Hawks' Handzus To Dress For Game 3 Despite Missing Practices
News:Michal Handzus will be in the lineup for Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals despite not practicing in the Monday morning skate, ESPN Chicago reports.
Analysis:Michal Handzus has missed most of the practices recently, but has still skated in the first two games of the Western Conference semifinals. The Blackhawks have not reported any injury for Handzus, but his play has not been up to par in the series against Detroit.
Blackhawks' Handzus Misses Practice, Will Play Saturday
News:Michal Handzus missed practice Friday, but Coach Joel Quenneville said he is "fine," the team's official Twitter account reports.
Analysis:Michal Handzus has not practiced consistently with the team lately, and the 36-year-old is likely sitting out to preserve his energy for Saturday's Game 2.
News:Michal Handzus sat out his second consecutive practice Tuesday, but he will play in Wednesday's Game 1 against the Red Wings, ESPN Chicago reports.
Analysis: Coach Joel Quenneville said Michal Handzus is "fine" and dismissed the center's missed practice Monday as a "maintenance day." He recorded two assists and a plus-2 rating in five games against the Wild in the first round of the playoffs.
News:Michal Handzus received the day off from Monday's practice but should return to drills Tuesday.
Analysis: There is nothing to see here regarding Michal Handzus' potential availability for Wednesday's Game 1 versus Detroit. He should log his typical 10-to-15 minutes, providing a great face-off option for the Blackhawks.
News:Michal Handzus tallied two assists in the Blackhawks' 4-1 win over the Oilers on Wednesday.
Analysis: It was Michal Handzus' first game back after missing Monday's loss to the Canucks with an undisclosed injury. He finished with a plus-3 rating, and boasted a 9-4 record at the faceoff dot, to go along with the two helpers.
Handzus (Undisclosed Injury) Doesn't Suit Up Monday
News:Michal Handzus was not in the lineup on Monday against the Canucks with what coach Joel Quenneville said is an undisclosed injury, and will be a game-time decision Wednesday in Edmonton, the ESPN Chicago reports.
Analysis: Quenneville did not elaborate on Michal Handzus' injury, which is usually not a good sign. His absence was a surprise on Monday night, and it hurt the 'Hawks chances against the Canucks, as they lost 29 of 51 face-offs. Since coming over from San Jose on April 1, Handzus has been a very good part for the Blackhawks, chipping in three points and good face-off success.
News:Michal Handzus will play right wing for the Blackhawks, though he will also provide depth at his natural position of center, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis: The Blackhawks already have a solid group of four centers, so Michal Handzus is expected to play right wing on the fourth line, as he did Thursday night. He is expected to handle faceoffs when he is on the ice, and could move back to center if the Blackhawks deal with injuries at the position.
News: The Blackhawks got exactly what they were looking for with the acquisition of Michal Handzus at the trade deadline especially on face-offs as he won 10-of-14 in the shootout loss to the Blues on Thursday, ESPN Chicago reports. "I liked him," Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said. "He was good on faceoffs. He was big. He had some scoring chances. You like his instincts."
Analysis: In addition to face-offs, blocked a shot and had a plus-1 rating. Michal Handzus did have his shootout shot stopped, but he is doing what the Hawks wanted him to do when they acquired him from the Sharks.
News:Michal Handzus has been traded to Chicago for a 2013 fourth-round draft pick, NHL.com reports.
Analysis:Michal Handzus has not played since March 18. There could be some potential in Handzus joining the explosive Chicago offense, though he was really struggling with the Sharks pre-trade with just one goal in 28 games.
News:Michal Handzus scored his first goal of the season as the Sharks lost to the Blackhawks 5-3 on Tuesday.
Analysis:Michal Handzus finished with a two-point game as he also assisted on Tommy Wingels' goal five minutes into the first period. Wingels ended up returning the favor as Handzus scored halfway through the first to put the Sharks up two goals before losing the lead and the game.
News:Michal Handzus scored on the first attempt of the shootout in Tuesday's win over the Ducks, a goal that held up as the game-winner.
Analysis: It's interesting that Michal Handzus is a shootout specialist for the Sharks, given how little he produces in the flow of play. But he's 15-of-27 in shootout attempts over the last two years for the Sharks.
News:Michal Handzus is finalizing a contract with HC '05 Banska Bystrica of Slovakia, the thefourthperiod.com reports.
Analysis: HC '05 Banska Bystrica plays in Slovak Extraliga, Slovakia's top pro hockey league. It's likely Michal Handzus will negotiate an out clause in his contract to allow him to return to the NHL if labor peace is reached.
News:Michal Handzus "took regular shifts" at practice on Wednesday, TSN reports.
Analysis:Michal Handzus spent a significant portion of this season as a healthy scratch, but it appears he will get a chance to play in Game 4 on Thursday. Brad Winchester also took regular shifts, while T.J. Galiardi and Dominic Moore appear to be the guys who will cede ice time. However, you should keep in mind that the Sharks have not committed to the lineup yet and could make a change before Thursday night.
