News:Matt Niskanen tallied an assist and finished plus-2 against Winnipeg on Thursday.
Analysis: With Kris Letang out for at least a week, Matt Niskanen's offensive opportunities figure to increase. We'll have to wait until Saturday to see if Niskanen's time on the man advantage goes up (in the absence of Letang), as Pittsburgh didn't receive any power-play time Thursday.
News:Matt Niskanen makes for a decent speculative play with fellow defender, Kris Letang, placed on the injured reserve list Wednesday.
Analysis:Matt Niskanen has but nine points (4 G, 5 A) in 26 games, but his time on the power play spikes whenever Letang can't go. Based on initial reports, it sounds as though Letang could miss more than a week or two of action.
News:Matt Niskanen went pointless Friday night but led Pittsburgh defenders with 3:11 of power-play time.
Analysis: One game after registering his first goal in 13 games on four shots, Matt Niskanen compiled five shots and three missed shots against the Islanders. He merits consideration as a short-term pickup for as long as Kris Letang (groin) remains out.
News:Matt Niskanen scored his first goal since Feb. 22 on Tuesday night, a span of 13 games, and it was the game-winner against Washington.
Analysis: The defenseman got a little extra ice time with Kris Letang sidelined, and he took advantage of the opportunity. Letang is likely a 50-50 proposition for the Pens' next game, Friday on Long Island, so Matt Niskanen could play a big role again.
News:Matt Niskanen potted the game-winning goal in Friday's 3-1 win over Florida.
Analysis: He went pointless in his first three games back from a high ankle sprain, but ow has goals in back-to-back games. The defender, who has never scored more than seven goals in five NHL campaigns, has totaled three goals and five points in 10 games. He continues to partner with Kris Letang on defense.
News:Matt Niskanen returned to action Wednesday after an eight-game absence, going pointless against Ottawa.
Analysis:Matt Niskanen saw 21:19 of action, including 1:52 on the penalty kill. Pittsburgh's defense has played well with newcomers Simon Despres, Robert Bortuzzo and Dylan Reese in Niskanen's absence. That said, a good game or two from the sixth-year veteran will put some distance between himself and the up-and-comers.
News: The Penguins activated Matt Niskanen (ankle) from IR on Wednesday.
Analysis:Matt Niskanen has said that he's ready to go and the coaching staff will decide whether he plays against the Senators. Most likely, the Pens will wait until the team's next game after a two-week layoff before activating him, but there remains a chance he goes Wednesday night.
News:Matt Niskanen (ankle) could return to the Penguins' lineup Friday against the Sabres, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.
Analysis:Matt Niskanen has played in five games this season prior to his January 27th injury. The defenseman has a total of three points in 18:18 minutes of ice time per game.
News:Matt Niskanen (ankle) took part in the Pens' morning skate on Sunday for the first time since suffering his injury, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Analysis: Coach Dan Blysma didn't say the defender was close to returning, but he's two weeks into a recovery timeframe estimated to be anywhere from 2-6 weeks.
News: Penguins' Matt Niskanen (ankle) has been placed on injured reserve, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: Though Matt Niskanen has not been known to be much of a fantasy asset throughout his career, he was off to a good start with one goal and two assists prior to his injury this season.
News:Matt Niskanen is expected to miss 2-4 weeks with a lower-body injury.
Analysis: This is a blow to the Penguins, as the injury wasn't initially thought to be serious. It sounds as if he's dealing with an ankle issue, but the team has decided to classify it as a lower-body injury. Simon Despres or Robert Bortuzzo will fill in during Matt Niskanen's absence.
News:Matt Niskanen will miss Tuesday's game with a right ankle injury, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.
Analysis: The injury is not thought to be serious, but no other details have been released. Matt Niskanen injured himself when Ottawa's Milan Michalek checked him into the boards late in the first period of Sunday's game. The defenseman was able to get up, but immediately favored his right leg. He didn't skate another shift. Simon Despres or Robert Bortuzzo is expected to take his spot in the lineup.
