News: The Bergen Record reports that Devils C Dainius Zubrus is out 4-6 weeks with a leg injury he suffered on Thursday.
Analysis: Zubrus had a couple of nice Fantasy seasons a few years ago, but averaged just 39 points in his first two seasons with New Jersey. He is more of a low-end Fantasy option in deeper leagues when healthy, so don't hold on to him during this lay off if you can't afford to.
News: The Blue Jackets' official Web site reports that RW Derek Dorsett will miss the final four games of Columbus' current road trip. Dorsett's head collided with the boards Thursday following a nasty check from Dallas' James Neal, who was suspended two games for the hit.
Analysis: Dorsett is usually the one throwing his weight around the ice, but sometimes even the enforcers get physically punished on occasion. Dorsett seemed temporarily dazed after the hit and then collapsed to the ice. Hopefully he doesn't suffer any long-lasting issues from this incident. Be sure to bench him in the deeper PIM-rewarding leagues that his value lies in.
News: The NHL has suspended Stars LW James Neal two games for his hit on Blue Jackets RW Derek Dorsett.
Analysis: Neal has 22 points in 19 games this season, so his absence will certainly hurt a few Fantasy players in Week 7 (Nov. 16-22). Luckily, the Stars play four times in Fantasy Week 8 (Nov. 23-29), so Neal will still be worth using in all formats for the scoring period.
News: The Denver Post reports that Avalanche D John-Michael Liles (shoulder) and T.J. Galiardi (ankle) could return to action Friday at Vancouver.
Analysis: While Liles does tend to get hurt a lot, he's a viable Fantasy option in all leagues when healthy, so think about making room for him in Week 8 (Nov. 23-29). Galiardi, on the other hand, suffered a high ankle sprain earlier this month and was supposed to be out 4-6 weeks, but he's apparently a quick healer. He is a good prospect but remains more of a low-end Fantasy forward when healthy.
News: The New York Daily News reports that Rangers C Chris Drury (concussion) has been feeling better recently and met with a team neurologist Thursday.
Analysis: Like most players with concussion, Drury is pretty much considered out indefinitely at this point. Continue to stash him in most formats until he's back to 100 percent.
News: The New York Daily News reports that Rangers coach John Tortorella has instructed rookie D Michael Del Zotto to shoot more on the power play. "Michael Del Zotto is going to have to take some responsibility and take some shots without passing all the time," Tortorella said Thursday.
Analysis: After a scorching start to his NHL career, Del Zotto has cooled down lately with just three points in his last nine games. Hopefully Torts' words will result in some more power play tallies from the rookie, and he remains a decent start in most Fantasy formats.
News: The Boston Herald reports center Marc Savard is closed to signing a multi-year extension with the Bruins. It is believed the deal will be for five-plus years and about $5-6 million per season. The deal is expected to be completed in the coming days, which could be followed by another good bit of news -- Savard's return to the lineup. Savard, who has missed 14 games with a broken left foot, skated on Thursday and is close to returning. He might be back on Monday against the Blues. "If you can name a player who is out for a month, skates for two days and is back in the lineup, you let me know," Bruins coach Claude Julien said. "It's as simple as that: There's too much risk involved. The last thing you need is a groin injury for a guy who's been out for a month –- and then he's out for three more weeks. It's not caution, it's smart."
Analysis: By Julien's tone it sounds as though he wants to keep Savard out as long as possible. Although, his presence is sorely needed in the lineup since the Bruins offense has been pathetic without their All-Star center. It does appear Savard is on the comeback trail, but unless we hear a more positive report, he is still looking like a risky start for Week 8 (Nov. 23-29). Savard is a must-start Fantasy option when healthy.
News: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Blues veteran LW Paul Kariya has been moved back to a scoring line with T.J. Oshie and David Backes after spending some time on the third line. "We feel Paul now has got his game going," coach Andy Murray said. "To say Paul is better, though, is not good enough. We had multiple scoring chances in the last game and it's great statistically to talk about chances, but they don't get you points. Paul's got his game going, but we need production. He knows it as well."
Analysis: Kariya hasn't picked up a point in almost a month now and is certainly only worth using in deeper Fantasy formats as a low-end option until his offensive game starts to come around.
News: The Chicago Tribune reports that Blackhawks RW Dustin Byfuglien had just two goals in his last 12 games before his goal Thursday against the Flames. "Buff had a real good start to the season and I think it's been OK (since then), not at the same pace as we saw last year in the playoffs," coach Joel Quenneville said. "We want him to recapture the quickness and being hard to play against and being a presence at the net."
Analysis: Byfuglien got off to a great start this season, but he just can't seem to contribute on a consistent basis. His minus-4 rating for a team that is 13-5-2 is also a little disturbing. Continue to use Byfuglien in leagues that reward PIM as a low-end option.
News: The Sharks have recalled forwards Benn C Ferriero, LW Jamie McGinn and C Logan Couture from the AHL.
Analysis: All three of these guys have been up already this season for San Jose. None of them are particularly quality prospects, so continue to ignore them in the majority of Fantasy leagues.
News: The San Jose Mercury News reports that Sharks LW Jody Shelley (soreness) should be back around Thanksgiving.
Analysis: The Sharks enforcer has managed three assists in 17 games this season, but his most important stats are 52 penalty minutes and six fights. Shelley is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM when healthy.
News: The San Jose Mercury News reports that Sharks D Rob Blake (upper body) is back skating and hopes to be back by Thanksgiving.
Analysis: Blake was showing some signs of life before this injury, so you will want to get him back in your lineup as soon as he's ready. Fantasy Week 8 (Nov. 23-29) looks to be a little early, but plan on having him available for the following period.
News: The Bucks County Courier Times reports that Flyers D Ole-Kristian Tollefsen has recovered from his head injury, but was a healthy scratch on Wednesday.
Analysis: Tollefsen is an enforcer in the NHL more than anything else and is merely a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM when active. He should be left out of lineups for the time being.
News: NESN reports that former Bruin and current Islander C Jeremy Reich is expected to miss 4-6 more weeks with a broken left arm.
Analysis: Reich has played in a total of 99 NHL games, scoring two goals and four assists with the Boston Bruins' organization. Last season for Providence, he had a career-high 21 goals and 13 assists. He has no Fantasy value at this time.
News: The CBC reports that Blue Jackets LW Fredrik Modin has yet to resume skating after suffering a sprained knee ligament during the pre-season.
Analysis: Modin has been plagued by injuries the last two seasons, and is looks like we're in for another ton of missed games this year. Modin is nothing more than an injury-risk Fantasy flier when healthy. His best offensive days appear in the past.
News: The Sabres' official Web site reports that D Toni Lydman, who has missed 11 games with a groin injury, will return to the lineup tonight Friday against Boston. “It’s a relief, but also a big challenge to come back after missing that much time," said Lydman.
Analysis: Lydman is a good two-way player, but is more of a low-end Fantasy option when healthy. He also has Fantasy value in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: The Newark Star-Ledger reports that Devils C Rob Niedermayer might return from his upper-body injury next week.
Analysis: Niedermayer is off to a nice start with seven points in his first 13 games, but we still don't seem him rekindling his 50-60-point level. Niedermayer still has low-end Fantasy appeal when healthy. Don't risk him for Fantasy Week 8 (Nov. 23-29).
News: TSN reports that Canadiens RW Matt D'Agostini (concussion) has started skating again, but is still likely a few weeks away from returning to action.
Analysis: D'Agostini was averaging only 10 minutes a game before getting hurt and the 23-year-old talent is still likely a year or two away from becoming Fantasy-viable. Continue to stash him in deeper keeper leagues.
News: Sportsnet.ca reports that Senators RW Shean Donovan is out indefinitely with a right knee injury he suffered Thursday. "We'll know more after further tests today, but he will be out for a long time," head coach Cory Clouston said Friday.
Analysis: Donovan has one solid season in his long career when he put up 42 points with the Flames back in 2003-04. Apart from that campaign, he has never topped 23 points. He has no Fantasy value, healthy or not.
News: The Detroit Free Press reports that Red Wings LW Kirk Maltby will return to action Thursday vs. Florida. Maltby has missed a week with the flu.
Analysis: Maltby has three goals and five points this season. He has played well in certain situations for Detroit, but Maltby still primarily chews up time as a lower-line forward. He has minimal Fantasy appeal when healthy.
News: The Coyotes have re-assigned C Kevin Porter to the AHL.
Analysis: Porter played in a couple of games while he was up, but only managed 8:30 of ice time. The 23-year-old, who won the 2008 Hobey Baker Award as college hockey's top player as a senior at Michigan, remains a solid keeper option but shouldn't be added in seasonal leagues.
News: The Penguins have re-assigned D Chris Lee back to the AHL. Lee was called up Thursday and was a healthy scratch for a loss to the Senators.
Analysis: Lee has yet to play in an NHL game and the 29-year-old is just organizational depth at this time. Continue to ignore him in all Fantasy formats.
News: The Bergen County Record reports that Rangers C Brandon Dubinsky has had the cast removed from his broken wrist/hand. He is now in just a brace.
Analysis: Dubinksy is a nice two-way player with the potential to pick up a decent amount of PIM when healthy, so just continue to stash him away in deeper formats until we get some concrete news on when he might be back.
News: The Raleigh News & Observer reports that Hurricanes D Joni Pitkanen (lower body) should be back on Saturday vs. Tampa Bay.
Analysis: Pitkanen doesn't have a point in his last eight games and is also minus-12 over that span. Clearly, Pitkanen is not playing up to his full potential and this injury could have a lot to do with it. Keep Pitkanen reserved in Fantasy until he gets on track.
News: Flames C Olli Jokinen scored his third goal of the season Thursday in a 7-1 loss to Chicago. It was his first goal of November.
Analysis: Jokinen has got off to a horrible start this season, but he has been showing some signs of life since being put back on a line with Jarome Iginla. He's still worth using in deeper leagues, but other owners should just stash him away until he shows some consistent offensive output.
News: Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask started in goal for a second straight game on Thursday against the Thrashers over Tim Thomas, who was suffering from what the Bruins described as "an undisclosed injury but short term." Thomas did dress in a backup role.
Analysis: If the injury gets any worse, the Bruins might recall a netminder from the minors. But for now, Thomas is still healthy enough to dress. Keep tabs on his progress leading up to Week 8 (Nov. 23-29). Thomas is no worse than a No. 2 Fantasy goalie when healthy.
News: Blackhawks RW Troy Brouwer made it three goals in his last five games when he lit the lamp in Thursday's rout of the Flames.
Analysis: Brouwer is off to a nice start this season with 10 points in 20 games. That puts him on pace to obliterate his 26-point total from last campaign, but he's still only worth worrying about in deeper leagues.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith assisted three times in a 7-1 rout of the Flames on Thursday. He now has 10 points in his last seven games.
Analysis: Keith has put a mini-slump from late October behind him and is currently tied for fourth among defensemen with 18 points. Continue to view him as an elite No. 1 Fantasy option.
News:Kris Versteeg scored two power-play goals in Chicago's five-goal second period to help the Blackhawks rout the Calgary Flames 7-1 on Thursday in a rematch of a first-round playoff series. Versteeg was back in the lineup after missing one game with an upper-body injury. He gave Chicago the lead for good when he beat Miikka Kiprusoff on a tip-in 2:01 into the second. Versteeg then capped the second-period outburst with his second goal at 19:22.
Analysis: Coach Joel Quenneville called Versteeg's injury a short-term ailment and he proved to be right. The time off helped Versteeg end a four-game goals drought. Versteeg has six goals and 14 points in 19 games. He is a decent No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy forward when healthy.
News: Lightning C Steven Stamkos tallied his 14th goal of the season Thursday in an OT loss to the Ducks. He is now tied for third in the goal standings.
Analysis: Stamkos is trying very hard to make it impossible for Canada to leave him off their Olympic team in this, his sophomore season. He has emerged as a must-start Fantasy option in all formats in 2009-10.
News: Lightning RW Martin St. Louis scored for a second straight game Thursday as he reached 20 points in an OT loss to the Ducks.
Analysis: Goals have been a little hard for St. Louis to come by this season, but maybe he's finally getting on track now. Continue to roll with him in all Fantasy formats.
News: Lightning LW Ryan Malone assisted twice in Thursday's OT loss to the Ducks, extending his point streak to five games (3G, 6A).
Analysis: Malone now has 21 points in 19 games and is looking like a legitimate point-per-game guy for the first time in his career. Get him active in all Fantasy formats.
News: Blue Jackets LW Kristin Huselius scored twice and added an assist in Thursday's win over the Stars. He now has six points in his last three games.
Analysis: Huselius goes through these hot offensive streaks once in a while, but then cools off. If he can do something on Saturday at Nashville, then feel free to give him a shot in most formats for Fantasy Week 8 (Nov. 23-29).
News: Predators C Jason Arnott scored twice in Thursday's shootout win over the Devils. The tallies were his first in over a month.
Analysis: Arnott missed the second half of October with an arm injury, but that's really no excuse for his lack of lamp-lightning this season. Hopefully he can start picking up the pace soon and make his way back to being the must-start Fantasy option he can be when he's playing up to his potential.
News:Sergei Gonchar returned to the Penguins' injury-depleted defense corps on Thursday against the Senators. Gonchar missed 12 games after he broke his left wrist on Oct. 20. He failed to record a point in 25:30 of ice time and finished at minus-1. He took just one shot.
Analysis: Gonchar returned from a major shoulder injury last season and had little trouble getting into the swing of things. So we are not too worried about his production as he returns from a far less serious injury. Gonchar should provide a huge boost to not only the Penguins but Fantasy lineups. Get him active for Week 8 (Nov. 23-29).
News: Predators RW J.P. Dumont assisted twice in Thursday's shootout win over the Devils, giving him 12 helpers in 13 games this season.
Analysis: Dumont has always been more of a provider than a scorer, and this season is turning out to be no different. He has 15 points in 13 games, so should certainly be starting in more than the 50 percent of leagues he currently is.
News: Devils LW Zach Parise made it six straight games with at least one goal when he lit the lamp twice in Thursday's shootout loss to the Predators.
Analysis: We had our concerns coming into the season that Parise wouldn't be as efficient on the offensive end since Jacques Lemaire was taking over behind the bench, but Parise appears to be Lemaire's new Marian Gaborik -- a player that can thrive offensively in a defensive system. Continue to start Parise in all Fantasy formats.
News: Senators RW Milan Michalek made it back-to-back games with a goal when he scored in Thursday's rout of the Penguins.
Analysis: Michalek's goals have come in spurts this season and he'll need to pick up the pace a little if he's going to finish in the 50s for a third straight campaign. Continue to start him in deeper formats as a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy forward.
News: Thrashers D Pavel Kubina was in the lineup on Thursday against the Bruins after missing one game with a lower-body injury. Kubina had an assist and plus-2 rating in 20:40 of ice time. It was his sixth assist and first point in four games.
Analysis: Kubina has been pretty much everything Atlanta envisioned when they traded for him in the offseason. He is doing well on offense, playing strong defense and being a leader to younger blueliners like Tobias Enstrom and Zach Bogosian. Kubina remains a viable Fantasy start when healthy.
News: Senators C Chris Kelly scored his first goal of the season and added an assist in Thursday's 6-2 rout of the Penguins.
Analysis: Kelly is an effective two-way center for the Senators, but has limited offensive upside which makes him just a low-end Fantasy forward and flier in leagues that short-handed and faceoff stats.
News: Senators enforcer Matt Carkner scored and finished with a plus-3 rating in Thursday's 6-2 win over the Penguins.
Analysis: After mostly behaving himself in October, Carkner has been in the penalty box in every November game so far and remains a solid option in deeper leagues that reward bad behavior.
News: Senators C Mike Fisher picked up a hat trick of assists in Thursday's 6-2 rout of the Penguins.
Analysis: Fisher has been scoring goals at a nice clip this season, and his Fantasy owners will be glad to see he still remembers how to help his teammates out, as well. Continue to use him in deeper formats as a low-end starting Fantasy forward, but one with solid potential.
News: Senators D Chris Phillips scored twice in his 800th regular-season game as the Ottawa Senators cruised to a 6-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. Phillips, who entered with one goal in 18 games, scored goals 2:03 apart in the third to put Ottawa up 5-1 and chase Pittsburgh G Marc-Andre Fleury. "I'm not expected to, for sure," Phillips said. "It feels good to do it and it felt like one of those high energy games, for us anyways, and it's nice."
Analysis: Phillips has only broken through the 25-point barrier once in his lengthy career, so just think of him as a low-end Fantasy option and potential flier in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: Blues C T.J. Oshie picked up his second multi-point game in the last four when he scored and assisted in Thursday's OT win over the Coyotes.
Analysis: Oshie has failed to live up to expectations this season so far, but there's still plenty of time for him to redeem himself. Just keep him stashed away in deeper leagues for the time being.
News: Blues LW Keith Tkachuk ended a seven-game skid without a point when he scored and assisted in Thursday's OT win over the Coyotes.
Analysis: Tkachuk had six points in his first three games this season but only has five since then. He's worth holding on to in deeper formats, but probably shouldn't be starting in Fantasy Week 8 (Nov. 23-29) unless he has another good game on Saturday. The Blues do play four times in the period.
News: Blues D Carlo Colaiacovo assisted twice and finished with a plus-3 rating in Thursday's 3-2 OT win over the Coyotes.
Analysis: Colaiacovo put up 30 points last season, but his big problem has being staying healthy. He's worth stashing away in deeper leagues for the time being, but don't start him just yet.
News: Coyotes RW Radim Vrbata scored for the third time in his last four games Thursday as Phoenix fell in OT to the Blues.
Analysis: After scoring just one goal in a 16-game span, Vrbata has suddenly found his scoring touch here in mid-November and is certainly worth a shot in deeper leagues for Fantasy Week 8 (Nov. 23-29) as the Coyotes play four times.
News: The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that Wild RW Martin Havlat missed practice Thursday with a lower-body injury.
Analysis: Havlat seemed to shrug off his fragile tag last season when he played in 81 games for Minnesota, but now he's hurt for a second time already in 2009-10. Havlat can be a solid Fantasy forward in all formats when he's healthy and playing up to his potential, but for now he's only worth starting in deeper leagues with his eight points in 19 games.
News: Ducks D Steve Eminger was scratched because of back spasms on Thursday against the Lightning. He is day to day.
Analysis: Eminger has only one point in 18 games this season, so he will be hardly missed in Fantasy. Eminger has been one of those players to fall short of expectations in his NHL career. He came through the ranks as a promising offensive blueliner, but he has definitely been more of a true defender. Eminger has low-end Fantasy appeal and best used in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: Anaheim D James Wisniewski, playing in his 200th NHL game, left the ice for good with a bruised right foot after blocking a shot by Paul Szczechura before the midway point of the first period on Thursday against the Lightning. He had no points in 5:12 of ice time.
Analysis: As Fantasy owners we are getting tired with Wisniewski's fragile state. He seems to be out of the lineup every few weeks with some ailment. It's really holding him back from being a reliable Fantasy option. Wisniewski remains more of an injury-risk Fantasy start when healthy.
News: Penguins G Marc-Andre Fleury, who made 19 saves, left 7:12 into the third period of Thursday's 6-2 loss to the Senators after allowing five goals. Brent Johnson stopped six of seven shots the rest of the way. Chris Phillips, who entered with one goal in 18 games, scored goals 2:03 apart in the third to put Ottawa up 5-1 and chase Fleury, who couldn't hold a 1-0 lead.
Analysis: Johnson made his first relief outing on Thursday since Fleury has been pretty solid in net for Pittsburgh. Johnson is getting his time in net for Pittsburgh, but he won't shed his backup label until an injury befalls Fleury. Consider Johnson just a Fantasy reserve or handcuff option for Fleury owners.
News: Thrashers D Tobias Enstrom tallied two assists and finished at plus-2 during Thursday's game against the Bruins. He has two goals and five assists in his last seven games.
Analysis: Enstrom has 14 points in his first 18 games and is arguably having the finest run of his NHL career. The third-year blueliner has really developed into an all-around player for the Thrashers and has become a viable Fantasy start.
News: Thrashers RW Maxim Afinogenov scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 during Thursday's game against the Bruins. The Bruins were closing in on a regulation win, leading 3-2 when Atlanta pulled Ondrej Pavelec for the extra skater. The Thrashers picked up a point when Afinogenov scored with 41.4 seconds remaining in regulation to send the game to overtime. Ilya Kovalchuk, who had already scored his 13th goal in 12 games, managed to keep it in the Boston zone, wheeled around and whipped a cross-ice pass to Afinogenov, the puck just missing the stick of flailing Bruins defender. Afinogenov had time to settle the puck and rip a shot past Tuukka Rask, just inside the far post for his eighth goal of the season. Afinogenov pumped his right fist and was knocked to ice by an exuberant Kovalchuk. "He just, like, lifted me off the ice and we fell down together," Afinogenov said. "That was nice."
Analysis: Afinogenov has managed a point in eight of his last nine games. He has six goals and seven assists in that span. It has been unbelievable the career rejuvenation Afinogenov has experienced in Atlanta after being overlooked the last two seasons in Buffalo. He is loving life on a line with fellow Russians Kovalchuk and Nik Antropov. Afinogenov has returned to being a viable Fantasy forward.
News: Thrashers C Nik Antropov scored his first goal of the season and finished at plus-2 during Thursday's game against the Bruins. Antropov redirected a shot from Tobias Enstrom past Tuukka Rask for his first goal of the season. Before that, Antropov had 16 points in 17 games -- all with assists.
Analysis: Antropov said the reason for his long goal-less drought was because he was still adjusting to life as a center after being a winger for most of his NHL career. Playing with Ilya Kovalchuk and Maxim Afinogenov has taken some of the scoring pressure off Antropov, but at least he is getting assists. Antropov is not a bad start in deeper Fantasy formats.
News: The Stars have placed LW Fabian Brunnstrom on IR with a shoulder injury. Brunnstrom is practicing, but has not been cleared for contact yet.
Analysis: Brunnstrom has one goal and six assists in 17 games this season and has missed the last three games with this issue. He has failed to live up to the offensive hype that followed him when he was signed last summer and thus has low-end Fantasy appeal when healthy.
News: Thrashers LW Ilya Kovalchuk scored a goal, tallied two assists and finished at plus-1 during Thursday's game against the Bruins. Kovalchuk tied the game at 2 with a perfectly placed shot into the upper left corner off a pass from Tobias Enstrom, who picked up his second assist. Kovalchuk has four goals and seven assists in four games since returning from a broken foot.
Analysis: Most players would probably struggle to regain their form after sitting out a few weeks with a broken foot, but not Kovalchuk. He is making a serious claim for league MVP early in the season. Continue to start the Russian forward in all Fantasy formats.
News: Bruins D Dennis Wideman tallied a pair of assists and finished at plus-2 during Thursday's game against the Thrashers. It was his second multi-assist game in his last five outings.
Analysis: We know Fantasy owners have been overly disappointed with Wideman's play to begin the season after he posted 50 points and a plus-32 marker in 2008-09. But we tell you to be patient with Wideman since he has proven the last few seasons to be a very valuable Fantasy option.
News: Bruins LW Marco Sturm scored a goal during Thursday's game against the Thrashers. Sturm deflected in a shot by Mark Recchi 5:59 into the game to give Boston a 1-0 lead. It was his fifth goal and third in six games.
Analysis: Sturm has looked fine coming off a major knee injury that ended his 2008-09 season after 19 games. He has definitely lacked a little bit of a scoring punch, but at least he is not having a miserable start to the season. Sturm is more of a low-end Fantasy option until the points start to pour in.
News:Patrice Bergeron had the only goal of the shootout after Michael Ryder scored twice in regulation, lifting Boston to a 4-3 victory over Atlanta that snapped the Thrashers' four-game winning streak Thursday night. "We knew we had to turn it around somehow," said Ryder, who scored in the first and second periods. "We did a great job of back-checking." The Bruins jumped ahead 2-0 in the opening period. Marco Sturm deflected in a shot by Mark Recchi and Ryder added to the lead with less than 2 minutes remaining, beating Ondrej Pavelec with a wrist shot from the left circle. Ryder scored his second goal of the night and sixth of the season, pushing the Bruins back to a 3-2 lead. David Krejci passed out from behind the net and Ryder beat Pavelec from a sharp angle, the puck apparently nicking Thrashers defenseman Zach Bogosian on its way in.
Analysis: Ryder has three goals in his last three games after going without a score in 10 appearances. This could finally be the breakout run we have been waiting for Ryder to provide since the start of the season. Marc Savard is close to returning from a broken foot and that is also good news for Ryder, who is more of a No. 5 or No. 6 Fantasy forward.
News:Tuomo Ruutu and Jussi Jokinen scored in the shootout and the Hurricanes rallied from three goals down to beat the Maple Leafs 6-5 on Thursday. Ruutu finished with four assists for the Hurricanes in their club-record fourth straight overtime game. He was also at plus-3 in 22:58 of ice time.
Analysis: Ruutu has three goals and four assists in his last five games. He is starting to pick up the offensive slack in the absence of Eric Staal, who is out with an injury. Ruutu has been good like this in stretches during his career, but he always fizzles out at some point. Ruutu remains just a low-end Fantasy start.
News: Hurricanes C Stephane Yelle scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Thursday's game against the Maple Leafs. Yelle started Carolina's comeback with about three minutes left in the second by banging in a loose puck. Yelle's goal was his first with Carolina.
Analysis: We are not shocked by Yelle's poor offensive production since he wasn't brought in this offseason because he scored a lot of goals. Yelle is needed in the faceoff circle and on the penalty kill. He is best used in Fantasy formats that reward heavily for those stats.
News: Hurricanes C Matt Cullen scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 during Thursday's game against the Maple Leafs. Cullen beat Jonas Gustavsson with a wrist shot 17:30 into the second period for his fourth goal and first in 12 games.
