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  Green hurt during Friday's game
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Mike Green, D WAS |
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| News: Capitals defensemen Mike Green (upper body) and Jeff Schultz (lower body) were hurt Friday against the Panthers and did not return. Coach Bruce Boudreau said their status would be updated Saturday. "Really good teams usually have to play with a lot of injuries, because their guys are willing to pay the price of winning," Boudreau said. "I just hope our price wasn't too high." Green had no points in 2:44 of ice time and Schultz had no points in 7:27. |
Analysis: Green dealt with some shoulder problems late last season and rehabbed over the summer. You really hope his latest setback is unrelated because it could be an issue that lingers. Green continues to be a standout offensive player from the blue line and a must-start Fantasy option. If he doesn't play Saturday, then he is an injury-risk start for Week 6 (Nov. 9-15). |
 Luongo targeting Tuesday return
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Roberto Luongo, G VAN |
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| News: The Vancouver Sun reports Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo, who missed a sixth straight game on Friday against the Stars due to a broken rib, is targeting a Tuesday return to the lineup as Vancouver play St. Louis. The Canucks are calling the St. Louis game a "soft target" for their All-Star goalie's return. "I feel pretty good, but I haven't taken any (high) shots yet," Luongo said after his Thursday workout. "It's getting better every day." |
Analysis: Luongo has been taking mostly lower-body shots in preparing for his return. While it will take six weeks for the rib injury to totally heal, doctors said Luongo can play after two weeks as long as the pain is manageable. His chest protector has been modified to pad his left side and protect the injury. Luongo is warrior and wants to be back on the ice. It does appear as though he could play in Week 6 (Nov. 9-15), but there is still some risk with starting the high-end Fantasy goalie. |
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Ovechkin out for weekend series
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Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Alex Ovechkin, LW WAS |
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| News: Capitals LW Alex Ovechkin missed a second consecutive game on Friday against the Panthers because of an upper body injury. NHL.com reports Ovechkin skated during Thursday's practice, but admitted he would not play this weekend. He has been scratched for Saturday's rematch with Florida. His status will be updated early next week before the Capitals host the Islanders on Wednesday. "It's only three or four days, so you can't be better right away," Ovechkin said after skating in Thursday's practice. "You need more time. We'll see. Two more games and then we'll see." |
Analysis: Ovechkin is believed to be nursing a left shoulder injury. "He's feeling a little bit better every day, but as percentages or degrees, I don't know," head coach Bruce Boudreau said Friday morning. "He might be one percent better, but he says it's feeling better. It's going to take time. He wants to play, but you've got to think, 'OK, if he takes a major hit on it and it's not 100 percent it's just going to put him behind the eight ball for three or four weeks.' We don't want that." Ovechkin hasn't been able to move his left arm freely and pretty much skated Thursday for conditioning purposes. A lot could change before Wednesday, but right now Ovechkin is looking like an injury-risk start for Week 6 (Nov. 9-15). He is a must-start Fantasy option when healthy. |
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Liles suffers another shoulder injury
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| John-Michael Liles, D COL |
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| News: Avalanche D John-Michael Liles injured his shoulder in the first period Friday against the Blackhawks and didn't return. He had no points in 3:52 of ice time. He has been held off the stat sheet in his last four games since returning from a bruised right shoulder. |
Analysis: It definitely appears as though Liles could have suffered a setback with the same injury that kept him out seven games earlier this season. These setbacks have been hard to stomach for Fantasy owners since Liles was off to a great start this season. He can still be a viable Fantasy option when healthy, but could be an injury-risk start for Week 6 (Nov. 9-15), if not back by Sunday against the Oilers. |
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Hawks cautious with Toews
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Jonathan Toews, C CHI |
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| News: Chicago was without one of their young stars on Friday against the Avalanche as captain Jonathan Toews missed a sixth straight game with a concussion. Before the game, Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said Toews is "doing much better every day" but the team is taking a cautious approach. |
Analysis: The Blackhawks get a few days off before playing again on Monday against the Kings. If Chicago is truly taking a cautious approach, Toews probably won't be on the ice. Consider the high-end Fantasy option an injury-risk start for Week 6 (Nov. 9-15). |
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Whitney scratched vs. Toronto
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Ray Whitney, LW CAR |
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| News: Hurricanes LW Ray Whitney was scratched from Friday's lineup against the Maple Leafs with an upper-body injury. NHL.com reports him as day to day. |
Analysis: Whitney did practice on Friday and was a game-time decision, but Carolina opted on the side of caution and kept the veteran forward sidelined. Whitney has struggled like many Hurricanes in 2009-10. He has four goals and eight points in 14 games. Not bad production, but we know Whitney can do better. If he doesn't play Saturday, then consider him an injury-risk start for Week 6 (Nov. 9-15). He is a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy forward when active. |
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Staal out 2-4 weeks
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Eric Staal, C CAR |
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| News: According to the Hurricanes official Web site, center Eric Staal is expected to miss 2-4 weeks with an upper-body injury suffered during Sunday's game against the Sharks. He missed a second straight game on Friday against the Maple Leafs. |
Analysis: The Hurricanes haven't placed Staal on injured reserve yet, but it doesn't appear he will be back in the coming days. Keep him reserved for Fantasy Week 6 (Nov. 9-15). Staal is a high-end Fantasy forward when healthy despite his slow start. |
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Devils finally play Elias on Friday
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Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Patrik Elias, LW NJ |
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| News: Friday's 2-1 win against the Islanders marked the return of Patrik Elias to the Devils' lineup. He missed the first 13 coming back from hip and groin surgery and played well, nearly scoring in each of the first two periods. He finished with no points and a minus-1 rating in 16:01 of ice time. "I felt good for being out for the first time in five months," Elias said. "When he's at his best he is going to help our team," Devils coach Jacques Lemaire said. |
Analysis: The Devils might be a little cautious with Elias and not play him on consecutive nights off the bat, so don't be surprised if that happens. Elias had 31 goals and 78 points in 77 games last season. He is transitioning to a new system under Jacques Lemaire, and since he didn't get a lot of ice time in the preseason, he might need some time to adjust. Still, Elias can be a viable Fantasy option when healthy. |
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Hedman won't be playing Saturday
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Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Victor Hedman, D TB |
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| News: Lightning rookie D Victor Hedman will not be in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Canadiens following a body check by Ottawa's Chris Neil that left him flattened on the ice. The 18-year-old player was helped off ice and did not return to the game. Hedman says it was a clean hit and he must learn to keep his head up. |
Analysis: Hedman's offensive output has slowed down a little after his blistering start, but he's still worth using in deeper leagues a Fantasy flier when healthy. Hopefully he'll be back on the ice soon. |
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Forsberg denies KHL report
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Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Peter Forsberg, C COL |
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| News: TSN reports that former NHL star Peter Forsberg has not signed with a KHL, as reported on Thursday. Forsberg has stated he will wait until after the Karjala Cup, which the 36-year old is currently participating in. |
Analysis: Well, you seasonal owners who are stashing Forsberg away might want to hold on to the veteran for now after all. If he had signed with a KHL team, he would have been ineligible to play in the NHL this season, but he's still apparently up for grabs. |
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Winchester back from AHL stint
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Jesse Winchester, C OTT |
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| News: NHL.com reports the Senators have gotten back forward Jesse Winchester from Binghamton of the AHL after he was loaned to them on a two-week conditioning assignment. |
Analysis: Winchester, 26, sustained a right-knee injury in a preseason loss to Montreal on Sept. 18 and has yet to see regular-season action with Ottawa. In four games with the B-Sens, he recorded four points (two goals and two assists) and no penalty minutes. Winchester had three goals and 18 points in 76 games last season. He is a good checking-line presence but that doesn't help Fantasy owners much. Winchester has minimal Fantasy appeal when healthy. |
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Laraque placed on injured reserve
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Georges Laraque, RW MON |
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| News: Canadiens RW Georges Laraque has been placed on injured reserve with a back injury. He has not played since Oct. 20. |
Analysis: Laraque has also been a healthy scratch since the last time he played, but it's still a shame to see him have back problems after it kept him sidelined for a long period in 2008-09. Laraque has either been injured or ineffective since coming to Montreal last season. He should be kept reserved in Fantasy until further notice. Laraque remains a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM. |
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Schultz suffers lower-body injury
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Jeff Schultz, D WAS |
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| News: Capitals defensemen Mike Green (upper body) and Jeff Schultz (lower body) were hurt Friday against the Panthers and did not return. Coach Bruce Boudreau said their status would be updated Saturday. "Really good teams usually have to play with a lot of injuries, because their guys are willing to pay the price of winning," Boudreau said. "I just hope our price wasn't too high." Green had no points in 2:44 of ice time and Schultz had no points in 7:27. |
Analysis: Schultz has been a surprise offensive contributor from the Capitals' blue line with five points in his first 12 games. Unfortunately, we doubt his success will continue since he does his best work on defense. Despite the fast start, Schultz has low-end Fantasy appeal when healthy. Schultz is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats and plus/minus rating. |
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Anderson wins after getting game off
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Craig Anderson, G COL |
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| News: Craig Anderson returned to the net after receiving a rare night off and lead Colorado to a 4-3 shootout win on Friday against the Blackhawks. The Avalanche goalie stopped 29 shots, including a vital save in overtime when he turned back Patrick Sharp's shot. He rallied back from a 2-0 deficit and allowed only Patrick Kane to score in the shootout while he outlasted Antti Niemi in eight rounds. |
Analysis: Anderson had his string of 15 straight starts interrupted Wednesday night when he was spelled by Peter Budaj, who was back after a bout with swine flu. While Budaj was solid in a 4-1 win, there was no way he was supplanting Anderson on a full-time basis. Anderson has emerged as a No. 1 Fantasy goalie. The Avs TG is also a high-end option. |
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Niemi loses in eighth round of SH
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Antti Niemi, G CHI |
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| News: Chris Stewart scored in the eighth round of the shootout past Antti Niemi, helping the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche remain unbeaten at home with a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday. Chicago had two quality cracks at knocking in the winner in the final minute of regulation, but John Madden's shot sailed just wide of the net and Tomas Kopecky sent one over the goal. Niemi had a chance to preserve the win in the shootout, only to have Colorado's final shooter, Marek Svatos, score high on him to force extra rounds. Niemi finished with 19 saves. |
Analysis: Niemi is winless in his last two outings after winning his first three. He hasn't played much the last few weeks since Cristobal Huet is finally living up to expectations. Still, Niemi has done enough to instill faith in the coaching staff as the team's top backup. Niemi is a decent No. 3 Fantasy goalie or flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Blackhawks TG is a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy option. |
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Hendricks fights in 1st game back
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Matt Hendricks, C COL |
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| News: Matt Hendricks was activated before Friday's game against Chicago from the injured reserve and wasted no time getting into a scuffle. Barely two minutes into the game, Hendricks and Colin Fraser exchanged some shoves near the Chicago bench. Both were sent to the bench to serve five minutes for fighting. Hendricks has missed the last five games with a groin injury. He had no points in 7:15 of ice time. |
Analysis: Hendricks has just one goal in 12 games this season. He has primarily been dressing as a lower-line forward. He is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM. |
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Duchene plays despite injury
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Matt Duchene, C COL |
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| News: Avalanche C Matt Duchene played on Friday against the Blackhawks despite missing a day of practice with a sore shoulder. He failed to record a point in 17:24 of ice time and finished at minus-1. |
Analysis: Duchene has one goal and no assists in his last seven games. He has definitely hit an offensive wall, but we kind of expect that from a rookie forward. Duchene has a bright future ahead and is a good long-term Fantasy keeper. However, he is more of a low-end option in seasonal formats. |
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Salei making steady progress
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Ruslan Salei, D COL |
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| News: Avalanche D Ruslan Salei (back) said he's making steady progress toward a return. Asked how much longer he'd be sidelined, Salei said, "More than a week, less than a month." |
Analysis: Salei has played just one game this season and might find it tough getting regular minutes on the Avs blue line when healthy. He has some offensive skills, but is more of a defensive specialist. Leave Salei alone in Fantasy until further notice. |
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Preissing sent for conditioning
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Tom Preissing, D COL |
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| News: The Avalanche sent D Tom Preissing (knee) to Lake Erie of the AHL on a conditioning assignment. He has been out all season following knee surgery. |
Analysis: The Avalanche have done quite well in Preissing's absence and have a pretty full blue line without him. It will be interesting to see how they work the veteran blueliner into the mix. Preissing definitely has some offensive skills, but remains a wait-and-see Fantasy project. |
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Turco squeaks out close win
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Marty Turco, G DAL |
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| News: Marty Turco stopped 32 shots to help Dallas snap the Canucks' winning streak at three games during Friday's 2-1 win. Brenden Morrow struck from close-in on a power play to make it 2-0 at 3:50 of the final period before Mason Raymond ended Turco's bid for his 37th career shutout at 8:14. Turco held on as the Stars avoided their seventh overtime game. Dallas has won only once this season in games that have gone to overtime or the shootout. |
Analysis: Turco has won four of his last five starts and hasn't allowed more than three goals in nine straight appearances. Turco has been really solid in his first year under Marc Crawford and is starting to climb the Fantasy rankings again. He is back to being a high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Stars TG is also a No. 2 option. |
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Schneider strong in 2-1 loss
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Cory Schneider, G VAN |
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| News: The Dallas Stars peppered Vancouver rookie goalie Cory Schneider with a flurry of shots, and finally a couple found the back of the net. Brad Richards scored midway through the second period to put Dallas in front, Brenden Morrow added a third-period power-play goal, and the Stars beat the Canucks 2-1 despite Schneider's 45-save performance Friday. "We got a lead tonight, which helped a little bit," Richards said. "That's nice, because no matter how many saves (Schneider) is making, the first one kind of relaxes the bench a little bit and we realized that we can score on him." The Canucks were weary, playing their ninth game in 14 days and third in four, and they got off to a slow start before finding their legs for a 17-7 shots advantage in the third period. "You could tell we were out of gas, but we woke up in the third, came out flying, and nearly snuck out a point," Schneider said. |
Analysis: Dallas turned up the pressure in the first period, holding a 22-10 shots edge. But Schneider, the former Boston College star, was perfect, denying prime scoring chances by Mike Ribeiro and Loui Eriksson -- both alone in the low slot -- in the final three and a half minutes of the opening period. Schneider was outstanding in his first start and second appearance of the season. Andrew Raycroft, who started four straight in place of the injured Roberto Luongo (ribs), got a break after a 5-2 victory Thursday night in Minnesota. "It's only my sixth start so this is part of the process," Schneider said. "I'll have some good ones and I'm sure a few bad ones along the way. This helps my confidence. I learned a lot tonight. You never know when you're going to get your next chance. You've got to make the most of it." Luongo is targeting a Tuesday return, so it appears Schneider will have to pack his bags for the minors shortly. Despite the good performance, Schenider remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper. The Canucks TG is a high-end option. |
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Neal scratched against Canucks
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| James Neal, LW DAL |
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| News: LW James Neal, who leads the Stars with nine goals, was scratched on Friday against the Canucks due to a groin injury and is listed as day-to-day. |
Analysis: Neal has six goals and four assists during a career-high seven-game point streak. The second-year forward has been outstanding for the Stars to begin the year and it's a real shame he now has to fend off an injury. Neal has emerged as a viable Fantasy start when healthy. |
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O'Brien back after short suspension
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Shane O'Brien, D VAN |
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| News: D Shane O'Brien returned for the Canucks on Friday against the Stars after serving a one-game league suspension on Thursday night. O'Brien had no points in 17:01 of ice time and finished at plus-1. He has no points in 16 games. |
Analysis: O'Brien is not on the ice for his offense. He dresses most nights as a player that can bring the pain from the blue line. O'Brien is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM. |
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Bernier not back on Friday
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Steve Bernier, RW VAN |