News:Matt Niskanen suffered a lower-body injury in Sunday's win over the Senators, the Penguins' Official Twitter account reports.
Analysis:Matt Niskanen will be evaluated when the team gets back to Pittsburgh. The Penguins are off until Tuesday, so consider him day-to-day until the team doctors have a chance to give his injury another look.
News:Matt Niskanen scored one of Pittsburgh's six goals on Sunday in a win over the Rangers.
Analysis: He's quietly playing well as Kris Letang's partner and seems ready to settle into that spot over the long run. Matt Niskanen compiled only 21 points (4G, 17A) in 75 contests last season, but so long as he plays with Letang he could become a nice fantasy sleeper.
News:Matt Niskanen was paired with Kris Letang during Friday's practice, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis:Matt Niskanen will likely compete with Simon Despres for time next to Letang -- and as a top-four defender -- but for now he's got the spot. Sidney Crosby said during the lockout that he believes Niskanen has another offensive gear. He'll start the season seeing time on one of the second-team power-play points.
News: Pittsburgh signed Matt Niskanen to a two-year, $4.6 million deal Saturday, Penguins.NHL.com reports.
Analysis:Matt Niskanen's numbers saw a slight jump when he joined Pittsburgh's high-scoring rotation, but his 21 points in 75 games generally indicate that he's only in the periphery as a fantasy option.
News:Matt Niskanen (shoulder) will play Sunday afternoon against the Flyers, Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis:Matt Niskanen has missed the Pens' last four games. His presence will be be a welcomed addition on the blue line, even though he's playing at less than 100 percent.
News:Matt Niskanen (shoulder) will be a game-time decision Sunday afternoon, 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh reports.
Analysis:Matt Niskanen will take part in the pre-game skate before a decision is made on his status. Look for him to play.
News:Matt Niskanen (shoulder) did not partake in Friday morning's skate and will be inactive for Game 2, the Penguins' official website reports.
Analysis: Friday is a scheduled off day for Matt Niskanen, who was scratched from Game 1 with a shoulder ailment. It remains to be seen if he will make an appearance during the series, but a potential return would certainly boost the Pens' defense.
News:Matt Niskanen (shoulder) will not play against the Flyers on Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis:Matt Niskanen collected one power-play assist in five games against Philadelphia in the regular season. Ben Lovejoy or Brian Strait will take his place in the lineup.
News:Matt Niskanen (shoulder) will likely be ready for Pittsburgh's first playoff game, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: It's likely that he will not play against Philadelphia on Saturday, however.
News:Matt Niskanen (shoulder) is not expected to play Saturday afternoon against the Flyers, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis:Matt Niskanen has scored four goals and 17 points in 75 contests, serving as a second power-play point man at times. The defender will get a week to recuperated from a shoulder injury suffered Tuesday in Boston.
News:Matt Niskanen (shoulder) will not play Thursday against the Rangers, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports.
Analysis:Matt Niskanen left Tuesday's game in Boston after a collision. He remains questionable for Saturday's regular season finale against the Flyers, but coach Dan Bylsma expects Niskanen to be ready to go for the playoffs. In 75 games this season, Niskanen has accrued 21 points, including 17 assists, and 47 penalty minutes.
News:Matt Niskanen left Tuesday's game with a shoulder injury and isn't likely to play Thursday.
Analysis: The Penguins had a scheduled off day Wednesday, with no news releases about Matt Niskanen. That said, the team did recall defenseman Brian Strait, an indication that Niskanen probably won't go Thursday against the Rangers.
News:Matt Niskanen (undisclosed) will play against Buffalo on Friday, Penguins.NHL.com reports.
Analysis: His 21 points on the year probably aren't useful in most leagues, but he'll be there if you need him Friday.
News:Matt Niskanen (undisclosed) will sit Sunday against New Jersey, according to the Penguins' Twitter Feed.
Analysis: Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said that Matt Niskanen could return "sometime next week." He hasn't produced much from a fantasy perspective but has meant a lot on the Pens' blue line.