Analysis: Cullen has four points during a three-game point streak. He continues to deliver spotty play for Carolina despite the fact he has flash serious offensive potential in the past. Cullen is still looking for his first 50-point season, so view him as a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes LW Erik Cole scored a crucial goal during Thursday's 6-5 shootout win against the Maple Leafs. Ian White put the Maple Leafs ahead 5-4 with 29.9 seconds remaining, but Cole tapped in a rebound with 2.9 seconds left to force overtime. He also spent seven minutes in the penalty box, including five minutes for fighting with White.
Analysis: Cole has had a slow start to the season for two reasons -- one he missed time with a broken leg and second is that linemate Eric Staal has been out with an injury of his own. Once Staal is healthy that will help Cole find his offensive game. Until then, Cole has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Hurricanes D Tim Gleason scored twice during Thursday's game against the Maple Leafs. Gleason, who entered with two goals all year, and nine in his career, tied it at 4-all with 8:04 remaining with his second goal -- charging hard to the net, taking a pretty feed from Brandon Sutter and beating Jonas Gustavsson with a wrist shot.
Analysis: All four of Gleason's goals have come in his last six games, but Fantasy owners shouldn't get overly excited. He does have a career-high four goals early in the 2009-10 season, but his production is likely to thin out. Gleason is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats when healthy.
News: Maple Leafs C John Mitchell tallied a pair of assists during Thursday's game against the Hurricanes. He failed to record an assist in his previous eight games.
Analysis: Mitchell has seen some time as the team's top-line center in 2009-10, but he definitely isn't producing like a player in that role. While Mitchell is a favorite of coach Ron Wilson, he just doesn't produce enough points to matter outside the deepest of Fantasy formats.
News: Maple Leafs LW Nikolai Kulemin tallied a pair of assists during Thursday's game against the Hurricanes. He came into the game with no helpers in his first 15 appearances.
Analysis: Kulemin has been an overly disappointing prospect for the Maple Leafs since making his debut last season. He has even been demoted to the minors because of his poor play. Kulemin is not worth owning in Fantasy until he starts producing on a consistent basis.
News: Maple Leafs LW Alexei Ponikarovsky scored a goal and tallied an assist during Thursday's game against the Hurricanes. Ponikarovsky scored on the power play 3:43 into the third. It was his eighth goal and third in six games.
Analysis: Ponikarovsky has developed into one of the Maple Leafs' top scorers and has become a favorite of coach Ron Wilson. Still, Ponikarovsky hasn't become a multi-point threat on a regular basis and that's what is holding him back some in Fantasy. View him more as a low-end Fantasy start.
News: Maple Leafs C Matt Stajan scored a goal during Thursday's game against the Hurricanes. Stajan gave Toronto a 1-0 lead as he beat Manny Legace on a wrist shot 1:01 into the contest. He has two goals and four assists in his last six games.
Analysis: Stajan has started to play better ever since landing in coach Ron Wilson's doghouse. Stajan has been there a lot over the last two seasons since his play has been all over the place. He is one of the Maple Leafs' better offensive players, but Stajan still has low-end Fantasy appeal until he produces consistently over a long period.
News: Maple Leafs D Ian White scored a goal and finished at plus-2 during Thursday's game against the Hurricanes. White put the Maple Leafs ahead 5-4 with 29.9 seconds remaining, but Erik Cole tapped in a rebound with 2.9 seconds left to force overtime. White, who had his fourth goal, racked up 11 minutes of penalties, including five minutes for fighting Cole.
Analysis: White has two goals and four assists in eight November games. He hasn't played a lot of forward this season since Toronto has needed him on their blue line. However, White is still managing to put points on the board. Consider him a decent No. 5 or No. 6 Fantasy blueliner.
News: Maple Leafs RW Lee Stempniak scored a goal during Thursday's game against the Hurricanes. Stempniak gave Toronto a 2-0 lead as he beat Manny Legace on a slap shot in the first period. It was his fifth goal and first in eight November games.
Analysis: Stempniak had a good run in late October when he had three goals and six points in a four-game span, but his play once again retracted in November. We are not shocked since Stempniak's career has gone backward ever since his breakout season in 2006-07 with the Blues. Stempniak has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Maple Leafs C Mikhail Grabovski scored a goal during Thursday's game against the Hurricanes. Toronto stretched its lead to 3-0 when Grabovski whipped in a rebound in the final moments of the first period. It was his fourth goal and first in nine games.
Analysis: Grabovski had a pretty solid October with 10 points (three goals) in 12 games. He has gotten off to a much slower start in November with only three points in eight games. It's not shocking since we have seen this inconsistency from Grabovski in his career. He is going to get scoring chances with the Maple Leafs, but Grabovski remains a low-end Fantasy start.
News: Ducks G Jonas Hiller made 21 saves during a 4-3 overtime win against the Lightning on Thursday. Hiller and the Ducks built a 3-0 lead before Tampa Bay rallied to tie the game on a Martin St. Louis power-play score in the third. Scott Niedermayer then scored a power-play goal 52 seconds into overtime to lift Hiller to his seventh win.
Analysis: Hiller has a .500 record after Thursday's win and it is really no shock since he has been playing like an average goalie to start the season. He has failed to put separation between him and Jean-Sebastien Giguere, so treat Hiller as a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Ducks TG is a No. 2 option.
News:Scott Niedermayer scored a power-play goal 52 seconds into overtime past Mike Smith and the Anaheim Ducks beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 on Thursday night after blowing a three-goal lead. Ryan Malone was sent off for cross-checking Ryan Getzlaf just 11 seconds into overtime, and Niedermayer got a drop pass from Ryan Getzlaf in the high slot before snapping off a 45-footer that beat Smith high to the glove side and ended Anaheim's four-game losing streak. Smith made 23 saves in the overtime loss.
Analysis: Smith just can't seem to put together a winning streak. He has yet to win more than one game in a row this season and has traded wins and losses for seven starts. The Lightning would like for Smith to iron out his issues and become a steady option in net. Until that happens, Smith is more of a No. 3 option. The Lightning TG is a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Ducks C Saku Koivu (groin) did not play on Thursday against the Lightning. He has missed the last five games and has been placed on injured reserve.
Analysis: Koivu did practice with the Ducks on Wednesday, but coach Randy Carlyle did admit this injury is more serious than first thought. Groin injuries are sometimes tough to overcome for hockey players, so we aren't shocked Koivu is having a slow recovery. It comes at a bad time for Koivu, who was just settling into an offensive rhythm with the Ducks. Injuries have really hurt Koivu the last few seasons, so view him more as a No. 5 or No. 6 Fantasy forward when healthy.
News: Flames G Miikka Kiprusoff made 18 saves during a 7-1 loss to the Flames on Thursday. Kiprusoff was locked in a 1-all battle early in the second period before Chicago rattled off five goals in the middle frame. Kiprusoff was pulled at the start of the third in favor of Curtis McElhinney, who faced only two shots and allowed one goal. Kiprusoff made 18 saves.
Analysis: McElhinney made his first relief appearance of the season on Thursday and just his third overall outing. Coach Brent Sutter has had no issues with leaning on Kiprusoff this season. Until that changes, McElhinney has marginal Fantasy appeal.
News: Flames G Miikka Kiprusoff made 18 saves during a 7-1 loss to the Flames on Thursday. Kiprusoff was locked in a 1-all battle early in the second period before Chicago rattled off five goals in the middle frame. Kiprusoff was pulled at the start of the third in favor of Curtis McElhinney, who faced only two shots and allowed one goal. Kiprusoff made 18 saves.
Analysis: Kipper has lost two straight starts and has allowed nine games in the process. He seems a little off his game right now, but it is nothing to be alarmed about. Flames coach Brent Sutter is preaching defense in Calgary and that should help Kiprusoff in the long run. Continue to view Kipper and the Flames TG as a must-start Fantasy options.
News: Blackhawks G Cristobal Huet made 27 saves, allowing only Olli Jokinen's power-play goal 14 seconds into the second period during a 7-1 rout of the Flames on Thursday. Huet made 10 saves during a scoreless first period and then nine more in the third as he also kept Calgary off the board. Huet has won five straight starts.
Analysis: At this pace, Huet is easily going to win top goaltending honors for November. He has really turned around his game after a rocky start and is beginning to deliver the results the Blackhawks expect from their netminder. He is definitely starting to climb the Fantasy rankings and might eventually emerge as a No. 1 Fantasy goalie. The Blackhawks TG has high-end Fantasy appeal as well.
News: The Blue Jackets had a rare victory over Dallas goalie Marty Turco, 14-2-2 against Columbus, during Thursday's 4-1 win. Turco never led in the game, but did make seven saves during a scoreless third period. Unfortunately, it was too little, too late. Turco, who allowed three power-play scores and one short-handed tally, made 24 saves.
Analysis: Turco is winless in his last two outings, but it is nothing to get worried about. Only if the prolonged slump continues will it be cause for concern. Turco is still playing well enough to be treated as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Stars TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Blue Jackets G Steve Mason made 25 saves during a 4-1 win against the Stars on Thursday. Mason was coming off the worst outing of his career, allowing eight goals in a 9-1 loss to Detroit on Nov. 11. He held Dallas off the scoreboard until Mike Modano beat him with a slap shot 15:35 into the second.
Analysis: The Blue Jackets gave Mason a few days off to collect his thoughts and get over a minor case of back spasms before putting him back in net. It seems the time off worked. Columbus desperately needs Mason to get back on track, and so do Fantasy owners. Mason is probably more of a No. 2 Fantasy goalie until his numbers improve. The Blue Jackets TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Stars C Brian Sutherby missed his third game on Thursday against the Blue Jackets with a groin injury. He is questionable for Saturday against the Devils.
Analysis: Sutherby has scored four times in 17 games and also has a plus-6 rating. He has been a real solid force on defense for Dallas and has also contributed some offense at times. Still, we don't see him as a breakthrough Fantasy player in 2009-10, so he still has minimal appeal when healthy.
News: Columbus actived Raffi Torres off IR on Thursday, so he could return against the Stars. Torres is recovering from a fractured upper jaw and is wearing a shield to protect the jaw. He scored a goal and finished at minus-1 in 12:49 of ice time. Torres made it 4-0 on the power play in the middle of the second period. It wash is ninth goal and fifth score in six games.
Analysis: It's great to see Torres pick up where he left off before the injury. This is a big season for Torres with pending free agency looming. He has definitely developed into an injury-prone skater, so view him as a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Columbus C Samuel Pahlsson was out with back spasms on Thursday against the Stars. He has missed the last three games.
Analysis: Pahlsson has five assists in 17 games this season, but we still aren't expecting a lot of offense from the veteran center. He is on the ice for his faceoff skills and penalty-killing presence. He is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for short-handed and faceoff stats when healthy.
News: The Washington Post reports that an MRI on Alexander Semin's right wrist did not reveal any structural damage. "The wrist got sore [but] it's not from a blow or anything," GM George McPhee said. "He just tweaked it." Semin is listed as day-to-day.
Analysis: Semin is on IR, but could return this weekend if his wrist is feeling better. If not, then he will clearly be a super-risky start for Fantasy Week 8 (Nov. 23-29). Semin is an elite Fantasy forward when healthy.
News: Blue Jackets D Mike Commodore returned to the lineup on Thursday against the Stars after getting two games to rest for conditioning purposes. He failed to record a point in 17:43 of ice time and finished at plus-1.
Analysis: Coach Ken Hitchcock wasn't happy that Commodore was wearing down in the second half of games, so he sat the veteran blueliner to work on his conditioning. Hopefully, the rest will pay off. Commodore can be an effective two-way player when healthy, but he is more of a low-end Fantasy option. He is also a potential flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats.
News: Blues goalie Chris Mason made 34 saves, including 13 in a scoreless third period, during a 3-2 overtime win on Thursday against the Coyotes. "You start to do the right things and people start playing with confidence," Mason said. "Finally, we're starting to come out on the right end."
Analysis: Mason had lost his last two starts despite the fact he allowed only two goals in each outing. He has been standing on his head lately for the Blues, but just hasn't gotten the offensive support. If St. Louis ever puts it all together, Mason could be a top Fantasy goalie. For now, he is more of a No. 2 option. The Blues TG is also a No. 2 option.
News:Erik Johnson finished off the Phoenix Coyotes on Thursday with an end-to-end rush that ended with Johnson firing a wrist shot past goalie Ilya Bryzgalov from the high slot 17 seconds into overtime for a 3-2 victory. After Phoenix put the puck in St. Louis' end, Johnson gained control, skated up left wing and crossed the Coyotes' blue line with the puck. He then moved into the middle and beat Bryzgalov with a wrist shot. "I didn't see it when he released the puck," Bryzgalov said. "I only found the puck when it was close to my pad and it was too late." Bryzgalov turned away 27 shots.
Analysis: Bryzgalov saw a two-game win streak end on Thursday. Bryzgalov has come back down to earth a bit in November after an outstanding October. While we don't feel Bryzgalov will completely fall off the table, we are just accustomed to seeing more of a .500 goalie than top NHL netminder. He is still a viable start in most Fantasy formats, but owners just need to curb their expectations. The Coyotes TG is more of a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie.
News: Blues RW David Backes was in the lineup on Thursday against the Coyotes after leaving Saturday's game with an upper-body injury. Backes had an assist and plus-1 rating in 18:10 of ice time. He also took four shots and spent two minutes in the penalty box.
Analysis: Backes has lacked the scoring explosion in 2009-10 that he showed last season on his way to a 31-goal campaign. It's not surprising seeing how St. Louis is healthy this season and have some key scorers back that weren't around last year. Backes is still a regular in St. Louis, but definitely has low-end Fantasy appeal. He is also flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats.
News: Coyotes C Matthew Lombardi (lower body) did not suit up for Thursday's game against the Blues. He has missed the last three games and remains questionable for Saturday against the Flyers.
Analysis: The Coyotes head home for a game before hitting the road for a mini-trip in Week 8 (Nov. 23-29). It could be a good time for Lombardi to get back into the lineup, but only time will tell. He has been a steady option for the Coyotes, but really hasn't possessed the same kind of offensive burst he showed late last season after coming over in a trade from Calgary. The potential is there for Lombardi, who remains a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Phoenix defenseman Ed Jovanovski missed his sixth straight game because of a lower-body injury on Thursday against the Blues.
Analysis: Jovo was on the team's two-game road trip, but he just wasn't ready for action. His return would be a real boost to the Phoenix blue line that is missing a few key players. Consider Jovanovski a viable Fantasy option when healthy and continue to keep tabs on his progress leading up to Week 8 (Nov. 23-29).
News: Predators G Pekka Rinne stopped two of New Jersey's three shooters in the tiebreaker for his fourth consecutive victory during Thursday's 3-2 win. Rinne, who made 26 saves, blew a pair of one-goal leads in regulation as Zach Parise scored twice for the Devils.
Analysis: Rinne has just one loss in his last nine outings and is finally starting to put some distance between him and Dan Ellis. We always figured Rinne would iron out his problems and emerge as the Predators' top goalie. He could work his way to being a No. 1 Fantasy option, but for now remains a solid No. 2 start. The Predators TG is also a No. 2 option.
News:Mike Santorelli and Martin Erat scored shootout goals past Martin Brodeur, and Jason Arnott had two goals in regulation in the Nashville Predators' 3-2 win over the New Jersey Devils on Thursday. Pekka Rinne stopped two of New Jersey's three shooters in the tiebreaker for his fourth consecutive victory. Brodeur, who made 26 saves, took the loss after winning his first three shootouts of the season.
Analysis: Well, even the best goalies slip up every now-and-then in a shootout and Thursday happened to be that time for Brodeur. He is winless in his last two outings after reeling off six straight wins. Fantasy owners shouldn't get flustered as Brodeur remains a must-start Fantasy option. The Devils TG is also a must-start option.
News:Dean McAmmond made his Devils debut Thursday night against the Predators. McAmmond, who was on IR with an illness, recorded an assist and finished at plus-1 in 15:18 of ice time.
Analysis: McAmmond only joined the Devils in early November after being an unsigned free agent. When healthy, McAmmond won't have much value since he is far more important to the Devils than Fantasy owners.
News: Penguins G Marc-Andre Fleury, who made 19 saves, left 7:12 into the third period of Thursday's 6-2 loss to the Senators after allowing five goals. Brent Johnson stopped six of seven shots the rest of the way. Chris Phillips, who entered with one goal in 18 games, scored goals 2:03 apart in the third to put Ottawa up 5-1 and chase Fleury, who couldn't hold a 1-0 lead.
Analysis: Fleury has lost five of his last six starts. He has allowed five goals twice in that span. It has gotten ugly in Pittsburgh as the blue line has been depleted by injuries, but in a bit of good news, Sergei Gonchar returned Thursday after missing 12 games with a broken wrist. The Penguins should eventually put it together once everyone is healthy, so continue to view Fleury as a high-end Fantasy goalie. The Penguins TG is also a must-start option.
News:Chris Phillips scored twice in his 800th regular-season game and Pascal Leclaire made 25 saves, leading the Ottawa Senators to a 6-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. Leclaire fell behind 1-0 only 1:09 into the game before holding Pittsburgh off the scoreboard until late in the third period. He has won four of his last six starts and has put together a two-game win streak.
Analysis: Leclaire has allowed only four goals in his last two outings while making 55 saves. This is the type of production Ottawa wants from the oft-injured goalie and not the inconsistency he has delivered early in the season. Continue to view Leclaire as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Senators TG is also a No. 2 option.
News:Maxime Talbot made his season debut for Pittsburgh during Thursday's game against the Senators. Talbot, who had surgery on his left shoulder in July, played for the first time since scoring both goals in Pittsburgh's 2-1 win over Detroit last spring in the seventh game of the Stanley Cup final. He had no points in 13:17 of ice time and finished at minus-1. He also spent two minutes in the penalty box.
Analysis: The Penguins are glad to have Talbot back in the lineup. They have managed to stay competitive without him, but they can definitely use his presence on the checking line and in short-handed situations. Talbot, who has never reached 30 points in a season, is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats when healthy.
News:Michael Ryder scored twice, Patrice Bergeron had the only goal of the shootout past Ondrej Pavelec and the Boston Bruins snapped Atlanta's four-game winning streak with a 4-3 victory over the Thrashers on Thursday night. Tuukka Rask stopped all three Atlanta skaters in the shootout, turning aside shots by Rich Peverley, Slava Kozlov and Ilya Kovalchuk. Bergeron scored on Boston's opening attempt, faking Pavelec completely out of position and stuffing the puck into an open net. The Bruins were less than a minute away from a regulation win, leading 3-2 when Atlanta pulled Pavelec for the extra skater. Kovalchuk, who had already scored his 13th goal in 12 games, managed to keep the puck in the Boston zone, wheeled around and whipped a cross-ice pass to Afinogenov, the puck just missing the stick of flailing Bruins defender. Afinogenov had time to settle the puck and rip a shot past Rask, just inside the far post for his eighth goal of the season. Pavelec made 39 saves in the loss.
Analysis: Pavelec is winless in three of his last four starts. He better be careful since Johan Hedberg is on a three-game winning streak and is coming up fast. Pavelec is still in the picture as Atlanta's top netminder, but coach John Anderson won't be afraid to ride the hot hand. Pavelec remains a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Thrashers TG remains a low-end option.
News:Tuukka Rask stopped all three Atlanta skaters in the shootout, turning aside shots by Rich Peverley, Slava Kozlov and Ilya Kovalchuk as Boston prevailed, 4-3 on Thursday. Boston took a 2-0 lead before the Thrashers stormed back in the second. Nik Antropov redirected a shot from Tobias Enstrom past Rask for his first goal of the season. Kovalchuk tied the game at 2 with a perfectly placed shot into the upper left corner off a pass from Enstrom, who picked up his second assist. The Bruins were less than a minute away from a regulation win, leading 3-2 when Atlanta pulled Ondrej Pavelec for the extra skater. Kovalchuk managed to keep the puck in the Boston zone, wheeled around and whipped a cross-ice pass to Maxim Afinogenov, the puck just missing the stick of flailing Bruins defender. Afinogenov had time to settle the puck and rip a shot past Rask, just inside the far post for his eighth goal of the season. The Thrashers had the best chances in overtime but couldn't beat Rask. Ditto for the shootout. Rask finished with 32 saves.
Analysis: Rask also started on Monday for the Bruins, keeping Tim Thomas on the bench for a second straight game. But Fantasy owners shouldn't get any ideas. Claude Julien does like to play his backup goalies and sometimes gives no rhyme or reason why Rask might get consecutive starts. Rask remains more of a flier in Fantasy leagues that use average points per game. The Bruins TG is a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 option.
News: Thrashers C Bryan Little was back in the lineup on Thursday against the Bruins after missing two games with a groin injury. He failed to record a point in 15:23 of ice time and finished at minus-1. He has no points in his last four games.
Analysis: Little has been overly disappointing early in 2009-10 after scoring 31 goals last season. His slump has gotten him bumped from the team's top line in favor of Maxim Afinogenov. Until Little finds his rhythm, he has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Boston's lineup was bolstered by the return of Milan Lucic, who missed 14 games because of a broken finger, on Thursday against the Thrashers. Lucic failed to record a point in 14:01 of ice time and finished at even. He is still without a goal in seven games this season.
Analysis: Lucic's return could shortly be followed by the return of Marc Savard, who has missed 14 games with a broken foot. That means Boston's top line will start to take shape again. Lucic has burgeoning offensive talents and is good at both ends of the ice. Still, he is more of a No. 5 or No. 6 Fantasy forward when healthy.
News:Tuomo Ruutu and Jussi Jokinen scored in the shootout, and Manny Legace and the Carolina Hurricanes rallied from three goals down to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-5 on Thursday. After an uneventful overtime, Ruutu and Jokinen beat Jonas Gustavsson with wrist shots and Manny Legace stopped Phil Kessel and Lee Stempniak to preserve his first victory with the Maple Leafs. Legace stopped 27 shots as he rallied from a 3-0 first-period deficit.
Analysis: It wasn't pretty, but Legace finally got his first win in four outings for the Hurricanes. As expected, Legace hasn't been stellar in net for Carolina and is pretty much just bridging the gap until Cam Ward is healthy. Continue to view Legace as a stopgap Fantasy option. The Hurricanes TG is a low-end option.
News:Tuomo Ruutu and Jussi Jokinen scored in the shootout past Jonas Gustavsson, and the Carolina Hurricanes rallied from three goals down to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-5 on Thursday. After an uneventful overtime, Ruutu and Jokinen beat Jonas Gustavsson with wrist shots and Manny Legace stopped Phil Kessel and Lee Stempniak to preserve his first victory with the Maple Leafs. Toronto held a 3-0 lead after one period and still led by one goal after two periods. Toronto then scored the go-ahead goal with 30 seconds left before Erik Cole tied the game in the final seconds. Cole tapped in a rebound with 2.9 seconds left to force overtime. Gustavsson made 40 saves in the loss.
Analysis: Gustavsson has lost three straight starts and is definitely hurting his chances of becoming the Maple Leafs' full-time starter. It has to be tough for Gustavsson making the transition to the NHL since he played for a very good team in Sweden and is now in goal for one of the worst teams in the NHL. Treat Gustavsson as a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Maple Leafs TG is a low-end option.
News: Hurricanes G Michael Leighton was not in the lineup on Thursday against the Maple Leafs because of a groin injury. He is day to day.
Analysis: This is a bad time for Leighton to get injured since starter Cam Ward is also sidelined. This is an ideal situation for Leighton to rack up PT in Ward's absence. Leighton is merely a stopgap Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Hurricanes RW Scott Walker (upper body) was unable to play on Thursday against the Maple Leafs. He has missed the last two games and remains day to day.
Analysis: Walker hasn't done a lot offensively for the Hurricanes in 2009-10 and injuries have really taken his career for a bad turn since the 2007-08 season. Walker has marginal Fantasy appeal when healthy.
News: The Oilers' official Web site reports that C Sam Gagner was getting his hip checked out on Thursday. Gagner missed a game on Monday with a lower-body issue.
Analysis: The 20-year-old has 13 points in 20 games this season and has some value in deeper leagues right now, so hopefully this hip issue doesn't turn out to be anything serious.
News: The Oilers official Web site reports that LW Liam Reddox went for X-rays on his ankle Thursday after he took a puck off it during Wednesday's win over the Avalanche.
Analysis: Reddox has only played in six games for Edmonton this season and is more organizational depth than anything. Continue to ignore him in all formats, healthy or not.
News: Oilers coach Pat Quinn said Thursday that LW Robert Nilsson is out with a concussion.
Analysis: Nilsson has four points this season and an abysmal minus-12 rating. He was also benched last week. Continue to ignore him in all Fantasy formats until things turn around.
News: The Oilers official Web site reports that LW Ethan Moreau did not practice Thursday, one day after leaving a game following a nasty check.
Analysis: Moreau doesn't do a whole of anything Fantasy-wise when healthy, so just continue to ignore him in all formats. At best, he is a very low-end Fantasy option and potential flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News: The Red Wings have sent G Daniel Larsson back to the AHL.
Analysis: Larsson was up to cover for the flu-ridden Chris Osgood, but the veteran is getting better, which means Larsson's services were no longer needed. Larsson remains not worth worrying about in Fantasy play for the time being.
News: The Montreal Gazette reports that Canadiens LW Travis Moen has been promoted to the top line for Friday's game at Washington.
Analysis: Moen has seven points in 21 games this season while playing mostly on the third line, but has zero points in seven November contests. He has never been much of an offensive power in his six NHL seasons, so continue to only worry about him in deeper leagues that reward PIM.
News: The Toronto Star reports that Maple Leafs D Luke Schenn, who was benched for most of the third period in Tuesday's loss to Ottawa and has a minus-6 rating this season, will try to work his way out of his funk. "I'm not satisfied with how things have gone," said the sophomore blue-liner. "I have high expectations for myself. I've been in a rut before in junior. The only way to get out of it is work hard."
Analysis: Schenn has just two points this season and maybe it's just going to take the youngster a while to find his offensive game. Continue to stash him away in keeper leagues, but seasonal owners should be avoiding him right now.
