest girlfriend in the room. You gotta respect that. The fact that Vanek went on to have a so so year was neither here nor there (lots of people let themselves go a bit once they feel they are set for life). But when you make a 5 year offer sheet at 4.25 per to a guy who wasn't drafted and has scored 52 points in 101 NHL games, effectively making him the highest paid forward on your team... well then even the guys with ugly girlfriends get nervous.
Lowe is right though in his overall philosophy. This NHL is a young man's game. The rest of the league knows this which is why the young guys are getting the big contracts and the old guys are going to Russia. Lowe's aggressive tactics, while they haven't yet paid off for him, have changed the way the league looks at its youngest and brightest stars. When preparing for your draft you should keep that in mind too. While a lot of this year UFA's (Unrestricted Free Agents for TYNITK) are going to look sexy and should be taken in the early rounds, once those big names are off the table maybe you should keep the younger guys in mind before reaching for an aging veteran on his last contract before heading way east.
Without further adieu, let's get to our free agency/off season wrap up. We'll start with... what else the Atlantic Division
The New York Islanders
Mark Streit is a bigger asset then you think he is. Don't laugh. I said don't laugh. Ok fine. He's 30 years old. He's only played two full seasons prior to last year and its impossible to know whether he'll be playing D or Wing or be the next head coach or GM of this team. Is he worth what they paid? No. Should you draft him as high as someone else will considering he got 62 points last year (tied with Brian Campbell for third amongst defenseman)? Probably not. But if he falls in your draft I would keep an eye out. He's going to be a minus on this team, but he's still probably good for 40 points or so. If you are looking for defensemen on this team I think Chris Campoli will be a much better option.
Weight for it... Weight for it... can't do it. Sorry. Don't pick Doug Weight. But you didn't need me to tell you that.
The New Jersey Devils
Rolston was a good signing... but not for 4 years. While the term concerns me as a fan it shouldn't concern you in your fantasy draft. He will play on the first line, probably with Elias and/or Parise. His shot from the point is exactly what the Devils were missing on their power play. I'd say he's a lock for 60+ points with about half of those coming on the man advantage. I would expect his +/- to be positive as well now that he's back in front of Marty. Did you know he rarely played with Gaborik out in Minnesota, yet he had three straight 30 goal seasons there? Fact.
Holik. He came cheap. He shouldn't even be on your list on draft day unless your league only drafts players from Jihlava, Czechoslovakia. Even then you might want to consider taking David Vyborny first.
Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers were relatively quiet. This is not necessarily a bad thing. I think most teams in the NHL at this point should envy their depth at center. A little light on the wings, but shouldn't hurt them too badly. This is a deceptively deep offensive team.
Pittsburgh Penguins
They lost an in his prime star in Hossa. Ouch.
But this Pittsburgh team will likely be fine. They were well within reach of the playoffs when they acquired Maid Marion in the first place. While they were unable to use free agency to acquire anything that will come close to replacing what Hossa's output would have been for an entire year... they didn't have to.
Miroslav Satan is a fine addition and should see a similar spike to that Sykora received last year by playing on Crosby or Malkin's wing. A mid 50's season in points would not be unheard of. He'll put up Malone numbers this year.
I wouldn't expect a similar spike from the other Islander the Pens acquired in Fedotenko. He's a career 30 point producer. If anything the departures open the door for increased ice time for Dupuis, who scored 12 points in 16 games after joining the Pens last year, and the still very very young and talented Jordan Staal.
The New York Rangers
One of the more active teams in free agency. The Rangers added Wade Redden and Dmitri Kalinin to their blue line, resigned Paul Mara and Michal Rozsival, and added by subtracting Christian Backman and Marek Malik.
Looking JUST at what they've done on defense for a moment I would say that the addition of Redden improves their power play immensely (as does... I'm serious... the subtraction of Jagr but more on that in a second). Redden gives them a puck moving defenseman and a power play quarterback the likes of which they haven't had for some time. Additionally, keeping Mara and Rosey means their powerplay is fairly deep and should be able to consistently put two good pressure units on the ice.
Kalinin is a good stay at home defenseman, and Redden's commitment to defense has rarely been questioned (he has one career minus season). All of this means the Rangers should be incredibly solid in their back end. This probably moves Marc Staal's fantasy relevance back at least a year though.
Moving now to the forwards, the Rangers added Nikolai Zherdev and Markus Naslund to their interchangeable flock (sorry couldn't resist). Its probably premature to speculate but I would imagine that both of these men would play with Drury or Gomez though likely not on the same line and some combination of Dubinsky, Dawes and Callahan would round out the top six forwards.
The subtraction of Jaromir Jagr signifies a transition to a more attack oriented team. Gomez will likely now have forwards who zoom through the neutral zone with him instead of circling back as soon as they reach the blue line. One thing is for sure; this is going to be a completely different brand of hockey when it hits the ice this fall.
Early speculation: Gomez sees a bump in value as does Zherdev (who will play on his wing). Naslund stays around the high 50's (he was playing with the Sedin's last year lets not forget) but remains relevant as a run and gun left wing. Drury should see his point totals comfortably return to the mid 60's. Redden improves on last years numbers seeing point totals in the high 40's low 50's. Rosey's numbers dip as he is no longer the go to guy but he remains fantasy relevant. Either Dubinsky or Dawes will be worth owning by years end in all but the shallowest of leagues.
OK thats all for now. We'll see you tomorrow for the rest of the Eastern Conference.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