News:Matt Niskanen left Thursday's game against Nashville early because of an unspecified injury, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: It's thought to be an upper body injury, though that narrows it down by half. Matt Niskanen has already been ruled out for Saturday's game in Ottawa, and is doubtful for Sunday's game against New Jersey. Ben Lovejoy will see ice time in Niskanen's absence.
News:Matt Niskanen will play Saturday despite missing practice Thursday with a cold, the Penguins' Twitter Feed reports.
Analysis:Matt Niskanen has just two assists in 22 games since the beginning of January.
News:Matt Niskanen has one assist in his last nine games.
Analysis: His level of play has dropped off in recent weeks, but the entire team struggled through a six-game losing streak. Matt Niskanen finished Sunday with the second-highest power-play ice time (6:05), so he's still getting opportunity on the man advantage. The results just aren't there.
News:Matt Niskanen finished pointless and minus-3 against the Flyers Thursday, earning every bit of his minus rating.
Analysis: In the past Matt Niskanen has suffered from a lack of confidence after bad games. We'll see whether he regains a footing on his fine season or falls back into his bad habits after a poor game against Philadelphia. He has nine points (1, 8) and a plus-1 rating in 12 December contests.
News:Matt Niskanen has nine points, including a goal and eight assists, in nine December games for the Penguins.
Analysis: He actually has more power-play points in the last two games (three) then he did in his first 49 games with the Pittsburgh organization (two). Matt Niskanen is a great acquisition right now because of the likely low cost and the injuries to three of the Pens' top four blueliners. If Kris Letang remains out -- and there's been no talk of an immediate return -- then Niskanen retains plenty of value on the man advantage.
News:Matt Niskanen collected two power-play assists Saturday against the Sabres.
Analysis:Matt Niskanen's two helpers equal the number of power-play helpers he had for Pittsburgh (in 49 games) since coming over from Dallas. He'll continue to see expanded time on the man advantage with Kris Letang, Zbynek Michalek and now Paul Martin all sidelined. Niskanen leads all Pittsburgh skaters with a plus-9 rating.
News:Matt Niskanen will see time on the Pens' top power-play unit Saturday, ROOT Sports reports.
Analysis: Though Matt Niskanen has just a goal and six assists in 28 games, he has picked up assists in two of the last three contests.
News:Matt Niskanen (undisclosed) returned to the lineup Friday night.
Analysis:Matt Niskanen took five shots in Friday's game but could not find the back of the net. Niskanen recorded four points in his first 10 games but has been held off the scoresheet in each of his last five.
News:Matt Niskanen (undisclosed) will be scratched Saturday night against the Kings, ROOT Sports reports.
Analysis:Matt Niskanen has just two points in his last 12 games, but it's more likely that he's missing Saturday because of an injury. Niskanen was checked into the boards Thursday and missed a bit of time. Rookie Robert Bortuzzo will start in his place and pair with Brooks Orpik.
News:Matt Niskanen collected a power-play goal and an assist in a four-goal second frame as Pittsburgh beat Calgary on Saturday night, 5-3. He registered six shots on goal on the night.
Analysis: Not a bad start for a blueliner who's clawing for more ice time, but we're not convinced yet that he's an offensive force.
News:Matt Niskanen dribbled a slap shot through Detroit's Jimmy Howard for a power-play goal Wednesday night.
Analysis:Matt Niskanen is in a fight for a roster spot and is off to a strong start with his showing against the Red Wings. Most likely, he'll serve as the team's fifth or sixth defenseman.
News: Niskanen (illness) has played in the Penguins' last two games, racking up six PIMs and six hits over that span.
Analysis: Niskanen missed a few games with an illness but appears to be fine after playing in both games of a back-to-back on Sunday and Monday.
News: Niskanen (illness) was at practice Thursday, the Penguins' official site reports.
Analysis: Niskanen's presence on the ice Thursday bodes well for his chances of suiting up Sunday against the Rangers.
News: Niskanen (illness) is still not well enough to travel with the Penguins, the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Coach Dan Bylsma is hopeful that Niskanen will be able to rejoin the team after Tuesday's game at Ottawa.