News: TSN reports that Senators RW Alexei Kovalev will leave for Russia after Thursday's game at Pittsburgh because his wife's mother has passed away. Kovalev is expected to miss one game -- Saturday vs. Buffalo -- but that's no guarantee.
Analysis: Kovalev doesn't have a goal in his last seven games, but he does have four assists in his last four games and 10 on the season. He remains worth using as a low-end starting Fantasy forward in deeper leagues, and should be back by the start of Fantasy Week 8 (Nov. 23-29).
News: The Ottawa Sun reports that Senators D Anton Volchenkov has had a setback in his recovery from an elbow injury and is likely out another week. “It didn’t respond a couple of day ago as well as we thought,” said Senators coach Cory Clouston. “There’s a little more soreness in there. We wished, we hoped he’d be ready to play this weekend, but that’s not looking like the case. Mid-week is probably what we’re looking at.”
Analysis: Volchenkov was off to a good start before this injury with five points in his first 10 games this season, so don't forget about him in deeper leagues. He's never managed more than 20 points in a campaign, however.
News: The Newark Star-Ledger reports that Devils LW Patrik Elias has admitted he might not get back to full health this season after dealing with hip and groin issues. "I don’t know if I’ll ever feel 100 percent this year," Elias said. "With this, sometimes it just doesn’t allow you to do some stuff. The best part is I know I can play the next game now after I play. But I still feel just all right, not great. I just play. Sometimes it hurts and sometimes it doesn’t. I just have to stay patient.”
Analysis: Elias has a couple of assists in his five games since returning to action and who knows if he'll be able to get back to being a point-per-game guy this season. Continue to start him in deeper leagues, but owners in smaller formats should bench Elias until he proves he can be a consistent contributor again.
Analysis: Sharp is in his first full pro season after spending the end of last season in the AHL following his collegiate career. He has no Fantasy value at this time.
News: The Denver Post reports that Avalanche D Adam Foote was held out of Wednesday's loss to the Oilers because of a sore jaw. He is considered day-to-day.
Analysis: Foote has only reached 30 points twice in his long career and has very minimal Fantasy value when healthy. Foote is best used only in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats.
News: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that struggling Blues C Patrik Berglund thinks he needs to take a few more risks on the ice. "Some times in some situations, you might play a little too safe," Berglund said. "That is something that I've been thinking about. You can't be out there playing too safe."
Analysis: After putting up 47 points in his rookie season, Berglund has just four points so far in 2009-10. He remains worth stashing away in deeper leagues, but probably shouldn't be starting until his numbers start to come around.
News: The Oilers announced Thursday that C Mike Comrie has been diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis.
Analysis: Comrie missed Wednesday's game against the Avalanche and might out for a little while longer with this issue. Blue Jackets G Steve Mason had mono last season and took a few weeks to really get over it. You're better off just benching Comrie in the deeper leagues he has value in for the time being.
News: The Montreal Gazette reports that Canadiens RW Brian Gionta is out indefinitely with a broken bone in his left foot. Gionta said he suffered the injury when he was struck by a shot on Nov. 3 and had been trying to play through the issue.
Analysis: Gionta has a decent 13 points in 19 games this season and should be stashed away in all formats in Fantasy until he's ready to return, as he's a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy forward when healthy.
News: NHL.com reports Kings LW Ryan Smyth might miss a month of action while recovering from an upper-body injury sustained on Monday against the Panthers. Coach Terry Murray and general manager Dean Lombardi would not disclose the nature of Smyth's injury. "It could be up to four weeks with that," Murray said. "It's very unfortunate that you lose a player that's an important player for your team, that's going to be out up to that length of time. But you know, you take a look around the league, there's all kinds of injuries to top players. You've got to deal with it. It's part of the game."
Analysis: This injury really puts a damper on a great start to Smyth's Los Angeles career. He has been a perfect fit on the team's top line with Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams. He is threatening as a point-per-game player and has emerged as a high-end Fantasy option. Keep Smyth reserved in Fantasy until further notice.
News: The Capitals have called up D prospect John Carlson from the AHL.
Analysis: The 19-year-old Carlson was the 27th overall pick in 2007 and has 10 points in 17 games in his first AHL season. He is a solid Fantasy keeper, but doesn't have too much value in seasonal leagues just yet.
News: The Hurricanes have placed C Eric Staal on injured reserve with an upper-body injury.
Analysis: This was more of a procedural move, as Staal has already missed nearly three weeks now. Staal has the talent to be a must-start Fantasy option when healthy and playing up to his potential, but he has been a disappointment so far in 2009-10 with a miserable five points in 13 games. Just continue to stash him away until he's ready to return.
News: The Hurricanes have recalled RW Patrick Dwyer from the AHL.
Analysis: Dwyer, a fourth-round pick in 2002, has played 13 NHL games in his career. He's nothing more than organizational depth and can continue to be ignored in all formats.
News: The Raleigh News & Observer reports that the Hurricanes hope to have G Cam Ward (leg) back on Dec. 5 against the Canucks. "We're hopeful of that," GM Jim Rutherford said Wednesday. "That would be the earliest. It may be longer."
Analysis: Ward suffered a nasty cut on his leg on Nov. 7, but luckily this isn't the kind of injury that will linger. Carolina have been horrible this year, but Ward is a quality goalie and should be considered a low-end No. 1 Fantasy goalie when he does return.
News: Kings C Jarret Stoll scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-1 during Wednesday's game against the Flyers. Stoll put the Kings up 1-0 as he beat Brian Boucher on a wrist shot 14:53 into the first. It was his third goal in five games.
Analysis: Stoll is up to seven goals and 18 points in his first 23 games. He has been very efficient as the Kings' second-line center and is even getting some looks on the power play. Stoll flashed 60-point potential in the past, but he has been just an average offensive player the last few seasons. Continue to use him in deeper leagues, but all owners should be keeping a close eye on his production.
News: Flyers D Braydon Coburn tallied a pair of assists and finished at plus-1 during Wednesday's game against the Kings. Coburn has four assists in his last six games and six helper on the season.
Analysis: The arrival of Chris Pronger and the emergence of Matt Carle has taken some of the pressure off Coburn on the Flyers' blue line. While that helps the Flyers, it does hurt Coburn's Fantasy appeal since he loses some scoring chances. He is still one of the team's top logging players, but Coburn is more of a No. 5 or No. 6 Fantasy blueliner.
News: Flyers C Mike Richards scored a goal and finished at plus-2 during Wednesday's game against the Kings. Philadelphia took control after its first goal, dominating puck possession before Richards put the Flyers ahead late in the second period with a one-timer on a behind-the-net pass from Claude Giroux. It was his ninth goal and first score since netting two goals on Nov. 2 against Tampa Bay.
Analysis: The Flyers captain has 18 points in 18 games. He always seems to be around the puck and involved in the scoring for Philly. Richards is great in all facets of the game and remains a must-start Fantasy option through thick and thin.
News: The Penguins official Web site reports that D Jay McKee will be sidelined the next 2-4 weeks with a finger infection.
Analysis: That makes it five Penguins blue-liners on the shelf now, with Sergei Gonchar, Brooks Orpik, Kris Letang and Alex Goligoski all banged up. McKee has never been a top offensive player and more on the ice for his defensive presence, so don't worry about him outside of leagues that reward heavily for PIM while he's out.
News:Mika Pyorala scored his first NHL goal, backup goalie Brian Boucher made 37 saves and the Philadelphia Flyers opened a trip with their seventh victory in eight games, 3-2 over the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night. After Jarret Stoll scored his third goal in five games in the first period, Pyorala tied it midway through the second, flipping home a rebound with a backhand while falling facefirst to the ice.
Analysis: The 28-year-old Finnish center hadn't scored in his first 17 games with the Flyers, who signed him in July after he played in Sweden last winter. Pyorala is an old rookie, but he still hasn't settled into a groove in the NHL. Despite the goal, Pyorala has minimal Fantasy appeal.
News:Jonathan Quick stopped 17 shots for the Kings during a 3-2 loss to the Flyers on Wednesday. Quick jumped out to a 1-0 lead heading into the second before Philly scored three unanswered goals. Drew Doughty trimmed the Flyers' lead with a power-play goal on a long slap shot with 7:51 to play, but Los Angeles couldn't even it despite outshooting Philadelphia 21-5 in the third period. The Kings had a golden chance while Quick was pulled with 15 seconds left, but Michal Handzus' tip in front of Brian Boucher skittered under the goalie and missed the post by perhaps an inch.
Analysis: Quick suffered his first loss in three starts on Wednesday. He has been a little shaky since signing a contract extension in October, but coach Terry Murray still trusts him a lot more than Erik Ersberg. Quick is a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Kings TG is also a No. 2 option.
News:Mika Pyorala scored his first NHL goal, backup goalie Brian Boucher made 37 saves and the Philadelphia Flyers opened a trip with their seventh victory in eight games, 3-2 over the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night. Drew Doughty trimmed the Flyers' lead with a power-play goal on a long slap shot with 7:51 to play, but Los Angeles couldn't even it despite outshooting Philadelphia 21-5 in the third period. The Kings had a golden chance while Jonathan Quick was pulled with 15 seconds left, but Michal Handzus' tip in front of Boucher skittered under the goalie and missed the post by perhaps an inch.
Analysis: Boucher, the San Jose Sharks' backup goalie during the past two seasons, had a remarkable final period in his first victory since his return to Philadelphia, where he spent his first three NHL seasons. The Flyers have given Ray Emery all but two starts this fall. Boucher is used to being a seldom-used backup since he has played with Evgeni Nabokov. Until he gets more starts, Boucher has minimal Fantasy appeal. The Flyers TG is a No. 2 option thanks to Emery.
News: Kings D Rob Scuderi missed a second straight game on Wednesday because of a lower-body injury. He remains day to day.
Analysis: Scuderi has managed just one point in 21 games this season, but he isn't on the ice for his offense. Los Angeles added him in the offseason for his D. When healthy, Scuderi has little Fantasy value in standard leagues, but is a nice option in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: Oilers RW Zack Stortini didn't record a point in 5:16 of ice time Wednesday against the Avalanche, but he racked up 17 minutes worth of penalties. Stortini got a five-minute major for fighting with Ryan Wilson in the second. He also was hit with an instigator penalty and game misconduct. Stortini is up to 58 penalty minutes.
Analysis: Stortini has gotten into six fights this season and received his first game misconduct on Wednesday. He will have the occasional goal, but Stortini is on the ice for his enforcer skills. Stortini remains more of a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News: Oilers C Shawn Horcoff scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Wednesday's game against the Avalanche. Horcoff tied the game at 1 with a tip-in goal 16:39 into the first. He has three goals and three assists in his last six games.
Analysis: The Oilers are dying for Horcoff to pick up the offensive pace and start to develop into an all-around center. Horcoff already gets the job done in the faceoff circle and on the penalty kill. Now, they just hope he can post consistent points. He is playing better as of late, but Horcoff remains a low-end Fantasy forward.
News: Oilers RW Ales Hemsky capped Wednesday's 6-4 win against the Avalanche with an empty-net goal. He also added an assist and finished at plus-1. Hemsky has two goals and four assists during a five-game point streak.
Analysis: Hemsky has continued to play well since returning from a shoulder injury that kept him out a few games. Hemsky initially had his issues transitioning to a new system under Pat Quinn. However, Hemsky has managed to figure out Quinn's style and is back to being a high-end Fantasy forward.
News:Ryan Potulny and Patrick O'Sullivan scored third-period goals and the Oilers overcame a two-goal deficit to beat the Colorado Avalanche 6-4 on Wednesday. After Sam Gagner pulled the Oilers within one with 16 seconds left in the second period, Potulny tied it on a power play at 2:45 of the third. O'Sullivan gave Edmonton a 5-4 lead with 8:53 remaining, and Ales Hemsky added an empty-net goal. Potulny tied it off a rebound, and O'Sullivan put the Oilers in front off another rebound after goalie Peter Budaj stopped Gilbert Brule's wraparound attempt.
Analysis: O'Sullivan has two goals and three assists in his last seven games. Coach Pat Quinn has been a little upset with O'Sullivan lately since he hasn't been as efficient of a scorer as he was earlier in the season. But Wednesday's winner could take off some of the heat. O'Sullivan can be treated as a decent low-end Fantasy forward.
News: Oilers C Gilbert Brule scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-1 during Wednesday's game against the Avalanche. Brule tied the game at 2 just 21 seconds into the second period as he surprised Peter Budaj on a slap shot. It was his sixth goal and second in five games.
Analysis: Brule has cooled off after a hot start to the season, so his numbers are a bit inflated. Still, he hasn't totally fallen off the table and it seems coach Pat Quinn is getting the most out of the former first-round pick. Consider Brule a low-end Fantasy flier.
News:Ryan Potulny and Patrick O'Sullivan scored third-period goals and the Edmonton Oilers overcame a two-goal deficit to beat the Colorado Avalanche 6-4 on Wednesday. After Sam Gagner pulled the Oilers within one with 16 seconds left in the second period, Potulny tied it on a power play at 2:45 of the third. It was his second goal of the season.
Analysis: Potulny was recently recalled from the AHL as Edmonton has dealt with a rash of injuries. Once the team gets close to 100 percent, Potulny might be returned to the minors. He is not worth owning in Fantasy.
News: Avalanche C Matt Duchene totaled a pair of assists and finished at plus-2 during Wednesday's game against the Oilers. It was his first points in eight November games.
Analysis: Duchene has had a very tough start to November and his rookie experience is starting to show through. Duchene is not having as good a run as fellow 2009 draftee Ryan O'Reilly, but Duchene still has a ton of potential. He is a better long-term Fantasy keeper and just a low-end flier for seasonal formats.
News: Avalanche D Kyle Cumiskey scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Wednesday's game against the Oilers. Cumiskey gave Colorado a 4-2 lead with his third goal of the season 11:04 into the second. He has two goals and one assist in his last four games.
Analysis: Cumiskey has been a regular on the Avs' blue line since the season kicked off and has been a favorite of coach Joe Sacco. It's not a surprise since Cumiskey played for Sacco in the AHL. Cumiskey does have some offensive skills from the blue line, but he still remains a low-end Fantasy flier.
News: Avalanche RW David Jones scored a goal during Wednesday's 6-4 loss to the Oilers. Jones put Colorado up 3-2 with his seventh goal of the season 1:14 into the second. It was his fourth goal in seven games.
Analysis: Jones is one goal away from trying his career high set last season and three points away from setting a new benchmark in points. Jones has really done well under his former AHL coach in 2009-10 and has even seen time on the top line. While he is on track for a career season, Jones remains more of a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Avalanche RW Milan Hejduk scored twice and finished at plus-2 during Wednesday's game against the Oilers. Hejduk scored both of his goals in the first period. Both also came on wristers past Jeff Deslauriers. It was his second two-goal game in five outings. He has 10 goals on the season.
Analysis: Hejduk only returned to the lineup on Saturday after missing a few games with a back injury. He has scored three times in his last two games, so it seems he is past the injury. Hejduk is starting to heat up again after slowing down. He does that, but Hejduk still remains a viable Fantasy start.
News: Oilers G Jeff Deslauriers made 14 saves during a 6-4 comeback win on Wednesday against the Avalanche. Deslauriers fell into a 4-2 deficit midway through the second period before Edmonton scored four unanswered goals. Deslauriers made five saves during a scoreless third period. He also had an assist and finished at plus-1.
Analysis: Deslauriers won for the first time in three outings on Wednesday. He allowed more than three goals for the first time this season as well. If you look at his outings, he has allowed one more goal every time out, so by this trend, Deslauriers is supposed to give up five goals in his next appearance. We doubt this ugly trend will continue and Deslauriers should settle into a rhythm. However, he is still pulling backup duty for the Oilers, so Deslauriers is a nice handcuff option for Nikolai Khabibulin owners and flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Oilers TG is a No. 2 option.
News:Ryan Potulny, Ales Hemsky and Patrick O'Sullivan scored third-period goals and the Edmonton Oilers overcame a two-goal deficit to beat Peter Budaj and the Colorado Avalanche 6-4 on Wednesday. After Sam Gagner pulled the Oilers within one with 16 seconds left in the second period, Potulny tied it on a power play at 2:45 of the third. O'Sullivan gave Edmonton a 5-4 lead with 8:53 remaining, and Alex Hemsky added an empty-net goal. Budaj made 27 saves in the loss.
Analysis: After winning in his debut, Budaj has allowed nine goals in his last two outings. This is the Budaj we are accustomed to seeing. Colorado is keeping him around as backup insurance for Craig Anderson, but Budaj is not threatening to take over the starting job anytime soon. Budaj has little Fantasy appeal at this time. The Avalanche TG is more of a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy option because of Anderson.
News: Wild C Mikko Koivu tallied a pair of assists and finished at plus-2 during Wednesday's game against the Coyotes. He has two goals and six assists in his last six games. He has a pair of two-assist performances in that span.
Analysis: Koivu has produced 20 points (15 assists) in 21 games this season. While he is having a productive run, he is a bit down in Fantasy since he hasn't had that breakout performance we have been looking for under first-year coach Todd Richards. Still, you can't argue with point-per-game potential. Koivu is still a viable Fantasy forward.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 during Wednesday's game against the Coyotes. The Wild finally solved Ilya Bryzgalov early in the third period. The goalie deflected Antti Miettinen's close-range pass, but could not control the puck, leaving it free for Brunette to backhand into the net. It was the team-leading eighth goal of the season for Brunette, who had not scored in the Wild's previous nine games.
Analysis: Brunette does have five points in his last five games, so it's not like he has been totally useless during his scoring slump. His production has eased up a bit since his hot start, but he did a similar trend last season as well. It is clear, however, Brunette is a nice fit for Todd Richards' system. Brunette is a decent No. 5 or No. 6 Fantasy forward to start when on a roll.
News: Wild RW Antti Miettinen scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 during Wednesday's game against the Coyotes. Miettinen tied it at 2 with 4:58 to play as he beat Ilya Bryzgalov on a slap shot. It was his third goal and second in as many games.
Analysis: Miettinen has nine points in 21 games. Miettinen did have a career-high 44 points last season with Minnesota, his first after leaving Dallas as a free agent. However, we probably have seen the max potential out of the Finnish forward. He is going to be a solid offensive forward, but just nothing spectacular. Miettinen has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Coyotes D Jim Vandermeer scored a goal and finished at plus-2 during Wednesday's game against the Wild. Radim Vrbata set up Vandermeer's goal that gave the Coyotes a 2-1 lead in the third period. It was his second goal and first in 10 games.
Analysis: Vandermeer has been a regular on the Coyotes' blue line this season, but it is not because of his offense. He will contribute a few points every now-and-then, but Vandermeer is still a defensive-first player. His Fantasy value lies in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats and PIM.
News: Coyotes RW Scottie Upshall scored the game-winning goal during Wednesday's 3-2 victory against the Wild. Antti Miettinen tied it at 2 with 4:58 to play, but Phoenix countered 19 seconds later, with Upshall blasting in the rebound of Keith Yandle's shot. He has four goals in his last seven games.
Analysis: Upshall is definitely starting to pick up the offensive pace for Phoenix. He is starting to look more like the kid that provided Phoenix with an offensive spark down the stretch in 2008-09 after coming over in a trade from Philly. Still, Upshall has a long ways to go to becoming a top offensive player. Upshall remains a low-end Fantasy forward.
News: Wild G Niklas Backstrom made 29 saves during a 3-2 loss to the Coyotes on Wednesday. Antti Miettinen tied it at 2 with 4:58 to play, but Phoenix countered 19 seconds later, with Scottie Upshall blasting in the rebound of Keith Yandle's shot. Backstrom is winless in his last three starts (0-1-2).
Analysis: Backstrom has allowed three or more goals in his last three starts and is beginning to slip a little after getting on track following a slow start. The Wild have yet to hit their stride under Todd Richards, so view Backstrom as more of a low-end No. 1 or high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Wild TG has pretty much the same Fantasy value.
News: Coyotes RW Peter Mueller was able to play on Wednesday against the Wild after sustaining a lower-body injury on Monday against the Lightning. He had no points in 12:34 of ice time and finished at even.
Analysis: The Coyotes are really hoping that Mueller snaps out of his offensive funk and returns to the promising player of his rookie season. Mueller remains a low-end Fantasy option until further notice.
News: Left wing Ryan Smyth could be out of the Los Angeles Kings' lineup for a month because of an upper body injury. The Kings aren't disclosing the nature of Smyth's injury. He didn't return after the second period of a game at Florida on Monday. Alexander Frolov is expected to take Smyth's spot at left wing on the top line for the Kings, who hosted Philadelphia on Wednesday night.
Analysis: This promotion could be what Frolov needs to snap him out of his funk. He has no goals in his last nine games and has just four points in November. Playing with Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams has been great for Smyth, so Frolov has a real good chance to post some nice numbers. Keep tabs on his progress in Fantasy.
News: Stars C Brad Richards tallied a pair of assists and finished at even during Wednesday's game against the Red Wings. It was his first points in three games. Richards has 16 helpers in 18 games this season.
Analysis: Richards has been bothered by a groin injury at times this season, but he has managed to play through the pain and is threatening as a point-per-game player. As long as Richards is on the ice, he is worth starting in Fantasy.
News:Alex Auld made 31 saves, and Mike Ribeiro, Matt Niskanen and Loui Eriksson scored in the Dallas Stars' 3-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday. Ribeiro opened the scoring on a power play 9:26 into the game. His attempted pass was accidentally swatted into the net by Detroit defenseman Jonathan Ericsson, who sprawled along the ice in order to thwart a pass. It was Ribeiro's sixth goal and first in seven games.
Analysis: The Stars took Brenden Morrow off Ribeiro's scoring line Wednesday and it seemed to help the veteran center snap out of a scoring funk. However, the duo are likely to be reunited at some point, so don't get used to the idea of not seeing the pair play together. Ribeiro is still one of the Stars' top offensive players and a must-start Fantasy option.
News:Alex Auld made 31 saves, and Mike Ribeiro, Matt Niskanen and Loui Eriksson scored in the Dallas Stars' 3-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday. Eriksson's power-play goal with 7:17 left gave the Stars a 3-1 lead. He tipped in a cross-crease pass.
Analysis: Eriksson has four goals and three assists during a six-game point streak. He is up to 18 points in 20 games this season. We thought with the return of Brenden Morrow that Eriksson would have a letdown, but that hasn't been the case. He remains a high-end Fantasy option.
News:Alex Auld made 31 saves, and Mike Ribeiro, Matt Niskanen and Loui Eriksson scored in the Dallas Stars' 3-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday. Niskanen gave the Stars a 2-0 lead 3:52 into the second period with his first goal of the season. He beat Jimmy Howard with a one-timer from the point.
Analysis: Niskanen thought he had his first goal of the season on Saturday against the Coyotes, but further video evidence took the goal away from him. So, Wednesday's tally ended up his first. Niskanen missed a few games earlier this season with a head injury, but he hasn't suffered a setback. The 22-year-old Niskanen has been a solid contributor on the Stars' blue line since his rookie season in 2007-08. He definitely gets the job done at both ends of the ice for Dallas, but his offensive production can sometimes be spotty. Niskanen passes as a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: Red Wings G Jimmy Howard made 29 saves during a 3-1 loss to the Stars on Wednesday. Mike Ribeiro opened the scoring on a power play 9:26 into the game. His attempted pass was accidentally swatted into the net by Detroit defenseman Jonathan Ericsson, who sprawled along the ice in order to thwart a pass. It was Ribeiro's sixth goal. Matt Niskanen gave the Stars a 2-0 lead 3:52 into the second period with his first goal of the season. He beat Howard with a one-timer from the point. Loui Eriksson's power-play goal with 7:17 left gave the Stars a 3-1 lead. He tipped in a cross-crease pass.
Analysis: Howard made his third straight start on Wednesday in place of the injured Chris Osgood, who is battling the flu. Howard had a three-game winning streak going before Dallas put an end to it. He didn't have a bad night in net and his recent play has given the Red Wings' coaching staff a lot of confidence. Still, Howard is more of a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Red Wings TG has high-end Fantasy potential.
News:Alex Auld made 31 saves, and Mike Ribeiro, Matt Niskanen and Loui Eriksson scored in the Dallas Stars' 3-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday. Zetterberg put Detroit on the board 6:16 into the middle period with his ninth goal. He cut into the slot from the right wing and beat Auld high on the sick side. Auld won for the first time in four outings.
Analysis: Auld hit a bit of a cold streak after winning in his first two appearances with Dallas. Despite the slide, coach Marc Crawford hasn't lost faith in his backup goalie. He is going to use Auld in 2009-10 to spell Marty Turco, who was overworked in 2008-09. Auld is best used in Fantasy leagues that use average points per game. The Stars TG is a No. 2 option.
News: Detroit G Chris Osgood missed his third game because of the flu on Wednesday against the Stars. He remains day to day.
Analysis: Osgood hasn't had a need to rush back to action since Jimmy Howard has played well in his absence. Osgood is going to regain his starting job once he is healthy, but he remains more of a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie.
News: Stars RW Jere Lehtinen returned to the lineup on Wednesday against the Red Wings after missing two games with a groin injury. He failed to record a point in 13:06 of ice time and finished at even. He has no points in his last four games.
Analysis: We are hoping that Lehtinen can stay on the ice long enough to start making an impact for Fantasy owners, but we figure as soon as he gets on a roll, another ailment is going to slow him down. Lehtinen has offensive potential when healthy, but it's best to leave him alone in Fantasy until he gets his act together.
News: Sabres LW Clarke MacArthur scored a goal and finished at minus-1 during Wednesday's game against the Panthers. MacArthur made it 3-2 with 5:43 to go in regulation with a power play goal. It was his sixth goal and first on the power play this season. He has a point in four of his last five games.
Analysis: MacArthur had a career-high 17 goals and five power-play scores in 2008-09. It was his most productive run in the NHL. He is trying to top all of his numbers from last season, and he is off to a good start with 11 points in 18 games. Still, MacArthur remains more of a low-end Fantasy forward.