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| News: Canucks RW Steve Bernier missed a second straight game on Friday against the Stars with the flu. He is day to day. |
Analysis: With the recent outbreak of the swine flu in the NHL, the Canucks are probably going to be cautious with Bernier and keep him away from the team for a few days. Bernier has four goals and eight points in 16 games this season. He is still a disappointing first-round bust since his scoring comes in waves. Bernier has low-end Fantasy appeal when healthy. |
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Flyers swarm Miller on Friday
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Ryan Miller, G BUF |
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| News: Sabres G Ryan Miller made 32 saves during a 5-2 loss to the Flyers on Friday. Miller never led in the game and allowed four even-strength goals. Daniel Carcillo capped the game with an empty netter. Miller has lost two of his last three starts. |
Analysis: Fantasy owners probably want to push the panic button since Miller has lost twice recently after a great start, but it's not like he was going to win every time out. Miller will continue to start most nights in net for Buffalo and have a great chance to win. Keep him active as a No. 1 Fantasy goalie. The Sabres TG is also a high-end option. |
 Emery has five wins in six starts
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Ray Emery, G PHI |
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| News: Ray Emery made 28 saves to lead the Flyers to their fifth straight victory over the Sabres, 5-2 on Friday. Emery never trailed in the game and allowed a pair of power-play scores. "We knew they have had success both offensively and defensively, so we talked about getting bodies in front of (Ryan) Miller and we did that," said Emery, who improved to 5-1-0 in his last six starts. "We got a lead early, chipped in some late goals, and played well defensively." |
Analysis: Emery has allowed more than three goals in just two of 11 appearances this season. He hasn't been over that plateau in eight straight games. Emery has done a nice job in his return to the NHL and has managed to keep his cool as well. Continue to use Emery as a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Flyers TG is also a No. 2 option. |
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Groin injury still issue for Parent
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Ryan Parent, D PHI |
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| News: Flyers D Ryan Parent missed a second straight game on Friday with a groin injury. He is day to day. |
Analysis: Parent just came off injured reserve last Saturday, but played one game and re-injured his groin. If he doesn't improve shortly, he could end up back on IR. Parent has marginal offensive skills and is more on the ice for his defense. He is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats when healthy. |
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Sekera plays through the flu
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Andrej Sekera, D BUF |
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| News: Sabres D Andrej Sekera was in the lineup on Friday against the Flyers because of the flu. He failed to record a point in 17:45 of ice time and finished at minus-1. He has no points in six games this season. |
Analysis: Sekera has spent most of the season on the injured list and has done very little with the ice time he has gotten. He is not on the brink of losing his job, but definitely needs to pick up the pace. Sekera has minimal Fantasy appeal until further notice. |
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Lalime still out of action
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Patrick Lalime, G BUF |
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| News: Sabres G Patrick Lalime missed a second straight game on Friday against the Flyers because of a groin injury. He is day to day. |
Analysis: With a 0-1-0 record, 4.14 GAA and .854 save percentage, the Sabres are in no rush to get Lalime back into the lineup. He has really been a disappointing addition for Buffalo since he came to town last season. Lalime doesn't play much behind Ryan Miller, so consider him a low-end Fantasy reserve. |
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Briere misses a third game
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Danny Briere, C PHI |
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| News: Former Sabres co-captain Danny Briere missed his third game for the Flyers because of a groin strain on Friday against Buffalo. He remains day to day. |
Analysis: The Flyers continue to take a cautious approach with Briere, who had plenty of groin issues in 2008-09. Briere is a viable Fantasy option when healthy, but injury concerns are now part of the territory. If he doesn't play on Saturday, then consider him an injury-risk start for Week 6 (Nov. 9-15). |
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Ward winless in 10 outings
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Cam Ward, G CAR |
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| News: Hurricanes G Cam Ward made 23 saves during a 3-2 loss to the Maple Leafs on Friday. Ward held a 2-0 lead before Toronto tied the game with two goals in the second period. They won the game on a power-play goal from Jason Blake 11:36 into the third. Blake scored on a wrist shot from the slot. With Rod Brind'Amour off for holding, Blake's shot ripped off the right post before ricocheting into the net. Ward is now winless in his last 10 games. |
Analysis: The frustrations continue to mount for Ward and the Hurricanes. They just can't stop their losing ways and that is making Ward into a very tough Fantasy start. It hasn't entirely been Ward's fault and the team is missing the presence of Dennis Seidenberg and Anton Babchuk, who were not brought back in the offseason. Ward has the potential to be a No. 1 Fantasy goalie, but needs to be taken down a notch until the losing streak stops. The Hurricanes TG is a No. 2 option. |
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Gustavsson battles back for win
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Jonas Gustavsson, G TOR |
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| News: Jason Blake scored on a power play with 8:24 left and Jonas Gustavsson made 34 saves to help the Maple Leafs win for the second time in 14 games this season, 3-2 over the Hurricanes on Friday in a matchup of the NHL's two worst teams. "We're starting to move in the right direction," Blake said. "Tonight was a good effort. Obviously, Gustavsson made some key saves at key times that were game-changers. It was a good team effort." Brandon Sutter opened the scoring midway through the first period. Rod Brind'Amour kicked the puck toward Sutter, who backhanded it past Gustavsson's glove from the slot. The Hurricanes took a two-goal advantage a little less than 10 minutes later when Gustavsson couldn't control Andrew Alberts' shot from the point, allowing Sergei Samsonov to clean up the rebound in front of the net. Gustavsson made a number of tough saves midway through the third period to keep the score tied before preserving Toronto's lead in the dying seconds with a flurry of tough saves. |
Analysis: Gustavsson suffered three overtime losses before winning on Friday. He is starting to come into his own with the Maple Leafs and grasping the North American game. Still, we expect a lot of bumps along the road since Gustavsson is playing for a struggling team and will also be sharing time in net with Vesa Toskala. Consider Gustavsson a No. 3 Fantasy goalie and flier in leagues that use average points per game. The Maple Leafs TG is still a low-end option. |
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Martinek helped off ice Friday
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Updated 11/7/2009 |
| Radek Martinek, D NYI |
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| News: Islanders defenseman Radek Martinek had to be helped off the ice with about 5:45 to play during Friday's game against the Devils after appearing to hurt his right leg in front of the New Jersey bench. After the game, Islanders coach Scott Gordon did not know the extent of his injury. Martinek had no points in 20:26 of ice time. |
Analysis: Martinek played just 51 games last season due to injury, so the last thing New York wants to see is him hobble off the ice again. New York relies heavily on Martinek for defense when he is healthy, but that has definitely been an issue through the years. Martinek is a defensive specialist and best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats when healthy. |
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Danis squeezes out win vs. Isles
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Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Yann Danis, G NJ |
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| News: Yann Danis made 23 saves and stopped four in-close attempts in the third period against his former Islanders teammates, helping the Devils post their fourth straight win, a 2-1 decision over New York on Friday. "Everytime I get to play I want to get the win, but to win against those guys makes it a little more special," said Danis, who signed as a free agent after spending last season with the Islanders. "You always want to play well against your former team." Danis had a relatively easy night until the Islanders stepped up their game in the final period. He stopped Matt Moulson from low in the left circle with 13:17 to go and then made saves on close-in shots by Mark Streit and rookie John Tavares with just over six minutes to play. Danis also got a piece of Kyle Okposo's shot in the waning seconds that slid along the goal line and was cleared. "I didn't know the last one was that close," Danis said. "I watched the replay on the Jumbotron and didn't realize the puck went across the goal line like that." |
Analysis: Danis has won his first two games with his new team and has allowed just two goals in the process. If there wasn't a player named Martin Brodeur in front of him, Danis might actually challenge for a starting job. Danis has really benefited from improved defense in front of him. However, since he hardly plays behind Brodeur, Danis is really just a Fantasy reserve until further notice. The Devils TG is a high-end option because of Brodeur. |
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Biron loses close game to Devils
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Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Martin Biron, G NYI |
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| News: Martin Biron had 29 saves for the Islanders during Friday's 2-1 loss to the Devils. Brian Rolston scored the winner on a power play. Rolston's winner came just 24 seconds after Andy Sutton was sent off for hooking in the second period. Defenseman Andy Greene, who set up Niclas Bergfors' power-play, game winner against Washington on Wednesday, walked the puck across the blue line and feathered it to Rolston on the point for a hard shot. Biron suffered his second straight loss. |
Analysis: Biron hasn't allowed more than three goals in his last four outings and has really stepped up his play. Still, he hasn't done enough to pull away from Dwayne Roloson. The two will continue to share starts until Rick DiPietro (knee) is healthy. Biron is 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. |
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Vokoun's shutout streak ends Friday
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Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Tomas Vokoun, G FLA |
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| News: Tomas Vokoun, coming off back-to-back shutouts, made 21 saves for the Panthers during a 4-1 loss to the Capitals on Friday. Vokoun stopped 77 consecutive shots, dating to a second-period goal in Florida's 4-3 loss to Ottawa on Oct. 28, before Tyler Sloan scored in the first period. Washington scored one power-play goal against Vokoun, who has three losses in his last five starts. |
Analysis: Despite Friday's loss to Washington, Vokoun has still done enough in his recent starts to keep his job in net. It has not been pretty at times for Vokoun, but Florida is a work in progress, so he is not totally to blame. Vokoun remains a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Panthers TG is also a No. 2 option. |
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Theodore close to shutout Friday
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Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Jose Theodore, G WAS |
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| News: Jose Theodore stopped 28 shots, Brian Pothier had a goal and two assists and the Washington Capitals beat the Florida Panthers 4-1 on Friday night to break a three-game losing streak. Florida's only goal came midway through the third period, after Theodore made the initial save on Dmitry Kulikov's slap shot. Nathan Horton put the rebound in, spoiling what would have been Theodore's first shutout since a 3-0 win at Florida on March 17. The power-play goal made it 3-1 at 10:28. |
Analysis: Theodore pulled off his first win in three starts on Friday. He had allowed nine goals in his previous two outings, so the near shutout was a big improvement. Washington seems content to play both Theodore and Semyon Varlamov in net. Theodore is at best a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie. The Capitals TG can be considered a high-end option. |
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Dvorak skates during practice
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Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Radek Dvorak, RW FLA |
|
| News: Panthers RW Radek Dvorak, who sustained a lower-body injury Oct. 24, skated Friday morning but did not play against the Capitals. However, he is nearing a return. |
Analysis: Dvorak was expected to be out until at least mid-November with a slight tear in his knee, but he is making a quick recovery. The Panthers will be happy to get Dvorak back since he is arguably one of the league's best short-handed specialists. Dvorak is a low-end Fantasy flier in the deepest of formats when healthy. He is also worth a look in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats. |
|
Foot injury has Kreps sidelined
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Kamil Kreps, C FLA |
|
| News: Panthers C Kamil Kreps was held out of Friday's game against the Capitals with a foot injury. He is questionable for Saturday's rematch with the Capitals. |
Analysis: Kreps has no goals and three assists in 13 games. He primarily chews up time as a lower-line forward and penalty killer. Kreps has little to no Fantasy value outside of leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats. |
|
Moore misses out on Friday's game
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Dominic Moore, C FLA |
|
| News: Panthers C Dominic Moore (nasal) missed a second straight game on Friday against the Capitals. He remains questionable for Saturday's rematch with Washington. |
Analysis: Moore wasn't expected to miss any time after having surgery to repair a broken nose, but the recovery process has been slow. Moore shouldn't be out for too long, but he still has low-end Fantasy appeal when healthy. |
|
Boedker sent back to minors
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Mikkel Boedker, LW PHO |
|
| News: The Phoenix Coyotes have recalled defenseman Shaun Heshka from their San Antonio AHL affiliate and are sending forward Mikkel Boedker back to the minors. Both moves were announced by the team on Friday. |
Analysis: The 19-year-old Boedker, a first-round pick in 2008, was recalled from San Antonio on Tuesday. He played in Wednesday night's loss at Colorado but was a healthy scratch the following day against Chicago. Boedker was first sent to San Antonio on Oct. 14 after he went pointless in five games for the Coyotes. Boedker hasn't developed into the scorer Phoenix would have liked and needs time to develop. He is nothing more than a long-term Fantasy keeper. |
|
Jovanovski has lower-body injury
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Ed Jovanovski, D PHO |
|
| News: Coyotes D Ed Jovanovski left late in the third period of Thursday's game against the Blackhawks with an apparent lower-body injury. He is considered questionable for Saturday at Anaheim. |
Analysis: Jovanovski has five points so far this season, scoring two goals and adding three assists. Two of his goals have come in his last six games as well. He is one of the better defensemen in the league but could be an injury risk for Fantasy Week 6 (Nov. 9-15). See if he plays on Saturday before making a decision on him for the upcoming scoring period. |
|
Spezza nets game winner in return
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Jason Spezza, C OTT |
|
| News: Jason Spezza scored a power-play goal 4:17 into overtime to give the Ottawa Senators a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night. Spezza, sidelined the previous two games because of back pain, drove a slap shot past Antero Niittymaki after Tampa Bay's Mattias Ohlund was sent off for holding 3 minutes into overtime. The goal was Spezza's first on the season. Spezza also assisted on Daniel Alfredsson's first-period goal and again on Mike Fisher's power-play score in the second. |
Analysis: Spezza wasn't expected to be in the lineup on Thursday, but it seems the extra days of rest prepared him for an early return. It did seem the time off helped since Spezza was mired in a scoring drought. He has nine points in his last seven games. That's good production from Spezza, but we aren't sure if he is totally recovered from his back issue. Spezza is a high-end Fantasy option when active. |
|
Devils take a shot with McAmmond
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Dean McAmmond, LW NYI |
|
| News: The Devils have signed veteran LW Dean McAmmond, 36, to a two-way contract. McAmmond was on a minor league deal with Lowell (AHL). |
Analysis: McAmmond has 178 goals and 253 assists for 431 points in 934 career games with Chicago, Edmonton, Philadelphia, Calgary, Colorado, St. Louis, Ottawa, and the Islanders. He will have zero Fantasy value. |
|
Oduya, Niedermayer placed on IR
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Johnny Oduya, D NJ |
|
| News: The Devils have placed D Johnny Oduya (lower body) and C Rob Niedermayer (upper body) on injured reserve. |
Analysis: Oduya has no points and a minus-5 rating in his first 11 games as he's really struggled to transition under first-year coach Jacques Lemaire. Oduya is a 30-point threat when healthy, but he is going to have trouble reaching that plateau after this slow start. Stash him away in deeper leagues if you have the room. Niedermayer's days as a Fantasy-viable option are pretty much over, so don't worry about him outside of the deepest of leagues. |
|
Coyotes call up Heshka from AHL
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Shaun Heshka, D PHO |
|
| News: The Coyotes have called up D Shaun Heshka from the AHL. |
Analysis: Heshka isn't any kind of a prospect and isn't worth worrying about in Fantasy play. |
|
Booth to start exercising soon
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| David Booth, LW FLA |
|
| News: The South Florida Sun Sentinel reports that Panthers LW David Booth expects to start exercising in the next day or two, though doctors won't allow him to do anything more strenuous than about 10 minutes on a bike. |
Analysis: Booth is probably going to miss at least another couple of weeks of action, so just keep him stashed away in most formats. Booth is a solid No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy forward when healthy. |
|
Finger to end healthy scratch skid
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Jeff Finger, D TOR |
|
| News: The Toronto Sun reports that Maple Leafs D Jeff Finger will end a six-game healthy scratch skid on Friday when Toronto plays at Carolina. Finger has just one assist and is minus-6 thus far in four regular season games. |
Analysis: Finger is clearly not in favor with the Leafs right now and has minimal Fantasy value. |
|
Talbot still out another 2-3 weeks
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Maxime Talbot, C PIT |
|
| News: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that Penguins C Maxime Talbot (foot, shoulder) is 2-3 weeks away from returning to the lineup. Talbot has yet to play this season. |
Analysis: Talbot is only worth owning in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats when healthy, so don't concern yourself too much with him. |
|
Gonchar to have cast removed soon
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Sergei Gonchar, D PIT |
|
| News: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Penguins D Sergei Gonchar (wrist) will have his cast removed and an X-ray taken on his broken left wrist after Pittsburgh's road trip that ends Tuesday in Boston. "If everything is fine there, we're going to start thinking about doing more in practice, maybe shooting more," Gonchar said. |
Analysis: Gonchar is likely out another few weeks, so just continue to stash the must-start blue-liner away in all formats until he's ready to return. Hopefully he can stay relatively healthy the rest of the way. |
|
Malkin not skating yet
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Evgeni Malkin, C PIT |
|
| News: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Penguins C Evgeni Malkin (shoulder) is yet to resume skating. Coach Dan Bylsma said Malkin is "progressing in rehab, and the important part is the rest part of it." |
Analysis: Malkin should be back sometime in the middle of this month, so just continue to stash the must-start Fantasy ace away in all formats. |
|
Renney still enamored with Jagr?