News: Niskanen (illness) won't play against Edmonton on Sunday, PittsburghPenguins.com reports.
Analysis: This confirms what was suspected earlier. Niskanen should probably be considered day-to-day going forward.
News: Niskanen is ill and his status for Sunday's game against Edmonton is not clear, PittsburghPenguins.com reports.
Analysis: His owners probably want to deactivate him to be cautious, though his situation hasn't been clarified either way to this point.
News: Niskanen had a goal and an assist in Pittsburgh's 3-2 overtime loss to Toronto on Wednesday.
Analysis: The two points were his first as a Penguin in four games since being acquired from Dallas in a trade.
News: Niskanen will play a point on Pittsburgh's No. 1 power-play unit Wednesday, according to coach Dan Bylsma.
Analysis: Bylsma said that he'll give Niskanen a chance on the top unit, given that Paul Martin will miss the game against the Sharks.
News: The Penguins acquired Niskanen and James Neal in exchange for defenseman Alex Goligoski on Monday, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: Niskanen has six assists in 45 games and might best be known in Pittsburgh for his fight against Sidney Crosby. The fourth-year defender burst onto the NHL scene in 2007-08 with 26 points (7, 19) and a plus-22 rating in 78 contests. He's been unable to regain that rookie luster every since, but perhaps a change in scenery will bring him better results -- at least it gives him a fresh start. Niskanen will likely serve as Pittsburgh's fifth or sixth defenseman and could eventually get a shot on the power play.
News: Niskanen (hand) should be available for Friday's game against the Flames, The Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Niskanen missed the Stars' past six games due to a cut on his right hand. He participated in contact drills in practice Friday morning and should be available for Friday's game against the Flames.
News: Niskanen (hand laceration) has been unable to participate in a full practice, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.
Analysis: Niskanen hopes the cut will fully close in the next few days, but he's not going to be able to play in Dallas' next game Saturday. Keep him reserved in the intermim.
News: Niskanen (hand) will remain sidelined for Tuesday's game, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.
Analysis: Philip Larsen will draw into the Dallas lineup again as a result.
News: Niskanen will miss at least one game after colliding with teammate Karlis Skrastins during warmups before the third period of Wednesday's game, according to ESPNDallas.com. Niskanen has a cut on the palm of his hand.
Analysis: "The hand injury is the most significant thing that [Niskanen's] got," coach Marc Crawford said. "He won't be playing for at least tomorrow, and he's doubtful for Sunday as well." Philip Larsen has been called up from Texas of the AHL with Niskanen and Skrastins out for at least a game.
News: Niskanen missed the third period of Wednesday's game due to a broken nose, some chipped teeth and a cut on his hand after colliding with teammate Karlis Skrastins during the warmup prior to the period, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Niskanen has been a lineup regular of late in favor of Mark Fistric, including some occasional time on the power play. He's listed as day-to-day.
News: Niskanen is expected to be a healthy scratch for Thursday's game against San Jose, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: Without the struggling Niskanen, the third defensive pairing for the Stars is projected to include Mark Fistric and Karlis Skrastins.
News: Niskanen was a healthy scratch for Monday's game with the return of Mark Fistric.
Analysis: Jeff Woywitka got the nod over Niskanen, who continues to struggle at both ends of the rink.
News: Niskanen agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $3 million with Dallas.
Analysis: Niskanen has struggled since his rookie season, where he played alongside Sergei Zubov, and will be looking to regain some of his confidence at both ends of the rink following a poor season.
News: Dallas D Matt Niskanen scored a goal and added an assist on Monday in a win over the Wild. Niskanen assisted on Mike Modano's goal in the 2nd period and later added his own tally in the 2nd period for his second goal of the season.
Analysis: Niskanen now has 11 points on the year for the Stars. The 22-year-old Niskanen has been a solid contributor on the Stars' blue line since his rookie season in 2007-08. He definitely gets the job done at both ends of the ice for Dallas, but his offensive production can sometimes be spotty. Niskanen passes as a low-end Fantasy defenseman.