News: Panthers C Gregory Campbell tallied a pair of assists and finished at plus-2 during Wednesday's game against the Sabres. Both assists came at even strength and in the final two minutes. It was his first multi-point game of the season and first points in seven November games.
Analysis: Campbell dodged a serious facial injury recently to remain in the Panthers' lineup. While he is a regular for Florida, his offensive contributions have been very limited to begin the season. Campbell is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats when healthy.
News: Panthers D Keith Ballard tallied three assists and finished at plus-2 during Wednesday's game against the Sabres. Ballard had one assist on a power play. He has seven helpers and no goals in 19 games this season.
Analysis: Ballard landed in Florida last season as part of the Olli Jokinen trade with Phoenix. He got off to a great start with the Panthers before his play leveled out. He hasn't had a fast start in 2009-10 and has lost some Fantasy appeal because of it. We still expect Ballard to break 20 points, but he is more of an all-around contributor for Florida than just an offensive star. He remains a low-end Fantasy blueliner.
News:Michael Frolik scored twice, Dominic Moore and Rostislav Olesz had a goal and an assist each, and Tomas Vokoun made 26 saves in the surging Florida Panthers' 6-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday. Moore put in the game's final goal as he beat Ryan Miller on a snap shot with one minute left. It was Moore's first goal with Florida.
Analysis: Moore missed a few games recently with a broken nose, but it hasn't really been why his numbers are down. Moore is still finding his way around the Florida offense after signing in October. He is going to contribute at times for Florida, but we just don't think he will be as effective as he was in Buffalo last season. Moore has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News:Michael Frolik scored twice, Dominic Moore and Rostislav Olesz had a goal and an assist each, and Tomas Vokoun made 26 saves in the surging Florida Panthers' 6-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday. Olesz iced the game with an empty-net score 18:12 into the third. It was his fifth goal of the season and second in three games.
Analysis: Olesz just surpassed his 2008-09 goals mark on Wednesday, but it was quite easy since he played in just 37 games last season due to injury. Olesz will contribute on offense at times, but he is primarily on the ice for his defensive presence. He has marginal Fantasy appeal.
News:Michael Frolik scored twice, Dominic Moore and Rostislav Olesz had a goal and an assist each, and Tomas Vokoun made 26 saves in the surging Florida Panthers' 6-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday. Frolik tied the game at 1, netting his fifth goal on a one-timer from the high slot. Frolik then gave Florida a 4-2 edge as he scored 17:58 into the third on a power play. He has four goals in his last five games.
Analysis: Frolik was a pleasant surprise for the Panthers in 2008-09 when he recorded 21 goals. He struggled at the beginning, but once his confidence got going, there was no stopping the Czech forward. The Panthers are hoping for a repeat performance after he started slow again in 2009-10. Keep tabs on Frolik, who remains a low-end Fantasy flier.
News:Ryan Miller made 18 saves for Buffalo (12-5-1), which was denied in its attempt to string together a four-game winning streak for the third time this season during a 6-2 loss to the Panthers on Wednesday. Miller had an early 1-0 lead before Florida took a two-goal advantage. Buffalo cut the lead to 1 in the third before Michael Frolik iced the game with his second goal at 17:58. Florida had an empty-net score as Miller lost for the first time in four starts.
Analysis: The five goals allowed were the most for Miller since his last loss on Nov. 6 against the Flyers. The Sabres netminder hasn't had too many down nights to begin the 2009-10 season and Fantasy owners are much appreciative. Continue to view Miller and the Sabres TG as must-start Fantasy options.
News:Michael Frolik scored twice, Dominic Moore and Rostislav Olesz had a goal and an assist each, and Tomas Vokoun made 26 saves in the surging Florida Panthers' 6-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday. Vokoun gave up the first goal of the game before Florida scored the next three. Buffalo cut the deficit to one on Clarke MacArthur's power-play goal in the third, but Florida scored three times in the final three minutes to ice the game away.
Analysis: Vokoun has five wins in his last seven appearances, with three shutouts in that span. The Panthers got off to a slow start and it was definitely evident in Vokoun's numbers. They are playing better as of late, but we still expect Vokoun to be a streaky goalie. Treat Vokoun as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Panthers TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Sabres RW Drew Stafford returned to the lineup on Wednesday against the Panthers after missing one game with a hip flexor. Stafford scored a goal in 18:16 of ice time but also finished at minus-2. Stafford opened the scoring 14:23 into the first as he beat Tomas Vokoun with a wrist shot. It was his sixth goal and second in three games.
Analysis: The goal is enough proof that Stafford has overcome his latest setback and is ready to be productive for Buffalo. The Sabres really like Stafford as a goal scorer, but he still needs to work on being an all-around threat. Stafford remains a low-end Fantasy forward.
News: Sabres RW Mike Grier (groin) did not return to the lineup on Wednesday against the Panthers. He has missed the last three games and remains day to day.
Analysis: Grier tried to skate on his own Tuesday, but it didn't go so well and Buffalo still has no update on his status. Grier has scored three times in 15 games this season, but he is not on the ice for his offense. Grier is more of a checking-line forward and penalty killer for the Sabres. He has marginal Fantasy appeal when healthy and best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: The Capitals expect LW Quintin Laing to miss up to six weeks with a broken jaw.
Analysis: The 30-year-old Laing has only played in 61 career NHL games and is nothing more than a lower-line forward in the nation's capital. Continue to ignore him in all formats.
News: The New York Post reports that Devils D Paul Martin (broken arm), D Johnny Oduya (groin/hip) and LW Jay Pandolfo (shoulder) still are likely 2-3 weeks away from returning to action.
Analysis: Oduya and Martin are the most Fantasy-viable members of this group, while Pandolfo is just a low-end emergency flier option in super-deep leagues. Just keep Martin and Oduya stashed away for a little while longer.
News: The Dallas Morning News reports that C Mike Ribeiro and LW Brenden Morrow will play on separate lines Wednesday at Detroit. The two have been together for most of the last few seasons.
Analysis: Morrow has just one goal in his last 10 games, while Ribeiro hasn't scored in his last six contest, so this move was clearly made to try and jump-start these two offensive contributors. Neither should see a drop in ice time, so just continue to start them both in the majority of Fantasy leagues and cross your fingers that this experiment works.
News: The Ducks have recalled LW Kyle Calder from the ECHL.
Analysis: Calder is a veteran of 577 games but is only filling in while the Ducks deal with some injuries. Continue to ignore him in all Fantasy formats.
News: The Edmonton Journal reports that Oilers C Ryan Stone (knee) is nearing a return to the ice. "I'll start throwing my body around at practice so I can clear out any (mental hurdles) before I get into a game," said Stone.
Analysis: Stone is an energy guy who loves to dish out hits. Stone has little to no Fantasy appeal when healthy.
News: The Edmonton Journal reports that Oilers LW Jean-Francois Jacques (back) has resumed skating again and could be back in the lineup this weekend. "I am close now. We just need to see how it was with a couple of hard skates," said Jacques.
Analysis: Jacques isn't much of an offensive presence on the ice, but loves to throw his weight around. He remains just a low-end flier in leagues that reward PIM when healthy.
News:The Tennessean reports that Predators C Colin Wilson (groin) will be sent to the AHL on a conditioning assignment when he is fully healthy.
Analysis: Wilson has one goal in 10 games this season and remains more of a long-term keeper option than a seasonal one. Continue to stash him away in dynasty leagues.
News: The Montreal Gazette reports that Canadiens RW Georges Laraque (back) has been cleared to play and could return Friday at Washington.
Analysis: Laraque has either been injured or ineffective since coming to Montreal last season. He should be kept reserved in Fantasy until further notice, healthy or not. Laraque remains just a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
AHL team signs Battaglia
Updated 11/18/2009
Bates Battaglia, LW TOR
News: The AHL's Syracuse Crunch have signed Bates Battaglia.
Analysis: The 33-year-old veteran hasn't played a full NHL season since 2006-07 and isn't likely to make a contribution in the league this year either. Continue to ignore him in all formats.
News: The Montreal Gazette reports that Canadiens D Ryan O'Byrne (knee) should be back in action Friday at Washington.
Analysis: O'Byrne had a strong training camp and played well in the first two games before getting hurt. He's a physical presence at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, but he is not expected to help a lot on offense. He is merely a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for defensive stats when healthy.
News: The Devils have called up D Tyler Eckford up from the AHL. To make room, D Cory Murphy was sent down.
Analysis: Eckford, a seventh-round pick from 2007, is off to a great start in his second AHL season with 15 points in 18 games and was named the league's player of the week on Sunday. The 24-year-old isn't much of a prospect, so don't worry about him in Fantasy play just yet. Murphy can also continue to be ignored.
News: The Wild have called up C Danny Irmen from the AHL.
Analysis: Irmen was a third-round pick back in 2003 and had a solid collegiate career at Minnesota, but he's been a huge disappointment in the minors. Continue to ignore him in all Fantasy formats.
Analysis: Peters' presence is needed in Raleigh because Michael Leighton went down with a lower-body injury on Tuesday night. Peters will back up Manny Legace in Carolina, but could get the odd start here and there. A second-round pick in 2004, Peters isn't any kind of prospect, so continue to ignore him in all Fantasy formats for the time being.
News: Calgary LW Curtis Glencross came off suspension to play in the Tuesday night game against Colorado. Glencross is a top-line forward for the Flames and rejoined Jarome Iginla and Olli Jokinen on the No. 1 unit for Calgary on Tuesday after serving a three-game suspension for a blindside hit that left Rangers' Chris Drury with a concussion.
Analysis: Glencross is a low-end Fantasy option for the moment. He had been bumped off the top line for a bit but was back at that spot on Tuesday. If he can find a resurgence, he might be worth snatching up off waivers. For now, though, take a wait-and-see approach.
News: Colorado D Ryan Wilson picked up two firsts on Tuesday in a win over the Flames. Wilson recorded his first multi-point game of the season in the win and also scored his first goal. The goal came in the 1st period and started the scoring for both teams. He later assisted on Cody McLeod's 2nd-period goal.
Analysis: Wilson hadn't recorded any points since the end of October but has only played three games in November at this point. Wilson has been decent since making his NHL debut but is still not really worth owning in Fantasy play at this point.
News: Colorado C Paul Stastny finished with two assists on Tuesday night in a 3-2 win over the Calgary Flames. Stastny assisted on Ryan Wilson's game-opening goal in the 1st period and added another late in the 2nd period.
Analysis: The two points Tuesday gives Stastny 20 on the season. He has seven in his last six games, though he's only scored in three of those contests. Despite his recent goals slide, Stastny is still worth starting in most Fantasy formats.
McLaren recalled by Sharks
Updated 11/18/2009
Frazer McLaren, LW SJ
News: The Sharks recalled Benn Ferriero, Frazer McLaren and Logan Couture from their AHL affiliate Tuesday, and all three played against Nashville. McLaren finished the game with an assist.
Analysis: McLaren was up with the club earlier this season and had one assist in four games. He now has two assists but still has low-end Fantasy appeal. He could be back in the AHL shortly.
News: Colorado G Craig Anderson was able to hold on to defeat the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night, 3-2. Anderson stopped 34 of the 36 shots the Flames sent his way for the win. He did not allow a goal in the 1st period but was losing 2-1 late in the 2nd before the Avs took the lead for good.
Analysis: Anderson earned the victory for the first time since Nov. 6 as he'd lost the last three times he started a game. Still, his record improves to 12-5-3 on the season and that is pretty darn good. Anderson and the TG Avalanche remain No. 1 Fantasy options.
News: It doesn't appear that the upper-body strain that kept Alex Ovechkin out since Nov. 1 is going to limit him at all upon his return. The Capitals superstar returned on Tuesday night and immediately made a difference by scoring the Capitals first goal of the game and helping them win 4-2. The goal was his 15th of the season and he now has 24 points.
Analysis: Ovechkin didn't miss a beat and that is great news for Fantasy owners. He's officially back now and can be -- and should be -- used in all Fantasy formats.
News: Nashville RW Joel Ward has a great night on Tuesday in a 4-3 win over the Sharks. Ward finished with three points as he dished out two assists and scored a goal. Ward assisted on a 1st-period goal by Jerred Smithson and scored in the 2nd period. The goal came on a power play and was his 3rd of the season. He added another assist on the game's next goal scored by David Legwand in the 2nd.
Analysis: Ward's three-point night gives him just nine on the season. He does have five of those points in his last five games. Ward is more of a low-end Fantasy flier and option in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats but not if he can keep this up.
News: Nashville D Ryan Suter recorded an assist on Steve Sullivan's game-opening goal on Tuesday in the 4-3 win over the Sharks. Suter later added another assist on Joel Ward's 2nd-period goal. He finished with two points -- both assists -- on the night.
Analysis: Suter had not scored any points since Oct. 28 and this was his first multi-point performance since recorded three points back on Oct. 22 at Ottawa. Consider Suter a viable No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy defenseman but one who needs more nights like this one.
News: Nashville C David Legwand had a fantastic game on Tuesday night in a win over the Sharks. Legwand scored a goal and recorded two assists for three points on the night. He assisted on Jerred Smithson's goal in the 1st period and again on Joel Ward's in the 2nd. He then added a goal of his own in the 2nd period. It was his 2nd of the season.
Analysis: Legwand erupted on Tuesday for his first multi-point game of the season. He now has eight points total and had five coming into the game. Legwand would be a high-end Fantasy option with more games like this but since they haven't come this season he only has low-end value at this point.
News: San Jose C Joe Thornton scored his 6th goal of the season on Tuesday night in a 4-3 loss to Nashville. The goal came in the 2nd period to pull within 4-2. Thornton later added an assist on the game's final goal scored by Patrick Marleau.
Analysis: Thornton has recorded points in three straight contests now and has 26 on the season for the Sharks. He has done well playing alongside Dany Heatley and continues to show why he is one of the premier centers in the NHL. Continue to start Thornton in all Fantasy formats.
News: San Jose G Thomas Greiss stopped 27 shots on Tuesday but coughed up two goals in the 1st and 2nd periods to take a 4-3 loss against the Predators. Greiss allowed four goals in the defeat and his record falls to 2-2-0 on the year.
Analysis: Greiss was making his first appearance since Nov. 10 and only his fourth of the season. This was easily his worst night of the year so far for the Sharks. Greiss spends most of his time backing up Evgeni Nabakov and is just a handcuff for the starter. The Sharks TG is a high-end Fantasy option.
News: Montreal C Tomas Plekanec recorded two assists in the 3-2 shootout win over the Hurricanes on Tuesday night. He assisted on the first goal scored in the game in the 1st period by Max Pacioretty. His second assist came in the 3rd on Andrei Kostitsyn's goal.
Analysis: Plekanec now has five assists in his last three games for the Canadiens. He has 19 points on the season but only four of those are goals. It was just two seasons ago Plekanec was a breakout Fantasy star and he is playing at that same level again in 2009-10 after a down season. You might as well start Plekanec while he is on a roll.
News: Montreal G Carey Price was solid enough in net on Tuesday to hold off the Carolina Hurricanes and win in a shootout, 3-2. Price stopped 30 shots in regulation and overtime and allowed just two 2nd-period goals in the game. He then stopped all six shootout shots he faced to pull the victory.
Analysis: Price is now 5-8-0 on the season as he's alternated wins and losses over his last six starts (3-3-0). Still, he hasn't allowed more than three goals in any of his last five starts and is playing better than his record would suggest. Price remains just a No. 2 Fantasy option for now, but should be owned in most formats. The Canadiens TG is also a No. 2 choice.
News: Ottawa D Alexandre Picard recorded two assists on Tuesday night in a 3-2 win over Toronto. Picard assisted on the first goal of the game from Mike Fisher and later added another on a Milan Michalek goal in the 2nd period.
Analysis: Picard was recently brought back up from the AHL and this was his second multi-point night of the season for the Senators. Picard might go down as one of the worst first-round picks of all-time and should still be ignored in most Fantasy formats.
News: Ottawa D Chris Campoli picked up two assists in the 3-2 win over Toronto on Tuesday.
Analysis: Campoli now has six points on the season for the Senators. This was only his second multi-assist game of the season and he has just one goal to his credit. He definitely has been a disappointing player for the Senators after he was so good down the stretch in 2008-09. Until Campoli starts racking up the points, he has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Toronto G Vesa Toskala could not stop the Senators on Tuesday night during the 2nd period. Toskala took the loss in the game, 3-2, as he allowed two goals to score in the 2nd with the Maple Leafs clinging to a 2-1 lead. He stopped 18 shots on the night but allowed three and that was the difference.
Analysis: Toskala has still yet to win this season and is now 0-4-2 on the year. He has made three straight appearances and two starts and has allowed eight goals over that span. Toskala splits time with Jonas Gustavsson. You're better off leaving both Leafs goalies for just deeper leagues until one emerges as the No. 1. The Toronto TG remains just a low-end option.
News: Rangers RW Marian Gaborik gave it his best effort on Tuesday night but New York still lost to the Capitals, 4-2. The Rangers right winger scored twice in the game. He netted the game's first goal in the 1st period and added another off a power play in the 3rd period to tie the score before Washington scored the game's final two goals. He now has 15 goals on the season for the Rangers.
Analysis: Gaborik has recorded points in five straight games and nine of his last 10. He now has 27 points on the season and is playing like the must-start Fantasy option that he is. Continue to start him in all Fantasy formats.
News: Washington D Mike Green picked up two points, both on assists, in the win over New York on Tuesday night, 4-2. Green assisted Alex Ovechkin's 1st-period goal and added another in the 2nd period when Brooks Laich put one through the net.
Analysis: Green now has points in four straight games and seven over that span with a goal and six assists. He now has 20 points on the season for the Capitals and is playing like a high-end Fantasy option for use in all leagues.
News: Rangers G Henrik Lundqvist allowed three goals and stopped 22 shots on Tuesday but New York fell at home to Washington, 4-2. The final goal of the game was scored on the empty net as Lundqvist was pulled for an extra man.
Analysis: The Rangers goalie drops his season record to 9-7-1 with the loss on Tuesday. He had won his last time out and had allowed just one goal in that win but has still lost three of his last four games with 10 goals allowed in the three losses. Along with the Rangers TG, Lundqvist remains a high-end Fantasy option but will need to begin turning things around.
News: Washington defeated the Rangers in New York on Tuesday as goalie Semyon Varlamov, making the start with Jose Theodore leaving the team for a short period with personal issues, stopped 18 of 20 shots for the win. Varlamov gave up a game-opening goal to Marian Gaborik in the 1st period but didn't allow another until Gaborik scored again in the 3rd.
Analysis: Varlamov improves to 7-1-0 on the season with the victory and has now won back-to-back contests for the Capitals with just two goals allowed over that span. He's looking like a more stable option in net than Theodore at this point and may have earned some more starts. He's gaining Fantasy value with each start. The Capitals have won in eight of the 10 outings Varlamov has made this season. You would think at that rate they would make him the unquestioned starter, but coach Bruce Boudreau still likes to play Theodore. Until that changes, Varlamov is a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Capitals TG is more of a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy option.
Shanahan retires after 21 seasons
Updated 11/17/2009
Brendan Shanahan, LW NJ
News:Brendan Shanahan is retiring from the NHL after 21 seasons and an almost certain Hall of Fame career. The 40-year-old forward announced Tuesday that he wouldn't play again. After going through training camp with the New Jersey Devils, the team he spent his final season with, he and the club mutually parted unexpectedly shortly before opening night of the season. "I would like to thank my family and all of the friends who have helped me achieve and maintain my childhood dream of playing in the National Hockey League," Shanahan said in a statement released by the NHL. "While I always dreamed of playing in the NHL, I can't honestly say that I would have ever imagined that I'd be this fortunate and blessed. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has helped me fulfill this dream."
Analysis: Shanahan, who scored 656 career goals, decided to leave the Devils in October one day after he was told there was no spot for him on New Jersey's top three lines. He has not played this season. Shanahan ranks 11th on the league's career goals list and is the only player with 600 goals and 2,000 penalty minutes. The eight-time All-Star also played for St. Louis, Hartford, Detroit and the New York Rangers. He won three Stanley Cup titles with Detroit. "He's the best," said Rangers forward Sean Avery, a teammate of Shanahan's with New York and Detroit. Shanahan clearly no longer has any value in Fantasy.
Filatov loaned to team in Moscow
Updated 11/17/2009
Nikita Filatov, LW CLB
News: The Columbus Blue Jackets have loaned promising forward Nikita Filatov to CSKA of the Kontinental Hockey League for the remainder of the 2009-10 season. General manager Scott Howson announced the move Tuesday. He said it was made so Filatov could develop his game in his hometown of Moscow.
Analysis: Filatov has been unhappy with his spare minutes since making the club to start the season. He appeared in 13 games with the Blue Jackets this season, scoring two goals. He has six goals in 21 NHL games over the past two seasons. The 19-year-old was Columbus' first pick - and the sixth overall - in the 2008 draft. He had split the 2007-8 season between CSKA's junior and Super League teams. He clearly no longer has Fantasy value for use this season.
News: Goalie Jose Theodore has left the Capitals to travel back to Washington for personal reasons. To replace him, the team recalled Michal Neuvirth (NOY-vihrt) from the Hershey Bears of the AHL to be the backup to goalie Semyon Varlamov against the New York Rangers on Tuesday night. The Capitals expect Theodore to be away only for one day.
Analysis: Theodore didn't have his best stuff in his last appearance and was pulled in that game on Saturday. Washington was likely going to start Varlamov on Tuesday in either case. Theodore remains a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie. Neuvirth has no Fantasy value at this time and will likely be headed right back to the AHL after the game Tuesday.
News: Washington is without D Milan Jurcina for the third straight game on Tuesday against the Rangers in New York. He continues to deal with a lower-body injury and is day to day.
Analysis: Jurcina has only two assists in 17 games. However, he is not on the ice for his defense. Jurcina is a top defender for the Capitals and merely a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: Forward Chris Durno has been recalled by the Colorado Avalanche from the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League. The 29-year-old Durno leads the Monsters with seven goals and is tied for the team lead with 13 points in a dozen games this season. Durno, of Scarborough, Ontario, was recalled by the Avalanche last month and appeared in four games but didn't record any points before being sent down to Lake Erie on Nov. 6.
Analysis: Durno has yet to make an impact in the NHL thus far in his career and should not be owned in Fantasy play at this time.
News: The Penguins official Web site reports that D Alex Goligoski will be sidelined for 2-3 weeks with a lower-body injury. "He's getting an MRI today; He's got a lower-body injury," head coach Dan Bylsma said. "We are going to estimate 2 to 3 weeks on Alex."
Analysis: Goligoski has been an absolute beast from the Pittsburgh blue line this season with 14 points and a plus-11 rating in 20 games. His presence as an elite Fantasy defenseman will be missed greatly in all formats while he's out, so just stash him away and hope that this issue doesn't linger.
News: Philadelphia LW James van Riemsdyk returned to the lineup on Monday against the Devils after missing one game with the flu. He scored in a 3-2 win. Philadelphia made it 3-1 at 10:38 of the third period when van Riemsdyk picked up a loose puck in the slot and scored unassisted with a wrist shot. He has scored in two straight games and four of six.
Analysis: van Riemsdyk showed with his Monday goal the type of play-making ability he is going to bring to the Flyers. van Riemsdyk is getting a lot of key scoring chances with Simon Gagne on IR. Even when Gagne was healthy, the rookie was making a lot of plays. van Riemsdyk is off to a great start and has become a viable Fantasy option.
Forsberg says he's staying in Europe
Updated 11/16/2009
Peter Forsberg, C COL
News: The Canadian Press reports that C Peter Forsberg has told Canucks GM Mike Gillis that he has decided to play in his native Sweden this season rather than attempting a comeback in the NHL.
Analysis: If you believe Forsberg, then feel free to drop in all formats. If, on the other hand, you never believe anythiing these semi-retired veterans with Brett Favre-like antics say, then continue to stash the Swede away.
News: The Oilers official Web site reports that D Denis Grebeshkov (knee) will be out until at least the end of the month. "Grebby looks like he'll be a few weeks for sure with an MCL sprain, but we'll probably know better after this week," GM Steve Tambellini said.
Analysis: Grebeshkov is off to a solid start this season with 10 points in 19 games, and was worth using in all deeper formats before this injury popped up. Stash him away until he's back healthy again.
News: Lightning LW Alex Tanguay scored a goal, tallied two assists and finished at plus-2 during Monday's game against the Coyotes. Tanguay made it 2-0 with the Lightning on a 5-on-3 power play, scoring on a quick rebound from the right edge of the crease after Jason LaBarbera stopped Ryan Malone's original shot. It was his fourth goal of the season.
Analysis: Tanguay has gotten most of his points since late October, when coach Rick Tocchet jolted his game by putting him on a line with Ryan Malone and Steven Stamkos. The move has paid dividends for Tanguay's confidence and he is starting to max out his potential. Tanguay is not a must-start Fantasy option, but he is definitely climbing the rankings.
News: After going eight games with only one goal, Vincent Lecavalier will take a score however it comes. Lecavalier had two goals and an assist and Mike Smith made 30 saves as the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Phoenix Coyotes 4-1 on Monday night. "They weren't beautiful goals at all, just shots on net going in," Lecavalier said. "They've been tough to get this year." Lecavalier gave the Lightning a 1-0 lead at 5:59 of the first period, beating Jason LaBarbera on a soft backhand shot from the right faceoff circle. Lecavalier, who also had an assist, capped the scoring with 8:14 left with a shot that bounced off the inside of LaBarbera's right pad and the goalie's left skate before going into the net.
Analysis: Fantasy owners have been waiting for Lecavalier to get on a roll and Monday's performance could go a long way to getting him on the right track. Fantasy owners might want to blame and injury for Vinny's slow start, but you can't. The complexion has changed in Tampa with the emergence of players like Steven Stamkos and Ryan Malone. The goals should come in time for Lecavalier, so keep him active in most Fantasy formats.
News: Blue Jackets D Fedor Tyutin tallied a pair of assists and finished at even during Monday's game against the Oilers. Both of Tyutin's assists came on the power play. He has four assists in his last seven games.