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Jaromir Jagr, RW NYR |
|
| News: The New York Post reports that Oilers assistant and former Rangers coach Tom Renney has admitted he would like to bring Jaromir Jagr back to the NHL. "Jags and I text back and forth. I talked to him about six weeks ago," Renney said. "He's on our radar. He has NHL years ahead of him. No question." |
Analysis: Jagr won't be back in North America this season, but could certainly make a return for the 2010-11 season. If you have an extra roster spot in a keeper format and feel like taking a risk, then by all means pick up the former Penguins and Rangers star. |
|
Boynton earning more playing time
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Nick Boynton, D ANA |
|
| News: The Orange County Register reports that Ducks D Nick Boynton is seeing more time on the ice lately thanks to his improved play. After being scratched in four of the first eight games, Boynton has suited up in the past six and seen his minutes increase during that span. "It's always an adjustment when you come to a new team," he said. "Obviously I didn't play the best in training camp and the coaches felt that way, too. I've gotten an opportunity in the last little bit here and I've got to take advantage of it. Help the team any way I can." |
Analysis: Boynton has never been much of a Fantasy option outside of deeper leagues that reward PIM, so don't worry about him for now unless he suddenly turns his extra minutes into more points. He has only reached the 20-point mark once in his last four seasons. |
|
B. Eaves retires from hockey
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Ben Eaves, C NSH |
|
| News: The Tennessean reports that Predators C Ben Eaves has retired from hockey. Prospect Ben Eaves has apparently retired from hockey, Trotz said. Eaves, who played in Finland last season and is currently in the AHL, has been plagued by injuries over the years. “I think he just felt like he didn’t have the passion," Nashville coach Barry Trotz said. “Probably more than anything, his body was telling him he couldn’t do it … He just came in and said, ‘I think I’m going to get on with my life,’ so he’s sort of semi-retired or retired." |
Analysis: Continue to ignore Eaves in all Fantasy formats. |
|
Lundqvist has stiff right thigh
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Henrik Lundqvist, G NYR |
|
| News: Steve Valiquette started in place of No. 1 goalie Henrik Lundqvist (stiff right thigh) on Thursday against the Oilers. Lundqvist is considered questionable for Saturday at Calgary. |
Analysis: Lundqvist has been pretty good to open up the season for the Rangers, posting an 8-5-1 record and 2.52 GAA. Wait to see if Lundqvist is able to play on Saturday before making a decision on him for Fantasy Week 6 (Nov. 9-15). When healthy, Lundqvist is a No. 1 Fantasy option. |
|
Fisher continues torrid pace
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Mike Fisher, C OTT |
|
| News: Senators C Mike Fisher scored a goal and tallied an assist during Thursday's game against the Lightning. Fisher scored on a power play 12 minutes into the second to give the Senators a brief 2-1 lead. It was his sixth goal of the season. He has four goals and five assists in his last seven games. |
Analysis: Fisher posted five goals and 11 points in his first 12 games and really benefited from Jason Spezza (back) not being 100 percent. Spezza returned to the lineup on Thursday and totaled three points, yet, Fisher was still productive. Perhaps there is hope that Fisher won't slow down and break 50 points for the first time in his career. If you can afford to take a flier on Fisher in Fantasy, then go ahead. |
|
Souray could return soon
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Sheldon Souray, D EDM |
|
| News: Edmonton D Sheldon Souray (concussion) has been cleared to play and might return soon. Souray has not played since suffering a mild concussion on Oct. 8. |
Analysis: Souray has been out longer than initially expected but hopefully can get back on the ice soon as he is one of the top defensemen in the league. As soon as he is able to return, Fantasy owners need to get him back in their lineups. |
|
Henry placed on waivers
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Alex Henry, D MON |
|
| News: The Canadiens have placed D Alex Henry on waivers. Henry is currently on IR. |
Analysis: Henry is merely organizational depth and can be ignored in Fantasy. |
|
Canadiens claim D Leach off waivers
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Jay Leach, D NJ |
|
| News: The Canadiens have claimed D Jay Leach on re-entry waivers from New Jersey. |
Analysis: Leach had just one assist in 24 games with New Jersey last season and has spent most of his career in the minors. He has no Fantasy value. |
|
Dumont out with upper-body ailment
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| J.P. Dumont, RW NSH |
|
| News: Predators RW J.P. Dumont was held out of Thursday's game against the Ducks with an upper-body injury. He was injured in practice on Tuesday and is day to day. |
Analysis: Dumont is on the road trip with Nashville and will be re-evaluated before Saturday's game against Los Angeles. Dumont missed four games earlier this season with a head injury, so hopefully he didn't suffer a setback in that regard. He has 11 points (three goals) in nine games and is a viable Fantasy forward when healthy. |
|
Arnott recovers from arm injury
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Jason Arnott, C NSH |
|
| News: Predators C Jason Arnott came off injured reserve on Thursday to play against the Ducks. He had missed six games with an arm injury. Arnott failed to record a point and finished at minus-1 in 19:54 of ice time. He has no points in his last four games. |
Analysis: Arnott scored three times in his first four games before his little offensive drought. He should get back on track shortly now that he is healthy. Arnott is the Predators' top-line center and arguably their most valuable offensive player. He is a viable Fantasy option when healthy. |
|
Kotalik breaks out of slump
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Ales Kotalik, RW NYR |
|
| News: Rangers RW Ales Kotalik scored and added two assists in Thursday's win over the Oilers. Kotalik had just one assist in his previous five games. |
Analysis: Despite his little skid, Kotalik still has 15 points in 17 games this season and remains worth using in 12-team leagues as a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy forward. |
|
Brown continues solid start to season
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Dustin Brown, RW LA |
|
| News: Kings RW Dustin Brown scored and assisted in Thursday's win over the Penguins. He now has 15 points in 16 games this season. |
Analysis: Brown only has five goals so far, but he's been picking up assists on a more consistent basis this season. He's worth using in most leagues right now as a low-end starting Fantasy forward. |
|
Stoll has seven points in six games
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Jarret Stoll, C LA |
|
| News: Kings C Jarret Stoll scored and assisted in Thursday's win over the Penguins, giving him seven points in his last six games. |
Analysis: Stoll is off to a nice start this season with 13 points in 16 games and maybe he's ready to reclaim the form from 2005-06 that saw him put up 68 points with the Oilers. Continue to use him in deeper leagues, but all owners should be keeping a close eye on his production. |
|
Kopitar extends NHL point lead
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Anze Kopitar, C LA |
|
| News: Kings C Anze Kopitar scored twice in Thursday's win over the Penguins, extending his NHL-leading point total to 26. |
Analysis: Kopitar is on his way to a monster season with 13 goals and 13 assists in 16 games so far. Get him active in all Fantasy formats. |
|
J. Staal ends nine-game skid
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Jordan Staal, C PIT |
|
| News: Penguins C Jordan Staal ended a nine-game skid without a goal Thursday when he lit the lamp in a loss to the Kings. |
Analysis: Staal has done a whole lot of nothing since Evgeni Malkin went down injured and is only worth using in deeper leagues right now. |
|
Mueller finally scores first goal
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Peter Mueller, RW PHO |
|
| News: Coyotes RW Peter Mueller scored his first goal of the season Thursday in a win over the Blackhawks. |
Analysis: Mueller was great as a rookie two seasons ago, but hasn't done much since then. Continue to stash him away in keeper formats and deeper seasonal leagues until he proves worth using in Fantasy play. |
|
Versteeg lights lamp again Thursday
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Kris Versteeg, RW CHI |
|
| News: Blackhawks LW Kris Versteeg scored in a second game Thursday as Chicago fell to the Coyotes. |
Analysis: Versteeg got off to a great start this season before slumping in the second half of October. Maybe he's starting to heat up again, so think about using him in Fantasy Week 6 (Nov. 9-15). |
|
Brodziak scores twice in Thursday loss
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Kyle Brodziak, C MIN |
|
| News: Wild C Kyle Brodziak scored twice in Thursday's loss to the Canucks. |
Analysis: Brodziak has just five points on the season and barely has any Fantasy value in deeper formats. |
|
Raymond has three goals in four
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Mason Raymond, LW VAN |
|
| News: Canucks LW Mason Raymond scored for the third time in his last four games Thursday as Vancouver defeated the Wild. |
Analysis: Raymond is off to a great start this season with six goals. Maybe he's in for a breakout season, so grab him deeper formats now. |
|
H. Sedin scores in second straight
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Henrik Sedin, C VAN |
|
| News: Canucks C Henrik Sedin scored in a second straight game Thursday as Vancouver defeated the Wild. |
Analysis: Sedin has been a little inconsistent since his brother, Daniel, went down injured, but he's still a must-start Fantasy option in all formats with his point-per-game talent. |
|
Enstrom scores, assists in win
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Tobias Enstrom, D ATL |
|
| News: Thrashers D Tobias Enstrom scored and assisted in Thursday's loss to the Blue Jackets. |
Analysis: Enstrom has been putting a few more shots on goal lately, but this was the first time he'd hit the back of the net this season. He remains worth using in deeper leagues as a low-end starting Fantasy defenseman. |
|
Little getting things going finally?
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Bryan Little, C ATL |
|
| News: Thrashers C Bryan Little made it two straight games with a goal Thursday when he scored in a loss to the Blue Jackets. |
Analysis: Little didn't light the lamp in his first 10 games this season, but now he might be getting things going. He's going to have to really pick up the pace to get close to his 31 tallies from last season, so just use him in deeper leagues for now until he shows some more consistency. |
|
Kubina scores in second straight
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Pavel Kubina, D ATL |
|
| News: Thrashers D Pavel Kubina scored in a second straight game Thursday as Atlanta fell to Columbus. |
Analysis: Kubina hasn't lost his offensive touch since coming to Atlanta and remains a solid starting Fantasy defenseman in most formats. |
|
Torres has four goals in three games
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Raffi Torres, LW CLB |
|
| News: Blue Jackets LW Raffi Torres scored twice in Thursday's win over the Thrashers, giving him four goals in his last three games. |
Analysis: Torres is off to a great goal-scoring start this season with eight tallies, and maybe he's re-finding the offensive touch he showed early in his Edmonton career, when he had two 20-goal seasons. If he can stay healthy, Torres might be worth grabbing in deeper leagues at some point. |
|
Blackhawks recall LW Bickell
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Bryan Bickell, LW CHI |
|
| News: The Blackhawks have recalled LW Bryan Bickell from the AHL. |
Analysis: Bickell is merely organizational depth and can be ignored in Fantasy. |
|
Blake on IR, Joslin up
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Rob Blake, D SJ |
|
| News: The San Jose Sharks have placed D Rob Blake on injured reserve with an undisclosed upper body injury and recalled D Derek Joslin from the AHL. |
Analysis: Blake seems to be getting his offensive game on track before this injury, so hopefully this problem doesn't keep him out for an extended period of time. Blake is a high-end Fantasy option when healthy. Joslin is not worth worrying about in Fantasy play. |
|
Koivu has six points in last six
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Saku Koivu, C ANA |
|
| News: Ducks C Saku Koivu tallied two assists and finished at plus-1 during during Thursday's game against the Predators. Koivu has one goal and five assists in his last six games. |
Analysis: Koivu struggled out of the gate in his first year with Anaheim. He had just two points (one goal) in his first eight games. But he is finally settled into his new surroundings and starting to click on a line with fellow Fin Teemu Selanne. Koivu is not the player he once was in Montreal, but he still passes as a low-end Fantasy forward in larger formats. |
|
Getzlaf on seven-game tear
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Ryan Getzlaf, C ANA |
|
| News: Ducks C Ryan Getzlaf tallied two assists and finished at plus-1 during Thursday's game against the Predators. He has one goal and 10 assists during a seven-game point streak. Getzlaf has three multi-assist games in that span. |
Analysis: We were a little concerned about what shape Getzlaf would be in when the season began since he missed most of the preseason recovering from hernia surgery. He still has just one goal on the season, but his assist totals are climbing and he is back in All-Star form. Keep Getzlaf active in all Fantasy formats. |
|
Marchant records first 2009-10 goal
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Todd Marchant, C ANA |
|
| News: Ducks C Todd Marchant scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Thursday's game against the Predators. Marchant made it 3-0 when Petteri Nokelainen found him alone in the low slot 9:51 into the third. It was his first point of the season. |
Analysis: Marchant had some injury woes earlier this season, but it hasn't been a major problem why he hasn't produced offensively. Marchant hasn't had a lot of offensive success the last few seasons and is only sticking around the NHL because of his faceoff and penalty-killing skills. Marchant is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for faceoff and short-handed stats. |
|
Quick beats Penguins at home
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Jonathan Quick, G LA |
|
| News: Kings G Jonathan Quick was able to come away with a win on Thursday, beating the Penguins 5-2 at home. Quick made 21 saves in the contest and had a standout performance. Los Angeles outshot Pittsburgh for most of the night, but Quick made a handful of stunning saves on the Penguins' few chances. |
Analysis: Quick has already reached double digits in wins this season, having played in only 15 games. The Kings have been one of the surprise teams to open the season and has certainly gained the respect of more Fantasy owners. However, we still think of Quick as being just a No. 2 Fantasy option. The Kings TG is also a solid No. 2 Fantasy unit. |
|
Ryan has four goals in five games
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Bobby Ryan, RW ANA |
|
| News: Ducks RW Bobby Ryan scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Thursday's game against the Predators. Ryan capped the scoring with his fifth goal on a wrist shot 17:40 into the third. Ryan has four goals and three assists in his last five games. |
Analysis: Ryan had all of one goal and two points in his first nine games before his latest hot streak. This is the type of production Anaheim and Fantasy owners expect from the 2005 first-round pick. Ryan remains a high-end Fantasy forward. |
|
Selanne scores twice in win
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Teemu Selanne, RW ANA |
|
| News: Teemu Selanne scored two goals to overtake Hall of Famer Jean Beliveau on the career points list, in the Ducks' 4-0 victory over the short-handed Nashville Predators on Thursday. The Ducks capitalized four seconds after the first penalty expired, as Selanne got a pass in the slot from Ryan Getzlaf and beat Pekka Rinne at 15:32 of the first period. Anaheim then scored twice off turnovers in the Nashville zone during the third period with the teams skating 4-on-4. Koivu set up Selanne's eighth of the season and second of the game at 8:05. |
Analysis: Selanne increased his career point total to 1,221, breaking a tie with Beliveau for 38th place. Selanne has played in 1,146 regular-season games, 21 more than Beliveau. "He's a legend in Montreal, and it's a great honor to pass guys like him because you know you have done some good things in this league," Selanne said. "Things like this are just a bonus for myself. Obviously, I'm very lucky and thankful for how my career has gone." Selanne has four goals in his last six games and continues to be a top goal scorer for Anaheim. He does his best work on the power play, but Selanne still passes as a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy forward. |
|
Fleury beat by Kings five times
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Marc-Andre Fleury, G PIT |
|
| News: Pittsburgh G Marc-Andre Fleury had a forgettable performance on Thursday, losing to the Kings 5-2. He made 27 saves in the game and allowed five goals as his record dropped to 10-3-0 on the season. |
Analysis: This was Fleury's worst performance of the season as he has come back to earth slightly, having lost two of his last three starts against Western Conference foes. He is still one of the top goalie options in the league however and should remain active in all formats. The Penguins TG is also a high-end unit. |
|
Eller scores in NHL debut
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Lars Eller, C STL |
|
| News: Blues C Lars Eller scored his first career goal during Thursday's game against the Flames. St. Louis used a third-period, power-play goal by Eller to tie the game and a break a scoreless home-ice drought of more than eight periods. Eller, the 13th overall pick in the 2007 draft, was making his NHL debut. He deflected a shot from the point by defenseman Erik Johnson to tie it with 12:45 left in the third period. The goal snapped the Blues' scoreless string at 171 minutes, 5 seconds. St. Louis has lost six of seven games at home, scoring only eight goals there this season -- including one empty-netter. |