News:Alex Auld made 31 saves, and Mike Ribeiro, Matt Niskanen and Loui Eriksson scored in the Dallas Stars' 3-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday. Niskanen gave the Stars a 2-0 lead 3:52 into the second period with his first goal of the season. He beat Jimmy Howard with a one-timer from the point.
Analysis: Niskanen thought he had his first goal of the season on Saturday against the Coyotes, but further video evidence took the goal away from him. So, Wednesday's tally ended up his first. Niskanen missed a few games earlier this season with a head injury, but he hasn't suffered a setback. The 22-year-old Niskanen has been a solid contributor on the Stars' blue line since his rookie season in 2007-08. He definitely gets the job done at both ends of the ice for Dallas, but his offensive production can sometimes be spotty. Niskanen passes as a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: D Matt Niskanen's goal on Saturday against the Coyotes was his first this season. Niskanen pulled Dallas within 3-2 with a shot from the right point for the Stars' only power-play goal in six opportunities. It also broke an offensive drought: it was Niskanen's first point since he logged an assist on Oct. 30 against Florida. He had gone five games without a point.
Analysis: Niskanen missed a few games earlier this season with a head injury, but he hasn't suffered a setback. The 22-year-old Niskanen has been a solid contributor on the Stars' blue line since his rookie season in 2007-08. He definitely gets the job done at both ends of the ice for Dallas, but his offensive production can sometimes be spotty. Niskanen passes as a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: Stars D Matt Niskanen returned to the lineup Wednesday against the Maple Leafs after missing two games with a head injury. He managed two assists and a plus-2 rating in 19:00 of ice time. Niskanen has three assists in his last four games.
Analysis: The 22-year-old Niskanen has been a solid contributor on the Stars' blue line since his rookie season in 2007-08. He definitely gets the job done at both ends of the ice for Dallas, but his offensive production can sometimes be spotty. Niskanen passes as a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: The Dallas Morning News reports that Stars D Matt Niskanen (head) should be able to return to action Wednesday vs. Toronto.
Analysis: The 22-year-old Niskanen has been a solid contributor on the Stars' blue line since his rookie season in 2007-08. He definitely gets the job done at both ends of the ice for Dallas, but his offensive production can sometimes be spotty. Niskanen passes as a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy, so start him if you need him in Fantasy Week 4 (Oct. 26-Nov. 1).
News:The Sports Xchange reports Stars D Matt Niskanen has missed the last two games with a head injury sustained Wednesday in Anaheim after he was slew-footed. He could be sidelined at least a few more days.
Analysis: The 22-year-old defenseman has been a solid contributor on the Stars' blue line since his rookie season in 2007-08. He definitely gets the job done at both ends of the ice for Dallas, but his offensive production can sometimes be spotty. Niskanen passes as a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Stars D Matt Niskanen's goal Saturday against the Panthers was his first since Feb. 28 against the Ducks. Niskanen now has six goals, one shy of his career-high set last season.
Analysis: Niskanen has just four points in 14 March games after having nine points in February. He has been hot-and-cold the last four months, but still is a top-logging defenseman for the Stars. Niskanen passes as a low-end Fantasy defenseman.
News: Stars D Matt Niskanen scored a goal and finished at minus-1 during Saturday's game against the Ducks. Niskanen scored on a one-timer from the left to circle to tie the game at 2 at 8:09 of the second. It was his fifth goal of the season and first point in seven games.
Analysis: Niskanen started February with eight assists in his first six games before finishing the month on the cold spell. He has still been a solid player for the Stars since December and continues to develop on the blue line. Niskanen has developed into a solid low-end Fantasy defenseman.
News: Stars D Matt Niskanen tallied an assist and finished at plus-1 during Friday's game against the Canucks. He has managed an assist in six of his last seven games and nine total in that span.
Analysis: Niskanen has been one of the Stars' top-logging defenseman since December after Philippe Boucher was traded to Pittsburgh and Sergei Zubov was lost for the season. The second-year defenseman has stepped up and is just one point shy of tying his career high (26). He is a better passer than scorer, so Niskanen remains a low-end Fantasy flier.