Analysis: Tyutin has produced nine points in 19 games this season. He is looking to build off his career season in 2008-09, his first with the Blue Jackets. Tyutin is a do-it-all blueliner for Columbus, but remains more of a low-end Fantasy option since he is not a standout offensive player. He is also worth a look in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats.
News: Blue Jackets D Anton Stralman scored a goal and tallied an assist during Monday's game against the Oilers. At the left circle, Stralman converted on the first power play, taking a pass from Kristian Huselius and converting on a low slap shot to make it 1-1 at 7:08. "You try to shoot, obviously, and try and move the puck ... and get the goalie moving," Stralman said.
Analysis: Stralman has one goal and six assists in seven November games. Now that he is starting to settle into Columbus' system, Stralman is providing the offensive blue-line presence the team was looking for when they traded for him right before the start of the season. Stralman is definitely a player worth adding in larger Fantasy formats.
News: Oilers D Lubomir Visnovsky scored a goal and tallied an assist during Monday's game against the Blue Jackets. Edmonton took a 2-1 lead on Visnovsky's score 5:48 into the third period. With the score tied at 1 in the third, Mathieu Garon kicked aside Sheldon Souray's blast from the right point nearly outside the circles, but Visnovsky stepped into the puck to score his fifth on a one-timer. He has two goals and three assists in his last six games.
Analysis: You have to be impressed with the way Visnovsky has bounced back from a shoulder injury that ended his 2008-09 season after 50 games. He is back to being a top offensive threat and his shot is once again looking heavy. Continue to start Visnovsky in all Fantasy formats.
News: Flyers RW Arron Asham left Monday's game against the Devils in the second period with an oblique strain on his left side and is expected to be out between 10 and 14 days. He had an assist and plus-1 rating in 3:44 of ice time.
Analysis: Asham had a goal streak earlier this season when he scored in three straight games. However, he has since failed to score. We figured Asham's hot streak wouldn't last. He does his best work as a checking-line forward and is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM when healthy.
News: Coyotes G Jason LaBarbera made 15 saves during a 4-1 loss to the Lightning on Monday. LaBarbera never led in the game and allowed a pair of goals to Vincent Lecavalier. It was his second straight loss.
Analysis: LaBarbera has allowed eight goals in his last two games and is starting to show his true colors after a solid start. LaBarbera isn't close to dethroning Ilya Bryzgalov in net, so continue to view him as a Fantasy reserve or handcuff option for Bryzgalov owners. The Coyotes TG has become a No. 1 Fantasy option thanks to Phoenix's fast start.
News: Lightning D Matt Walker returned to the lineup on Monday against the Coyotes after missing one game with general soreness. He failed to record a point in 16:32 and finished at plus-1. He also got into a fight with Paul Bissonnette.
Analysis: Clearly, Walker wasn't sore enough to fight on Monday, so he seems past his minor issue. Walker is definitely getting the job done on defense for the Lightning, but his offensive game continues to lack with just one point in 17 games. Walker doesn't have much Fantasy appeal outside of leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: Panthers RW Nathan Horton scored a goal and finished at minus-1 during Monday's game against the Kings. Horton opened the scoring at 2:05 of the second with a power-play goal. He beat Jonathan Quick over his right shoulder with a wrist from the wing. It was his fifth goal of the season and third in six games.
Analysis: The move back to right wing has been a blessing in disguise for Horton. He has 13 points in his first 18 games and is back to being a top offensive player for the Panthers since he doesn't have as much responsibility as he did last season playing at center. Horton is quickly moving back up the Fantasy rankings.
News: Kings D Randy Jones scored a goal and tallied an assist on Monday against the Panthers. Jones had given the Kings a 3-2 lead at 7:58 of the third. With teammate Alexander Frolov in the penalty box for goaltender interference, Jones scored off a rebound when Tomas Vokoun couldn't control Michal Handzus' high slap shot. It was his first career short-handed goal.
Analysis: Jones has had two multi-point games in his first four outings with the Kings. Los Angeles plucked Jones off waivers from Philly and it seems the veteran blueliner is eager to get his career back on track. If healthy and getting consistent minutes, Jones might return to being a viable Fantasy defenseman.
News:Jack Johnson couldn't quite finish his end-to-end rush in overtime. The Los Angeles Kings defenseman didn't miss his chance in the shootout. Johnson scored the only goal in the shootout, rallying the Kings to a 4-3 victory against the Florida Panthers on Monday night. "I just wanted to make sure we got the two points," Johnson said. "In that situation, it's you against him (the goalie) and you want to make it count." Johnson's rush in the final 10 seconds of overtime was the best scoring chance for either team in the extra period. He lost control of the puck after beating defenseman Jordan Leopold and skating in alone on Tomas Vokoun. In the shootout, he scored after Anze Kopitar shot wide on Los Angeles' first shootout attempt. Johnson beat Vokoun after a deke to his forehand. "I definitely wanted to help the team win in any way I could, whether it was in the overtime or the shootout," Johnson said. "I'm glad it worked out for us."
Analysis: Johnson was the toast of the evening as he also had a power-play goal in regulation. Johnson began the Kings' comeback at 9:10 of the second with a slap shot from just inside the blue line. It was his second goal and first since Oct. 6 against the Sharks. Johnson has six points in 22 games this season, but he is still at minus-11 and is definitely not living up to his first-round potential. Johnson has low-end Fantasy appeal despite the big night.
News: Flyers RW Claude Giroux totaled two assists and finished at plus-1 during Monday's game against the Devils. It was his second multi-assist game of November. He has six assists in six games this month.
Analysis: While Giroux is starting to find his game in November, we still have to say he has been a disappointment after he came on late in 2008-09. We know Giroux has the offensive talent to be a high-end Fantasy option, but he remains more of a low-end start until his numbers start to jump off the sheet.
News:Darroll Powe, Scott Hartnell, and James van Riemsdyk scored goals as the Philadelphia Flyers edged New Jersey 3-2 to snap the Devils' eight game winning streak on Monday night. Hartnell got credit for a power-play goal 44 seconds into the second period after Devils defenseman Mike Mottau attempted to intercept his centering pass and deflected the puck into the net. It was his sixth goal, with four coming in his last seven games.
Analysis: Hartnell has been spotty with his offensive production in the early part of the season, but he still has managed 13 points in 17 games. Hartnell was a 30-30 player in 2008-09 and has solid ability at both ends of the ice. For that, he remains a viable Fantasy forward.
News:Darroll Powe, Scott Hartnell, and James van Riemsdyk scored goals as the Philadelphia Flyers edged New Jersey 3-2 to snap the Devils' eight game winning streak on Monday night. Powe put the Flyers ahead by shoveling in the puck from the slot at 7:11 of the first period. Arron Asham set the score up by intercepting a clearing attempt by Martin Brodeur and passing to Calude Giroux, who backhanded a pass to Powe. It was his third goal in five games.
Analysis: Powe has six goals in 17 games this season, but is still looking for his first assist. Injuries have allowed Powe to play a little bit on the team's top line, but by no means is he a staple there. Powe is a nice fit for the Flyers, but has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Devils RW David Clarkson had a power-play goal and finished at minus-1 during Monday's game against the Flyers. Skating with three seconds left on a two-man advantage, Clarkson got the Devils on the board with 4:18 left in the second with a wrist shot from the crease. He has seven goals, with four coming in his last five games.
Analysis: Clarkson has been outstanding for New Jersey in the early season. The best news he is doing all this while not forfeiting his enforcer-like style. He definitely could be this year's David Backes. Clarkson is a low-end Fantasy option that continues to climb the rankings. He is also a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News:Bill Guerin ended Pittsburgh's eight-game streak without a power-play goal by scoring in the first period, Jordan Staal scored short-handed and the Penguins wrapped up Anaheim's winless four-game road trip by beating the Ducks 5-2 on Monday night. Guerin, who turned 39 last week, missed by an assist of having the so-called Gordie Howe hat trick -- a goal, an assist and a fight. He fought in the third period with Ryan Getzlaf, who is 14 years younger, trading several punches before Guerin put the Ducks' alternate captain on his back to earn one of the night's loudest ovations from the sellout crowd of 17,052.
Analysis: Guerin's goal, his fifth of the season, came 5:13 into the first period and halted a streak of 30 consecutive unsuccessful Penguins power plays that began Oct. 30 in Columbus. With Pittsburgh ahead 1-0 after Matt Cooke scored on a backhander from a slot 91 seconds into the game, Guerin beat Jean-Sebastien Giguere on a one-timer from the top of the right circle, with Sidney Crosby assisting. Guerin has scored in two straight games and has 12 points in 21 games. He has been great since landing in Pittsburgh at the trade deadline last season. However, Guerin still remains a low-end Fantasy forward since he is not an elite scorer.
News: Penguins D Martin Skoula scored a goal and finished at even during Monday's game against the Ducks. Skoula scored his first of the season early in the third, with rookie defenseman Ben Lovejay getting an assist for his second career point.
Analysis: Skoula's playing time has increased the last few weeks since the Penguins' blue line has been devastated by injury. He has four points in 12 games this season and is starting to look like the 20-30-point threat from the past. Still, Skoula has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News:Jordan Staal scored short-handed and the Penguins wrapped up Anaheim's winless four-game road trip by beating the Ducks 5-2 on Monday night. Staal answered Todd Marchant's short-handed goal by taking Deryk Engelland's lead pass and beating Jean-Sebastien Giguere high to the sick side about four minutes into the second, his ninth career short-handed goal. He also had an assist and finished at plus-3.
Analysis: Staal has just two short-handed scores since totaling seven as a rookie in 2006-07. He has kind of regressed a bit in his career, but he did show some hope in 2008-09 with a career-high 49 points. Staal really plays well on a line with Evgeni Malkin, but Pittsburgh moves him around because they love his versatility. Staal remains a low-end Fantasy forward and flier in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: Penguins LW Matt Cooke scored twice and finished at plus-2 during Monday's game against the Ducks. Cooke scored on a backhander from a slot 91 seconds into the game. Cooke scored his second of the game into an empty net with 13 seconds remaining. He had all of two goals in his first 20 appearances.
Analysis: Cooke is a good energy-line player for the Penguins, a role he has thrived in throughout his career. He has nine points and a plus-6 rating in his first 21 games, but we just can't expect outstanding numbers from Cooke. Cooke is a low-end Fantasy forward and flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats.
News: Ducks C Todd Marchant scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-1 during Monday's game against the Penguins. Todd Marchant gave Anaheim a lift by scoring short-handed midway through the first period after Evgeni Malkin gave the puck away. He has three goals in his last six games.
Analysis: Marchant has three short-handed goals since last season and 26 in his illustrious career. He continues to be a top penalty-killing specialist and that's why he is still kicking around the NHL. However, Marchant is no longer an elite offensive player. Marchant is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for faceoff and short-handed stats.
News: Ducks RW Teemu Selanne scored a goal and finished at minus-1 during Monday's game against the Penguins. The Ducks couldn't solve Marc-Andre Fleury again until Teemu Selanne scored his 10th late in the third on a slap shot. He has four goals in his last six games.
Analysis: Selanne has half his goals on the power play this season, but that is not shocking since he is one of the NHL's top special teams producers. Selanne might not be as well-rounded of a player as he has been in the past, but he can still flat out score. Selanne remains a viable No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy forward.
News: Bruins LW Daniel Paille scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Monday's 4-1 loss to the Islanders. The Bruins finally tied it with 5:04 left in the second period when David Krejci brought the puck into the zone and swept it across the crease to Paille, who shot once off Dwayne Roloson's pad and a second time between the goalie's skate and the post. It was his second goal in four games.
Analysis: Paille has been able to contribute for the Bruins since coming over in a trade from Buffalo in October. However, he just isn't a lights out offensive star. Paille works hard at both ends of the ice, but he has minimal Fantasy appeal. He is also worth a look in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: Islanders RW Richard Park tallied three assists and finished at plus-1 during Monday's game against the Bruins. He has six assists in his last five games.
Analysis: Park has managed at least 10 goals and 10 assists in six of his previous seven seasons. He contributes off the team's lower lines, but Park is primarily on the roster for his penalty-killing skills. Park is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News:Trent Hunter added an empty-netter with 49 seconds left to ice a 4-1 win for the Islanders over the Bruins on Monday. Hunter has four goals and two assists in six games. He has a four-game point streak since returning from a pectoral injury.
Analysis: It seems taking nearly a month off didn't really bother Hunter. He has been a real offensive spark for the Islanders, but we have seen this before. Hunter can be good in spurts, but he still remains more of a low-end Fantasy option.
News:Matt Moulson was perfectly happy to have his first career two-goal game. He didn't need a hat trick -- especially one he didn't deserve. Moulson scored twice -- and was temporarily credited with a third -- on Monday night to lead the New York Islanders to a 4-1 victory against the Boston Bruins. He was given New York's third goal for doing nothing more than raising his arms in celebration after John Tavares scored, but the right player was credited on review. "I'm not going to take that one," said Moulson, who has 10 goals this season -- more than he had his entire career while bouncing back and forth to the minors in the previous two years. "He got a good bounce there. I was trying for it but I just couldn't reach it."
Analysis: Moulson's goals were all the Islanders needed to avoided a repeat of their previous visit to Boston, when they held a 3-0 lead with just over eight minutes left in regulation before losing in a shootout 4-3. New York took the lead six minutes into the game when Jack Hillen brought it around the boards to the back of the net and backhanded it into the slot for Moulson. Moulson made it 2-1 after Tuukka Rask played the puck behind the net and sent it along the right boards. It was picked off by Richard Park near the circle and quickly centered to Moulson, who redirected it past Rask as he tried to get back in position. Moulson has four goals and three assists in his last five games. Moulson has found his calling in the NHL with the Islanders. He has been great on the team's top line and has emerged as a viable Fantasy forward.
News:Jakub Voracek scored the winner in the fourth round of the shootout and Mathieu Garon made 23 saves to lift the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 3-2 victory against the Edmonton Oilers on Monday night. After Voracek's goal, Mathieu Garon stopped Gilbert Brule to secure Columbus' fourth victory in five games. All the goals in regulation were on the power play with Edmonton taking a 2-1 lead on Lubomir Visnovsky's score 5:48 into the third period before Antoine Vermette tied it with 7:34 left on a redirection.
Analysis: Garon won his last start in a shootout on Friday against Anaheim and is now 18-4 all-time in shootouts. He is very clutch when it is just him and the shooter. Garon has won his last three decisions and got the start Monday because Steve Mason had a minor case of back spasms. Garon has been very solid in a backup role for Columbus this season and has definitely started to earn the trust of the coaching staff. However, amid all Mason's struggles, it's going to take a lot for Garon to overtake Mason in net. Garon remains more of a Fantasy reserve and flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Blue Jackets TG is more of a No. 2 option.
News:Jakub Voracek scored the winner in the fourth round of the shootout past Nikolai Khabibulin to lift the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 3-2 victory against the Edmonton Oilers on Monday night. After Voracek's goal, Mathieu Garon stopped Gilbert Brule to secure Columbus' fourth victory in five games. All the goals in regulation were on the power play with Edmonton taking a 2-1 lead on Lubomir Visnovsky's score 5:48 into the third period before Antoine Vermette tied it with 7:34 left on a redirection. Khabibulin has just one win in his last seven appearances.
Analysis: Khabibulin is hitting a rough patch with the Oilers, but he better get used to is since he is no longer in Chicago. Khabibulin might be a .500 goalie all season, so view him as a No. 2 option. The Oilers TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Ducks G Jean-Sebastien Giguere made 21 saves during a 5-2 loss to the Penguins on Monday. Giguere never led in the game and allowed two special teams goals (one short-handed). The Penguins capped the win with an empty-net goal. Giguere remains winless (0-3-2) on the season.
Analysis: Giguere has made two starts since returning from a groin injury, but still hasn't managed to pick up his first win. The Ducks aren't having a great start to the season and Giguere's competition, Jonas Hiller, is also struggling. The two will continue to share time in net until one emerges from the pack. Giguere is more of a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie until further notice. The Ducks TG is a No. 2 option.
News: Ducks C Ryan Carter (foot) did not play on Monday against the Penguins. He has missed the last three games and remains on IR.
Analysis: Ducks coach Randy Carlyle thought Carter would be back in the lineup by now, but this bruised foot issue isn't going away. Fantasy owners have little to worry about, however, since Carter has minimal Fantasy appeal when healthy.
News:Ray Emery made 33 saves for the Flyers during a 3-2 win against the Devils on Monday. Emery never trailed in the game and allowed his first goal to David Clarkson on the power play 15:42 into the second. Zach Parise then scored with one second left. Emery has won six of his last seven outings.
Analysis: The only time Emery allowed more than two goals in his last seven games was during his only loss in that span on Saturday against the Sabres. Emery has been a great addition for the Flyers and is working his way up the Fantasy ladder. Right now, he is a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Flyers TG pretty much goes as Emery does.
News:Matt Moulson scored two goals and Dwayne Roloson stopped 28 shots to lead the New York Islanders to a 4-1 victory against the Boston Bruins on Monday night. New York took the lead six minutes into the game when Jack Hillen brought it around the boards to the back of the net and backhanded it into the slot for Moulson. Boston had a 5-on-3 advantage late in the first, but Dennis Wideman hit the post on Roloson's glove side on Boston's best chance. The Bruins finally tied it with 5:04 left in the second period when David Krejci brought the puck into the zone and swept it across the crease to Daniel Paille, who shot once off Roloson's pad and a second time between the goalie's skate and the post. Roloson then made eight saves during a scoreless third to preserve the win.
Analysis: Roloson has won five of his last six outings in net and has suffered only one regulation loss in 12 appearances this season. Not too bad. He is definitely looking a little bit better than Martin Biron, but New York is still content with their two-goalie system while Rick DiPietro (knee) is sidelined. Roloson remains a No. 3 Fantasy goalie and flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Islanders TG is at best a No. 2 option.
Quick a winner in two straight
Updated 11/16/2009
TG Kings, TG LA
News:Jonathan Quick finished with 26 saves for Los Angeles, which beat Florida for the fifth consecutive time, during a 4-3 shootout win on Monday. Quick stopped all three skaters he faced in the shootout. He rallied from a 2-0 deficit and held a 3-2 lead before Victor Oreskovich tied the game with 5:05 left. Quick won a second straight start.
Analysis: Quick has righted the ship after suffering a three-game losing streak. Quick has been good in net for Los Angeles this season and has emerged as the team's full-time starter. However, he just hasn't been outstanding and that's why he is a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Kings TG is also a No. 2 option.
News: Hurricanes LW Ray Whitney scored and added two assists Sunday in a win over the Wild.
Analysis: Whitney has been a little streaky this season and his numbers should get a nice bump if the Hurricanes actually start playing a little better. Take a shot with him in Fantasy Week 7 (Nov. 16-22) in deeper leagues if you need help at the wing spot.
News: Thrashers LW Slava Kozlov scored his first goal of the season in Sunday's win over the Oilers.
Analysis: Man, talk about a drought. Kozlov finally got on the board Sunday after 16 games of futility. Maybe he'll relax now and start lighting the lamp on a consistent basis, but until he does, leave him benched in all but deeper Fantasy formats.
News: Oilers RW Dustin Penner made it three goals in his last four games when he lit the lamp for the 12th time in Sunday's loss to the Thrashers.
Analysis: Penner continues to impress this season and it looks like he might be able to keep this pace up for a while. He remains a must-start Fantasy option for the time being.
News: Oilers D Sheldon Souray returned to the lineup on Sunday against the Thrashers after missing more than a month with a concussion. Souray last played on Oct. 8 against the Flames. He failed to record a point against Atlanta but finished at plus-1 in 25:10 of ice time.
Analysis: It's good to see Souray back on the ice after he initially had some issues recovering from the nasty concussion. He still doesn't have a point in four games and might need a little conditioning before he is back at 100 percent. However, Souray is a top offensive blueliner when healthy and must-start Fantasy option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom historically has been more productive the second half of the season. So he's not concerned at all about his slow start offensively. Lidstrom has gone 15 games without a goal and has just six points (goal, five assists) in 18 games. "I usually have more points than I have now," Lidstrom said. "Nothing I'm concerned about as long as the team's playing well, and I think the team has started playing better in the last 5-6 games."
Analysis: More important, Lidstrom has been consistently strong defensively during the team's ups and downs. His plus-10 rating is twice as good as any other of his teammates. He has had a minus rating in only two games. Lidstrom's shot total has declined in each of the last four seasons. It peaked in 2005-06, when he averaged 3.04 shots per game. This season, he is averaging 2.12 shots per game. He has battled tendinitis in his right elbow the last couple of years, but he said it is not affecting him. "The elbow is doing fine," Lidstrom said. "I know I can do a better job of getting more shots through." Fantasy owners just need to be patient with Lidstrom. The points will come with time. He remains a high-end Fantasy option through thick and thin.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Penguins LW Chris Kunitz will miss two weeks with a lower-body injury, head coach Dan Bylsma said. The Penguins are treating Kunitz with caution because they believe RW Tyler Kennedy rushed back from a lower-body injury. Kennedy missed three games, played Nov. 5 at Los Angeles, and has missed the last five since.
Analysis: Kunitz has been playing through this undisclosed injury, but it clearly was affecting his performance. He had just one point in his last six games. Kunitz often plays on the team's top line with Sidney Crosby and is viable Fantasy option when healthy. But he needs to be kept reserved until further notice.
News:Brent Seabrook's goal 41 seconds into overtime past Evgeni Nabokov Sunday night lifted the Blackhawks to a 4-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks. Nabokov held a 3-1 lead before Chicago scored twice in second period to tie the game. He made 26 saves in the loss.
Analysis: Nabokov is 2-0-3 in his last five starts, trading wins and overtime losses in that span. Sunday was also the first time in nine outings he allowed more than two goals in a game. Nabokov has been very sharp in 2009-10, which happens to be a walk year. Continue to start him in all Fantasy formats, as well as the Sharks TG.
News: Thrashers G Johan Hedberg made 34 saves during a 3-2 win against the Oilers on Sunday. Hedberg battled back from a 2-1 deficit and made 12 saves during a scoreless third period. He has win his last three decisions.
Analysis: Hedberg is playing some of his best hockey right now and is likely to steal a few more starts away from Ondrej Pavelec. However, Hedberg is still not a full-time starter, so view him as a flier in Fantasy leagues that use average points per game.
News: Devils RW Niclas Bergfors tallied two assists and finished at plus-1 during Saturday's game against the Capitals. Bergfors has three goals and five assists in his last six games.
Analysis: Bergfors is up to 14 points in 18 games this season. He has seen some time on the team's top line, but has definitely been a consistent top-six staple because of his play. Bergfors has fit nicely into Jacques Lemaire's system and is starting to cash in on his first-round potential. The 2005 first-round pick is only getting better with every pro game and could be a rookie sleeper for the rest of the season.
News: Devils C Travis Zajac tallied two assists and finished at plus-2 during Saturday's game against the Capitals. He has five assists and a plus-5 rating in his last two games.
Analysis: We were definitely eager to see how Zajac fit into Jacques Lemaire's system in 2009-10 after his breakout season in 2008-09 under Brent Sutter. And the results have been better than expected. First-line centers have done very well in the past under Lemaire and Zajac is keeping the trend going. You might as well start Zajac while he is on a roll.
News:The Sports Xchange reports D Andy Greene is the first player in Devils history to score the game-winning goal or get an assist on the game-winner in each of five consecutive team games, according to the Elias Sport Bureau. His points streak ended Saturday night. The last player on any NHL team to do pull off the feat was Ottawa's Daniel Alfredsson in January 2007.
Analysis: Greene was rotating as the Devils' sixth defenseman to begin the season, but he is now a regular after his latest offensive outburst. Greene has really stepped up in the absence of a few injured blueliners. We are not sure if it will last, but Greene is worth a flier in larger Fantasy formats.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Capitals C Mathieu Perreault keeps making plays that show he's a smart player despite having less than 10 games of experience in the NHL. He scored the second goal of the first period on Saturday against the Devils despite getting knocked down moments before. He didn't quit, getting back up and sliding in on the weak side to score easily.
Analysis: Perreault has two goals and five points in his first six NHL games. Perreault has done well in the minors and really has developed since he was taken in the 2006 NHL draft. If he keeps this pace up, not only will he stick with the Capitals, but he will also become a viable Fantasy option.
News: D Kimmo Timonen recorded his 400th point in the NHL with an assist Saturday night against the Sabres. Timonen has an assist in six of his last seven games and seven helpers in that span.
Analysis: Timonen has really been on a roll the last few weeks after going through a bit of an offensive slump in the middle of October. The pressure is off Timonen in 2009-10 since the arrival of Chris Pronger. He is still going to be involved heavily on offense, so continue to view Timonen as a high-end Fantasy option.
News: Flyers D Chris Pronger scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Saturday's game against the Sabres. Pronger brought the Flyers to within 2-1 at 2:43 of the third when he snapped a shot through a screen. He has two goals and seven assists during a six-game point streak.
Analysis: Pronger has 17 points in his first 16 games with the Flyers and also is at plus-13. He is doing well in all facets of the game and hasn't looked this sharp in years. Pronger remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Red Wings D Niklas Kronwall has put together three straight multiple-point games, giving the team a much needed offensive boost from the blue line. Kronwall has three goals and four assists in his last three games after netting two assists on Saturday against the Ducks.
Analysis: Kronwall has pretty much been the Red Wings' top offensive blueliner in the early part of the 2009-10 season. He has five goals and 13 points in his first 18 games. This is probably the best production we have seen from the Swedish defender. Start Kronwall in all Fantasy formats.
News: Red Wings D Brian Rafalski ended his 10-game goal-scoring drought with a power-play goal in the first period Saturday against the Ducks. Rafalski scored with 44 seconds left in the period on a one-timed slap shot from the high slot, off Scott Niedermayer's stick, for his second goal. He added an assist and finished at plus-1.