Analysis: Eller is the 12th St. Louis player to score in his debut. Eller was recalled on an emergency basis from Peoria of the AHL, so he could be back in the minors shortly. However, he has 11 points in his first 11 games in the minors and is transitioning to North American hockey with ease. If he keeps this up, St. Louis might be forced to keep him on the roster. Consider Eller a nice long-term Fantasy keeper. |
|
Phaneuf scores with a little luck
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Dion Phaneuf, D CGY |
|
| News: Dion Phaneuf scored 2:50 into overtime to give the Flames a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Thursday. Phaneuf whistled a shot off the shin guard of St. Louis winger T.J. Oshie and past goalie Chris Mason for his sixth goal. "It got tipped up high," Mason said. "He was shooting at the other side of the net and it went in the short side." Phaneuf said the goal was, "a classic example of traffic. Luckily, it went in." |
Analysis: Phaneuf had his first goal in five games on Thursday and he definitely made sure it counted. We have really been impressed with Phaneuf to start the 2009-10 season after he had his worst season as a pro in 2008-09. With a spot on the Canadian Olympic roster up for grabs, Phaneuf is playing with some added incentive. He remains a must-start Fantasy option. |
|
Goal extends Alfredsson's streak
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Daniel Alfredsson, RW OTT |
|
| News: Senators RW Daniel Alfredsson contributed a goal and finished at plus-1 during Thursday's game against the Lightning. Alfredsson drew Ottawa even at 1 in the first period as he beat Antero Niittymaki with a wrist shot at 5:02. He has four goals and nine assists during an eight-game point streak. |
Analysis: Alfredsson has failed to record a point in just one of 13 games this season. He has really picked up his game again since Cory Clouston came to town toward the end of last season. Alfredsson is churning his way back toward the 80-point barrier for the first time since the 2007-08 season. He remains a high-end Fantasy forward. |
|
Tanguay hitting stride in Tampa
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Alex Tanguay, LW TB |
|
| News: Lightning LW Alex Tanguay scored a power-play goal on Thursday against the Senators. Tanguay gave the Lightning a 1-0 lead 3:03 in with his second of the season. Tanguay has two goals and four assists in his last seven games. He had one point in his first seven games, an assist in the Lightning's 6-3 season-opening loss in Atlanta on Oct. 3. |
Analysis: Tangauy finally settled into an offensive groove once coach Rick Tocchet moved him onto a scoring line with Steven Stamkos and Ryan Malone. Tampa Bay was over the moon when they signed Tanguay in the offseason and he is starting to finally pay dividends. Still, he is more of a No. 5 or No. 6 Fantasy forward until he can sustain this pace. |
|
Downie sticks up for teammate
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Steve Downie, RW TB |
|
| News: Rookie Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman left Thursday's game against the Senators in the second period and did not return after he was leveled by Ottawa's Chris Neil on a hit along the boards behind Tampa Bay's net. "I saw it kind of quickly on the board," Vincent Lecavalier said. "A couple of guys said it was dirty but I don't want to comment on it. I didn't see it clearly." Steve Downie was assessed an instigating minor, a major and a misconduct at 14:12 when he came to his teammate's defense and fought Neil, who wasn't surprised by Downie's reaction. "You don't like to see your teammates get hit like that but it's a clean hit, sometimes you can't do much about it," Neil said. |
Analysis: Downie, who had his third assist in seven games on Thursday, now has 40 penalty minutes on the season. Once a promising offensive prospect, Downie appears destined for a role as a checking-line forward. He has very low-end Fantasy appeal in standard leagues and is also a flier in Fantasy formats that reward heavily for PIM. |
|
Z. Michalek has lower-body injury
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Zbynek Michalek, D PHO |
|
| News: Zbynek Michalek, who sustained a lower-body injury in the Coyotes' 4-1 loss to Colorado on Wednesday, is listed as "week to week." He has been placed on injured reserve. |
Analysis: Michalek has five points so far this season with a goal and four assists. He is a very good defender and will likely never be mistaken for a top offensive player. Michalek remains just a low-end Fantasy option and flier in leagues that reward heavily for defensive stats when healthy. He should not be active in any format for Week 6 (Nov. 9-15). |
|
Zetterberg scores in regulation, SH
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Henrik Zetterberg, LW DET |
|
| News: Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg scored in the shootout to lift Detroit to a 2-1 win over San Jose, snapping the Sharks' six-game winning streak. Zetterberg also had a goal in regulation. Even though Detroit trailed 1-0 late in the second period and early in the third, captain Nicklas Lidstrom said the Red Wings remained calm. They were rewarded when Zetterberg tied it 1-1 at 5:38 of the third period. He poked a puck in from under Evgeni Nabokov's pad for his fourth goal and third in four games. |
Analysis: While the goal scoring has just started for Zetterberg, he does have 13 points in 14 games. The Red Wings need their Swedish superstar more than ever after losing key free agents and a few top players to injury. Zetterberg is a great two-way forward and solid Fantasy option. |
|
Couture records first NHL goal
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Logan Couture, C SJ |
|
| News: Logan Couture scored his first NHL goal for San Jose during a 2-1 shootout loss to the Red Wings on Thursday. Couture opened the scoring with 5:19 left in the second period when he beat Chris Osgood with a wrist shot from the right circle. He has two points in six games this season. |
Analysis: Couture was just recalled from the minors after getting sent down because San Jose thought they were getting back some injured forwards. Couture is likely back to the AHL shortly, so view him more as a long-term Fantasy keeper. |
|
Bergeron helps B's avoid shutout
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Patrice Bergeron, C BOS |
|
| News: For the Boston Bruins, a shootout loss was an improvement over a shutout loss. Patrice Bergeron's goal with 52 seconds left in regulation helped the Bruins avoid a historic third straight shutout, but Michael Cammalleri scored in the shootout to give the Montreal Canadiens a 2-1 victory over Boston on Thursday night. Boston had not scored in 192 minutes, 6 seconds, dating to Vladimir Sobotka's goal at 7:02 of the third period against Edmonton on Saturday. The Bruins had not been shut out in three straight games since Eddie Shore and the 1928-29 squad -- which went on to earn Boston's first Stanley Cup title -- scored just once over five games from Feb. 2-14, 1929. The Bruins were less than a minute away from matching the ignominious feat when Bergeron, with goalie Tim Thomas pulled for an extra attacker, stuffed the rebound of Zdeno Chara's shot past Carey Price. "At least it's out of our heads now," Bergeron said. "It's one step forward to get that goal and get that point. But one point is not good enough." |
Analysis: Bergeron has five goals and nine points in his first 15 games. 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. |
|
Dorsett rocked hard by Hainsey
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Derek Dorsett, RW CLB |
|
| News: Columbus RW Derek Dorsett was helped off the ice about 5 minutes into the third period of Thursday's game against the Thrashers after he was knocked hard into the wall by Ron Hainsey. He is questionable for Friday against the Hurricanes. |
Analysis: Dorsett is not much of a points-earner with the Blue Jackets and is mostly used as an enforcer. See if he plays on Friday before making a decision on him for Fantasy Week 6 (Nov. 9-15). He is pretty much only useful in leagues that reward heavily for PIM. |
|
Metropolit has Habs' lone goal
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Glen Metropolit, C MON |
|
| News: Canadiens C Glen Metropolit tallied his team's only goal during a 2-1 shootout win on Thursday against the Bruins. Metropolit put Montreal up 1-0 after he beat Tim Thomas with a wrap shot at 17:32 of the first. Metropolit has two goals and three assists in his last six games. |
Analysis: Metropolit has nine points in his first 10 games this season and is having one of the better offensive outbursts of his career. Still, we aren't sure Fantasy owners should buy the farm on a guy that has never managed more than 33 points in a season. Metropolit has low-end Fantasy appeal. |
|
Rinne has first loss in five outings
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Pekka Rinne, G NSH |
|
| News: Predators G Pekka Rinne stopped 27 shots during a 4-0 loss against the Ducks on Thursday. Rinne allowed one goal in the first two periods before Anaheim broke the game open with three scores in the third. Rinne suffered his first loss in five outings. |
Analysis: Despite the setback on Thursday, Rinne is starting to round into form and look like the goalie that stood on his head in the second half of the 2008-09 season. Unfortunately, we still don't know how much distance he has put between himself and Dan Ellis. Consider Rinne a low-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Predators TG is a No. 2 option. |
|
Khabibulin makes 35 saves in loss
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Nikolai Khabibulin, G EDM |
|
| News: Edmonton G Nikolai Khabibulin made 35 saves in a 4-2 loss to the Rangers. He allowed four goals in the game as his record dropped to 6-7-1 on the season. Three of the goals scored against Khabibulin in the game came on a Rangers power play. |
Analysis: The Oilers are not off to the best of starts this season and neither is Khabibulin who currently owns a losing record. He has lost each of his last three starts and five of his last six, which is a disturbing trend for Fantasy owners. His Fantasy stock has slipped a bit, but he remains a No. 2 Fantasy option. The same goes for the Oilers TG. |
|
Hiller makes 40 saves in shutout
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Jonas Hiller, G ANA |
|
| News: Jonas Hiller made 40 saves to earn his fifth NHL shutout, Teemu Selanne scored two goals to overtake Hall of Famer Jean Beliveau on the career points list, and the Anaheim Ducks beat the short-handed Nashville Predators 4-0 on Thursday. The shutout was the first for the Ducks since Jan. 17, when Hiller won at Minnesota. He was making his fourth consecutive start since Jean-Sebastien Giguere re-aggravated a groin injury in a loss to Columbus. The Predators were blanked for the fourth time this season after winning three in a row. |
Analysis: Even though Hiller has been in net on most nights for Anaheim, he hasn't been as good as when he was nearly unstoppable down the stretch in 2008-09. We miss that Hiller. He did show that potential on Thursday, so we can only hope it is the beginning of a hot streak. Consider Hiller a low-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie until further notice. The Ducks TG is a No. 2 option until the wins start rolling in. |
|
Valiquette picks up second win
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Steve Valiquette, G NYR |
|
| News: Rangers G Steve Valiquette won his second game on Thursday, beating the Oilers 4-2. Valiquette allowed only two goals in the contest and made 26 saves. His record improved to 2-1-0 on the season with the performance. He got the start because Hendrik Lundqvist was out with a stiff right thigh. |
Analysis: Valiquette had not made an appearance in a game since Oct. 19, which is a pretty long time for most goalies to go between starts. He performed well however, facing 28 shots this season, a season high. He is just a handcuff for Henri 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 with a healthy Lundqvist. |
|
Comrie back from the flu, scores
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Mike Comrie, C EDM |
|
| News: Edmonton C Mike Comrie was able to return to action on Thursday against the Rangers after sitting out with the flu. He was able to score a goal in his return, cutting the Rangers lead to 4-2 in the third period with a wrist shot. |
Analysis: Comrie now has four goals on the season and seven total points. He got off to a hot start but had cooled off leading into Thursday's game. Hopefully getting over the flu and scoring this goal will spark another run. However, he remains just a low-end Fantasy option when healthy. |
|
Staios back from the IR
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Steve Staios, D EDM |
|
| News: Edmonton D Steve Staios was able to return on Thursday at Edmonton after sitting out with a concussion and going on the IR. He took three shots on goal in his return but did not record a point. |
Analysis: Staios is yet to record a point this season and has been dealing with post-concussion issues. Even if he does manage to stay healthy, he is hardly worth using in most Fantasy formats. |
|
Tootoo finally comes off IR
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Jordin Tootoo, RW NSH |
|
| News: Predators RW Jordin Tootoo made his season debut on Thursday against the Ducks after missing the first month of the season with a groin injury. Tootoo managed no points in 11:01 of ice time and finished at even. He spent two minutes in the penalty box and took four shots. |
Analysis: Nashville is more than glad to have a checking-line presence like Tootoo back in the fold. While he will contribute some offense at times, Tootoo is primarily on the ice for his defense. He is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM. |
|
Brashear not back at Edmonton
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Donald Brashear, LW NYR |
|
| News: Rangers enforcer Donald Brashear sat out another game on Thursday night in a win over Edmonton. He remains out with a lingering arm injury but is considered day to day. |
Analysis: Brashear is holding down his job as Rangers' enforcer when healthy, but that has been an issue. He has missed a lot of time with general soreness and we have to wonder how long this will linger. Brashear is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM. |
|
Erat shooting to play Saturday
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Martin Erat, RW NSH |
|
| News: Predators RW Martin Erat was held out again on Thursday against the Ducks because of a lower-body injury. He has missed the last three games and remains day to day. |
Analysis: Erat is out the the Preds on their road trip and is hoping to play by Saturday against the Kings. Erat has had some offensive troubles to begin the season and remains more of a low-end Fantasy option when healthy. |
|
Lisin back from foot injury
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Enver Lisin, RW NYR |
|
| News: Rangers RW Enver Lisin returned to action on Thursday in a 4-2 win over the Oilers. Lisin, who had been battling a foot injury, did not record a point in the game but did rack up two penalty minutes. |
Analysis: Lisin has eight points so far this season and features on the power play a bit. His value lies in only deeper formats as a bench flier. |
|
Mason drops close game in overtime
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Chris Mason, G STL |
|
| News: Dion Phaneuf's goal 2:50 into overtime past Chris Mason gave the Calgary Flames a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Thursday. Phaneuf fired a shot past Mason, who made 27 straight saves after giving up an early goal to Jarome Iginla. Iginla put Calgary up 1-0 early in the first period with his team-high seventh goal, scoring on an unassisted breakaway. Mason got a piece of the puck but it trickled across the goal line. Mason made 29 saves in the overtime loss. |
Analysis: St. Louis has really had a tough start to the season after a nice run in the second half in 2008-09. While Mason isn't play awful in net, he just isn't getting enough offensive support to rack up the wins. Mason remains a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Blues TG is also a No. 2 option. |
|
Bryzgalov picks up ninth win
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Ilya Bryzgalov, G PHO |
|
| News: Phonix G Ilya Bryzgalov had a strong performance on Thursday against the Blackhawks and came away with a 3-1 victory. Bryzgalov allowed just the one shorthanded goal to Kris Versteeg after the team had built a 3-0 lead in the second period. His record improved to 9-4-0 with the win. |
Analysis: Bryzgalov has been one of the biggest surprises of the young season, winning more than twice as much as he has lost. He has managed to keep his GAA below 2.00 and is making the Coyotes a team to be reckoned with. He should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy option considering his hot start to the year. The same goes for the Coyotes TG. |
|
Huet allows three goals in loss
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Cristobal Huet, G CHI |
|
| News: Blackhawks G Cristobal Huet took a 3-1 loss to the Coyotes on Thursday. He faced 23 shots in the game, allowing three of them in and making 20 saves. His record on the season dropped to 5-4-1 with the regulation loss. |
Analysis: Huet had won three of his last four starts heading into Thursday against the Coyotes. He is off to a decent start with Chicago after he struggled in the first few games of the season. Huet should still be considered a No. 2 Fantasy option. The Blackhawks TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy unit. |
|
Kiprusoff picks up overtime win
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Miikka Kiprusoff, G CGY |
|
| News: Flames G Miikka Kiprusoff made 30 saves during a 2-1 overtime win against the Blues on Thursday. Kiprusoff had a shutout before Lars Eller scored his first career goal 7:15 into the third. Eller, the No. 13 pick in the 2007 draft, deflected in a shot from the point by defenseman Erik Johnson. The third-period, power-play goal snapped the Blues' home-ice scoring drought of 171 minutes, 5 seconds. St. Louis had failed on 26 straight power-play opportunities. Kiprusoff then put an end to a personal two-game losing skid when Dion Phaneuf scored 2:50 into overtime. |
Analysis: The Flames gave Kipper the night off on Wednesday and it definitely seemed as though the extra rest helped. Kiprusoff was very sharp in ending his losing skid and winning for the eighth time. Kipper still has a high GAA and shaky save percentage, but he is a winner and starts most nights. Continue to view him as a No. 1 Fantasy goalie. |
|
McDonald held out Thursday
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Andy McDonald, C STL |
|
| News: Blues C Andy McDonald missed Thursday's game against the Flames because of an upper-body injury. He is questionable for Saturday's game against the Flyers. |