News: Stars D Matt Niskanen tallied three assists and finished at plus-3 during Friday's game against the Rangers. He has seven assists during a four-game point streak and eight assists in his last seven games.
Analysis: Niskanen has been one of the Stars' top-logging defenseman since December after Philippe Boucher was traded to Pittsburgh and Sergei Zubov was lost for the season. The second-year defenseman has stepped up and is just three points shy of tying his career high (26). He is a better passer than scorer, so Niskanen remains a low-end Fantasy flier.
News: Stars D Matt Niskanen assisted on both goals and finished at plus-1 during Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Avalanche. He has four assists during a three-game point streak and five assists in his last six games.
Analysis: Niskanen has been one of the Stars' top-logging defenseman since December after Philippe Boucher was traded to Pittsburgh and Sergei Zubov was lost for the season. The second-year defenseman has stepped up and is just six points shy of tying his career high (26). He is a better passer than scorer, so Niskanen remains a low-end Fantasy flier.
News: Dallas D Matt Niskanen had a goal one game after putting up two assists against the Red Wings on Monday.
Analysis: Niskanen has been far more productive in the last two months after getting off to a very slow start to the season. After losing Phillippe Boucher to the Pens, Niskanen was asked to step up in terms of offense and he has come through somewhat. Still, he remains a low-end option.
News: Stars D Matt Niskanen tallied a pair of assists and finished at even in 21:04 of ice time Monday against the Red Wings. He failed to score on six shots, however. Niskanen recorded his first assist in eight games Monday and his first point in six games.
Analysis: Before going into bit of a scoring funk, Niskanen really turned around his season in December with nine points in 13 games. He has been asked to step up recently with the departure of Philippe Boucher to Pittsburgh and losing Sergei Zubov to a hip injury. Niskanen is progressing, but still remains more of a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Stars D Matt Niskanen picked up his third goal of the season and his ninth December point in Monday's loss to the Sharks.
Analysis: Niskanen had just three points coming into December, but he's been getting a ton of ice time lately, especially on the power play. He's worth picking up in all deeper formats as this trend of production should continue.
News: Stars D Matt Niskanen has managed three assists in his last six games. However, he is minus-2 in that span and hasn't scored since Oct. 29.
Analysis: Niskanen has been a little more productive on the offensive end since late November when Dallas traded away Philippe Boucher and Sergei Zubov went back on IR. However, the second-year pro is still having a down season after a very successful rookie campaign and has regressed. He is a low-end Fantasy option until he can pick up the pace.
News: Stars D Matt Niskanen was a healthy scratch Monday against Philadelphia. He has just two points this season and has attempted just eight shots.
Analysis: Niskanen is a solid young defenseman, but until he can post consistent points, he remains a low-end Fantasy option. Leave him reserved in all leagues.
News: Stars D Matt Niskanen scored his first goal of the season during Wednesday's 4-2 win against the Wild. Niskanen added a power-play goal at 12:06 of the second period, the first allowed by the Wild after killing the first 24 this season.
Analysis: Niskanen also finished at plus-2 Wednesday to improve his rating to minus-3. He now has two points in 10 games. Niskanen has seen a lot of playing time early in the season with Sergei Zubov on IR, but he hasn't really cashed in offensive. Niskanen is a solid young defenseman, but until he can post consistent points, he remains a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Stars D Matt Niskanen was held without a point in 21:37 of ice time Monday against the Rangers. He took two shots and finished at even. He has just one assist in six games this season.
Analysis: Niskanen has seen a lot of playing time early in the season with Sergei Zubov on IR, but he hasn't really cashed in offensive. Niskanen is a solid young defenseman, but until he can post consistent points, he remains a low-end Fantasy option.
News:Matt Niskanen was back for the Stars after missing three games with a bruised foot. Niskanen played 23 shifts in 23 minutes and had one shot on goal in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Coyotes.
Analysis: Niskanen a pretty decent low-end Fantasy flier when healthy. He has six goals and 17 assists for the season and has an impressive plus-17 rating.