Analysis: Rafalski has four points in his last four games and is starting to heat up offensively. The Red Wings haven't been as potent offensively to begin the 2009-10 season as we have seen in the past, but that should change in time. Detroit will eventually iron out their issues, so continue to start Rafalski in all Fantasy formats.
News: Ducks LW Joffrey Lupul broke a six-game pointless streak with his third-period goal against Detroit on Saturday. Lupul has six goals and three assists on the season.
Analysis: Lupul's offensive production has kind of faded in-and-out this season. It's no surprise since there are a handful of other Anaheim skaters higher up on the pecking order than Lupul. Lupul knows his role with the Ducks and is fine with it. As for his Fantasy value, he remains more of a low-end option.
News: Ducks D Ryan Whitney got an assist Saturday against Detroit, just the third point he's had in the last nine games.
Analysis: Whitney has definitely slowed down offensively and has begun to frustrate Fantasy owners. He really did his best work playing alongside Sergei Gonchar in Pittsburgh and Whitney has struggled since foot surgery prior to last season. We know he can be an effective blueliner, but Whitney does need to get his confidence up. Consider him more of a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy defenseman.
News: Panthers LW Cory Stillman has four goals in the last six games, with his goal on Saturday against the Islanders putting the Panthers on the board in the second period. Stillman's streak doesn't include Thursday's game-winner against the Bruins because it came in a shootout.
Analysis: Stillman has really hit his stride playing on a line with Nathan Horton and Steve Reinprecht. He had five points in five November games after getting five points in 12 October games. Stillman can still contribute at the ripe age of 35, but he remains more of a low-end Fantasy forward since he can be a streaky scorer.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Panthers LW David Booth, who sustained a concussion on Oct. 24, has been cleared to do light exercise. "He's making progress," coach Pete DeBoer said. But Booth isn't expected back anytime soon and has yet to start skating.
Analysis: DeBoer says he's talked to Booth about joining the team for its three-game road trip -- mainly so he can visit his hometown. "I've talked to him about it," DeBoer said. "He's a Detroit guy." When the Panthers played at Joe Louis Arena in 2007, Booth missed the game with a knee injury and watched the action from a sky box with his family. Booth can be a top scorer for the Panthers when healthy, but he needs to be kept reserved in Fantasy until further notice.
News: Islanders RW Tim Jackman scored his second goal of the season just 16 seconds into the first period on Saturday against the Panthers.
Analysis: While Jackman does have a pair of scores in his first 20 games, the Islanders are more concerned that he has 41 penalty minutes. Jackman is one of the team's top enforcers and continues to do well in that role. Jackman remains more of a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News:The Sports Xchange reports LW Jeff Tambellini had been far more productive than fellow teammate Josh Bailey, with six goals in a five-game span in late October, including his first career hat trick on Oct. 31 against Buffalo. But those marked the only goals for Tambellini this season, and he has been a healthy scratch for two consecutive games. "I just thought it was the right time," head coach Scott Gordon said.
Analysis: The frustrations continue to mount for Tambellini, who appeared to finally settle into a groove after his hat trick. The guy has shown he can score from the left wing position, but his inconsistent play is why he finds himself in the press box. Tambellini remains a low-end Fantasy flier until further notice.
News:The Sports Xchange reports C Josh Bailey, the Islanders' first-round pick (ninth overall) in the 2008 entry draft, was a healthy scratch Friday night in Carolina before returning to the lineup one night later in Florida. Bailey recorded an assist but has only six points in 19 appearances this season.
Analysis: It appears coach Scott Gordon doesn't care what round of the draft you were taken in, if you are not producing, you will take a seat. Bailey has definitely been a disappointing offensive player in 2009-10 after showing a little promise late in his rookie campaign. Bailey remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper until his breakout run.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Kings LW Teddy Purcell, made a healthy scratch for the first time this season Friday night, returned to the lineup as the fourth-line right wing, and briefly saw some action Saturday night on the second line against the Lightning. Purcell did not record a point but did have two shots on goal in 8:38 of ice time.
Analysis: The Kings continue to wait for Purcell to have his breakout run in the NHL and show the same kind of scoring touch he displayed in the minors. Purcell has offensive potential, but until he taps into it, he has marginal Fantasy appeal.
News:The Sports Xchange reports the Kings, in danger of another poor night on the power play, pulled it out when Drew Doughty scored a 4-on-3 goal in the third period Saturday against the Lightning. The Kings had gone 0-for-5 with the man advantage on Friday in Atlanta, and against the Lightning, one of the worst penalty-kill teams in the NHL, they were 0-for-3 until Doughty scored. The Kings won the special-teams battle as they also went 5-for-5 on the penalty kill.
Analysis: Doughty has four goals and 16 points in 21 games this season. He has really developed in his second NHL season and is definitely looking like a high-end first-round pick. Doughty is worth starting in all Fantasy formats.
News: Penguins LW Ruslan Fedotenko tallied two assists and finished at plus-3 during Saturday's game against the Bruins. He has three points (one goal) in his last two games after going five games without a point.
Analysis: Fedotenko played Saturday on a line with Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby. The Pens have had to get creative with all the injuries their team has endured. While Fedotenko should thrive with Malkin and Crosby, the formation likely won't last. Fedotenko remains a low-end Fantasy forward.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Penguins RW Tyler Kennedy will miss another seven days, head coach Dan Bylsma said Saturday. Kennedy, who is tied for second among team forwards with five goals, has missed eight of nine games with a lower-body injury.
Analysis: Kennedy is just one of many banged up Penguins. His prognosis might not be as bleak as some other injured skaters, but his return date is still TBD. Kennedy is more of a low-end Fantasy forward when healthy. Keep him out of all lineups for Fantasy Week 7 (Nov. 16-22).
News: Bruins RW Mark Recchi tallied a pair of assists and finished at plus-1 during Saturday's game against the Penguins. He has one goal and three assists in his last four games.
Analysis: Recchi has just eight points in 19 games and has suffered like many Bruins during the team's offensive slump to begin the season. Recchi was a good addition at the trade deadline in 2008-09 for Boston and will likely get on a roll at some point in 2009-10. Still, he remains more of a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Bruins D Derek Morris scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at minus-2 during Saturday's game against the Penguins. Morris scored when his shot from the point deflected off the stick of Penguins defenseman Deryk Engelland and past Brent Johnson 15:02 into the second.
Analysis: Morris has four points in his last five games and 11 in 19 outings this season. Boston was ripped for signing Morris in the offseason, but he has been a great addition thus far. He is not ready to be anointed a must-start Fantasy option, but he is starting to climb the rankings.
News: Maple Leafs D Francois Beauchemin scored a goal and tallied an assist on Saturday against the Flames, but he was also at minus-4. Niklas Hagman was screening Miikka Kiprusoff when Beauchemin one-timed a point shot into the net at 5:24 of the first. It was his second goal of the season -- both coming on the power play.
Analysis: While Beauchemin has shown some offensive improvement as of late, his defense is still lacking. He has dropped to minus-9 on the season. The Maple Leafs aren't about to bench Beauchemin, but they still expect more from the veteran blueliner. Continue to view Beauchemin as a low-end Fantasy defenseman.
News:The Sports Xchange reports D Jay Bouwmeester's third-period power-play goal on Saturday against the Flames was the first of the road trip for Calgary, which failed to click on its first 11 chances of the three-game swing. Bouwmeester's goal was his second of the season.
Analysis: Bouwmeester has produced eight points in his first 18 games with the Flames. He is also at plus-5. Bouwmeester is generally a slow offensive starter before picking it up later in the season. He is going to get a lot of chances to put points on the board in Calgary since he logs heavy PT, so continue to view Bouwmeester as a viable Fantasy forward.
News: Flames C Dustin Boyd scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 during Saturday's game against the Maple Leafs. Boyd followed up on his own blocked shot and backhanded the puck past Jonas Gustavsson at 9:54 of the first period. It was his third goal and first in nine games.
Analysis: Boyd has been a little slow to recover from the swine flu, but Saturday's performance was encouraging. He continues to play all over for Calgary, but Boyd remains more of a low-end Fantasy option until his breakout run.
News:The Sports Xchange reports RW Jarome Iginla continues to be on a roll. Iginla scored twice on Saturday against the Maple Leafs to give him eight goals in eight games. He has 11 goals on the season and three game winners.
Analysis: Iginla has scored in five of six November games and is delivering the results the Flames and Fantasy owners want to see. Iginla has had his frustrating moments since the second half of the 2008-09 season, but he appears in top form and remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Flames LW Eric Nystrom scored his fifth goal of the season on Saturday against the Maple Leafs, which equals a career high. "The past few games, we've had Iggy (Jarome Iginla) scoring the goals, and we said, 'We've got to start scoring.' We can do a good job cycling and all that stuff, but we've got to put some pucks in the net," said Nystrom, who plays on a line with Dustin Boyd and David Moss. "Iggy can't do it every single night. Three of our last four wins, I think, he'd got the game-winner. We needed to chip in, and our line's too good not to chip in offensively."
Analysis: Nystrom is a former first-round pick that has never really lived up to the expectations. He does have seven points in his first 18 games and is definitely on pace to set new career highs across the board. But until he goes on a monster tear, Nystrom still has minimal Fantasy appeal.
News: Avalanche D Kyle Quincey has gone 11 games without a goal since scoring Oct. 21 against Minnesota. He was assessed three minor penalties in Saturday's game against Vancouver and was a minus-2.
Analysis: While Quincey has gone awhile without a goal, he does have four assists in six November games. He has never been a top goal scorer and is a better passer from the blue line. Quincey is having a good season with the Avs and remains a viable Fantasy blueliner in most formats.
News: D Tom Preissing made his Avalanche debut Saturday against Vancouver and was a minus-4 in 13:07 of ice time. Preissing missed all of training camp and the first 19 regular-season games to recover from arthroscopic knee surgery.
Analysis: Preissing was part of the trade that sent Ryan Smyth to Los Angeles. Colorado is really hoping to revive Preissing's careert after a few down seasons with the Kings. Preissing has offensive skills, but until he starts to look like his former self, he has minimal Fantasy appeal.
News: Canucks C Ryan Johnson totaled three assists and a plus-3 rating during Saturday's game against the Avalanche. All three assists were at even strength.
Analysis: Fantasy owners shouldn't get used to seeing multi-point games from Johnson. He is primarily on the ice for his faceoff-circle ability and his presence on the penalty kill. His main Fantasy value lies in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed and faceoff stats.
News: Canucks D Kevin Bieksa tallied two assists and finished at plus-2 during Saturday's game against the Avalanche. He has four assists in his last four games and 10 helpers on the season.
Analysis: Bieksa has been his usual reliable self on the Canucks' blue line. His biggest problem the last few seasons has been dodging the injury bug. But when he has been on the ice, he has contributed in all facets of the game. Continue to start Bieksa in most Fantasy formats.
News: Canucks LW Mason Raymond totaled three assists and finished at plus-2 during Saturday's game against the Avalanche. He has five goals and five assists in his last eight games.
Analysis: Raymond has been red hot for the Canucks the last few weeks and has increased his point total to 13 in 21 games. Vancouver is really hoping the third-year forward can sustain instead of fizzling out like he did in 2008-09. Consider Raymond a low-end Fantasy forward, but definitely a player to keep tabs on.
News: Canucks D Mathieu Schneider scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 during Saturday's game against the Avalanche. Schneider recorded his second goal 8:22 into the second when he beat Craig Anderson on a slap shot.
Analysis: Schneider only recently returned to the lineup after being a healthy scratch for a few games. The veteran blueliner has been kind of slow to regain his form after starting the year on IR. However, once he gets going, he can be very good for Fantasy owners. Don't lose hope yet on Schneider, who can be a high-end Fantasy option.
News: Canucks C Tanner Glass scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 during Saturday's game against the Avalanche. Glass capped the 8-2 rout when he put a wrist shot past Peter Budaj with 15 seconds remaining. It was his second goal and first in six games.
Analysis: Glass earned a roster spot with Vancouver after a strong training camp. He has been a strong checking-line presence for Vancouver, but his offense has been spotty. He pretty much remains a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News: Canucks RW Steve Bernier totaled two goals and a plus-2 rating during Saturday's game against the Avalanche. Bernier had both of his goals in the final 10 minutes of a 8-2 rout. Bernier has three of his six goals in the last six games.
Analysis: Bernier has six goals in his first 19 games and is actually experiencing one of the best stretches of his disappointing NHL career. Bernier seems happy in Vancouver and the Canucks are hoping he puts his inconsistent days behind him. Bernier is working on improving his offense, but he still remains more of a low-end Fantasy option.
News: In game No. 667, Henrik Sedin had a first. The center -- an All-Star last season -- notched his first NHL hat trick, helping the Vancouver Canucks snap a three-game skid with an 8-2 rout of the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday night. Sedin's three-goal spurt was part of Vancouver's biggest offensive outburst of the season, and broke the Canucks out of a scoring funk. "It was huge for us, especially after the last few games where we haven't scored a whole lot of goals," said Sedin, whose team had found the net three times in three games. "So we got some easy ones tonight. That's what happens when you put pucks to the net." As for his hat trick, better late than never. "I've played almost 700 games, but of course it's nice to get a hat trick," Sedin shrugged.
Analysis: Sedin sparked Vancouver early as he scored two of the team's three goals in the opening period. He poked in a puck that had trickled behind Craig Anderson 1:57 in. Later, Sedin lofted a shot over a sprawled-out Anderson on a goal made possible by the hustle and thievery of Mason Raymond. Just out of the penalty box, Raymond flew after a puck deep in the Avalanche zone. He stole it off the stick of a surprised Anderson, then hit Sedin with a pass in front. Anderson couldn't scramble back in time as Sedin scored his 11th goal. Sedin then had his 12th goal on a power play in the third. Sedin has really had to pick up the scoring slack with brother Daniel on the sidelines with a foot injury. It has been a welcome addition in Fantasy. Sedin is a top offensive player and must-start Fantasy option.
Hodgson making progress with injury
Updated 11/15/2009
Cody Hodgson, C VAN
News:The Sports Xchange reports C Cody Hodgson can't help the Canucks this season, but the top prospect's progress from the back injury that cost him a roster spot is encouraging. Hodgson, who was sent back to junior hockey for the season after the injury slowed him during a miserable training camp, rejoined the Brampton Battalion (OHL). The 19-year-old Hodgson, who was taken 10th overall in the 2008 NHL Draft, still hasn't been cleared for contact after seeking a second medical opinion from Dr. Tony Miniaci. But this is his first return to the ice since that opinion revealed more nerve damage than originally thought when Vancouver's medical staff cleared him to play in the preseason.
Analysis: It re-opens the possibility Hodgson could play for Canada at the World Junior Tournament after Christmas, a tournament he led in scoring last season ahead of highly touted New York Islanders rookie John Tavares, who was taken first overall in last summer's draft. "I have a schedule for exercises I can move on to once I feel ready for them, and there will be another couple of weeks before I feel ready to go full out, and then another week after that," Hodgson said, adding he was on schedule for an early December return. Hodgson remains nothing more than a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News:David Schlemko and the Phoenix Coyotes made coach Dave Tippett's first game against his former club a memorable one. Schlemko scored his first career goal, Robert Lang had a goal and an assist and Ilya Bryzgalov made 26 saves to lead the Coyotes past the Dallas Stars 3-2 Saturday. "It was a special one for Coach Tippett," said Schlemko, who two seasons ago was playing 90 minutes northwest of Phoenix for the Arizona Sundogs. "I think it felt good to get his old team." Schlemko broke a 1-1 tie with 24.3 seconds left in the second period when he took a pass from Vernon Fiddler and bounced a wrist shot off the inside of the left post from the left faceoff circle.
Analysis: Schlemko has two points in four games this season. Saturday's goal might have earned him a little more playing time, but Schlemko isn't going to save your Fantasy team any time soon. It's still safe to ignore him in Fantasy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Coyotes D Keith Yandle played 22:49 on Saturday against the Stars while also being extensively on both the power play and the penalty kill. He was plus-3, getting two assists, although he also had occasional lapses in clearing the puck out of his zone. Yandle is plus-5 this season.
Analysis: Yandle has three points in his last three games and is up to eight in 19 appearances this season. He has had to play a lot lately since the Coyotes are down three of their best blueliners. Yandle has done a nice job for Phoenix and has definitely earned some favor with the coaching staff. Yandle is a good passer from the blue line, but he remains more of a low-end Fantasy option until his play is consistent.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Coyotes D Adrian Aucoin played almost half the game -- he logged 28 minutes, nine seconds -- on Saturday against the Stars while the Coyotes work their way through injuries to three of their better defensemen. Aucoin played his regular shifts while also working on both special teams. "We are asking a lot of quality minutes from people who have never done it before," coach Dave Tippett said of his reliance on his veteran defensemen.
Analysis: The added playing time hasn't been totally a drain on Aucoin since he has 10 points in his first 19 games. He is pretty much delivering the same results for Phoenix as he did the previous two seasons with Calgary. Aucoin is not a standout Fantasy option, but he can be a decent No. 4 or No. 5 blueliner.
News: Coyotes C Robert Lang scored his second goal in as many games when he banged home a rebound after a backhand from RW Peter Mueller 12 seconds into the second period on Saturday against the Stars. Lang, who skated with Mueller and LW Shane Doan on the first line, has three goals in his last seven games and is tied for second on the team with five, one short of RW Scottie Upshall's team lead. Lang also had an assist.
Analysis: Lang is up to 11 points in 19 games with the Coyotes. He is starting to hit his stride as he continues to work his way back from an Achilles' injury that ended his 2008-09 season early. Lang is going to be a top offensive contributor for Phoenix, but he remains more of a low-end Fantasy option since his best days are behind him.
News: Blues C Jay McClement netted his fourth goal of the season Saturday against San Jose. McClement, who was on a line Saturday with LW Paul Kariya and RW David Backes, put the Blues ahead 1-0 after his backhander from the side of the net caromed off the back of Evgeni Nabokov's legs.
Analysis: McClement had his first point in eight games on Saturday. McClement does score on occasion for the Blues, but he still plays most of the time on the team's third or fourth line. He remains a low-end Fantasy option and flier in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: Penguins C Sidney Crosby scored and added two assists in Saturday's win over the Bruins.
Analysis: Crosby got Evgeni Malkin back on Saturday and immediately found his offensive game again. Sid the Kid remains a must-start in all Fantasy formats.
News: Sharks RW Jed Ortmeyer scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Saturday's game against the Blues. Ortmeyer netted his fourth to make it 2-1 after a bad giveaway by Blues defenseman Erik Johnson. "Obviously, it was the difference in the game," Ortmeyer said. "I think it took a lot of momentum away from them and gave us lots of energy."
Analysis: Ortmeyer has three points in his last four games and has six points in 21 games this season. Ortmeyer flew under the offseason radar when San Jose picked him up from Nashville. But he has been a great lower-line addition. Still, he doesn't score a lot. Ortmeyer is merely a Fantasy flier in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Sharks C Logan Couture was recalled to replace Ryan Vesce, who was returned to Worcester of the AHL. "I like what Vess did since his call-up, which has been a month," coach Todd McLellan said. "He played extremely well when he was healthy and now coming back, he needs to play more than six or seven minutes to get his game again. And as a coach I wasn't able to get him that in the first two games, so we're going to send him to Worcester, get his legs again, get a little bit of timing down and the quality minutes that he needs. Then we'll have no problem bringing him back."
Analysis: Vesce has played in six games with San Jose this season, posting four points (three goals, one assist). He missed seven games because of a lower-body injury. Vesce was on fire before he was hit by the injury bug. While he might be back at some point, he is not worth holding onto in most Fantasy formats.
News:Steve Sullivan scored two goals and Pekka Rinne made 20 saves to lead the Predators to a 2-0 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. Sullivan scored his first goal at 10:48 of the opening period when he collected a rebound of his own shot and was able to beat Carey Price with a backhand. Sullivan made it 2-0 at 12:59 of the third period. "I'm not going to lie, I really feel comfortable with J.P. (Dumont), and I find that he really settles the play down for us in the offensive end," Sullivan said. "He's so good at puck protection and nifty little passes that when you are open, you are getting the puck."
Analysis: Sullivan had all of two goals in his first 17 games, so it was nice to seem him have a breakout performance. We have been waiting for Sullivan to get on a roll. He was great in the second half of the 2008-09 season after he came back from a two-year absence. He has the ability to contribute regularly playing on the Predators' top line. However, he is more of a low-end Fantasy option until he really gets on a roll.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Canadiens D Jaroslav Spacek was a game-time decision on Saturday against the Predators after being kicked in the leg in Phoenix, but he played 21:36. He didn't have a point and finished at minus-1.
Analysis: Spacek has produced six points and a plus-4 rating in his first 20 games with the Habs. Spacek was one of the team's key offseason acquisitions and he has had to play an even bigger role with Andrei Markov sidelined. Still, he is not contributing a lot on offense and remains more of a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman.
News: Bruins LW Blake Wheeler scored and assisted in Saturday's loss to the Penguins, tripling his November point total.
Analysis: Wheeler has 10 points this season and is on pace to get close to his 45-point total from 2008-09. Continue to to think of him as a low-end starting Fantasy forward in deeper formats.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Canadiens coach Jacques Martin doesn't have a lot of wiggle room when it comes to sending messages. He tried to send one to Guillaume Latendresse Saturday night. Latendresse was supposed to be a healthy scratch, but Martin had to dress him when Brian Gionta was pulled from the lineup at the last minute with a lower-body injury. The Canadiens had high expectations for the 22-year-old Latendresse, who had scored 46 goals in his first NHL seasons. Latendresse started the season on the third line and Martin used him on the No. 2 power play unit. The thinking was that Latendresse would use his 6-foot-2, 230-pound frame to create some traffic in front of the net, but he has been reluctant to play that role.
Analysis: Latendresse has only two goals and one assist in 20 games, and Martin is beginning to run out of patience. There have been suggestions that Latendresse was brought along too quickly because he's a French-speaking player from the Montreal area. He never played in the minors, but he answered his critics with 16 goals in each of his first two seasons and added 14 last season despite missing six weeks with an injury. Latendresse clearly isn't a good Fantasy option at this time.
News: Bruins C David Krejci scored and assisted in Saturday's loss to the Penguins. He had no points in his previous six games.
Analysis: This was only Krejci's second multi-point game of the season, so that tells you exactly what a disappointment so far in 2009-10. Krejci has the ability to be a viable Fantasy forward when healthy, but it is probably best to keep him reserved in Fantasy until he gets on track.
News: Panthers C Stephen Weiss, who had three points in his last 10 games, scored and assisted in Saturday's shootout win over the Islanders.
Analysis: Weiss continues to disappoint with just nine points in 17 games this season, and is ony worth starting in super-deep leagues for the time being.
News: Islanders RW Kyle Okposo scored in a second straight game Saturday as New York fell in a shootout to the Panthers.
Analysis: Okposo is over the swine flu and hopefully over the on-ice funk he was experiencing in early November. Continue to use him as a low-end starting Fantasy forward in deeper leagues until he starts to get a little more consistent.
News: Islanders C John Tavares scored and assisted in Saturday's shootout loss to the Panthers, giving him seven points in his last four games.
Analysis: Tavares is up to 18 points in 20 games so far in his rookie season and is proving to be the real deal we all thought he was. He's worth using in all Fantasy formats until told otherwise.
News: Ducks RW Bobby Ryan made it seven goals in his last nine games when he lit the lamp in Saturday's loss to the Red Wings.
Analysis: Ryan got off to a slow start this season and it really frustrated Fantasy owners. But the Ducks' top line is clicking on all cylinders right now and Ryan is back to putting serious points on the board. He remains a high-end Fantasy forward.
News: Red Wings C Pavel Datsyuk scored in Saturday's win over the Ducks, giving him two goals in his last three games.
Analysis: Datsyuk only has four goals on the season, but maybe he's finally ready to start helping out in that department. Continue to start him as an elite Fantasy forward in all formats.
News: Red Wings RW Daniel Cleary scored and added two assists Saturday in a win over the Ducks.
Analysis: Cleary now has six points in his last four games and 11 on the season. Continue to use him only in deeper leagues as a low-end starting Fantasy forward.
News: Ducks C Ryan Getzlaf scored and added three assists in Saturday's loss to the Red Wings. He now has an 11-game point streak and 22 points on the season.
Analysis: It took Getzlaf a little while to get going this season, but he's clearly in full flight right now. Continue to start him in all Fantasy formats.
News: Red Wings LW Henrik Zetterberg had three goals and two assists in Detroit's 7-4 victory over the Ducks on Saturday night.
Analysis: Zetterberg now has nine points in his last three games and 22 on the season. He is starting to pick up the pace after a slow start and remains a must-start high-end Fantasy forward.
News:Evgeni Malkin returned and woke up the Pittsburgh Penguins' slumbering offense. Playing for the first time in eight games following a shoulder injury, Malkin had three assists as Pittsburgh snapped its four-game losing streak with a 6-5 win over the Boston Bruins on Saturday.
Analysis: Malkin should pick right back up where he left off when Fantasy Week 7 (Nov. 16-22) gets going on Monday. Insert the Russian star back into all formats as an elite forward option.
News: Sabres LW Thomas Vanek scored his sixth goal of the season Saturday in a win over the Flyers, giving him 10 points in 15 games.
Analysis: Vanek took just seven games to get 10 points last season, which tells you how much he's struggling so far in 2009-10. He does have a three-game point streak going, so maybe Vanek is finally getting back on track. Continue to start him in all formats.
News:Tyler Ennis described his first game in the NHL as an awesome experience. Ennis scored his first NHL goal to help the Sabres snap the Flyers' five game winning streak, 3-2 on Saturday night. Ennis, the 26th pick in the 2008 draft, earned a spot in the Buffalo lineup in place of injured right winger Drew Stafford. "You dream of playing in the NHL, and that first goal was just indescribable," Ennis said. "It was really just extreme excitement hopping on the ice for the first time, a pretty awesome feeling."