News:Michal Handzus will play against the Kings on Saturday, CSN Bay Area's Brodie Brazil reports.
Analysis: A scratch since March 26, Michal Handzus will get a chance to play his former team in the finale.
News:Michal Handzus skated 15:12 and went minus-1 in his return to the ice Thursday as the Sharks defeated Boston.
Analysis: With a meager 23 points in 64 games, fantasy owners likely were not missing Michal Handzus's offensive production. He's a four-time 20-goal man, but at 35 years old, those days appear to be behind him.
News:Michal Handzus will play on Thursday as the Sharks face the Bruins, CSN's Brodie Brazil reports.
Analysis:Michal Handzus was scratched from Tuesday's game with an upper body injury which has improved enough to get him back on the ice. Handzus is currently on pace to match his last season total of 30 points.
News:Michal Handzus played over 12 minutes, and recorded an assist, in Thursday's win over Montreal.
Analysis:Michal Handzus missed Monday's game due to an illness. His six points (2G, 4A) aren't particularly impressive but he does have a +4 ratio in 21 games with the Sharks this season. Its beginning to look unlikely that he'll approach the 42 points he posted in both 2008-09 and 2009-10.
News:Michal Handzus (illness) didn't skate Wednesday but did participate in off-ice workouts for the first time since coming down with the flu, David Pollack of the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis: Still day-to-day with the illness although it was a good sign to see him being a partial participant in team activities. Keep an eye on his status moving forward.
News:Michal Handzus (illness) was a scratch Monday night for San Jose's loss versus Los Angeles.
Analysis:Michal Handzus' illness will keep him day-to-day for now, but since the Sharks' next game isn't until Thursday it shouldn't be an ongoing concern.
News:Michal Handzus (illness) is questionable for Monday's game against Los Angeles, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis:Michal Handzus missed the team's last two practices but could certainly play against the Kings.
News:Michal Handzus, who had a "maintenance day" Wednesday, resumed skating Thursday, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis: Maintenance days are generally given to players who need some extra rest between games. Michal Handzus has won just over 58-percent of his faceoffs this season, which is where his value primarily lies.
News:Michal Handzus scored on the power play in Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Blues.
Analysis:Michal Handzus has two goals on the young season, but is generally considered to be more of a penalty-killing forward than anything else. Still, fans of Team Teal have to be excited that "Zeus" is making an immediate impact in his debut season with the Sharks.
News:Michal Handzus, who stayed in Slovakia to mourn the loss of close friend Pavol Demitra, could return as early as Saturday, according to David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News.
Analysis:Michal Handzus is just one of many members of the hockey family that will continue to grieve the tragic losses of the tragic plane crash in Russia. It's nice to see that he may be back as soon as this weekend to help the Sharks prepare for another successful regular-season campaign.
News: Handzus has signed a two-year contract with the Sharks that will pay him $2.5 million per year, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis: Handzus registered 30 points (12 G, 18 A) with the Kings last season, but his true value cannot possibly be measured by stats alone. One must also consider that he is a character player with 13 years of service time in the NHL. His fantasy value shouldn't see much correction as he'll remain in the Pacific Division for 2011-12.
News: Handzus will enter the free agent market coming off a disappointing season that saw him tally just 30 points (12 G, 18 A) in 82 games for the Kings.
Analysis: Handzus' time in L.A. was largely disappointing and he was continually bounced up and down the lineup last year. The 34-year old is more suited to a checking- and penalty-killing role at this stage in his career.
News: Handzus was bumped up to the team's second line at practice Wednesday, the LA Kings Insider reports.
Analysis: Handzus has just 14 points (five goals, nine assists) in 39 games but has been skating in a checking role so far. He'll benefit from skating alongside Ryan Smyth and Justin Williams but be aware that head coach Terry Murray loves to shake up his lines so the experiment may not last long.
News: Handzus scored a goal in regulation and then won the game in the shootout in a 4-3 win over Boston on Saturday night.
Analysis: He was named the game's first star but there's not a lot of room in fantasy for industrious checking centers.
News: Handzus has taken 224 faceoffs, accounting for roughly 29 percent of total draws by the Kings this season.
Analysis: Handzus has won 49.6 percent of his chances in the faceoff circle this season to go along with two goals and three assists, while playing in all 13 of his team's games to date.
News:Michal Handzus scored two power-play goals, Drew Doughty had a power-play goal and three assists, and the Kings rolled to a 5-3 victory Monday night, taking a 2-1 series lead in the Western Conference quarterfinals against the Canucks.