News: Stars defenseman Matt Niskanen missed his third consecutive game Saturday because of a bruised foot.
Analysis: Niskanen finished a season-best plus-4 in Saturday's 6-3 win over the Oilers, but came out of that game with this foot injury. A decent low-end Fantasy flier when healthy, Niskanen is now an injury-risk start for Fantasy Week 23 (Mar. 3-9).
News: Stars defenseman Matt Niskanen had an X-ray on his bruised foot and could not play in Thursday's 7-4 win over the Blackhawks. He has missed two games.
Analysis: Niskanen finished a season-best plus-4 in Saturday's 6-3 win over the Oilers, but came out of that game with this foot injury. A decent low-end Fantasy flier when healthy, Niskanen is now an injury-risk start for Fantasy Week 23 (Mar. 3-9).
News: According to the Dallas Star-Telegram, Stars D Matt Niskanen had an X-ray on his bruised foot Wednesday and will be re-evaluated Thursday. He has missed one game with the injury.
Analysis: Niskanen finished a season-best plus-4 in Saturday's 6-3 win over the Oilers, but came out of that game with this foot injury. A decent low-end Fantasy flier when healthy, Niskanen is now an injury-risk start for Fantasy Week 23 (Mar. 3-9).
News: Stars D Matt Niskanen tallied an assist and finished at plus-1 during Sunday's game against the Ducks. It was his 13th assist but his first in 12 games.
Analysis: Niskanen is having a quiet January after bursting onto the scene with seven points in 14 December games. The first-rounder from the 2005 draft is having a solid rookie season and has already moved into the top defensive pairing in Dallas. He has emerged as a decent low-end Fantasy flier.
News: Stars rookie D Matt Niskanen has three goals, but no assists in the last 10 games while Dallas is struggling a little. Stars have just three wins in that stretch. Niskanen has five goals, 12 assists and is a plus-13.
Analysis: Niskanen has emerged as a solid defenseman for the Stars in his rookie season and should be considered a nice reserve option in most Fantasy formats.
News: Stars rookie D Matt Niskanen scored his fourth goal of the season and matched his career high with a plus-3 rating Monday as Dallas ended a four-game losing streak with a 3-1 win over the Minnesota Wild.
Analysis: Niskanen has emerged as a solid defenseman for the Stars in his rookie season and should be considered a nice reserve option in most formats at this time.
News: Stars D Matt Niskanen tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 during Saturday's game against the Sharks. He now has one goal and four assists in his last five games. In his last three games, he is at plus-7.
Analysis: The rookie out of Minnesota-Duluth has already made his way up to playing in the top defensive pairing for the Stars with Sergei Zubov. He does have two goals and 10 assists to go along with a plus-9 rating. Still, he is merely a low-end Fantasy defenseman at this time.
News: Matt Niskanen, the 28th overall pick in the 2005 draft, scored his first NHL goal thanks to a fortunate bounce at 5:14 of the second against San Jose Monday. Mike Modano passed the puck to Niskanen, who lofted a shot from near the blue line. The puck changed direction after it hit a San Jose defender's stick and went into the net past Evgeni Nabokov.
Analysis: Niskanen is still only worth a look as a reserve in the deepest of Fantasy leagues. He might also be worth a look in long-term keeper leagues.
News: Stars rookie D Matt Niskanen picked up his first career points during Friday's 4-1 win over the Bruins. Niskanen assisted on two goals in just his second career game. He finished with a plus-2 rating.
Analysis: Niskanen is only worth a look as a reserve in the deepest of Fantasy leagues, as he is likely headed to Iowa of the AHL when Niklas Grossman (shoulder) is healthy. He might also be worth a look in long-term keeper leagues.
News: Matt Niskanen was in the lineup for Wednesday's regular season opener at Colorado, as he was filling in for the injured Niklas Grossman (shoulder). He was scoreless with a blocked shot in 15:16 of ice time.
Analysis: Niskanen is only worth a look as a reserve in the deepest of Fantasy leagues, as he is likely headed to Iowa of the AHL when Grossman is healthy.