Analysis: McDonald has been back on the ice for the Blues since crashing head first into the boards during Saturday's game, but his status is still a bit uncertain. McDonald remains day to day until further notice. McDonald is off to a slow start in 2009-10, but he can be a viable Fantasy forward when healthy. |
|
Colaiacovo not back Thursday
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Carlo Colaiacovo, D STL |
|
| News: Blues D Carlo Colaiacovo (flu) did not return to the ice for Thursday's game against the Flames. He has missed four games and is day to day. |
Analysis: Colaiacovo has returned to practice, but it seems as though he might need a few more days to recover and get back into game shape. Colaiacovo is a good passer from the blue line, but he is still more of a low-end Fantasy option when healthy. |
|
Oshie back after missing four games
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| T.J. Oshie, C STL |
|
| News: Blues C T.J. Oshie played for the first time on Thursday against the Flames since undergoing an appendectomy on Oct. 24. He missed four games. Oshie had no points and a minus-1 rating in 19:16 of ice time. He also spent two minutes in the penalty box. |
Analysis: It's finally nice to see Oshie back on the ice and healthy. Unfortunately, his slow start to the season has frustrated Fantasy owners. Oshie was so good down the stretch in 2008-09 for the Blues and that helped put him on the radar for Fantasy Draft Day 2009. He has just failed to live up to expectations. Keep Oshie reserved in Fantasy until his breakout run. |
|
Johnson picks up assist in return
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Ryan Johnson, C VAN |
|
| News: Vancouver C Ryan Johnson returned Thursday against the Wild and was credited with an assist in the game. He had been out with a neck injury. |
Analysis: Johnson is primarily a penalty killer and fourth-line center for the Canucks when healthy. His main Fantasy value lies in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed and faceoff stats. |
|
Backstrom pulled for first time
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Josh Harding, G MIN |
|
| News: Minnesota G Niklas Backstrom gave up four goals on 17 shots in a 5-2 loss to the Canucks and was pulled by new Wild coach Todd Richards for the first time. "All you have to do is look at the standings and see there's got to be desperation and urgency with every game we play," said Richards, whose Wild are in last place in the Northwest Division. "We were behind 2-0 and then we decided to play." Josh Harding came on in Backstrom's place, returning from a lower body injury. He made four saves. |
Analysis: Backstrom had won two straight starts leading into Thursday, but came up with a poor performance. He has not been able to pick up wins at a consistent rate again this season as the Minnesota offense continues to struggle. He should be considered a talented low-end No. 1 Fantasy option at this point. The Wild TG goes as Backstrom does. |
|
Thomas winless in four games
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Tim Thomas, G BOS |
|
| News: Bruins G Tim Thomas made 25 saves during a 2-1 shootout loss against the Canadiens on Thursday. Thomas allowed just a goal to Glen Metropolit 17:32 into the first period before shutting out Montreal the rest of the way. He made 20 saves over the final two periods and overtime before allowing Mike Cammalleri to score the only shootout goal. |
Analysis: Thomas dropped to 0-3-1 in his last four starts. It's a real shame too since he hasn't allowed more than two goals in any of those starts. Last season, Thomas would have been on a four-game winning streak, but this Boston team is struggling on offense. Thomas is more of a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie until the wins start rolling in. The Bruins TG remains a No. 2 option. |
|
Belanger leaves with upper body injury
|
Updated 11/6/2009 |
| Eric Belanger, C MIN |
|
| News: Minnesota C Eric Belanger returned from a facial injury on Thursday against Vancouver but ended up leaving the game with an upper body injury. Belanger left the team's previous game after taking a high-stick to the face. He is considered questionable for Saturday against the Stars. |
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 when healthy, but see if he plays on Saturday before making a decision on him for Week 6 (Nov. 9=15). |
|
Price has first win in a month
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Carey Price, G MON |
|
| News: Canadiens G Carey Price stopped 42 Boston shots for his first win in more than a month during a 2-1 shootout victory on Thursday, but he failed to earn his first shutout in more than a year. Boston had not scored in 192 minutes, 6 seconds, dating to Vladimir Sobotka's goal at 7:02 of the third period against Edmonton on Saturday. The Bruins had not been shut out in three straight games since Eddie Shore and the 1928-29 squad -- which went on to earn Boston's first Stanley Cup title -- scored just once over five games from Feb. 2-14, 1929. The Bruins were less than a minute away from matching the ignominious feat when Bergeron, with goalie Tim Thomas pulled for an extra attacker, stuffed the rebound of Zdeno Chara's shot past Price. "I hadn't won in six games, and that was not the time to get upset," Price said. "I had to refocus in a hurry because if I let it slip, then I lose another game." |
Analysis: Not only did Price get the win on Thursday, but he might have had his finest performance of the season. He finally looked like a franchise goalie and Montreal can only hope he builds on this win. Price has the ability to be a very friendly Fantasy option, but view him as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie until he gets back on track. The Canadiens TG is also a No. 2 option. |
|
Raycroft picks up third straight win
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Andrew Raycroft, G VAN |
|
| News: Vancouver G Andrew Raycroft won his third straight start on Thursday against the Wild, beating Minnesota 5-2. He made 28 saves in the game, allowing two goals. He has allowed only three goals during his three-game winning streak, making 68 saves in the process as well. |
Analysis: Raycroft continues to get starts for Vancouver with Roberto Luongo out with a rib injury and he keeps on putting together solid performances. Luongo will likely be back at some point in Week 6 (Nov. 9-15) however, making Raycroft not likely someone worth starting in the upcoming scoring period. When Luongo is healthy, Raycroft is just a No. 3 Fantasy option. The Canucks TG is also a No. 2 Fantasy option without Luongo between the pipes. |
|
Gill ends up on injured reserve
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Hal Gill, D MON |
|
| News: Canadiens D Hal Gill has been placed on injured reserve with a foot injury suffered during Monday's practice. He missed a second game on Thursday against the Bruins. |
Analysis: Gill has one goal in 14 games with the Canadiens. We aren't shocked by his low offensive output since he has never been a dynamic offensive player. Gill is pretty much on the ice for his defensive prowess and penalty-killing skills. Consider Gill a very low-end Fantasy defenseman in standard formats. He is also worth a look in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats and plus-minus rating. |
|
Leclaire moves to 2-0 vs. TB
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Pascal Leclaire, G OTT |
|
| News: Senators G Pascal Leclaire made 18 saves during a 3-2 overtime win on Thursday against the Lightning. Leclaire held a 2-1 lead in the second period before Steven Stamkos tied the game on a power play. Leclaire allowed two power-play scores as he moved to 2-0-0 on the season against Tampa Bay. |
Analysis: Leclaire is 5-3-1 on the season and has pretty much been playing like a .500 goalie. He has been all over the place with his starts and just can't be trusted as anything more than a No. 2 Fantasy goalie. The Senators TG is also a No. 2 option. |
|
Niittymaki drops game in OT
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Antero Niittymaki, G TB |
|
| News: Jason Spezza scored a power-play goal 4:17 into overtime past Antero Niittymaki to give the Ottawa Senators a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night. Spezza, sidelined the previous two games because of back pain, drove a slap shot past Niittymaki after Tampa Bay's Mattias Ohlund was sent off for holding 3 minutes into overtime. Niittymaki stopped 26 shots in his second start in a row. |
Analysis: Niittymaki jumped back into net on Thursday after his 40-save win on Tuesday against the Maple Leafs. Tampa Bay hasn't been afraid to play Niittymaki in 2009-10 and that's not good news for Mike Smith, who has been all over the place with his starts. Niittymaki is more of a flier in leagues that use average points per game, but might be worth holding onto in larger formats as a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy option as well. The Lightning TG is a low-end option. |
|
Pavelec unimpressive in loss
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Ondrej Pavelec, G ATL |
|
| News: Atlanta G Ondrej Pavelec was beat four times on Thursday in a 4-3 loss to the Blue Jackets, facing only 21 shots in the game. His record dropped to 5-4-1 on the season with the performance. The loss came on the heels of back-to-back wins. |
Analysis: Pavelec has filled in well as the team's go-to starter to open the season with Kari Lehtonen still riding the pine. He has a winning record and GAA below 3.00, which is more than we expected out of him to open the year. He remains a No. 2 Fantasy option. The same goes for the Thrashers TG. |
|
Garon picks up second win
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Mathieu Garon, G CLB |
|
| News: Columbus G Mathieu Garon picked up his second win of the season on Thursday, beating the Thrashers 4-3. He made 32 saves in the game, allowing three goals as his record improved to 2-1-0 on the season. |
Analysis: Garon has three decisions to his credit this season and five total appearances. Steve Mason should continue to get the bulk of the starts for Columbus this season, making Gardon pretty much just a handcuff for Mason and a flier in leagues that use weekly averages. The Blue Jackets TG is a high-end option. |
|
Osgood reels off another win
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Chris Osgood, G DET |
|
| News: Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg scored in the shootout, and Chris Osgood made 33 saves to lift the Detroit Red Wings to a 2-1 win over San Jose on Thursday, snapping the Sharks' six-game winning streak. Osgood allowed just a second-period goal to Logan Couture before making 13 saves in a scoreless third period and three more in overtime. He also stopped both skaters he faced in the shootout. |
Analysis: Osgood has reeled off a three-game winning streak and has allowed just two goals in that span. This is vintage Osgood and what Fantasy owners expect from the veteran netminder. We just hope he doesn't fall off the wagon. Continue to treat Osgood as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy goalie. The Red Wings TG is also a No. 1 option. |
|
Hainsey picks up an assist
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Ron Hainsey, D ATL |
|
| News: Atlanta D Ron Hainsey was active on Thursday against the Blue Jackets as expected. He had been dealing with a lower-body injury. Hainsey had an assist in the game, helping out on a Pavel Kubina goal in the third period. |
Analysis: Hainsey only has four points in 10 games this season and will have to pick up the pace if he's going to get close to the 39 points he put up last season. He remains just a low-end starting Fantasy defenseman in deeper formats. |
|
Nabokov has win streak snapped
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Evgeni Nabokov, G SJ |
|
| News: Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg scored in the shootout past Evgeni Nabokov to lift the Detroit Red Wings to a 2-1 win over San Jose on Thursday, snapping the Sharks' six-game winning streak. Nabokov held Detroit off the scoreboard until Henrik Zetterberg tied the game 5:38 into the third period. He made 35 saves in the loss. |
Analysis: Nabokov had a five-game win streak snapped on Thursday and suffered his second loss in just nine outings. We were surprised to see Nabokov in net on Thursday after beating Columbus in a shootout on Wednesday, but coach Todd McLellan chose to stick with the hot hand. It wasn't a bad call since Nabokov has allowed two or fewer goals in five straight appearances. Continue to treat Nabokov and the Sharks TG as must-start Fantasy options. |
|
Brassard back against the Thrashers
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Derick Brassard, C CLB |
|
| News: Columbus C Derick Brassard returned to action on Thursday against the Thrashers after missing one game because of a hand injury. Brassard finished the game with both a goal and an assist. |
Analysis: Gripping the stick was an issue for Brassard initially but he felt good enough to score a goal and add an assist on Thursday against Atlanta. Brassard now has 10 points on the season with three goals and seven assists. He has loads of Fantasy potential but remains just a low-end option until he is able to break out. |
|
Rafalski only misses one game
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Brian Rafalski, D DET |
|
| News: Red Wings D Brian Rafalski returned to the lineup on Thursday against the Sharks after missing one game with the flu. He had no points and a plus-1 rating in 26:09 of ice time. |
Analysis: Rafalski has definitely been mired in a funk with no goals and one assist in his last seven games. However, it has little to do with the flu. Detroit is missing some of their big scorers and that is hurting the blueliners chances of picking up assists. Detroit will eventually iron out their issues, so continue to start Rafalski in all Fantasy formats. |
|
Huselius out again, placed on IR
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Kristian Huselius, LW CLB |
|
| News: Blue Jackets LW Kristian Huselius was scratched from Thursday's game against the Thrashers because of an upper-body injury. He has missed the last two games and was placed on injured reserve retroactive to Nov. 3. |
Analysis: Huselius has just one goal and no assists in his last five games. Perhaps the upper-body injury has been the culprit for his slump after a good start to the season. Huselius is more of a 20-goal than 30-goal threat, but he can definitely put up points in bunches. Consider him a No. 5 or No. 6 Fantasy forward when healthy. |
|
Ericsson overcomes the flu
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Jonathan Ericsson, D DET |
|
| News: Red Wings D Jonathan Ericsson returned to the lineup on Thursday against the Sharks after missing two games with the flu. He failed to record a point and finished at minus-1 in 16:34 of ice time. He also spent two minutes in the penalty box. |
Analysis: Ericsson has held his own on the Red Wings' blue line despite the presence of Nicklas Lidstrom, Niklas Kronwall and Brian Rafalski. He has eight points (three goals) in 12 games and has done that without any power-play time. Consider Ericsson a prospect climbing the Fantasy rankings. |
|
Commodore out again with charley horse
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Mike Commodore, D CLB |
|
| News: Blue Jackets D Mike Commodore was out Thursday against the Thrashers because of a charley horse. He is day to day. |
Analysis: Commodore has played just five games this season due to injuries, but he does have three assists and a plus-4 rating. He can be an effective two-way player when healthy, but Commodore 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. |
|
Blunden out again vs. Thrashers
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Michael Blunden, RW CLB |
|
| News: Blue Jackets RW Michael Blunden was injured early in the first period Wednesday against the Sharks and didn't come back. He was held out of the team's game at Atlanta on Wednesday and is considered questionable for Saturday against Carolina. |
Analysis: Blunden has no points in seven 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. |
|
Vesce misses entire road trip
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Ryan Vesce, RW SJ |
|
| News: Sharks RW Ryan Vesce (leg) did not return to the lineup on Thursday against the Red Wings. He has missed six games and has been placed on injured reserve. |
Analysis: Vesce has had a difficult time overcoming this "minor" leg injury. Although, San Jose has done well without Vesce, so that has allowed San Jose to be patient with his recovery. Vesce has gotten off to a fast start this season, but he is still a low-end Fantasy flier until further notice. |
|
Setoguchi sits for a sixth game
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Devin Setoguchi, RW SJ |
|
| News: Sharks RW Devin Setoguchi (leg) did not return to the lineup on Thursday against the Red Wings. He has missed the last six games and remains day to day. |
Analysis: Setoguchi has been very slow to recover from what has been deemed as a minor injury. At this point, we aren't sure when rising forward will be back on the ice. The Sharks are headed home for a three-game slate, so that could be a positive for Setoguchi. When healthy, Setoguchi is one of the Sharks' top scorers and a viable Fantasy option. |
|
Krejci told to stay away from team
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| David Krejci, C BOS |
|
| News: Boston Bruins center David Krejci will stay away from the team for the next 3-5 days while he is quarantined with the swine flu. General manager Peter Chiarelli said Thursday that the team's medical staff confirmed a diagnosis of the H1N1 virus that will keep the 23-year-old forward at home. The Bruins have told the rest of their players to continue to take precautions to avoid infection, including washing their hands frequently and using the hand sanitizers that have been installed throughout their facilities. "We told them ... to get to us early if they have any symptoms," Chiarelli said before Boston's game against the Montreal Canadiens. |
Analysis: Krejci, Boston's second leading scorer last season, will be kept away from the team until he has had no symptoms or fever for 24 hours. After scoring 22 goals with 51 assists last season, Krejci received a three-year contract worth more than $11 million a few days before having hip surgery in June. In 14 games this season, he has one goal and four assists. The team said Krejci started to feel sick after Tuesday's 2-0 loss to the Red Wings in Detroit. Krejci can be a viable Fantasy option when healthy, but should be taken down a peg in Fantasy until he gets on a roll. Check his status leading up to Week 6 (Nov. 9-15). |
|
Rask signs extension with Boston
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Tuukka Rask, G BOS |
|