Analysis: Handzus, who also had an assist, has only nine goals in 63 career playoff games. Four of them have come in the first three games of this series. Handzus managed the fourth 20-goal season of his career in 2009-10. He also had 42 points for a second straight season. Handzus is well past a knee injury that hobbled him in 2006-07 and is back to being an elite two-way forward. Unfortunately, he is still not a dominant offensive presence, so Handzus will have low-end Fantasy appeal on Draft Day. He is also a flier in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: Kings C Michal Handzus scored and assisted in Monday's rout of the Blue Jackets, giving him four points in his last four games and 37 on the season.
Analysis: Apart from a rough November (five points, minus-5), Handzus has been pretty consistent this season with six to eight points a month. His ceiling appears to be about 40 to 45 points, so that limits his Fantasy value to just deeper formats.
News: Kings C Michal Handzus scored a goal and tallied two assists on Thursday against the Ducks. Handzus notched his 13th goal on a power play 17 minutes into the second. He has two goals and three assists in his last four games.
Analysis: Handzus finished with four goals and seven points in 14 January games. It is pretty much par for the course for the veteran center, who has managed 7-8 points in three of the first four months. Handzus' strengths are in the faceoff circle and on the penalty kill. Handzus is more of a low-end Fantasy flier in standard formats. He also a flier in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed and faceoff stats.
News: Kings C Michal Handzus scored a goal and finished at plus-1 on Sunday against the Devils. The Kings had 10 shots in the second period and they didn't find the back of the net until Handzus notched his 12th goal of the season with 29 seconds left in the period. Scott Parse set up the goal with a pass from behind the net after Alexander Frolov helped keep the play alive by forcing Mike Mottau's turnover.
Analysis: Handzus went seven games without scoring before getting on the board Sunday. He finished with four goals and seven points in 14 January games. It is pretty much par for the course for the veteran center. Handzus' strengths are in the faceoff circle and on the penalty kill. Handzus is more of a low-end Fantasy flier in standard formats. He also a flier in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed and faceoff stats.
News: Kings C Michal Handzus scored and assisted in Monday's win over the Sharks, giving him eight points in his last six games.
Analysis: Handzus does have a couple of 50-point seasons in his long NHL career, so he does have plenty of offensive skills. He's only likely to finish somewhere in the 40s like he did last season though, so continue to think of him in just deeper leagues.
News: Kings C Michal Handzus scored and assisted in Thursday's win over the Wild.
Analysis: Handzus now has six points in his last five games, which is one more point than he had in all of November. Handzus is a good NHL player, but he isn't a great Fantasy option. Continue to use him in only the deepest of leagues.
News: Kings C Michal Handzus had no points and finished at even in 17:14 of ice time on Wednesday against the Sharks. He also took three minor penalties. Handzus has three assists in his last six games, but hasn't scored since Nov. 5.
Analysis: Handzus came bursting out of the gate with five goals and seven points in 14 October contests. But he did a similar thing last season before leveling out. We figured Handzus was headed down the same path and he did. Handzus is a good NHL player, but he isn't a great Fantasy option. He plays a solid two-way game, but Handzus is more of a low-end Fantasy flier in standard formats. He also a flier in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed and faceoff stats.
News: Kings C Michal Handzus tallied a power-play goal during Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the Rangers. The Kings again climbed back within a goal when Handzus deflected in Jack Johnson's long shot, while screening Henrik Lundqvist, at 7:18 of the second. It was his third goal of the season.
Analysis: Handzus has three goals and two assists in his last five games. He is playing as good as top-line center Anze Kopitar. Handzus got off to a fast start in 2008-09 before leveling out. However, he played extremely well down the stretch (14 points in last 21 games) and seems to have that same flair in 2009-10. Consider Handzus a decent low-end Fantasy forward.
News: Kings C Michal Handzus scored a goal during Saturday's 2-1 win against the Blues. Handzus made it 2-0 for the Kings when his centering feed to Alexander Frolov during a two-on-one deflected off the stick of David Perron and between Chris Mason's pads with 4:05 left in the second.
Analysis: Handzus has two goals and four points in his last three games. He is also at plus-3 in that span. Handzus got off to a fast start in 2008-09 with six points in his first nine games. He then leveled off until he got hot late in the season. Handzus has some offensive skills and will log heavy amounts of PT as long as he is healthy. But he is also very valuable to the Kings in the faceoff circle and in short-handed situations. Handzus remains just a low-end Fantasy forward and flier in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed and faceoff stats.
News: Kings C Michal Handzus tallied a pair of assists and finished at plus-2 during Tuesday's game against the Sharks. It was his first points of the season.
Analysis: Handzus got off to a fast start in 2008-09 with six points in his first nine games. He then leveled off until he got hot late in the season. Handzus has some offensive skills and will log heavy amounts of PT as long as he is healthy. But he is also very valuable to the Kings in the faceoff circle and in short-handed situations. Handzus remains just a low-end Fantasy forward and flier in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed and faceoff stats.