Analysis: Ennis is one of Buffalo's top prospects and the fact he saw over five minutes of power play time on Saturday is a good sign that the 20-year-old might stick around for a while. He's only in his first season out of juniors though, so you might want to wait a little bit before adding him in deeper seasonal leagues, just in case he does get sent back down.
News: Devils RW Jamie Langenbrunner scored and assisted in Saturday's win over the Capitals, giving him six points in his last four games.
Analysis: Langenbrunner has 15 points in 18 games this season and is on pace to get close to his career-high 69-point effort from last campaign. Continue to view him as a solid low-end starting Fantasy forward in the majority of formats.
News: Capitals C Tomas Fleischmann scored his seventh goal of the season Saturday in a loss to the Devils. He now has an eight-game point streak.
Analysis: Fleischmann has been one of the hottest players in the league lately, but it's hard to see him keeping this up once Alexander Ovechkin returns in the near future. Keep using Fleischmann in deeper leagues until his production slows down.
News: Rangers C Vinny Prospal scored a short-handed goal in Saturday's shootout win over the Senators.
Analysis: Prospal hadn't scored in his previous seven games before Saturday, so he's been in a bit of a funk lately. Still, he's worth starting in most formats.
News: Canucks LW Darcy Hordichuk was a healthy scratch Saturday for Vancouver's game in Colorado. He is done with his one-game suspension for instigating.
Analysis: Hordichuk already has 31 PIM this season, which puts him on pace to easily beat his total of 109 from last season. Still, his Fantasy value is limited to just the deepest of leagues.
News: Flyers D Ryan Parent returned on Saturday vs. Buffalo after missing four games with a groin injury.
Analysis: Parent has marginal offensive skills and is more on the ice for his defense, so is best used only in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: Lightning G Antero Niittymaki stopped 29 of 30 shots Saturday against the Kings, but fell 2-1 in a shootout.
Analysis: Niittymaki continues to hold on to the starting job in Tampa Bay, although that isn't exactly a hot spot in Fantasy terms. Continue to view him as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy flier in deeper leagues for the time being. The Lightning TG is more of a low-end option.
News: Senators G Brian Elliott made 27 saves Saturday in a 2-1 shootout loss to the Rangers. Elliott was making only his fifth start of the season.
Analysis: Elliott is firmly planted behind Pascal Leclaire in Ottawa and is only worth owning in deeper leagues as a No. 3 option or handcuff to Leclaire. The Senators TG is a No. 2 option.
News: Washington Capitals right wing Mike Knuble has a broken finger and will be sidelined three to four weeks. Knuble was injured on a power play in the first period of Friday night's 3-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild. He crashed into the net when defenseman Marek Zidlicky sent him hurdling over goaltender Josh Harding. The Capitals said Knuble will have surgery. The team did not say which finger was broken.
Analysis: Knuble has five goals and 10 assists for the Capitals this season. He was one of Washington's major offseason acquisitions, signing a two-year deal, $5.6 million deal on the first day of NHL free agency in July. He has been a good fit in Washington and a viable Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy scored a goal during Friday's game against the Flames. Roy countered on the power play with 3:06 left in the first, swatting a rolling puck with a backhand that went over a sprawled Miikka Kiprusoff. It was his fourth goal in five games.
Analysis: Roy has definitely snapped out of his scoring funk after he went all of October without a goal. Roy has definitely been a streaky scorer since last season, but he has a ton of offensive potential and remains a viable start in most formats.
News: Flames C Daymond Langkow scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Friday's game against the Sabres. Calgary opened the scoring on Langkow's sixth goal of the season just 1:04 into the game. From in tight Langkow converted a quick pass from Nigel Dawes to make it 1-0. Langkow has four goals in his last six games.
Analysis: Langkow has produced six goals and 11 points in 17 games. He never gets the credit he deserves for being a solid offensive contributor, but Langkow continues to be a staple at center in Calgary. He is looking to get back on track after finishing with less than 50 points for the first time in nine seasons in 2008-09. Consider Langkow a viable No. 5 or No. 6 Fantasy forward.
News: Blue Jackets C Antoine Vermette tallied a pair of assists and finished at plus-1 during Friday's game against the Ducks. It was the first time in six games he recorded a point. The last time Vermette tallied a stat was when he had two assists on Oct. 30 against the Penguins.
Analysis: Vermette's recent offensive slide was probably his worst slump since joining Columbus at the trade deadline last season. He has been great with the Blue Jackets and even played on the team's top line with Rick Nash on Friday. Vermette is developing into a nice Fantasy option.
News:Brian Pothier got the go-ahead score early in the third period during the Capitals' 3-1 win against the Wild on Friday. Pothier put the Capitals ahead with a wrister from the left circle two minutes into the final period. He has two goals and three assists in his last four games.
Analysis: It's really great to see Pothier on the ice for Washington and actually contributing after a severe concussion threatened to bring his career to an end. Pothier was a promising blueliner before the injury and is starting to look like his former self. Still, he has low-end Fantasy appeal until further notice.
News: Capitals LW Brooks Laich scored a goal during Friday's 3-1 win against the Wild. Laich added an empty-netter in the final minute to seal the win. He has four goals and three assists in his last six games.
Analysis: Laich continues to pour on the points early in the season. He is up to 19 points (eight goals) in 19 games. He is coming off a solid 50-point campaign in 2008-09 and appears to be threatening as a point-per-game player in 2009-10. We are not sure if this will last with so many talented scorers in Washington, but you might as well play Laich while he is on a roll.
News: Wild RW Cal Clutterbuck scored the team's lone goal during a 3-1 loss to the Capitals on Friday. Clutterbuck opened the scoring early in the second with a drive from the top of the right circle seconds after a Washington penalty expired. It was his fourth goal and second in four games.
Analysis: Clutterbuck has been a nice fit in Minnesota the last two seasons. He is not a strong offensive player, but he works hard at both ends of the ice and that is how he keeps himself in the lineup. Clutterbuck remains a low-end Fantasy forward and flier in leagues that reward heavily for hits.
News: Hurricanes C Brandon Sutter tallied two assists and finished at plus-2 during Friday's game against the Islanders. Sutter has three goals and two assists in his last seven games.
Analysis: Sutter has been great for the Hurricanes since his recall from the minors and has been one of the few Carolina players not mired in a scoring funk. He is definitely working his way up the depth chart and starting to live up to the hype. The former first-round pick remains a low-end Fantasy flier for the time being, but is starting to pop up on the radar.
News: Sabres G Patrick Lalime returned to the lineup on Friday against the Flames after missing four games with a groin injury. Lalime played in his usual backup role to Ryan Miller.
Analysis: Lalime has had a tough time in Buffalo since joining the team last season. He will get the occasional start to spell Miller, but he is one of the league's seldom-used backups. He has marginal Fantasy appeal when active.
News: Blue Jackets RW Michael Blunden returned to the lineup on Friday against the Ducks after missing three games with an undisclosed injury. He had no points in 10:56 of ice time and finished at even.
Analysis: Blunden has no points in eight games this season and is still searching for his first NHL point after playing 17 games since 2006-07. Blunden is nothing more than a lower-line forward when healthy and has little to no Fantasy appeal.
News: Blue Jackets D Kris Russell returned to the lineup on Friday against the Ducks after missing two game with the flu. He had no points in 12:37 of ice time and finished at even. He also spent two minutes in the penalty box.
Analysis: The Blue Jackets really hope Russell can up his production after a slow start to the season. They recently handed him a contract extension because they believe he has a bright future. Russell is a developing player, but still has low-end Fantasy appeal when healthy.
News: Islanders G Martin Biron made 25 saves during a 4-3 overtime win against the Hurricanes on Friday. Biron was handed a 3-0 lead after one period but allowed Carolina to rally. The Hurricanes tied the game with less than three minutes left before Kyle Okposo bailed out Biron in overtime. Biron put an end to a two-game losing streak.
Analysis: Biron hasn't allowed more than three goals in his last five outings and is definitely playing better after a rocky start to the season. He is trying to keep pace with Dwayne Roloson, who shares time in net with Biron. Consider Biron at best a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Islanders TG is a low-end option.
News: Kings G Jonathan Quick was pulled during a second-period meltdown Friday against the Thrashers. The game was scoreless until Evander Kane scored 10:22 into the second. Atlanta scored two mores time in the next four minutes, prompting coach Terry Murray to pull Quick in favor of Erik Ersberg. Quick dropped to 10-6-2 after stopping 11 of 14 shots. Ersberg made three saves against seven shots as Los Angeles ended up losing 7-0.
Analysis: Ersberg pretty much undid all the good he did during Wednesday's win over Carolina with his poor relief outing on Friday. Murray's biggest hurdle with Ersberg has been trusting him in net and it seems the Swedish goalie still has some work left. Ersberg has minimal Fantasy appeal until further notice.
News: Wild G Josh Harding, who was 0-2 and had saved only 35 of the 46 shots he had faced all season, stopped 38 of 40 shots during a 3-1 loss to the Capitals on Friday. Harding stopped several quality scoring chances. He threw his left arm out stop Brooks Laich from point-blank range with about 5 minutes to play, maintaining the one-goal deficit to give his team a chance to tie in the final minutes. Harding ended a pair of Capitals seven-game streaks. For the first time in eight games, Washington failed to score in the first period and failed to score the game's first goal.
Analysis: Harding arguably had his finest outing of the season on Friday and showed what he can bring to the table for Minnesota. This performance could also give the team the chance to deal the backup netminder, if the right trade comes along. Harding is not going to play a lot if Niklas Backstrom is healthy, so treat him as a flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Wild TG is more of a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy option thanks to Backstrom.
News: Capitals D Jeff Schultz (lower body) was not active for Friday's game against the Wild. He has missed the last three games and remains day to day.
Analysis: Schultz is one of the Capitals' top blueliners when healthy, but he mostly plays a defensive role. He has had some offensive moments early this season, but Schultz is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats and plus/minus rating.
News: The Thrashers have sent RW Spencer Machacek back to the AHL only one day after he was called up.
Analysis: Machacek was only up in case Ilya Kovalchuk remained out, but the Russian star returned to action on Thursday. While Machacek doesn't have any seasonal value, he is worth a look in deeper dynasty leagues.
News: The Penguins have reassigned RW Chris Conner to the AHL.
Analysis: Conner has just one point in six games this season and has yet to stick around more than 38 NHL games in a campaign. Continue to ignore him in all formats.
News: Canucks G Roberto Luongo stopped 26 of 28 shots Thursday in a 3-1 loss to the Red Wings. The final goal was an empty-netter.
Analysis: Luongo has looked a little shaky since returning from his rib problem, which was probably to be expected. As it might take him a bit to get the rust off, you should just bench him in Fantasy Week 7 (Nov. 16-22) as the Canucks only have two games in the scoring period. The Canucks TG remains is a high-end option, but you might also want to bench the unit next week.
News:The Province reports that Canucks LW Daniel Sedin's foot isn't healed sufficiently for him to return to action just yet. He is now looking at possibly getting back in a game on Nov. 20.
Analysis: Sedin had an outside chance of returning on Thursday, but that won't be happening. You also won't want to activate him for Fantasy Week 7 (Nov. 16-22), as he'll only play two games at most in the scoring period and might see limited minutes. When healthy, Sedin is a must-start Fantasy option, so just continue to stash him away and bide your time.
News: Stars right wing Krys Barch returned to the ice on Thursday against the Sharks after missing three games because of a back injury. He had no points in 6:05 of ice time and finished at even. He did get into a first-period fight with Brad Staubitz.
Analysis: The fact Barch wasted little time getting into a fight on Thursday is a good indication he is healthy. He has 22 penalty minutes in 15 games. Barch is one of the Stars' top enforcers and more of a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News: Lightning D Victor Hedman returned to the lineup on Thursday against the Wild after missing one game with a concussion. He had no points in 24:02 of ice time and finished at even. Hedman has no points in 10 games.
Analysis: The Lightning are lucky Hedman didn't need a trip to IR after getting his "Welcome to the NHL, rookie" moment. Hedman has definitely hit an offensive wall after a hot start, so treat him as a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Vancouver's Jannik Hansen played for the first time this season, returning from a hand injury, on Thursday against the Red Wings. He failed to record a point in 8:20 of ice time and finished at even.
Analysis: Hansen has been a solid energy-line player for the Canucks since last season. But his offense comes in waves and he just doesn't do enough on a regular basis to warrant heavy use in Fantasy.
News: Rangers LW Donald Brashear returned to the lineup on Thursday against the Thrashers after missing four games with a bruised wrist. He had no points in 3:28 of ice time and finished at even. He also fought with Eric Boulton.
Analysis: Brashear, who played in his 1,000th NHL game, dropped the gloves less than five minutes into Thursday's game, so it seems his wrist is just fine. Brashear is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM when healthy.
News: Thrashers C Evander Kane was in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Rangers despite suffering a foot injury on Sunday against the Blues. Kane scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-1 in 13:15 of ice time. Kane made it 4-2 when he beat Henrik Lundqvist with a wrist shot 18:06 into the second. It was his fourth goal and first in seven games.
Analysis: It seems the few days off gave Kane a chance to re-energize the battery and get back on track. It probably also helped that the added pressure was off with the return of Ilya Kovalchuk, who was out a few weeks with a broken foot. Kane is a good long-term Fantasy keeper, but is more of a low-end option in seasonal formats until further notice.
News: Devils RW Brian Rolston returned to the lineup on Thursday against the Penguins after missing one game with an undisclosed injury. He failed to record a point in 18:41 of ice time and finished at minus-1. He saw a three-game point streak end (two goals, one assist).
Analysis: We really hope this injury doesn't sidetrack Rolston because he was starting to make progress again. Although he is playing for his former coach -- Jacques Lemaire -- Rolston is not the player he used to be and remains a low-end Fantasy forward when healthy.
News:Danny Briere scored two goals to help the Philadelphia Flyers beat the Ottawa Senators 5-1 on Thursday for their fifth straight victory. Briere returned after missing four games because of a groin injury and the flu. Briere increased the lead to 3-1 with a spectacular rebound goal at 6:56 of the third period, batting Jeff Carter's shot out of the air. Darroll Powe made it 4-1 with a wrist shot at 11:47, and Briere scored on a slap shot 1:52 later. It was his second two-goal game in four appearances.
Analysis: Briere has had kind of an up-and-down start to the season, but he has managed seven goals in 11 games. He is doing fairly well transitioning to a spot as a winger, but his biggest hurdle remains staying healthy. Briere has high-end Fantasy potential when healthy and it appears safe to activate him in Fantasy.
News: Panthers C Kamil Kreps returned to the lineup on Thursday against the Bruins after missing three games with a foot injury. He had no points in 13:28 of ice time and finished at even. He has two points -- both assists -- in his last six games.
Analysis: Kreps primarily plays on the Panthers' lower lines and hardly contributes offensively. He is mostly used in the faceoff circle and on the penalty kill. He has minimal Fantasy value outside of leagues that reward heavily for short-handed and faceoff stats.
News: Panthers RW Radek Dvorak, who had been sidelined since Oct. 24 with a knee injury, returned to the lineup on Thursday against the Bruins. He had no points in 17:55 of ice time and finished at even. He has no points in his last four games.
Analysis: The Panthers are glad to get their top penalty killer back in the lineup. Dvorak can definitely help in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats when healthy, but he has low-end appeal in the deepest of standard formats since his best offensive days are behind him.
News: AM640 out of Toronto reports that Maple Leafs D Mike Komisarek is out three weeks with a small tear in his quad muscle.
Analysis: Komisarek is in his first season with the Maple Leafs after signing a five-year, $22.5-million deal. He has yet to record a point in 15 games this season and is at minus-9 and is clearly having a tough time adjusting to life in Toronto. Komisarek is best used in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats, when healthy.
News: The Maple Leafs have sent D Jay Rosehill sent to the AHL on two-week conditioning stint.
Analysis: Rosehill has been a healthy scratch for almost a month now, so he's going to get some kind of game action in for the Marlies. He has no Fantasy value.
News: The Chicago Tribune reports that Blackhawks RW Marian Hossa will begin contact drills during practice soon. "I feel better and better every day and probably (Thursday) or Friday for first contact," said Hossa. "There will be a little contact, not a full one yet but a little one, and that's going to be a good test. If I pass that I can go to full contact."
Analysis: Hossa is still on track for a late November return, and should immediately return to being a must-start Fantasy option when healthy. Continue to stash him in all formats for the next couple of weeks.
News: The Toronto Maple Leafs have called up D Carl Gunnarsson.
Analysis: Gunnarsson, a seventh-round pick in 2004, is in his first North American season and has just two points in 12 AHL games. He has no Fantasy value at this time.
Analysis: Schneider is a former first-round draft pick who is stuck behind Luongo and Andrew Raycroft at the moment. The 23-year-old is certainly a solid prospect and remains worth stashing away in all long-term keeper leagues.
News: Avalanche LW Wojtek Wolski scored his ninth goal of the season Wednesday in a loss to the Blackhawks. He now has a point in three straight and 16 on the season.
Analysis: Wolski is off to a superb start this season and the speedy native of Poland appears to finally be living up to his potential. Get him active in most formats as a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy forward.
News: Islanders D Mark Streit scored and assisted Wednesday in a shootout loss to the Capitals.
Analysis: Streit is off to a bit of a disappointing start this season with just nine points. He'll need to pick up the pace if he wants to better his 56-point haul from 2008-09. Still, he's worth starting in most Fantasy formats.
News: Islanders LW Sean Bergenheim scored in a second straight game Wednesday. The two goals were his first this season.
Analysis: Bergenheim is starting to show some signs of life after an awful start to the season, so keep a close eye on his numbers over the next couple of weeks if you're in a deep league.
News: Blue Jackets LW Rick Nash scored his 12th goal of the season in Wednesday's loss to the Red Wings.
Analysis: Nash continues to rack up the points this season and should be starting in more than 92 percent of leagues with the way he's playing right now.
News: Red Wings LW Ville Leino scored in Wednesday's rout of the Blue Jackets, two days after being promoted to a scoring line.
Analysis: Leino had been getting fewer than 12 minutes a game in his first three November games, but got 14:35 of ice time on Wednesday. Maybe he's ready to contribute for his owners in deeper leagues, but don't activate him just yet.
News: Red Wings LW Justin Abdelkader scored his second and third goals of the season Wednesday in a 9-1 rout of the Blue Jackets.
Analysis: Abdelkader had played only four NHL games before this season and the 22-year-old is clearly still getting used to being in the big leagues. Ignore him in all but the deepest of seasonal leagues.
News: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Penguins D Kris Letang will miss two weeks because of a shoulder contusion.
Analysis: Letang is a viable Fantasy defenseman in most formats when healthy, so be sure to bench him for at least Fantasy Week 7 (Nov. 16-22) and 8 (Nov. 23-29), unless he gets back in 10 days or so.
News: Sabres C Tim Connolly tallied two assists and finished at plus-2 during Wednesday's game against the Oilers. He has a point in 10 of his last 12 games. Connolly has three goals and 11 assists in that span.
Analysis: Connolly has really turned up the production over the last month and is back to being a top offensive producer. Connolly can really put up the points when healthy. We know that is a big concern for Fantasy owners, but Connolly is healthy right now, so keep him active in Fantasy.
News: Sabres C Jochen Hecht scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Wednesday's game against the Oilers. Hecht capped the scoring with an empty-net goal with 19 seconds to go. It was his second goal of the season and first in 10 games.
Analysis: Hecht has really been a disappointing player for the Sabres since he had 22 goals and 49 points in 2007-08. He has struggled on offense since last season and he just doesn't seem to be an efficient passer anymore. Hecht has low-end Fantasy appeal until further notice.
News: Sabres D Steve Montador scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Wednesday's game against the Oilers. Buffalo made it 2-0 when Montador fired a slap shot from the right circle for his first goal of the season, scored at 7:34 of the second.
Analysis: Buffalo added Montador to their blue line in the offseason for his toughness. He has made great strides offensively the last two seasons, but Buffalo definitely wanted him for defensive prowess. Montador is a low-end Fantasy option, and also a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News: Kings RW Justin Williams scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-1 during Wednesday's game against the Hurricanes. Williams capped the scoring with an empty-net goal. It was his fifth goal of the season and third in his last six outings.
Analysis: Williams has two goals and four assists in five games since returning from a lower-body injury. Williams has been outstanding on the team's top line with Anze Kopitar and Ryan Smyth. Williams has his career back on track, so despite his propensity for injury, he is a solid Fantasy play when active.
News: Kings RW Wayne Simmonds scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 during Wednesday's game against the Hurricanes. Simmonds gave Los Angeles a 4-2 lead on a wrist shot 10:05 into the third. It was his fifth goal and first in eight games.
Analysis: Simmonds has five points in five November games. He is up to 11 points in 19 games this season and also a plus-11 rating. Simmonds saw some top-line time earlier this season, but he has primarily been a third-line contributor. He has really impressed in the early season, but we still view Simmonds more as a low-end Fantasy forward.
News:Newsday reports that Islanders C Doug Weight will be out 4-6 weeks with an upper-body injury suffered on Friday against the Devils. The injury was initially only expected to miss a week, but testing revealed more damage.
Analysis: Weight has played in only 11 of New York's 16 games because of an early season groin injury and a bout with the swine flu. He is just a low-end Fantasy option to begin with and should only be stashed away in super-deep formats.
News: The New York Post reports that Islanders G Rick DiPietro (knee) practiced for a second straight day Tuesday. "He was good," Scott Gordon said. "I sat and watched him and he did multiple butterflies, more rapid recovery." DiPietro will work consecutive days twice next week as he continues his recovery.
Analysis: DiPietro continues to take his sweet time to recover from this knee problem, but quite rightly so after his history of problems. Hopefully he'll be back between the pipes in a couple of weeks, so just continue to stash him away.
News: With injuries piling up, the Devils recalled D Matt Corrente on Wednesday from their Lowell (AHL) farm team.
Analysis: The 2006 first-round pick had three goals, 11 points and 23 penalty minutes for Lowell before his recall. He is doing quite well developing in the minors, but it doesn't appear Corrente is ready to stick around the NHL on a full-time basis. Consider him more of a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: The Colorado Avalanche have activated Darcy Tucker from the injured reserve list after he missed eight games with a concussion. Tucker was available for the Avs' game at Chicago on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Tucker's face smashed into the glass when he was ridden into the boards by Carolina's Tuomo Ruutu on Oct. 23. Team doctors and trainers placed a neck brace on Tucker, who lay motionless for several minutes, and strapped him to a backboard. The NHL suspended Ruutu three games for a boarding infraction. Colorado is hoping this incident isn't going to cause too much of an issue since Tucker was very strong offensively to begin the season. Tucker is still more of a low-end Fantasy option until further notice.
News: The Miami Herald reports that Panthers D Ville Koistinen will return to his natural defenseman position on Thursday at Boston. Koistinen had been playing forward so far this season. "That forward thing was an experiment to fill a hole," DeBoer said. "It's not fair to him. He's not comfortable there, and I'm not comfortable using him as a forward. He's a defenseman, and when we carry seven and he gets the opportunity and makes the most of his opportunity that would be the plan for me."
Analysis: The fact the Panthers were using Koistinen as a forward tells you he has a solid offensive aspect to his game. But until that aspect turns into points, he will remain just a low-end Fantasy defenseman in deeper formats.
News: The Panthers have claimed D Steve MacIntyre off waivers. MacIntyre will go to the AHL for a bit to get in playing shape, according to the Miami Herald.
Analysis: McIntyre, who has played just four games with the Oilers this season, was with the Panthers last training camp. He will only be worth keeping an eye on in super-deep leagues that reward PIM.
News: The Montreal Gazette reports that Canadiens D Hal Gill (foot) is still a couple of weeks away from returning to action.
Analysis: Gill is pretty much on the ice for his defensive prowess and penalty-killing skills when healthy. Consider Gill a very low-end Fantasy defenseman in standard formats when healthy. He is also worth a look in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats and plus-minus rating.
News: The Miami Herald reports that Panthers LW Nick Tarnasky (orbital bone) is out long term.
Analysis: Tarnasky has pretty much been a checking-line forward in his NHL career and is only a Fantasy flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM when healthy.
News:David Perron scored three goals, two in a span of 1:54 during a four-goal first period, and Brad Boyes added a goal and three assists to lead the St. Louis Blues to a 6-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night. Perron's final goal of the night came in the 3rd period. He has seven on the season.
Analysis: Perron almost doubled his amount of goals on the season with the hat trick on Tuesday night. He now has 11 points on the year and seven goals. The Blues have tried to get Perron more involved on offense after a slow start to the season and you can say he did that nicely on Tuesday. Perron is gaining Fantasy momentum right now with four goals and an assist in his last two games.
News: The Sharks have assigned C Torrey Mitchell (knee) to the AHL for a conditioning assignment.
Analysis: Mitchell is a promising young forward, but he has yet to feature in a game this season. While Mitchell won't have much Fantasy value in standard leagues when he returns, he is a good flier in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: Sharks D Dan Boyle made it back-to-back multi-point games Tuesday when he scored, assisted and finished with a plus-2 rating in a win over the Predators.
Analysis: Boyle now has five points in his last four games and continues to rack up the points at a forward's pace. Continue to roll with him in all Fantasy formats.
News: Predators RW Patric Hornqvist scored his fourth goal of the season Tuesday in a loss to the Sharks.
Analysis: As expected for a 22-year-old, Hornqvist's numbers have been all over the place this season. He has the potential to be a contributor in most leagues, but until he shows some more consistency, he is only worth worrying about in deeper formats.
News: Predators C Marcel Goc scored his first goal of the season in Tuesday's loss to the Sharks.
Analysis: Goc was signed this offseason by the Predators and obviously hasn't provided much offensively so far in 2009-10. Don't worry about Goc in any Fantasy formats.
News: Chicago Blackhawks center Dave Bolland had surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back Tuesday and will be out for three to four months. The surgery was performed by Dr. Richard Fessler at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Team doctors said the surgery went well and a full recover was expected.