| News: The Boston Bruins have signed backup goalie Tuukka Rask to a two-year contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2011-12 season. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed on Thursday. |
Analysis: The 22-year-old Finn has appeared in nine NHL games with a 5-2-2 record and 2.43 goals-against average as Tim Thomas' backup. Rask shut out the Edmonton Oilers 2-0 in his last start on Saturday. Rask spent most of the last two seasons with Providence of the AHL, posting a 60-33-6 record and five shutouts in 102 appearances. Rask might be the future in net for Boston, but Thomas is signed for the next four seasons, so a lot of things need to fall into place before Rask takes on a starring role. View him as a No. 3 Fantasy goalie and flier in leagues that use average points per game. |
|
Canes bring up Boychuk from AHL
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Zach Boychuk, C CAR |
|
| News: The Hurricanes have called up C Zach Boychuk from the AHL. |
Analysis: Boychuk, the 14th overall pick in 2008, has nine points in 12 games in the AHL this season and is a solid prospect. He remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper for now, but owners in deeper leagues should watch his minutes over the first few games as the Hurricanes have lost 10 games in a row and could be desperate for any kind of spark. |
|
Lehtonen under knife, out 6-8 weeks
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Kari Lehtonen, G ATL |
|
| News: Thrashers G Kari Lehtonen is expected to miss six to eight weeks after undergoing a second round of back surgery. Lehtonen has not played this season after having an initial surgery July 20 to repair a herniated disc. |
Analysis: There hadn't been many updates on Lehtonen recently, and now we know why. At least we now have a return date, as he was previously out indefinitely. Lehtonen's Fantasy value is slipping with every game he misses, and with the emergence of Ondrej Pavelec he might not get his starting job back when he does return to action. Only stash Lehtonen away in super-deep formats. |
|
Hejduk gets back on track Wednesday
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Milan Hejduk, RW COL |
|
| News: Avalanche RW Milan Hejduk scored twice and also added an assist in Wednesday's win over the Coyotes. Hejduk had been held without a point in his previous three games. |
Analysis: Hejduk is off to a solid start this season with seven points, seven assists and a plus-7 rating in 16 games. Continue to use him as a quality starting Fantasy forward in all formats. |
|
Stastny claims helper hat trick
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Paul Stastny, C COL |
|
| News: Avalanche C Paul Stastny assisted three times in Wednesday's win over the Coyotes. |
Analysis: Despite only tallying one point in his previous three games, Stastny has 16 points in 16 games this season and remains a must-start option in all Fantasy formats. |
|
Weber (foot) out a week or two
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Shea Weber, D NSH |
|
| News: The Tennessean reports that Predators D Shea Weber will miss one to two weeks with a foot injury sustained Saturday when he blocked a shot. "It hurt pretty bad," Weber said. "I managed to finish the second and played a shift in the third. I just knew it wasn't good." |
Analysis: Well, this thing makes coach Barry Trotz look a little silly as he said his star blue-liner was going to be fine. So much for that. Be sure to bench Weber in all formats as he's a must-start No. 1 Fantasy option when healthy. Hopefully he makes it back for Fantasy Week 7 (Nov. 16-22). |
|
Eriksson scores sixth goal of the season
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Loui Eriksson, LW DAL |
|
| News: Stars LW Loui Eriksson scored his sixth goal of the season in Wednesday's loss to the Flames. |
Analysis: Eriksson was red-hot in mid-October, but had zero points in three games coming into Wednesday's contest. Continue to use the talented 24-year-old in the majority of formats. |
|
Skrastins up to five assists
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Karlis Skrastins, D DAL |
|
| News: Stars D Karlis Skrastins assisted twice in Wednesday's loss to the Flames. |
Analysis: Skrastins now has five assists on the season, which is a great start considering his career high is 18 points. Don't get too excited just yet, however, as Skrastins isn't likely to keep this pace up. Continue to ignore him in most formats. |
|
Langkow scores in back-to-back games
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Daymond Langkow, C CGY |
|
| News: Flames C Daymond Langkow scored in a second straight game Wednesday as Calgary defeated the Stars. |
Analysis: Langkow has a decent eight points in 13 games this season, but his minus-6 rating leaves a lot to be desired. Still, he's worth using in deeper leagues as a scoring-line center. |
|
Iginla has best game of season
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Jarome Iginla, RW CGY |
|
| News: Flames RW Jarome Iginla scored twice and added an assist in Wednesday's win over the Stars. It was his second three-point game of the season, but his first multi-goal performance. |
Analysis: Iginla had Olli Jokinen back on his line for this game, and the move clearly paid dividends. He also played with David Moss or Eric Nystrom on his wing instead of Curtis Glencross. You have to think the two highest-paid forward on the Flames might stick together for a while if this pace continues, but Iginla remains a must-start Fantasy option, no matter who he's on a line with. |
|
Horcoff out 7-10 days
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Shawn Horcoff, C EDM |
|
| News: Oilers C Shawn Horcoff will be out 7-10 days with a shoulder injury. |
Analysis: Horcoff is off to a slow start this season with just five points and a minus-6 rating in 15 games. Fantasy owners have probably been wanting to bench him for a couple of weeks, and now they have a legitimate reason. Horcoff is an option in deeper leagues when healthy, so just stash him away. |
|
Budaj wins in first 2009-10 start
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Peter Budaj, G COL |
|
| News: Milan Hejduk had two goals and an assist, and Peter Budaj -- recovered from swine flu -- stopped 28 shots in his first start of the season, leading the Colorado Avalanche to a 4-1 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes on Wednesday. Budaj was brilliant in goal, allowing only Ed Jovanovski's power-play goal midway through the third period. |
Analysis: The 27-year-old Budaj was scheduled to make his first start Oct. 23 against Carolina, but was scratched due to flu-like symptoms. It turned out to be swine flu, causing Budaj to miss four games. With Budaj back and healthy, Craig Anderson finally got a night off. Anderson made a franchise-record 15 straight starts to begin the season, breaking the mark that belonged to Mario Gosselin, who made nine straight starts to open the 1987-88 season. While Budaj was sharp on Wednesday, Colorado has found their starter in Anderson and will continue to start him on most nights. Budaj has minimal Fantasy appeal. The Avs TG is a high-end Fantasy option since Anderson is playing so well. |
|
McLeod activated off IR
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Cody McLeod, LW COL |
|
| News: Avalanche LW Cody McLeod came off injured reserve on Wednesday to play against the Coyotes. He missed six games with an eye injury. McLeod had no points and a plus-1 rating in 17:10 of ice time. |
Analysis: McLeod has five points (three goals) in 10 games this season. He has really developed as a scoring presence off the checking line, but McLeod still remains more of a low-end Fantasy forward and flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM. |
|
Tucker starting to skate again
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Darcy Tucker, RW COL |
|
| News: Avalanche F Darcy Tucker has started skating again and is listed as day-to-day. He has been out since he sustained a concussion on a check from Carolina's Tuomo Ruutu on Oct. 23. "His head feels fine after a couple of days of workouts," Colorado coach Joe Sacco said. "I'm happy that his progress is probably farther ahead than I had anticipated. It will be nice to get him back." |
Analysis: Tucker was off to a real nice start before the unfortunate hit. We aren't sure what type of condition he will be in when he does return, so continue to treat Tucker as a low-end Fantasy option when healthy. |
|
McElhinney picks up first win
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Curtis McElhinney, G CGY |
|
| News: Flames G Curtis McElhinney, the backup to Miikka Kiprusoff, made 38 saves during Wednesday's 3-2 overtime win against the Stars and stopped a second-period penalty shot in his second start of the season and 21st NHL game. McElhinney held a 1-0 lead before Dallas scored two even-strength, third-period goals. Calgary then scored with 49 seconds left in regulation to tie the game and won it on a power play 1:25 into overtime. It was McElhinney's first win of the season. |
Analysis: McElhinney hopped into net on Wednesday since Miikka Kiprusoff was a bit under the weather. McElhinney had one of his best NHL performances and came up with a big win. Unfortunately, he still won't see a lot of PT as long as Kipper is healthy. McElhinney has marginal Fantasy appeal despite the win. The Flames TG is a high-end option because of Kiprusoff. |
|
Modano back after 13-game absence
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Mike Modano, C DAL |
|
| News: The Stars had forwards Mike Modano and Jere Lehtinen back in the lineup on Wednesday against the Flames after each missed extensive time with injuries. Modano, the career scoring leader among U.S.-born players, sat out 13 games because of a rib injury, and Lehtinen was out for nine games with abdominal soreness. Modano had no points in 14:28 of ice time. |
Analysis: Modano is one of those players that keeps holding on despite the fact his heyday is behind him. He will have some scoring spurts and be a great veteran presence for Dallas, but Modano is more of a low-end Fantasy forward. |
|
Lehtinen recovers from abdominal injury
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Jere Lehtinen, RW DAL |
|
| News: The Stars had forwards Mike Modano and Jere Lehtinen back in the lineup on Wednesday against the Flames after each missed extensive time with injuries. Modano, the career scoring leader among U.S.-born players, sat out 13 games because of a rib injury, and Lehtinen was out for nine games with abdominal soreness. Lehtinen had no points and a minus-1 rating in 12:38 of ice time. |
Analysis: Lehtinen has proven to be a good offensive player through the years, but his biggest problem as of late has been his health. Consider him an injury-risk Fantasy flier until he gets on a roll and actually stays in the lineup. |
|
Stillman has another 1-and-1 night
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Cory Stillman, LW FLA |
|
| News: Panthers C Cory Stillman scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-1 during Wednesday's game against the Hurricanes. Stillman made it 2-0 at 13:46 when he tipped Bryan McCabe's slap shot from the point. It was his second straight 1-and-1 game. |
Analysis: Stillman didn't have a very good October with five points (one goal) in 12 games. However, his latest two-game streak gives us hope that Stillman might be ready to have his breakout run. Stillman might be old, but he is still a good offensive contributor. Consider him a low-end Fantasy forward. |
|
Allen has first goal since 2007-08
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Bryan Allen, D FLA |
|
| News: Panthers D Bryan Allen scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Wednesday's game against the Hurricanes. Allen scored an empty-net goal with 2:01 left for his first goal since the 2007-08 season. |
Analysis: Allen is starting to play back-to-back games after Florida was being cautious with the veteran defenseman, who was coming off major knee surgery. Allen hasn't been a great offensive player in his career and is more on the ice for his defense. He remains more of a viable Fantasy flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats. |
|
Reinprecht continues scoring outburst
|
Updated 11/5/2009 |
| Steve Reinprecht, C FLA |
|
| News: Panthers C Steve Reinprecht scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-1 during Wednesday's game against the Hurricanes. Reinprecht broke a scoreless tie at 5:09 of the third period. Reinprecht scored his ninth goal of the season when Cory Stillman's wrist shot bounced off his leg and through Cam Ward's pads. Reinprecht has nine goals in his last eight games. |
Analysis: We have never really seen this type of scoring outburst from Reinprecht, who has hit 20 goals just once in his first eight full seasons. He really seems at home with Florida and could be in for a career season. However, we also wouldn't be surprised if his play starts to level out. Reinprecht continues to gain Fantasy value with each goal. |
|
Taffe recalled from Rochester
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Jeff Taffe, C FLA |
|
| News: Florida recalled C Jeff Taffe from Rochester of the AHL on Wednesday. Unfortunately, he was a healthy scratch against Carolina. |
Analysis: Taffe has four goals and seven points in nine games in the AHL. He has proven himself in the minors, but he just hasn't gotten a fair shot in the NHL. Taffe is merely organizational depth and can be ignored in Fantasy. |
|
Gleason back from five-game absence
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Tim Gleason, D CAR |
|
| News: Hurricanes D Tim Gleason was back in the lineup on Wednesday against the Panthers after missing five games with an upper-body injury. He had no points and a minus-1 rating in 18:06 of ice time. He also spent four minutes in the penalty box. |
Analysis: Gleason has a few assists in his first nine games, but we aren't expecting a ton of offense from him. He will log a lot of PT, but primarily as a defensive stopper. Gleason is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats when healthy. |
|
Stralman has five assists in last seven
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Anton Stralman, D CLB |
|
| News: Blue Jackets D Anton Stralman tallied two assists and finished at plus-1 during Wednesday's game against the Sharks. He has five assists in his last seven games. |
Analysis: Stralman has six points in 12 games during his first year with the Blue Jackets. Stralman initially had issues getting regular minutes on the blue line, but now that he has been with the team for a month, Columbus is starting to play him regularly. The Blue Jackets wanted Stralman for his offense, so he could be a real sleeper in Fantasy, if he keeps this pace up. |
|
Chimera has six points in last seven
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Jason Chimera, LW CLB |
|
| News: Blue Jackets LW Jason Chimera scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Wednesday's game against the Sharks. Chimera tied it 1 in the first period, redirecting Fedor Tyutin's shot from the left point after a nice combination of down-low and across-the-point passes by Columbus. Chimera has two goals and four assists in his last seven games. |
Analysis: Chimera is up to eight points in 14 games and is showing the same offensive prowess he did last season before injuries started to catch up the veteran forward. Chimera will have nice offensive outbursts from time-to-time, but his play will eventually level out. Chimera has low-end Fantasy appeal. |
|
Heatley has another goal vs. Columbus
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Dany Heatley, LW SJ |
|
| News: Sharks RW Dany Heatley scored a power-play goal during Wednesday's game against the Blue Jackets. Heatley made it 2-1 at 4:17 of the second with his 10th of the season, scoring eight seconds into Fedor Tyutin's tripping penalty. Heatley, acquired in a trade with Ottawa at the beginning of the season, had three goals and an assist in the first meeting between the clubs this season, the Sharks' 6-3 win Oct. 8 in San Jose. |
Analysis: Heatley has had little trouble adjusting to life in San Jose. He has 18 points in 16 games and definitely has his career back on track after a down season by his standards in 2008-09. Continue to start Heatley in all Fantasy formats. |
|
Mason falls in shootout Wednesday
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Steve Mason, G CLB |
|
| News: San Jose defenseman Dan Boyle scored the lone goal in a shootout past Steve Mason, and Evgeni Nabokov stopped all three Columbus shooters to give the Sharks their sixth straight win, 3-2 victory over the Blue Jackets on Wednesday. In overtime, Mason gloved Patrick Marleau's shot alone in the slot, and Joe Thornton rung the puck off the crossbar with a minute left. Mason dropped to 2-2-2 in his last six outings. |
Analysis: The only good news to report from Wednesday's shootout loss is that Mason allowed less than three goals for the first time in seven outings. Mason has had some issues stopping the opposition in the first month of the season and Fantasy owners are definitely getting worried. Mason has plenty of time to right the ship, so view him a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy goalie until he gets back on track. The Blue Jackets TG is more of a No. 2 option. |
|
Hejda plays 23 minutes in return
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Jan Hejda, D CLB |
|
| News: Blue Jackets D Jan Hejda returned to the lineup on Wednesday against the Sharks after missing eight games with a knee injury. He had no points and a minus-1 rating in 23:55 of ice time. Hejda has one point in six games. |
Analysis: Hejda has the ability to contribute at both ends of the ice, but he does his best work on defense. He is a low-end Fantasy defenseman and potential flier in leagues that reward heavily for plus-minus rating. |
|
Tyutin has assist in two straight
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Fedor Tyutin, D CLB |
|
| News: Blue Jackets D Fedor Tyutin was in the lineup on Wednesday against the Sharks after injuring his hand on Saturday against the Capitals. He had one assist and a plus-1 rating in 23 minutes. Tyutin has an assist in two straight games and six on the season. |
Analysis: The X-rays on Tyutin's hand came back clean, so there was little doubt he wouldn't be in the lineup against the Sharks. Tyutin is off to a nice start and continues to do well in Ken Hitchcock's system. Consider him a nice No. 5 or No. 6 Fantasy defenseman. |
|
Zajac posts two assists vs. Caps
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Travis Zajac, C NJ |
|
| News: Devils C Travis Zajac tallied a pair of assists and finished at minus-1 during Wednesday's game against the Capitals. Zajac had no assists in his previous three games, but now has 13 points in 13 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. |
|
Rolston ends goal drought Wed.