News: Kings C Michal Handzus scored the team's only goal during a 4-1 loss to the Penguins Friday. Handzus spoiled Marc-Andre Fleury's shutout with a 5-on-3, power-play goal, his 17th of the season, with 12:33 left in the game. He has three goals and two assists during a four-game point streak.
Analysis: Handzus has a season-high 10 points in March and has totaled 17 points in his last 23 games. He is having his best offensive stretch of the season. He has definitely picked up the pace with Los Angeles hunting for a playoff berth, but Handzus is still far from being an elite scorer. Handzus remains just a low-end Fantasy forward and flier in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: Kings C Michal Handzus scored a goal and tallied an assist during Monday's game against the Predators. Handzus tied it with 10:07 left in regulation as he beat Pekka Rinne after circling around the net and using a Nashville defender to screen his own goalie. Handzus has four goals and three assists in eight March games.
Analysis: The four goals in March are a season high for Handzus. He has seven goals since February and 15 points in his last 21 games. He has definitely picked up the pace with Los Angeles hunting for a playoff berth, but Handzus is still far from being an elite scorer. Handzus remains just a low-end Fantasy forward and flier in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: Kings C Michal Handzus picked up his second career hat trick Thursday, leading Los Angeles to a 5-4 win over the Stars. Two of his three goals came on the power play.
Analysis: Handzus has been a 50-point scorer twice in his career, but he has just 32 this season with the Kings. Still, that's 11 more than he put up last campaign. While this hat trick was nice, Handzus remains just a low-end Fantasy forward in super-deep leagues.
News: Kings C Michal Handzus scored his 11th goal of the season Thursday in a loss to the Sharks.
Analysis: Handzus' offensive output has suffered since his move to Los Angeles and his Fantasy value is very minimal at this point.
News: According to The Sports Xchange, any Kings player who is paired with center Michal Handzus seems to enjoy an immediate improvement. This is news, considering Handzus endured an awful 2007-08 season. In his first year back after ACL surgery -- and the first year of a four-year, $16-million contract -- Handzus had only 21 points in 82 games and was an overall liability. Handzus has enjoyed an almost complete turnaround this season. His goal in Thursday's game against Washington was his 10th of the season, but he has been valuable for more than just his scoring. Handzus has spent most of the season centering the Kings' third line, their checking line, and has consistently made his teammates better. Rookie winger Wayne Simmonds has thrived playing alongside Handzus, and second-year winger Brad Richardson has looked strong in the past week since he returned from a leg injury.
Analysis: It does appear that Handzus is completely back from a knee injury that severely limited him last season, although Fantasy owners haven't really been convinced that he is a player worth owning in more than three percent of leagues right now. He should only be starting in extremely deep leagues.
News:Michal Handzus scored in the third period and the Los Angeles Kings ruined Cory Clouston's first game as Ottawa's coach with a 1-0 victory Tuesday. Handzus picked up the puck behind the Senators net and jammed it in from the side at 17:21 of the third period. Wayne Simmonds and Brad Richardson picked up assists on Handzus' ninth goal of the season. "I was just trying to get the puck to the net and hope for a rebound," Handzus said. "That was a huge win for us."
Analysis: Handzus now has two goals and three assists in his last five games. He has had a solid season with 22 points in 29 games, but he isn't wowing Fantasy owners. The good news is that he is fully recovered from a knee injury that plagued him over the previous two seasons and coach Terry Murray loves him as his checking-line forward. The bad news is that Handzus has little Fantasy value outside of leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: Kings C Michal Handzus tallied a pair of assists and finished at plus-1 during Wednesday's game against the Avalanche. He has three assists in his last two games after getting no points in the previous nine.
Analysis: Handzus got off to a real quick start this season offensively, but has slowed down dramatically. The good news is that he is fully recovered from a knee injury that plagued him over the previous two seasons and coach Terry Murray loves him as his checking-line forward. The bad news is that Handzus has little Fantasy value outside of leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: Kings C Michal Handzus tallied an assist and finished at plus-1 during Tuesday's game against the Wild. It was his first point and assist in nine games.
Analysis: Handzus got off to a real quick start this season offensively, but has slowed down dramatically. The good news is that he is fully recovered from a knee injury that plagued him over the previous two seasons and coach Terry Murray loves him as his checking-line forward. The bad news is that Handzus has little Fantasy value outside of leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News:The Sports Xchange reports the list of the Kings' faults over the previous two seasons is long -- start with defense, goaltending and special teams -- but an overlooked part of their struggles was the lack of a consistent third line. That is changing this season, and it's one of the reasons the Kings remain in the fight for a playoff spot at the end of the calendar year. Michal Handzus, Alexander Frolov and Wayne Simmonds have combined for a versatile third line. Frolov leads the Kings in goals, with 16, but is also one of their most responsible defenders. Simmonds, a 20-year-old rookie, brings speed and grit to both ends of the ice. And Handzus is the glue that binds the line.
