Canucks' Bieksa Played Through Injury: Kevin Bieksa admitted this week that he played with an undisclosed injury near the end of the regular season and in the playoffs, the Vancouver Province reports. (Updated 04/26/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/27/12).
Fantasy Analysis
This helps explain why Kevin Bieksa received so many maintenance days down the stretch. The ailment is reportedly in his midsection, but the Canucks defenseman wouldn't identify the injury. He plans to meet with doctors shortly and take care of any necessary repairs over the offseason. (Updated 04/26/2012).
04/11/2012 10:34 Neutral Zone Wrap: Preparing for playoff pools
If you're in a Fantasy Hockey playoff pool, Evan Berofsky has some advice for you in his latest edition of Neutral Zone Wrap.
04/09/2012 16:32 Playoff Special: Postseason power play projections
The NHL is transitioning into postseason mode and if your Fantasy league is headed in that direction, Mark McLarney says you need to watch those power plays.
Bieksa managed just 22 points (6 G, 16 A) in 2011-12, but salvaged fantasy value by posting a career-best plus-32 rating, while also racking up 73 penalty minutes. Previously considered an offensive-minded defenseman, Bieksa improved his two-way play last season, which resulted in the Canucks rewarding him with a five-year, $23-million deal this summer. As his 66 games played last season indicates, though, Bieksa remains an injury risk. The 30-year-old blueliner will be asked to pick up some of the offensive production left vacant by Christian Erhoff leaving town, so if he can stay healthy, Bieksa will have ample opportunities to rack up points on the CanucksÂ’ top defensive pairing.
(Updated 10/4/11)