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Brian Rolston, RW NJ |
|
| News: Devils RW Brian Rolston scored a goal during Wednesday's 3-2 win against the Capitals. Jamie Langenbrunner worked the puck free in the left corner, and eventually Rob Niedermayer gained control. He handed the puck off behind the net to Rolston, who came out the right side. His pass attempt clipped Washington defenseman Mike Green and caromed past Semyon Varlamov into the net. It was Rolston's third goal and first in eight games. |
Analysis: Rolston got off to a pretty good start this season before hitting a wall in mid-October. Rolston is back with his former coach -- Jacques Lemaire -- but he is playing on the wing and is no longer the 30-goal threat he was in Minnesota. Rolston has low-end Fantasy appeal. |
|
Bergfors plays the hero vs. Caps
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Niclas Bergfors, RW NJ |
|
| News: Niclas Bergfors scored two power-play goals 3:13 apart in the third period to break open a tie game and send the New Jersey Devils to a 3-2 victory over the Alex Ovechkin-less Washington Capitals on Wednesday. Just seconds after Alexander Semin's hooking penalty gave the Devils their third advantage of the game, Bergfors took a pass from Zach Parise in the right circle and whistled a rising shot over Semyon Varlamov's glove with 8:40 left to make it 2-1. Bergfors then deflected in Travis Zajac's long shot with 4:50 remaining to give the Devils a two-goal edge. |
Analysis: Bergfors has four goals and two assists in his last six games. The rookie forward is starting to hit his stride in the NHL and is definitely a player to watch in Fantasy. 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. |
|
Perreault does well in NHL debut
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Mathieu Perreault, C WAS |
|
| News: Capitals C Mathieu Perreault had quite a NHL debut on Wednesday against the Devils. He totaled two assists and a plus-2 rating in just 10:30 of ice time. |
Analysis: Perreault, the Capitals' sixth-round choice in the 2006 draft, was recalled from Hershey (AHL) on Tuesday. He is the fifth member of that Washington draft class to make the NHL. Perreault has done well in the minors and really has developed since he was taken in the 2006 NHL draft. Perreault is likely on his way back to the minors shortly, but he remains a nice long-term keeper. |
|
Sloan nets second career goal
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Tyler Sloan, D WAS |
|
| News: Capitals D Tyler Sloan scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Wednesday's game against the Devils. Sloan scored his first of the season and second in his NHL career. Devils captain Jamie Langenbrunner failed to get the puck out of the zone at the left point, and Chris Clark kept it in with some hard work. Mathieu Perreault -- in his NHL debut -- moved the puck into the slot and sent a pass left to Sloan, who also sees time at forward. Sloan showed precise offensive skill when he squeezed a shot between Martin Brodeur and the left post with 2:50 left in the period. |
Analysis: Sloan has just 33 NHL games under his belt and has just seven points in that span. He doesn't have enough of a NHL background to write him off just yet, but Sloan was never a top offensive player coming through the ranks, so we highly doubt that will change. Ignore Sloan in Fantasy until further notice. |
|
Fleischmann doing well since debut
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Tomas Fleischmann, C WAS |
|
| News: Capitals C Tomas Fleischmann scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Wednesday's game against the Devils. Fleischmann brought the Capitals to 3-2 with 1:37 remaining as he beat Martin Brodeur on a snap shot. He has three goals and one assist during a three-game point streak. |
Analysis: Fleischmann has played just four games since making his season debut after he missed the first few weeks recovering from a blood clot in his left leg. It seems all that time in the press box has made Fleischmann antsy. He showed last season he can be a viable goal scorer, but just don't expect this hot streak to last. Fleischmann is a low-end Fantasy forward. |
|
Brodeur a winner in 5 of 6 games
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Martin Brodeur, G NJ |
|
| News: Devils G Martin Brodeur stopped 26 shots during a 3-2 win against the Capitals on Wednesday. Brodeur only trailed 1-0 before New Jersey scored three unanswered goals. Brodeur won for the fifth time in six starts. |
Analysis: Brodeur has allowed more than two goals just once in his last six starts. You guessed it -- his only loss in that span. The future Hall of Famer is once again settled into Jacques Lemaire's system and continues to be a must-start Fantasy option. The Devils TG also has high-end Fantasy appeal. |
|
Varlamov takes first regulation loss
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Semyon Varlamov, G WAS |
|
| News: Niclas Bergfors scored two power-play goals 3:13 apart in the third period past Semyon Varlamov to break open a tie game and send the New Jersey Devils to a 3-2 victory over the Alex Ovechkin-less Washington Capitals on Wednesday. Just seconds after Alexander Semin's hooking penalty gave the Devils their third advantage of the game, Bergfors took a pass from Zach Parise in the right circle and whistled a rising shot over Varlamov's glove with 8:40 left to make it 2-1. Bergfors then deflected in Travis Zajac's long shot with 4:50 remaining to give the Devils a two-goal edge. Varlamov stopped 29 shots in the loss. |
Analysis: Varlamov suffered his first regulation loss on Wednesday after opening the season 5-0-0. Varlamov has been in a good goalie battle with Jose Theodore, but neither netminder has been able to put space between them and their competitor. For that, Varlamov is more of 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 goalie. |
|
Fehr continues to sit out
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Eric Fehr, RW WAS |
|
| News: Capitals RW Eric Fehr (ribs) did not return to the lineup on Wednesday against the Devils. He has missed the last five games and is questionable for Friday against the Panthers. |
Analysis: Fehr started the season on injured reserve because of a shoulder injury and has played just six games. He is a nice scoring presence from the Capitals' lower lines, but Fehr still has minimal Fantasy appeal when healthy. |
|
Erskine comes off IR Wednesday
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| John Erskine, D WAS |
|
| News: Capitals D John Erskine came off injured reserve Wednesday to face the Devils. He had missed eight games with a hand injury. Erskine had no points in 16:21 of ice time and finished at even. |
Analysis: Erskine has just one point in his first six games, but that's not that big of a shocker. He is more of a defensive presence when healthy. He is best left for leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats and PIM. |
|
Roy scores month into season
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Derek Roy, C BUF |
|
| News: Sabres C Derek Roy tallied a power-play goal during Wednesday's 3-0 win against the Islanders. Roy opened the scoring with his first of the season at 8:27 of the first period on the power play, wristing a shot from the top of the left circle that beat Martin Biron on the stick side. Roy does have four points in his last six games. |
Analysis: Roy went the whole month of October without a score and it was kind of reminiscent of his 2008-09 season when he went through prolonged scoring slumps. It's fair to say that Roy has frustrated Fantasy owners since last season because he has serious offensive potential. Despite his slow start, he still has nine points in 12 games. Roy remains a viable Fantasy forward. |
|
Vanek has first goal in five games
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Thomas Vanek, LW BUF |
|
| News: Thomas Vanek had a goal and assist in the Buffalo Sabres' 3-0 victory over the New York Islanders on Wednesday. Buffalo cashed in again on the power play with 2:47 left in the second period when Vanek deposited the puck past Martin Biron on his own rebound from in tight. It was Vanek's fifth goal and first in five games. |
Analysis: Vanek has been a little off his game since returning to the lineup following an upper-body injury. He finally looked like his former self on Wednesday and that could be the first step in the right direction. Vanek is an elite scorer and worth starting in Fantasy through thick and thin. |
|
Gaustad scores in return Wed.
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Paul Gaustad, C BUF |
|
| News: Sabres C Paul Gaustad was back in the lineup on Wednesday against the Islanders after missing two games with the flu. Gaustad tallied a goal and finished at plus-1 in 15:14 of ice time. Gaustad capped the scoring when he beat Martin Biron on a wrist shot 16:19 into the third. It was his second goal in as many games and third on the season. |
Analysis: Gaustad is up to five points and a plus-7 rating in his first 10 games. He hasn't looked this good since he posted a career-high 36 points in 2007-08. Gaustad continues to contribute at both ends of the ice and play a solid two-way game, but he has just low-end Fantasy appeal when healthy. |
|
Kaleta only misses one game
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Patrick Kaleta, RW BUF |
|
| News: Sabres RW Patrick Kaleta returned to the lineup on Wednesday against the Islanders after missing one game with the flu. He had no points and a plus-1 rating in 12:18 of ice time. He also spent four minutes in the penalty box. |
Analysis: It's good to see Kaleta back on the ice after the flu bug has caused bigger problems for other teams. The checking-line forward is off to a nice start with two goals and four points in 11 games. However, we don't expect this type of offense to last. Kaleta is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM when healthy. |
|
Canadiens bring up White, Pyatt
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Tom Pyatt, C MON |
|
| News: The Canadiens have called up C Ryan White and C Tom Pyatt from the AHL. |
Analysis: Both of these guys are pretty much just organizational depth, so continue to ignore them in all formats. |
|
Miller posts second shutout Wed.
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| TG Sabres, TG BUF |
|
| News: Ryan Miller made 24 saves for his second shutout of the season and 14th overall, and Thomas Vanek had a goal and assist in the Buffalo Sabres' 3-0 victory over the New York Islanders on Wednesday. Miller was solid throughout, and rarely allowed any rebound opportunities. The Sabres have the stingiest defense in the NHL, allowing only 24 goals. |
Analysis: Miller arguably had his ugliest outing of the season on Saturday when he was pulled in a loss to the Islanders. But like any good goalie, he had a short memory and bounced back in a big way. Miller has arguably been the NHL's top goalie through the first few weeks of the season. He is playing lights out and remains a must-start Fantasy option, as if the Sabres TG. |
|
Devils call up Halischuk
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Matt Halischuk, RW NJ |
|
| News: The Devils have recalled RW Matt Halischuk from the AHL. |
Analysis: Halischuk is likely only around until Patrik Elias is ready to return from his injury very soon, so continue to ignore him in all Fantasy formats. |
|
Janik sent back to AHL
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Doug Janik, D DET |
|
| News: The Red Wings have sent D Doug Janik back to the AHL. |
Analysis: Janik is merely organizational depth and can be ignored in Fantasy. |
 Byers suspended one game for instigating
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Dane Byers, LW NYR |
|
| News: The NHL has suspended Rangers LW Dane Byers for receiving an instigator penalty in Tuesday's loss to the Canucks. |
Analysis: Byers was just called up from the AHL last week and is basically just organizational depth. Continue to ignore him in Fantasy play. |
|
Gagne has successful surgery
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Simon Gagne, LW PHI |
|
| News: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Flyers LW Simon Gagne underwent successful hernia and abdominal surgery Tuesday. He is expected to be back in 6-8 weeks. |
Analysis: Gagne is a top goal scorer when healthy, so this surgery can only be for the best. Unfortunately, that means Fantasy owners will have to keep Gagne sidelined for quite some time. Gagne has high-end Fantasy potential when healthy. |
|
Giguere back taking shots
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Jean-Sebastien Giguere, G ANA |
|
| News: The Orange County Register reports that Ducks G Jean-Sebastien Giguere (groin) took some shots in net for the second day in a row Tuesday. |
Analysis: Giguere is trying to rest his groin as much as he can and it doesn't look like he'll be back in Fantasy Week 5 (Nov. 2-8). Continue to stash him away in deeper formats. |
|
Christensen clears waivers, in limbo
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Erik Christensen, C ANA |
|
| News: The Orange County Register reports that Ducks C Erik Christensen has cleared waivers and is just waiting to see if the Ducks will keep him or send him to the minors. |
Analysis: Christensen is scoreless in six games this season. He has no Fantasy value. |
|
C. Wilson re-injures groin
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Colin Wilson, C NSH |
|
| News: The Tennessean reports that Predators rookie C Colin Wilson has re-aggravated his groin injury and will not fly with the rest of his teammates to begin their four-game road trip that starts Thursday. He is likely to miss the entire trip. |
Analysis: Wilson has just two points in 10 games of his first NHL season, and is more of a long-term keeper prospect than a seasonal Fantasy option right now. Continue to stash him away in dynasty leagues. |
|
Hossa shooting, still on schedule
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Marian Hossa, RW CHI |
|
| News: The Chicago Tribune reports that Blackhawks RW Marian Hossa (shoulder) has progressed from skating on his own to shooting and participating in practices with teammates. He is still on track for a return later this month. "He's certainly on schedule from what we had said back it the summer," Hawks GM Stan Bowman said. "If anything, we're hoping to move that up. Probably a week or so from now we might be able to get a more definite date, but there's a lot of guesswork at this point." |
Analysis: Hossa should immediately return to being a must-start Fantasy option when healthy, so just continue to stash him in all formats for the next couple of weeks. |
|
Canucks sign LW Pettinger
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Matt Pettinger, LW VAN |
|
| News: The Canucks have signed LW Matt Pettinger. |
Analysis: Pettinger showed enough in seven AHL games to prompt this signing by the Canucks. He will man the lower lines in Vancouver for the time being and has no Fantasy value at this time. |
|
Canadiens bring Carle up from AHL
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Mathieu Carle, D MON |
|
| News: The Canadiens have recalled D Mathieu Carle from the AHL. |
Analysis: Carle is one of the Canadiens' top prospects on defense, but is returning from a concussion and isn't likely to get enough minutes to be worth using in seasonal Fantasy play. |
|
Hurricanes send Harrison back to AHL
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Jay Harrison, D CAR |
|
| News: The Hurricanes have assigned D Jay Harrison to the AHL. |
Analysis: Harrison always seems to bounce between the AHL and NHL and has no Fantasy value at this time. |
|
Khudobin sent back to AHL
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Anton Khudobin, G MIN |
|
| News: The Wild have sent G Anton Khudobin back to the AHL. |
Analysis: Khudobin, a seventh-round pick in 2004 by the Wild out of Kazakhstan, is just organizational depth at this point in his career and can be ignored in Fantasy. |
|
Perreault up, Aucoin down for Caps
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Keith Aucoin, C WAS |
|
| News: The Capitals have recalled C Mathieu Perreault from the AHL and assigned C Keith Aucoin. |
Analysis: Perreault, a sixth-round pick in 2006, has yet to play in an NHL game. He had 50 points in the AHL last season and has seven points in 11 games this campaign. Continue to ignore both these guys in all Fantasy formats. |
|
MacKenzie summoned by Jackets
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Derek MacKenzie, C CLB |
|
| News: The Blue Jackets have called up C Derek MacKenzie from the AHL on an emergency basis. |
Analysis: MacKenzie is a career minor-leaguer who has four points in 46 NHL games. Continue to ignore him in all formats. |
|
Perry has six goals in four games
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Corey Perry, RW ANA |
|
| News: Ducks RW Corey Perry remained red-hot Tuesday when he scored twice in a loss to the Penguins. Perry now has six goals in his last four games. |
Analysis: Perry has 17 points and 10 goals on the season and is clearly a must-start Fantasy option right now. Hopefully he can keep this pace up. |
|
Goligoski has five goals in seven
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Alex Goligoski, D PIT |
|
| News: Penguins D Alex Goligoski scored for the fifth time in his last seven games Tuesday as Pittsburgh edged Anaheim. |
Analysis: Goligoski is on fire right now and leads all NHL defensemen with his six goals. Get the young star active in all Fantasy formats. |
|
Letang scores first goal of season
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Kris Letang, D PIT |
|
| News: Penguins D Kris Letang scored his first goal of the season in Tuesday's win over the Ducks. He also contributed an assist. |
Analysis: Lang is off to an OK start with seven points so far and continues to be a decent starting defenseman in most Fantasy leagues. |
|
Pens' Dupuis scores in second straight
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Pascal Dupuis, LW PIT |
|
| News: Penguins RW Pascal Dupuis scored in a second straight game Tuesday as Pittsburgh edged Anaheim. |
Analysis: Dupuis played mostly on the second line with Ruslan Fetodenko and Jordan Staal during Tuesday's win, and could be worth keeping an eye on in deeper formats over the weekend. He's usually just a low-end Fantasy option whose real value is in leagues that rewart heavily for short-handed stats. |
|
Rupp tallies fourth goal of season
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Mike Rupp, C PIT |
|
| News: Penguins C Mike Rupp scored his fourth goal of the season in Tuesday's win over the Ducks. Rupp's career high is six goals. |
Analysis: Rupp is a lower-line forward with the Pens, but has really managed to find the net on a consistent basis early this season. Don't expect this hot start to last though, as he's only managed one season of double-digit points in his career. Continue to ignore him in the majority of leagues. |
|
Lalime hurts groin; Enroth up
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Jhonas Enroth, G BUF |
|
| News: NHL.com reports that the Sabres have called up G Jhonas Enroth from the AHL after backup G Patrick Lalime hurt his groin in practice. |
Analysis: Enroth will only get in games if Ryan Miller gets hurt or struggles again like he did on Saturday. You can continue to ignore both these guys in the majority of Fantasy formats, unless you really need a handcuff to Miller. |
|
Sharks send McGinn, Couture down
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Jamie McGinn, LW SJ |
|
| News: The Sharks have assigned LW Jamie McGinn and C Logan Couture to the AHL. |
Analysis: Couture, a 2007 first-round pick (9th), is in his first full pro season after finishing up his junior career in 2008-09. He remains a solid long-term Fantasy keeper and top prospect. McGinn is just organizational depth and has no Fantasy value. |
|
Kennedy returns with 2 assists
|
Updated 11/4/2009 |
| Tyler Kennedy, C PIT |
|