Analysis: Handzus' play last season was a disappointment, but it was also his first year back following ACL surgery, which is typically a tough year for a recovering player. This season, Handzus has been decent offensively (17 points in 37 games) but superb defensively and even better with teammates in the locker room, particularly Simmonds. "Off the ice and in the locker room, we're seeing and hearing a much more involved player," coach Terry Murray said of Handzus. "He's verbally saying the right things and encouraging players. He's been a great mentor for Simmonds. He spends a lot of time talking with him during the games, and you can see that in Simmonds' development. It's been accelerated because of Handzus' performance." Handzus remains a low-end Fantasy option and flier in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: Kings C Michal Handzus scored a goal and finished at plus-2 during Saturday's game against the Wild. The Kings got their second goal with 17:02 left in the game while Marek Zidlicky was off for holding Handzus. Matt Greene's slap shot from the right point deflected off teammate Wayne Simmonds' stick and struck the left post, but Handzus banged home the rebound with one second left on the power play.
Analysis: Handzus has two goals on the man advantage this season, but is not considered one of the Kings' top power-play options. He has 15 points in 29 games and has done well under first-year coach Terry Murray. Still, Handzus remains a low-end Fantasy option and flier in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: Kings C Michal Handzus scored his sixth goal of the season in Friday's game against Edmonton. He ended a drought of six games without a goal.
Analysis: Handzus had one stretch this season with three goals in four games, but has been otherwise ineffective from a Fantasy standpoint. Leave him on the waiver wire in most formats.
News: Kings C Michal Handzus scored a goal, added an assist and finished at plus-1 in 20:18 of ice time Thursday against the Capitals. Handzus added an empty-net goal with 40 seconds left to give Los Angeles a 4-2 lead. It was his fifth goal of the season and third in four games.
Analysis: Handzus has looked rejuvenated in the early season after two down seasons as he battled injury. He does have 10 points in 18 games and remains a valuable part of the Kings' checking line and short-handed unit. Still, Handzus has limited Fantasy appeal at this time.
News: C Michal Handzus scored the Kings' only goa during Saturday's 3-1 loss to the Predators. Handzus has now scored goals in consecutive games for the first time this season. Handzus had two goals and three assists in the Kings' first five games, but then totaled just one assist in his next nine games. That stretch ended with a goal against Dallas on Thursday.
Analysis: Handzus looked rejuvenated in the early season after two down seasons as he battled injury. He does have eight points in 16 games and remains a valuable part of the Kings' checking line and short-handed unit. Still, Handzus has limited Fantasy appeal at this time.
News:Michal Handzus and Kyle Quincey scored power-play goals and Erik Ersberg made 24 saves to help the Kings extend their winning streak to four games with a 3-2 victory against the Stars on Thursday night. The Kings opened the scoring at 9:53 of the first period when Handzus' power-play deflection got past goalie Marty Turco. Dallas' Sean Avery had been sent to the penalty box for tripping four seconds earlier. It was Handzus' first power-play score of the season.
Analysis: Handzus had just one point in his last nine games after getting five in his first five. Handzus looked rejuvenated in the early season after two down seasons as he battled injury. He does have seven points in 15 games and remains a valuable part of the Kings' checking line and short-handed unit. Still, Handzus has limited Fantasy appeal at this time.
News: Kings C Michal Handzus tallied an assist and finished at minus-2 during Monday's game against the Avalanche. He took two shots on net. Handzus has two goals, three assists and a plus-1 rating in five games.
Analysis: Handzus might be situated on the team's third line, but he is really thriving under first-year coach Terry Murray and is starting to look like his former self after two injury-plagued seasons. Handzus has 40-50 point potential, so if he can get back to that level, he can be a viable low-end Fantasy option.
News: Kings C Michal Handzus tallied an assist and finished at even during Thursday's game against the Red Wings. He now has 11 assists on the season with three coming in his last four games.
Analysis: Handzus continues to man the lower lines for the Kings and still hasn't returned to 100 percent after tearing his ACL last season. Handzus is not likely to reach the 40-point plateau, a feat that was easy for him prior to being injured, unless he has a big second half. Treat him as a low-end Fantasy reserve at this time.
News: Kings C Michal Handzus tallied an assist and finished at even during Thursday's game against the Islanders. It was his ninth assist of the season and second in five games.
Analysis: Handzus continues to man the lower lines for the Kings and still hasn't returned to 100 percent after tearing his ACL last season. Handzus is not likely to reach the 40-point plateau, a feat that was easy for him prior to being injured, unless he has a big second half. Treat him as a low-end Fantasy reserve at this time.
News: Kings C Michal Handzus tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 during Saturday's game against the Flames. It was his first point in nine games.