Analysis: The 23-year-old Bollard has six points in 13 games this season. He's appeared in 134 regular-season games over parts of the last four seasons, with 25 goals and 45 assists. Bolland had a career-high 19 goals and 47 points last season. Bolland is a nice low-end Fantasy option and short-handed flier when healthy but it seems he'll be lost until at least the end of January at this point. Reserve him if you want, but he'll be worthless in Fantasy for the time being.
News: San Jose RW Devin Setoguchi returned in a big way for the Sharks on Tuesday against the Predators. Setoguchi (leg) was back on the ice and came up huge in the 3rd period with a game-tying goal, his eighth of the season.
Analysis: Setoguchi was worth starting in all Fantasy leagues before the injury and his return seems to be at full strength after the clutch goal on Tuesday. Get him active again in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Nashville D Shea Weber (foot) was removed from the IR on Tuesday and entered into the lineup against the Sharks. Weber returned slightly earlier than expected.
Analysis: This is great news for Fantasy owners, who thought they might be without Weber for another week. He's back for the Predators and should be activated across the board.
News: Nashville G Dan Ellis choked late in the Tuesday game against the Sharks and coughed up the win in the process. The Predators were winning 3-2 after an early goal in the 3rd period but Ellis allowed consecutive scores from Devin Setoguchi and Dan Boyle and the Predators lost the game 4-3. Ellis stopped 25 shots in the loss.
Analysis: Ellis has allowed three or fewer goals in every appearance he's made this season but made only his second start since Oct. 28 on Tuesday and has just three wins to show for it. It is clear he's taken a back seat to Pekka Rinne in the Music City. He is barely worth using in Fantasy play right now, but might have some value in deeper leagues that reward average points. The Predators TG is a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: St. Louis C Andy McDonald scored the first goal of the game on Tuesday in a 6-1 win over the Canucks. McDonald would later add assists in the 1st and 2nd periods and finished with three points on the night.
Analysis: McDonald has two goals and two assists in his last two games for the Blues. McDonald is a good offensive player and does threaten as a point-per-game option at times. Consider him a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy forward.
News: St. Louis D Erik Johnson scored his first goal of the season in the 1st period of the Blues' 6-1 win over the Canucks on Tuesday. Johnson would later assist on David Perron's 3rd-period goal.
Analysis: The two points scored on Tuesday now gives Johnson 11 on the season. He has four points in his last four games. He's getting better and better for the Blues of late and deserves to be active in almost all Fantasy leagues at this point.
News:Brad Boyes recorded a goal and three assists to lead the St. Louis Blues to a 6-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night. Boyes' third goal of the season came on the power play, a one-timer from the left circle in the 2nd period.
Analysis: The four points that Boyes scored on Tuesday gives him 10 for the season. He had not registered a single point since Oct. 23 against Minnesota. It has been kind of disappointing to see Boyes slow out of the gate but it is clearly not time to write off the 30-goal threat just yet. Boyes still has high-end Fantasy potential and seems to be beginning to show that now.
News: Ottawa RW Jonathan Cheechoo scored his first goal of the season in the Senators 4-3 shootout win over the Oilers on Tuesday. The goal came in the 1st period to tie the score at one apiece.
Analysis: Cheechoo now has just three points on the season for the Senators. Until he really starts picking up the production, however, he only has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Edmonton D Steve Staios played his best game of the young season on Tuesday in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Senators. Staios assisted on Dustin Penner's 1st-period goal and later added another assist in the game for his first multi-point night of the season.
Analysis: Staios has three points in his last two games and three on the entire season after missing most of October with a concussion. Despite the two assists on Tuesday, Staios has only very limited Fantasy appeal.
News: Montreal G Jaroslav Halak was fantastic between the pipes on Tuesday night against the Flames. Halak allowed an early goal by Calgary's Jarome Iginla but did not allow another tally the rest of the way en route to stopping 30 shots. That said, Halak and the Canadiens lost the game as Calgary won 1-0 in a shutout.
Analysis: Halak may have lost on Tuesday night to fall to 5-3-0 on the season but this was his best performance since giving up just one goal to the Islanders back on Oct. 22. Halak should only be thought of as a stopgap option at this point. The Canadiens TG is a No. 2 Fantasy option at the moment but has the potential to be more.
News: Boston C Patrice Bergeron assisted on Daniel Paille's 3rd-period goal on Tuesday night in a 3-0 shutout win over the Penguins. Bergeron added his own goal later in the 3rd period. It was his sixth of the season and it came on the empty net.
Analysis: Bergeron has now recorded points in three straight games and has a total of four over that span with two goals and two assists. He has 12 points on the year. He hasn't looked this efficient since before his nasty head injury suffered during the 2007-08 season. The Bruins have high hopes for Bergeron in 2009-10, so he could be back to being a reliable Fantasy option. For now, he is more of a No. 5 or No. 6 Fantasy forward.
News: Boston shut out Pittsburgh on Tuesday night and LW Steve Begin came up with two assists in the 3-0 win. Begin assisted the first goal of the game in the 2nd period by Matt Hunwick and later assisted on the game's final goal in the 3rd period by Patrice Bergeron.
Analysis: Begin now has 10 points on the season for the Bruins and four in his last two games. He has two goals on the year and eight assists. Begin has played well for Boston in the early going but really only has value in the deeper Fantasy leagues.
News: Toronto D Tomas Kaberle picked up two assists on both Maple Leafs goals in the 5-2 loss to the Wild on Tuesday night.
Analysis: Kaberle has three points in his last four games, which is a cold streak for him after he racked up 13 points over a five-game span previously. He now has 20 points on the season for Toronto and is playing like a high-end Fantasy option worth using in all leagues.
News: Minnesota D Marek Zidlicky scored his second goal of the season in the 2nd period of Tuesday's win over the Maple Leafs. The goal came on a power play early in the 2nd. Zidlicky later assisted on Greg Zanon's 2nd-period goal.
Analysis: Zidlicky racked up a goal and an assist in his second straight game and now has 11 points on the season. He's recorded points in three straight games for a total of five over that span. He's clearly as hot as he's been this season right now. He continues to be a better passer than scorer, so treat Zidlicky as no worse than a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy defenseman.
News: Edmonton D Ladislav Smid (flu) was able to get back into the lineup on Tuesday night at Ottawa. He recently returned from a bout of the swine flu, but had missed the last two games.
Analysis: Smid just can't seem to get past the flu bug. Hopefully he can fully recover and remain in the lineup going forward. Smid was playing some of the best hockey of his career before the illness problems and hopefully he can return to that level. Still, he has only low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Minnesota D Kim Johnsson (shoulder) was removed from the injured reserve list on Tuesday for the Wild's game at Toronto. Johnsson was in the lineup for the Wild after missing the last seven games because of a shoulder injury.
Analysis: Johnsson has had a rough start to the season with a minus-7 rating in nine games. This injury was just further insult to the poor start. Johnsson logs a lot of PT but is just a low-end Fantasy option when on the ice.
News: Veteran Sabres forward Adam Mair has cleared waivers and will be staying in Buffalo. Coach Lindy Ruff said Tuesday he's electing to keep Mair in Buffalo as an extra forward rather than send him to Portland, Maine, the Sabres' American Hockey League affiliate. NHL teams had until noon Tuesday to claim Mair.
Analysis: A nine-year NHL veteran, Mair has proven to be the odd-man out on a team stocked with forwards. Mair missed the start of the season after having hip surgery. He's appeared in only three games and registered no points this season so clearly he has no Fantasy value.
News: Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo is back in the nets after missing two weeks because of a broken rib. Luongo, who hadn't played since he was injured on Oct. 27, replaced Andrew Raycroft at the start of the second period Tuesday night against the St. Louis Blues. The Blues led the game 4-0 after one period. Luongo took part in the Canucks' morning skate Tuesday but wasn't expected to play until Thursday in Detroit. Canucks coach Alain Vigneault removed Raycroft after the goalie allowed four goals on 13 shots. Luongo fared slightly better in the game as he allowed two goals and stopped 15 shots. Raycroft took the loss in the game.
Analysis: Raycroft was blasted at the worst possible time with Luongo ready to return. His record falls to 4-2-0 on the season and it seems that Luongo will likely regain his starting job going forward. Raycroft really only has low-end Fantasy value at this point and Luongo would go back to being a low-end No. 1 Fantasy goalie if he continues to get consistent starts. This is probably a situation still worth monitoring yet. The Canucks TG is still a solid Fantasy option.
News:Jonathan Toews was back and so was the firepower that made the Chicago Blackhawks one of the NHL's most dangerous teams in the season's first two weeks. Toews, who had been out with a concussion since Vancouver's Willie Mitchell leveled him on Oct. 21, followed Troy Brouwer's third-period power-play goal with one of his own 3:31 later and the Blackhawks went on to defeat the Los Angeles Kings 4-1 on Monday night. "His presence, the way he plays the game, the way he competes every shift, that's why he's the captain," Blackhawks center John Madden said of Toews. "He's not very vocal. He just leads by the way he plays, by example. It's contagious. If we just follow along and compete as hard as he does, everybody will be all right."
Analysis: The Blackhawks lost three of the six games Toews missed. It had been nearly four weeks since they had scored more than three times in a game, and they hadn't put in more than one power-play goal since the season's second game. "I felt great on the ice," said Toews, who had a team-high 34 goals last season but has only two this year. "If you look at a lot of our games in the past couple weeks, they were low-scoring. We struggled a bit on the power play. That was the difference tonight." Toews, who also was on the ice for Brouwer's goal, energized a power play that had converted on only three of its previous 33 attempts. The Blackhawks had scored but four man-advantage goals at home all season. Toews clearly showed his impact on the ice on Monday and why he is a must-start Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Blackhawks LW Patrick Sharp totaled two assists and finished at plus-1 during Monday's game against the Kings. He has one goal and three assists in his last four games.
Analysis: Sharp does have 14 points in 16 games this season. Unfortunately, his offense has slowed down after he scored five times in his first six games. He has scored just once since then. Sharp is a good offensive player, but definitely is streaky at times. He is still worth starting in most Fantasy formats when healthy.
News: Blackhawks C John Madden scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Monday's game against the Kings. Madden had given Chicago a 1-0 lead 1:04 into the second period -- a goal Kings coach Terry Murray said goalie Jonathan Quick should have prevented. "Madden's coming down on his backhand off the wing. We need to have those stops," the coach said. "Playing on the road in a hostile environment, you've got to make sure you're making the routine stops."
Analysis: Madden has been everything the Blackhawks envisioned when they signed him away from the Devils in the offseason. He is a great veteran presence. He is solid in the faceoff circle. And he is a good on the penalty kill. He us also contributing some on offense. Madden is never going to be a Fantasy superstar, but he does have appeal in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: Blackhawks C Andrew Ebbett scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Monday's game against the Kings. Ebbett, claimed off waivers from Anaheim in October, scored his first goal with the Blackhawks with 10:40 to play as he beat Jonathan Quick on a tip-in.
Analysis: Ebbett has only one point in 10 games this season and it's a real shame his career has fallen off after he was such a key player for Anaheim in the second half last season. Chicago does play Ebbett on a regular basis, but until his numbers improve, he has marginal Fantasy appeal.
News: Blackhawks LW Ben Eager was activated from injured reserve on Monday against the Kings after missing 13 games with a concussion. He recorded no points in 8:21 of ice time and spent two minutes in the penalty box.
Analysis: Eager had a career-high 11 goals in 2008-09, but was still on the ice for his enforcer skills. Eager is pretty much a checking-line forward and option in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM when healthy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports C T.J. Hensick, a healthy scratch for 13 of the Avalanche's first 17 games, scored his first goal of the season on a deflection at 4:56 of the second period Sunday against the Oilers. The Avalanche outshot the Oilers 20-7 in the period, which included three failed power plays.
Analysis: Had the Avalanche gotten off to a slow start, we might have seen Hensick on the ice more often. But Colorado has been playing outstanding to open the season and that has cost Hensick playing time despite being a great option for head coach Joe Sacco when the two were at Lake Erie (AHL). Hensick is nothing more than a long-term Fantasy keeper and reserve for deeper formats.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Thrashers D Ron Hainsey, who came into Sunday's game against St. Louis with a minus-3 rating in his past five games, was exposed again for his overly aggressive style on the Blues' first goal. After David Perron got a step behind him for a partial breakaway, Andy MacDonald scored on a rebound after Perron and Hainsey collided with a diving Johan Hedberg. Hainsey, however, made up for it with a key goal later in the game.
Analysis: Hainsey might be playing poor defense, but he now has five points (four assists) during a five-game point streak. Hainsey was struggling offensively to begin the season and that was because he wasn't on the power play. Since moving to the man advantage, Hainsey has found his offensive rhythm. Fantasy owners should probably start scooping up Hainsey since he is a good offensive blueliner.
News:The New York Post reports Rangers center Brandon Dubinsky is expected to miss up to six weeks with a broken bone in his right hand. He suffered the injury on Saturday against the Flames while blocking a Jay Bouwmeester shot early in the second period. With Chris Drury also suffering a concussion on Saturday, Vaclav Prospal will now center the top line and Artem Anisimov is expected to become the team's second-line center.
Analysis: Anisimov has been in a bit of a funk lately with no goals and one point in his last six games, but his Fantasy value could see a boost if he does move up to the second line. Anisimov is one of the Rangers' top prospects and a player to watch in Fantasy. But he still has low-end Fantasy appeal until his breakout run.
News:The Orange County Register reports the Ducks reassigned goalie Justin Pogge to Bakersfield of the ECHL on Monday, indicating Jean-Sebastien Giguere is ready to return from a groin injury as Anaheim opens a four-game road trip.
Analysis: Pogge did not play appear in a game for the Ducks during his stint as backup to Jonas Hiller. He is merely third on the team's depth chart and is nothing more than a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: Minnesota Wild right wing Petr Sykora has a concussion and is out indefinitely. Sykora took a hit to the head in Saturday's win over the Dallas Stars. In his first season with the Wild, Sykora has already missed six games because of a groin injury. He has two goals and one assist in 10 games.
Analysis: Sykora was a late addition to the Wild roster in the preseason since teams were scared off because of the veteran's injury woes. The first few weeks went well for Sykora, but it has been all downhill ever since. He has the ability to make an impact when healthy, but he has low-end Fantasy appeal until further notice.
News: Capitals C Michael Nylander, who has not played this season because coach Bruce Boudreau doesn't think he fits into the team's system, cleared waivers Monday. General manager George McPhee said the Capitals were weighing their options with the veteran center and hoped to have a resolution by Tuesday, when he plans to attend GM meetings in Toronto.
Analysis: Nylander hasn't played all season, having fallen out of favor with the coaching staff and front office. The Capitals have found it difficult to trade the 37-year-old forward because of his $5.5 million salary and the no-movement clause in his contract. It wasn't long ago that Nylander was a high-end Fantasy option. Now, he is not even on the radar because of the sticky situation in Washington. Keep Nylander off Fantasy rosters until further notice.
News: Colorado D Scott Hannan left Sunday's game against the Oilers midway through the second period because of a bloody nose. He returned at the start of the third period. He had no points in 16:54 of ice time and finished at plus-1.
Analysis: Hannan has surprisingly contributed seven points in 17 games. He is also at plus-9. He is finally paying the defensive dividends Colorado was looking for when they signed him in 2007, but the offense has been a huge surprise in 2009-10. We doubt Hannan will keep it up, so consider him a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Defensemen Tobias Enstrom and Ron Hainsey forced overtime with third-period goals, and Rich Peverley and Slava Kozlov scored in a shootout past Ty Conklin to give the Thrashers a 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Sunday. Conklin stopped the first 27 shots he faced for St. Louis (5-6-4) before Enstrom scored to cut it to 2-1 with 7:01 left in regulation. Hainsey tied it with 3:31 to go. Marty Reasoner won a faceoff near St. Louis' bench, and Hainsey, who controlled the puck at the left boards, beat Conklin with a wrist shot. Conklin made 38 saves in the loss.
Analysis: Conklin is winless in his last three starts after winning his first two. Despite the late-game collapse, he is still playing pretty well in net when he does spell Chris Mason. Consider Conklin more of a flier in leagues that use average points per game and a handcuff option for Mason owners. The Blues TG is a No. 2 option.
News: Blues D Barret Jackman came off injured reserve on Sunday and played his first game against the Thrashers since injuring his ankle during an Oct. 8 game against Atlanta. Jackman had no points and a plus-1 rating in 18:55 of ice time. He has two assists in four games this season.
Analysis: It's only fitting Jackman returned against the team he injured himself against. While he had an assist in his last game against Atlanta, he failed to do so on on Sunday. Jackman is a top-logging defender for St. Louis, but his offense skills are marginal. He has low-end Fantasy appeal when healthy and is also a flier in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: Predators D Cody Franson scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-1 during Saturday's game against the Kings. Franson, playing in only his ninth NHL game, scored his second goal of the season on a slap shot from just inside the blue line with 15:08 remaining to give the Predators a 2-0 lead after Martin Erat circled the net with the puck and fed it out to the right point.
Analysis: Franson has four points in his first nine games and seems to have solidified a role on the Predators blue line. He has worked really hard to get to the NHL after putting in his time in the minors. Consider Franson a rookie sleeper in deeper Fantasy formats.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Predators D Francis Bouillon played 23:35 against Los Angeles on Saturday, the eighth time in his last nine games he has played more than 20 minutes. He had only six 20-minutes-plus games in 2008-09 with Montreal and just 10 the previous season.
Analysis: Bouillon also had his first goal of the season on Saturday against the Kings. Bouillon got lucky by landing in Nashville. They have found a regular role for him. Unfortunately, we still shouldn't expect a lot of offense from Bouillon. He is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for defensive stats.
News:The Sports Xchange reports D Zdeno Chara scored his first goal of the season in his 16th game on Saturday against the Sabres. Last season, he went the first 12 games without a goal and finished with a career-high 19.
Analysis: Boston coach Claude Julien challenged Chara to play better at the beginning of November and thus far the All-Star is responding. He has three points and a plus-3 rating in his last two games. Despite the slow start, Fantasy owners shouldn't worry about Chara. He is still a must-start option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Bruins RW Byron Bitz, returned after missing the last three games with a groin injury, scored his first goal since Oct. 10 on Saturday against the Sabres. Boston made it 3-0 on Bitz's goal 1:22 into the middle period. Center Steve Begin collected defenseman Steve Montador's errant pass in the slot and fed Bitz in front.
Analysis: Bitz has 10 points in his first 48 games. He is a real solid energy-line player for the Bruins, but he is not expected to step into the limelight anytime soon. Bitz has minimal Fantasy appeal.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Capitals C Nicklas Backstrom hasn't been slowed by the loss of linemate Alex Ovechkin, who has missed a few games with an upper-body injury. He added two more assists on Saturday against the Panthers and has 17 in the team's 17 games.
Analysis: Backstrom makes the Caps' offense go in so many ways, and already has become one of the NHL's top play-makers. A few years ago he might have struggled to stand on his own two feet without Ovechkin, but that is no longer the case. He remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Panthers rookie defenseman Dmitry Kulikov had the first two-point game of his NHL career on Saturday against the Capitals. He had a goal, assist and plus-1 rating. Kulikov has three points in his last two games.
Analysis: Kulikov had seven points in his first 15 games and has impressed the Florida front office staff enough to stick around for the 2009-10 season instead of going back to his junior club. Kulikov is still having some rookie moments and his defense is not up to par. But he can be considered a rookie sleeper in deeper Fantasy formats, as well as a long-term keeper.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Senators D Brian Lee scored his first goal of the season and just his third in the NHL when he skated the length of the ice before putting a harmless-looking shot at Martin Brodeur on Saturday. Somehow, the puck found its way through the goalie's pads and trickled over the line.
Analysis: Lee has managed two points in four games this season and could get some extra playing time if he keeps up the production. Lee has minimal Fantasy appeal until the points come on a regular basis.
News:The Sports Xchange reports defenseman Matt Smaby appeared to establish himself as a reliable and regular No. 5 or No. 6 defenseman with a strong showing in the final month of last season, including a lengthy stretch in which he played with a broken foot when the Lightning were decimated by injuries. But a month into the 2009-10 season, the fourth-year pro has yet to see a game. Tampa Bay has been carrying nine defensemen throughout most of the season, and Smaby has been slotted in as the ninth guy. Not even an injury that kept rookie Victor Hedman out of the lineup was enough for Smaby to get his shot. "I showed that I can play last year and make a difference in a game," Smaby said. "It's frustrating, because I know I can play."
Analysis: While the Lightning have been trying to move Lukas Krajicek and his $1.475 million contract since the summer to help open some of the logjam on defense, the team has not been able to make a move to this point. So, in the meantime, the 24-year-old Smaby has to continue to work in practice because he likely won't find his way into the lineup on Thursday when the Lightning play host to Minnesota. "Life's not fair right now for him," Lightning coach Rick Tocchet said. "Should he be in? Yeah, he should be playing some games, but there are guys ahead of him, and we're winning some games and I didn't want to break up those six guys. But he does add something, and he said that he'll be ready to go, but I have to get him in the lineup eventually." Ignore Smaby in Fantasy until further notice.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Wild C Benoit Pouliot, scratched the last three games, returned to the lineup Saturday against the Stars in place of C James Sheppard, who was scratched for the second time this season. Wild coach Todd Richards said Pouliot was benched so long because he didn't want to change a winning lineup after consecutive wins last weekend. "But I don't want average, I don't want mediocre. I want more than that," Richards said.
Analysis: Sheppard, the team's first-round pick in 2006, has no points and is a minus-6 in 14 games. Minnesota was really hoping this would be Sheppard's breakout season after he struggled in Jacques Lemaire's defensive system. Unfortunately, Sheppard continues to struggle and is not worth starting in Fantasy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Wild C Benoit Pouliot, scratched the last three games, returned to the lineup Saturday against the Stars in place of C James Sheppard, who was scratched for the second time this season. Wild coach Todd Richards said Pouliot was benched so long because he didn't want to change a winning lineup after consecutive wins last weekend. "But I don't want average, I don't want mediocre. I want more than that," Richards said.
Analysis: Pouliot is a former first-round draft pick still trying to find his niche in the NHL. Minnesota was really hoping the coaching change would spark Pouliot's game, but it hasn't been the case. Pouliot has minimal Fantasy appeal until further notice.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Ducks LW Mike Brown, promoted to the third line to play with C Todd Marchant and RW Petteri Nokelainen, scored his second goal of the season on Saturday against the Coyotes. Both have been game-winners, and, in fact, all four of Brown's goals since he joined the Ducks last season in a trade with Vancouver have been game-winners.
Analysis: Brown might have a knack for timely goals, but he is not on the ice for his offense. He has 26 penalty minutes in 15 games and has gotten into four fights. Consider him a nice flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News: The Hurricanes have sent center Zach Boychuk back to Albany of the AHL on Sunday. He had been called up since Ray Whitney was injured.
Analysis: Boychuk might not spend a lot time in the minors since Carolina is a little beat up. He had one assist in two games since his recall from the minors. Boychuk is one of the Hurricanes top prospects, but is more of a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: Maple Leafs RW Phil Kessel scored his first goal since moving to Toronto as his team defeated the Red Wings on Saturday. He also assisted.
Analysis: The Leafs offense should revolve around Kessel this season if Toronto wants to get out of the NHL basement, so start him in more than just 56 percent of leagues. He has the ability to be a solid starting Fantasy forward in all formats.
News: Rangers D Daniel Girardi scored for the first time since Oct. 12 as he matched his goal total from last season with his fourth tally in a loss to the Flames on Sunday.
Analysis: Girardi got off to a hot start this season, but has faded ever since. He has low-end Fantasy appeal for now, but is worth stashing away in most formats until he starts to show some consistency.
News: Flames LW Nigel Dawes assisted on all three goals Saturday as Calgary defeated the Rangers 3-1.
Analysis: Dawes is off to a great start this season with 10 points already, after finishing last year with 21 points in 64 games. Dawes is more of a low-end Fantasy forward for now, but is definitely a player to watch in deeper formats.
News: Red Wings RW Jason Williams broke his ankle Saturday when he fell awkwardly by the end boards in a loss to the Maple Leafs. Williams is expected to miss 6-8 weeks.
Analysis: Man, Detroit just can't seem to get -- pardon the pun -- a break lately. They are now down three solid forwards in Williams, Johan Franzen and Valtteri Filppula. Williams, who missed only two games last season, had seven points in 14 games before this injury and certainly has some value in deeper leagues as a guy capable of putting close to 50 points when healthy. Stash him away for a while if you have the room.
News: Minnesota C Eric Belanger was active on Saturday against the Stars after leaving Thursday's game with an upper body injury. He recorded two penalty minutes in the game and took four shots on net but failed to record a point.
Analysis: Belanger remains off to a strong start to the season, which is surprising to us considering how much of a non-factor the 31-year-old has been for most of his career. He is worth using as a low-end option and is safe to use for Week 6 (Nov. 9-15).
News: Rangers G Steve Valiquette made 19 saves Saturday as New York fell 3-1 to the Flames.
Analysis: Valiquette is now 2-2 on the season as he continues to fill in for Henrik Lundqvist now and again. He is just a handcuff for Lundqvist and should not be active in any Fantasy format unless this injury is a long-term one for Lundqvist. The Rangers TG on the other hand is a high-end Fantasy unit.
News: Capitals RW Eric Fehr returned to the ice Saturday after missing a couple of weeks with a rib injury. He assisted in a win over the Panthers.
Analysis: Fehr started the season on injured reserve because of a shoulder injury and has played just seven games. He is a nice scoring presence from the Capitals' lower lines, but Fehr still has minimal Fantasy appeal when healthy.
News: Panthers G Scott Clemmensen allowed five third-period goals Saturday as Florida fell 7-4 to the Capitals. Clemmensen finished with 25 saves.
Analysis: Clemmensen has been pretty pathetic this season with a 5.13 GAA and .838 save percentage, and Tomas Vokoun shouldn't be too worried about losing more starts to the Florida backup than he has. Continue to view Clemmensen as just a No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Panthers TG is a No. 2 option.