| News: Pittsburgh C Tyler Kennedy returned from an undisclosed injury on Tuesday night in a 4-3 win at Anaheim. Kennedy picked up two points in the game as he finished with two assists. He assisted on Michael Rupp's goal in the 2nd period and added another later on Alex Goligoski's in the 3rd. |
Analysis: Kennedy notched just his second multi-point game of the season and first since Oct. 12 at Ottawa. Kennedy is merely a low-end Fantasy option and only needs to be used in deeper leagues. |
|
Datsyuk red hot of late
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Pavel Datsyuk, C DET |
|
| News: Detroit C Pavel Datsyuk is on a great four-game streak at the moment. Datsyuk recorded assists on both goals scored in Tuesday's 2-0 shutout win over the Bruins. He now has points in four straight games and a total of eight in those contests. |
Analysis: Datsyuk has registered six assists and two goals in his last four games alone and has 12 points on the season in 11 games played. He remains a must-start Fantasy option for use in all leagues. |
|
Gionta scores twice in defeat
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Brian Gionta, RW MON |
|
| News: Montreal RW Brian Gionta tried to keep his Canadiens in the game on Tuesday in the 5-4 loss to the Thrashers. Gionta tallied his 5th and 6th goals of the season in the defeat. He scored on a slap shot in the 2nd period and added a wrister to open the scoring in the 3rd. |
Analysis: Gionta now has 10 points on the year and six of them have come on goals scored. Tuesday's goals were his first since Oct. 20 also against Atlanta. He is going to be one of Montreal's top offensive players this season, but until he starts filling the stat sheet a little more consistently, consider Gionta a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy forward. |
|
Antropov assisting at will lately
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Nik Antropov, C ATL |
|
| News: Atlanta C Nik Antropov finished with two assists in Tuesday's 5-4 win over Montreal. He recorded his 11th dime of the season in the 2nd period as he helped on Mark Popovic's score and added his second assist of the game in the 3rd period as Pavel Kubina scored. |
Analysis: Antropov now has 12 points in 11 games this season and has scored at least one point in his last five games. He still has yet to score a goal but he's putting up solid points regardless. Continue to use him as a No. 4 Fantasy C. |
|
Peverley records 3 points Tuesday
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Rich Peverley, C ATL |
|
| News: Atlanta C Rich Peverley helped the Thrashers defeat Montreal on Tuesday 5-4 as he recorded three points in the game. Peverley got things started when he assisted on Bryan Little's game-opening goal in the 1st period. He added his own tally, his 7th of the year, later in the 1st. Peverley later added a second assist, his 9th, on a wrister by Pavel Kubina in the 3rd period. |
Analysis: The three points Peverley recorded on Tuesday gives him 16 on the season for the Thrashers in 11 games. He's been pretty even with nine assists and seven goals scored and has at least one point in all but one game this season, including five in his last two alone. At this point the way he's playing, Peverley should be starting in almost all Fantasy leagues. |
|
Kessel finally back in action
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Phil Kessel, RW TOR |
|
| News: Toronto WR Phil Kessel was removed off the injured reserve list on Tuesday for the Maple Leafs' game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He had been out all season recovering from shoulder surgery. |
Analysis: The Maple Leafs are in dire need of some consistent offense after a rocky October. They traded for Kessel for a reason and hope he can make an immediate impact. "Fans have to temper their expectations," Kessel said. "Having said that, I'm going to give everything I've got. I'm really excited to get back out there. The biggest adjustment will be just getting used to the speed of the game." There is a little risk involved with starting Kessel in Week 5 (Nov. 2-8) since he could be a little rusty not having played in a game since the playoffs with Boston. But Fantasy owners should start scooping up the talented scorer. He can be a viable Fantasy forward. |
|
D'Agostini still out for Montreal
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Matt D'Agostini, RW MON |
|
| News: Montreal RW Matt D'Agostini could not play on Tuesday against the Atlanta Thrashers as he continues to recover from a vicious blow to the head. He should be able to return to action shortly but was scratched against the Thrashers. |
Analysis: D'Agostini has just one goal this season and a minus-2 rating. He's a nice keeper option, but his seasonal Fantasy value is limited to deeper leagues this year. |
|
Price struggles in 6th straight loss
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| TG Canadiens, TG MON |
|
| News: Montreal G Carey Price gave up five goals in a 5-4 loss to the Thrashers on Tuesday night. Price stopped 25 shots in the game on 30 attempts and falls to 2-6-0 on the season. |
Analysis: Price has lost his last six straight starts since winning his first two games of the season. Price isn't exactly giving up loads of goals. The five goals he allowed on Tuesday night were the most he'd allowed since giving up seven back on Oct. 7 at Vancouver. Price is more of a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy goalie until he gets back on his feet. The Canadiens TG is a No. 2 option. |
|
Williams returns with goal Monday
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Justin Williams, RW LA |
|
| News: Kings RW Justin Williams tallied a goal and finished at plus-1 during Monday's game against the Coyotes. Williams, playing his first game after missing the past five with a lower-body injury, tied the game 3-all with 13:16 remaining on a backhand shot just inside the left post. He has three goals and three assists in his last six games. |
Analysis: Williams returned to his top-line spot with Anze Kopitar and Ryan Smyth on Monday and picked up where he left off before the injury. Williams has 10 points in 10 games this season and is looking like his former 60-70-point self. Injuries are going to be his biggest hurdle, but Williams is a viable Fantasy option when healthy. |
|
Doan has two points vs. Kings
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Shane Doan, RW PHO |
|
| News: Coyotes RW Shane Doan scored a goal and tallied an assist during Monday's game against the Kings. Doan tied the game with 1.7 seconds left in the first period, tipping Ed Jovanovski's shot over Quick's right shoulder for a power-play goal. It was his fourth goal of the season. |
Analysis: Doan has 12 points in 14 games this season. He has had a few mini slumps, but has still done enough to keep up as a point-per-game threat. Doan is usually a slow starter, but is doing well under first-year coach Dave Tippett and remains a high-end Fantasy option. |
|
Upshall nets 50th career goal
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Scottie Upshall, RW PHO |
|
| News: Coyotes RW Scottie Upshall scored a goal during Monday's game against the Kings. Upshall gave Phoenix a 3-1 lead at 14:44 of the second period, taking a backhand pass from Robert Lang and sliding the puck between Jonathan Quick's pads. Upshall's goal was the 50th of his career. |
Analysis: Upshall has four goals in 13 games this season, but he has no assists and isn't quite making the nightly contributions the Coyotes or Fantasy owners want to see. Upshall is a good power forward, but he has low-end Fantasy appeal until his offensive picks up. |
|
Hanzal has two goals in four games
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Martin Hanzal, C PHO |
|
| News: Coyotes C Martin Hanzal scored a goal during Monday's game against the Kings. Phoenix extended its lead to 2-1 just 37 seconds into the second when Shane Doan looped a pass off the outstretched glove of defenseman Jack Johnson and onto the stick of Hanzal, who scored on a quick wrist shot from the left circle. It was his second goal of the season, both have come in the last four games. |
Analysis: The former 2005 first-round pick is a good NHL center, but we just aren't sure if he will ever blossom into a great Fantasy option. Hanzal is merely a low-end Fantasy flier and potential option in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed and faceoff stats. |
|
Doughty buries game winner Monday
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Drew Doughty, D LA |
|
| News: The Phoenix Coyotes gave the Kings' Drew Doughty an open look at the goal. He buried the chance. Doughty scored the go-ahead goal with 4:51 remaining and Los Angeles rallied to beat the Phoenix Coyotes 5-3 Monday night. "No one on their team tried to block my shot so I had a whole lane to the net," Doughty said. "I just put it where the goalie wasn't and luckily it didn't get blocked or hit a stick." Doughty also had an assist and plus-2 rating. |
Analysis: Doughty has one goal and seven assists in his last six games. He has 14 points in 15 games. Doughty is playing as good as any blueliner in the NHL and is quickly climbing the Fantasy rankings. The 2008 first-round pick (second overall) appears headed for his breakout campaign and is worth starting in all Fantasy formats. |
|
Smyth has four points, plus-4
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Ryan Smyth, LW LA |
|
| News: Kings LW Ryan Smyth scored twice during Monday's 5-3 win against the Coyotes. Smyth pulled the Kings to 3-2, taking a shot from the right side that trickled under Jason LaBarbera and along the goal line and then skating around the back of the and tapping the puck into the open left side. Smyth added an empty-netter with 39 seconds to go. He also finished with two assists and a plus-4 rating. |
Analysis: Smyth hadn't scored a goal in his previous five games and went without a point in three contests before Monday's outing. Fantasy owners were starting to wonder if this was the end of Smyth's hot start. But Justin Williams returned to the top line with Smyth and Anze Koptiar on Monday and that seemed to spark the veteran forward. Smyth is doing quite well with Los Angeles and remains a high-end Fantasy option. |
|
LaBarbera loses two-goal lead, game
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Jason LaBarbera, G PHO |
|
| News: Coyotes G Jason LaBarbera stopped 22 shots during a 5-3 loss to the Kings on Monday. LaBarbera actually held a 3-1 lead until Ryan Smyth scored the first of two goals with 58 seconds left in the second. Smyth took a shot from the right side that trickled under LaBarbera and along the goal line and then skating around the back of the and tapping the puck into the open left side. "I made a bad play at the end of the period and it kind of changed momentum there," LaBarbera said. "I think that was the turning point in this game." Smyth capped the comeback with an empty-net goal. |
Analysis: Monday's outing was by far LaBarbera's worst with the Coyotes. He came into the game with a 1.59 GAA and .952 save percentage, so he was playing pretty well in his few outings. LaBarbera doesn't see a lot of PT behind Ilya Bryzgalov, 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. |
|
Tavares on four-game point streak
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| John Tavares, C NYI |
|
| News: Islanders C John Tavares scored a goal during Monday's 3-1 win against the Oilers. After the Oilers turned over the puck behind their net, Matt Moulson found Tavares with a quick pass as Tavares glided unchecked down the slot. Tavares has two goals and two assists during a four-game point streak. |
Analysis: Tavares is starting to get hot again after a little slump in mid-to-late October. Tavares has five goals and 11 points in his first 14 NHL games. He has pretty much lived up to the hype and is already worth starting in most Fantasy formats. |
|
Moreau chips in second goal
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Ethan Moreau, LW EDM |
|
| News: Oilers LW Ethan Moreau scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Monday's game against the Islanders. The Oilers have been struggling for offense, having been shut out in three of four previous games. They got off to a quick start when Moreau, from behind the net, bounced a puck in off Islanders defenseman Radek Martinek's skate with 8:58 left in the first. It was his second goal and first since Oct. 8 against Calgary. |
Analysis: Moreau has pretty much been par for the course in 2009-10. He chews up time on the Oilers' checking line and will chip in with the occasional goal. He is a very low-end Fantasy option and potential flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM. |
|
Pronger has third two-assist game
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Chris Pronger, D PHI |
|
| News: Flyers D Chris Pronger totaled two assists and a plus-2 rating during Monday's game against the Lightning. He has one goal and five assists in his last six games. He has three two-assist games this season. |
Analysis: Pronger has pretty much been everything and then some for Philadelphia since the team picked him up in an offseason trade. He has fit right in on the blue line and continues to be a must-start Fantasy option. |
|
Giroux nets two assists, plus-2
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Claude Giroux, RW PHI |
|
| News: Flyers RW Claude Giroux totaled two assists and finished at plus-2 during Monday's game against the Lightning. He has no goals in his last six games, but has three assists in that span. |
Analysis: Giroux has gotten off to a pretty poor start after he finished the 2008-09 season on a high note. But Philly is dealing with some injuries right now, so the scoring chances could open up for Giroux, who still remains a Fantasy sleeper candidate. |
|
van Riemsdyk has hat trick of helpers
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| James van Riemsdyk, LW PHI |
|
| News: Flyers LW James van Riemsdyk contributed with three assists on Monday against the Lightning for the first three-point night of his career -- and leads all NHL rookies in scoring (13 points). He has four multi-point games. |
Analysis: van Riemsdyk has failed to record a point in just two of his first 10 games with the Flyers. The 2007 first-round pick is definitely living up to the hype and should be added in all Fantasy formats ASAP. |
|
Hartnell scores in three straight
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Scott Hartnell, LW PHI |
|
| News: Mike Richards and Jeff Carter scored two goals apiece and rookie David Laliberte and Scott Hartnell also tallied, leading Philadelphia to a 6-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night. Hartnell had a power-play goal in the first period and added two assists. He also finished at plus-2. Hartnell has three goals and four assists during a three-game point streak. |
Analysis: Hartnell is finally starting to hit his stride after a so-so October. All it has taken has been a bunch of injuries, but the scoring chances are finally opening up for Hartnell, who remains a nice No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy forward. |
|
Laliberte joins special company
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| David Laliberte, RW PHI |
|
| News: Mike Richards and Jeff Carter scored two goals apiece and rookie David Laliberte and Scott Hartnell also tallied, leading Philadelphia to a 6-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night. Laliberte scored his second goal on a wrist shot in the second. He also finished at plus-2. |
Analysis: Laliberte, recalled from the AHL Philadelphia Phantoms last week to replace Gagne, become the first Flyer to score in his first two NHL games since Eric Lindros on Oct. 6 and 9, 1992. He's the fifth to do that in Flyers franchise history. Laliberte had six points (one goal) in eight games in the AHL before his recall. Laliberte is not considered a top 20 prospect and could be back in the minors as soon as Philly needs a roster spot, so hold off adding him in Fantasy until further notice. |
|
Carter ends goals drought Monday
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Jeff Carter, C PHI |
|
| News: Mike Richards and Jeff Carter scored two goals apiece and rookie David Laliberte and Scott Hartnell also tallied, leading Philadelphia to a 6-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night. Carter, who played despite the flu, had gone seven games without scoring. He made it 3-0 with a wrist shot 3:20 into the second. Carter then had a power-play score in the third. He finished with three points and a plus-2 rating. |
Analysis: Carter didn't have a bad October with four goals and 11 points in 11 games. His production did get a little thin over the last half of the month, but he has started November on the right foot. Carter has reached the level in his career that even if he is in a drought, he is still worth starting in Fantasy because he is such a big offensive threat. |
|
Richards snaps out of slump
|
Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Mike Richards, C PHI |
|
| News: Mike Richards and Jeff Carter scored two goals apiece and rookie David Laliberte and Scott Hartnell also tallied, leading Philadelphia to a 6-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night. Despite leading the team in goals this season, Richards had gone six games without scoring. His first goal came off a feed from Chris Pronger, who corralled a bouncing puck. Scott Hartnell assisted on Richards' second score. "We were getting chances. We just weren't scoring," Richards said. "We have an emphasis on getting to the net and finishing plays off." |
Analysis: Richards has really been a solid Fantasy option since his breakout season in 2007-08. He is one of the Flyers' top centers and is a great choice as captain. He is great in all facets of the game and remains a must-start Fantasy option through thick and thin. |
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Halpern breaks into stat column
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Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Jeff Halpern, C TB |
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| News: Lightning C Jeff Halpern scored a goal during Monday's 6-2 loss to the Lightning. Halpern capped the scoring with his first point of the season, as he beat Ray Emery on a tip-in. Halpern had no points in his first 11 games. |
Analysis: Had Halpern not suffered a major knee injury in the summer of 2008, we might be talking about a reliable Fantasy option. But sadly, Halpern still hasn't rediscovered his game since returning to the ice last season and has minimal Fantasy appeal. |
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Stamkos scores in six straight games
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Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Steven Stamkos, C TB |
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| News: Lightning C Steven Stamkos scored in a sixth straight game during a Monday loss to the Flyers. Stamkos scored the first goal for Tampa Bay (4-4-4), capitalizing on a Danny Syvret turnover. He has 11 goals on the season and eight in his last six games. |
Analysis: Stamkos, the first pick in the 2008 NHL draft, is just in his second NHL season but is already emerging among the elite NHL scorers. He has 16 points in his first 12 games in 2009-10 and is worth starting in all Fantasy formats. |
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Smith pulled during Monday loss
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Updated 11/3/2009 |
| Mike Smith, G TB |
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| News: Lightning G Mike Smith was peppered for five goals and eventually pulled in favor of Antero Niittymaki during Monday's 6-2 loss against the Flyers. Smith fell behind 2-0 after one period and only trailed 3-1 in the second before Philly scored two goals in 35-second frame. Smith was then pulled trailing 5-1. He made 13 saves. Niittymaki allowed one goal on 13 shots. |
Analysis: It's a real shame Smith fell off the horse Monday since he had allowed all of six goals in his previous three outings. One bad start won't cost Smith his job, but he can't afford to keep having mediocre nights. Smith is more of a | |