Analysis: Handzus actually had his most productive month with four goals and two assists in December. Handzus missed most of the 2006-07 season with a torn ACL, but has been active for 43 games this season. Handzus is not likely to reach the 40-point plateau, a feat that was easy for him prior to being injured, unless he has a big second half. Treat him as a low-end Fantasy reserve at this time.
News: Kings C Michal Handzus tallied an assist and finished at even during Thursday's game against the Stars. He now has three goals and two assists in his last five games.
Analysis: Handzus missed most of the 2006-07 season with a torn ACL, but has played in 32 games this season. He has just nine points in 32 games and doesn't look as though he is fully recovered. He has been very productive in the last five games, and if he keeps on scoring, he might be worth using as a low-end Fantasy center.
News:Michal Handzus had a short-handed tally in the Kings' 8-2 victory against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night. Handzus notched his 13th career short-handed goal at 1:56 of the second while Ladislav Nagy was off for interference.
Analysis: Handzus, signed to a four-year, $16 million contract, has two goals and three assists in 28 games. His current Fantasy value is limited to just larger leagues.
News:Michal Handzus, counted on to be the Kings' No. 2 center behind Anze Kopitar, has struggled offensively, forcing the Kings to search for secondary scoring. Outside of the top line of Michael Cammalleri, Kopitar and Dustin Brown, no other Kings forward has more than four goals this season.
Analysis: Handzus, signed to a four-year, $16 million contract, has one goal and three assists in 21 games. His current Fantasy value is limited to just larger leagues.
News: Michal Handzus has one point in two games this month, but he has already matched his output for the month of October, in which he played 11 games.
Analysis: Handzus is still battling back from a knee injury, but his current Fantasy value is limited to just larger leagues.
News: Michal Handzus (knee) was able to play in Saturday's regular season opener in London against the Ducks. He posted a shorthanded goal with a plus-1 rating in 17:06 of ice time.
Analysis: Handzus officially leads the NHL in shorthanded goals! Seriously, he is a solid No. 3 or 4 Fantasy center in most formats, as he looks to bounce back from a serious shortened by injury in 2006-07.
News: The Los Angeles Times reports Michal Handzus (knee surgery) is expected to be ready for the team's regular season opener on Sept. 29 in London against the Ducks. "I feel pretty good and confident that I will be ready for the first game of the season," said Handzus. I had been skating back home...almost for a whole month. I feel good."
Analysis: Handzus was on his way to a big season in Chicago, posting eight points through eight games, before going down for the season. He is a deep sleeper in most Fantasy leagues heading into the 2007-08 season and might skate with sharpshooter and playmaker Ladislav Nagy.
News: Michal Handzus (knee) was able to play in Saturday's preseason game against the Ducks. He was scoreless in 14:19 of ice time.
Analysis: Handzus signed a free agent contract with the Kings during the offseason after managing three goals and eight points in eight games with the Blackhawks before suffering a season-ending injury. He might be a nice middle- to late-round pick in all Fantasy leagues, especially if he lands on one of the top two scoring lines for the Kings.
News: The Los Angeles Kings signed W Ladislav Nagy and D Brad Stuart to one-year contracts, W Kyle Calder to a two-year contract, C Michal Handzus and D Tom Preissing to four-year contracts and they also re-signed veteran D Lubomir Visnovsky to a five-year deal.
Analysis: Handzus was on his way to a huge season with three goals and eight points in eight games before suffering a terrible knee injury to end a promising year with the Blackhawks. Now, he'll try and start over in Los Angeles and he might be paired with the likes of Anze Kopitar, Kyle Calder or Ladislav Nagy. Expect a big year if he can stay healthy. He is expected to be ready for training camp in September.
News: RW Adam Burish, C Michal Handzus (knee), C Mikael Holmqvist (shoulder), D Jim Vandermeer (ankle) and D James Wisniewski (knee) all finished on injured reserve in the 2006-07 season.
Analysis: Handzus got off to a tremendous start, posting three goals and eight points with a plus-4 rating through eight games. He was unable to return, however. If he teams with Martin Havlat (knee) to start the 2007-08, Handzus might be quite the sleeper heading into the news season. He is expected to be ready for training camp.
News: The Arlington Heights Daily Herald that Michal Handzus (torn ACL) is hopeful of returning for at least a game or two down the stretch.
Analysis: Handzus is not worth activating for Fantasy Week 27 (April 2-8), as there is a chance he might not return to the ice as a precaution.
News: The Arlington Heights Daily Herald reports Michal Handzus (torn ACL) might resume skating in three to four weeks, which would put him on track for a return in early or mid-March.
Analysis: Originally Handzus was expected to miss the remainder of the season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament on Oct. 21, but his timetable was bumped up to March. He is worth keeping an eye on and stashing away on reserve in larger leagues at this point.
News: C Michal Handzus, injured late in the last game against St. Louis on Saturday, is slated for knee surgery on Friday and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Analysis: Handzus had scored a pair of goals and tallied five assists in eight games this season. The club recalled Dave Bolland from Norfolk of the AHL to replace him.
News: According to reports, Michal Handzus is lost for the season with a torn ACL. He was injured on a hit late in the third period of Saturday's game against the Blues.
Analysis: Handzus had scored a pair of goals and tallied five assists in eight games this season. The club recalled Dave Bolland from Norfolk of the AHL to replace him.
News: According to published reports, Michal Handzus might miss the remainder of the season after an MRI confirmed that he suffered a tear in his anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligament. He is expected to require immediate corrective surgery to repair the damage.
Analysis: The club recalled Dave Bolland from Norfolk of the AHL to replace him. Handzus was off to a sensational start, but this coupled with an injury to Martin Havlat (ankle) and Nikolai Khabibulin (finger) has the 'Hawks and Fantasy owners reeling.
News: Michal Handzus has six points (2 G, 4 A) and a plus-5 rating with four penalty minutes in five games to start the season for the Chicago Blackhawks.
Analysis: Handzus is a nice addition as a No. 4 or 5 Fantasy forward in most leagues. The Flyers probably wish they had him back instead of Kyle Calder, who is scoreless with a minus-2 rating in six games.
News: Michal Handzus had three assists against Columbus Saturday and he has four in his first two games as a Hawk.
Analysis: Handzus is a solid No. 4 or 5 Fantasy forward in most leagues for the Blackhawks.
News: Michal Handzus (shoulder) made his regular season debut with the Blackhawks, notching a goal and assist in Thursdasy's opener at Nashville.
Analysis: Handzus is a solid No. 4 or 5 Fantasy forward in most leagues for the Blackhawks.
News: The Arlington Heights Daily Herald reports Michal Handzus (shoulder surgery) might not play during the preseason as he continues to recover from offseason shoulder surgery. "I’m going to take it slowly," said Handzus. "I’m sure I’m going to play some exhibition games, so I don’t think it’s any problem." In the offseason the Hawks traded Kyle Calder for Handzus and is expected to center either the Hawks first or second line.
Analysis: Handzus has been able to practice and he said that he will be ready for the regular season opener on Oct. 5 at Nashville. It appears safe to draft him, as he is expected to be ready when the games count for real. We'll pass along further details if that is not the case and he suffers a setback.
News: The Chicago Blackhawks traded Kyle Calder to the Philadelphia Flyers for veteran center Michal Handzus. "We also feel that Michal is a guy who will be able to get the puck to Martin Havlat," general manager Dale Tallon said. "We feel that a line of Martin Havlat, Michal Handzus, and Tuomo Ruttu is a pretty good line."
Analysis: Handzus posted 11 goals and 44 points in 73 games in Philadelphia last season. He might see a huge jump in Fantasy appeal if he lands on the team's top scoring line.
News: Flyers C Michal Handzus (shoulder) returned Friday after missing eight games.
Analysis: Keep Handzus reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and play in consecutive games without any lingering effects of the injury.
News: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Michal Handzus, who missed his third straight game on Saturday, is expected to be out at least seven to 10 days due to his shoulder injury.
Analysis: Keep Handzus reserved in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and play in consecutive games without any lingering effects of the injury.
News: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Michal Handzus, who has a torn labrum in his left shoulder, will try and strengthen the injury and is hopeful of avoiding surgery until the offseason.
Analysis: Handzus will not play Wednesday at New Jersey or Thursday against N.Y. Rangers, so keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Michal Handzus, who pulled out of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin for Team Slovakia, continues to recover from a shoulder injury.
Analysis: Handzus is one of just two Philadelphia players to play all 58 games for the Flyers this season (Mike Knuble). He is expected to be ready for when play resumes for the Flyers on March 1 at New Jersey, but you might want to keep him reserved just as a precaution.
News: Michal Handzus was able to play in Wednesday's game against the Islanders despite suffering a bruised left foot in Sunday's game against the Canadiens.
Analysis: It appears safe to keep Handzus in the active Fantasy lineup for now.
News: Michal Handzus had three assists and plus-3 rating in 17:37 of ice time in Wednesday's game at Chicago.
Analysis: Handzus had just nine points (1 G, 8 A) over the past 17 games, so don't get too excited about Wednesday's performance.
News: Michal Handzus is scoreless in his past three games, his longest drought of the season.
Analysis: Handzus got off to a quick start, but he has slowed down since. He remains a decent Fantasy option in leagues of 12 or more teams despite the recent scoreless stretch.
News: The Flyers signed Michal Handzus to a three-year contract and avoided arbitration Friday.
Analysis: Handzus had a career-high 38 assists last season. He came over with Robert Esche in a deal with Phoenix.
News: Michal Handzus had three assists in Tuesday's game at New Jersey.
Analysis: Handzus has picked up eight points (1 G, 7 A) during his current five-game points streak.
News: Michal Handzus picked up a pair of assists in Wednesday's game at Florida.
Analysis: Handzus has nine points (3 G, 6 A) over the past seven games. He is worth using in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Michal Handzus (ribs) was able to play on Thursday. He had two assists in 16:27 of ice time.
Analysis: It appears safe to keep Handzus in the active lineup in larger Fantasy leagues.
News: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Michal Handzus (ribs) missed Wednesday's practice and is questionable for Thursday's game at the Rangers.
Analysis: Handzus should be reserved in daily leagues until he is ready to return.
News: Michal Handzus had a goal and an assist in Philadelphia's win over Florida.
Analysis: Handzus is enjoying a mini-hot streak, scoring six points (2 G, 4 A) over his past four games.
News: Handzus scored a goal and added an assist in Monday's win over Philadelphia.
Analysis: He has recorded at least one point in each of his past three games. Despite that streak, he has minimal Fantasy appeal in most leagues.
News: Handzus scored the only goal in Thursday's Game 4 against Ottawa. The series is tied at two games apiece, as it shifts back to Ottawa for Game 5 on Saturday.
Analysis:
News: Handzus is probable for Saturday's game against Carolina. He is suffering from a badly bruised right ankle, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Handzus is best used as a Fantasy reserve in larger leagues.
Analysis:
News: Handzus is quietly piecing together a nice season. He scored in his fourth consecutive game on Tuesday and his fifth goal in the past six games. He also has a seven game points streak and 11 points in the past nine games. Handzus might be available in most leagues.
Analysis:
News: Handzus and backup goaltender Robert Esche were sent to Philadelphia Wednesday in exchange for netminder Brian Boucher and a third round draft pick. "We picked up a big 6-foot-5 center who is, in our opinion, the complete package," Flyers general manager Bob Clarke said of Handzus. "He can play both ends of the ice, make plays and can score goals. He will be a real top addition up front for us." Handzus may see increased Fantasy value in Philadelphia.
Analysis:
News: Handzus returned to the ice Wednesday. He scored two goals and assisted on another. Handzus had been sidelined since last week because of a groin injury.
Analysis:
News: Handzus could be back in the lineup Wednesday, according to The Arizona Republic. He is recovering from a groin injury. Consider reserving him this week.
Analysis:
News: Handzus suffered a strained groin during Thursday's morning skate, according to The Arizona Republic. He was scratched from Thursday's game and will be evaluated on a daily basis.
Analysis:
News: Handzus is questionable for Thursday's game against Atlanta due to a foot injury he suffered during an off-ice drill on Wednesday. He is day to day.
Analysis:
News: Handzus has been suffering from back spasms late during training camp, and is questionable for the start of the regular season. Don't take chances with marginal Fantasy players like him - reserve him for the first scoring period.
Analysis:
News: Handzus, who has been sidelined after surgery to repair a torn abdominal muscle, says he expects to make his Coyotes debut on Friday in Dallas. Give him about a week to get acclimated into the Phoenix offense before you consider starting him.
Analysis:
News: The Phoenix Coyotes acquired Handzus in Tuesday's Keith Tkachuk trade. Handzus is a decent keeper-league player, but he's probably not going to play the rest of this Fantasy season due to injury.
Analysis:
News: It is unclear whether Handzus will be able to return this season from an abdominal injury, although he was able to practice fully on Wednesday. You shouldn't be relying on him much at this stage of the game.
Analysis:
News: Handzus underwent surgery on Monday to repair a torn abdominal muscle and will be sidelined for six to eight weeks. He suffered the injury during Thursday's game in San Jose, and was placed on injured reserve on Friday. Expect Ladislav Nagy to get a prolonged stay on the Blues' second line until Handzus is healthy.
Analysis:
News: Handzus was placed on injured reserve by the Blues Monday with an abdominal strain. He is expected to miss the first four games of the season. Look for fellow Slovakian Ladislav Nagy to center the Pavol Demitra/Lubos Bartecko line in his absence.
Analysis:
News: Handzus continues to star for the 'Slovak Pak'. He added another goal last night, to up his total to 25 for the season. He now has 6 goals and 3 assists in 9 games this month and 3 goals in his last 2 games.
Analysis:
News: Handzus had recorded 19 points in his last 15 games and continues to flourish in the Blues system. Over that span, he has 8 goals and 11 assists.
Analysis:
News: Michal Handzus scored two short-handed goals in a 4-1 victory over Atlanta. In his last 7 games, he has 4 goals, 6 assists and his plus/minus rating is a plus 4.
Analysis:
News: Handzus has keyed the Blues' resurgence with four goals and three assists during a six-game point streak. He had four goals and 12 assists in 66 games as a rookie last season.
Analysis:
