News: The Stars have decided to buy out Eric Godard's contract, Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis:Eric Godard, 32, spent all of last season with the Texas Stars of the AHL, where he put up one goal (no assists) and 58 PIMs in 46 games. The winger has played 335 games in the NHL for the Islanders, Flames, and Penguins, and he may draw interest from a team in need of a veteran presence.
News:Eric Godard was sent to Texas (AHL) on Sunday, James Mirtle of the Globe & Mail reports.
Analysis: When he gets time in Dallas, Eric Godard's value will be extracted mostly from time spent in the penalty box.
News: The Stars have signed Godard to a two-year contract that will pay him $750,000 in the NHL, or $105,000 at the AHL level in 2011-12, followed by a one-way contract set at $700,000 in the second year, ESPN's Mark Stepneski reports.
Analysis: Godard is best known for his physical play, having accumulated 833 penalty minutes in just 335 NHL games. Formerly a tough guy for the Penguins, we expect him to assume a similar enforcer role in the Big D.
News: Godard may be a darkhorse candidate to return to Pittsburgh for a fourth season with Mike Rupp intent on pursuing free agency.
Analysis: Rupp, along with Deryk Engelland, made Godard a luxury item in 2010-11. Without Rupp around, the Pens make take a second look into re-signing the skilled fighter.
News: Godard, who collected his second assist in as many games Sunday, is unlikely to dress for more than a game or two in the postseason.
Analysis: He didn't dress for Pittsburgh in two rounds of playoff action a season ago. Fantasy poolies looking for PIMs should probably look elsewhere.
News: Godard has yet to play since finishing out a 10-game suspension two weeks ago.
Analysis: He's playing rarely in the regular season and figures to play even less in the postseason, in case poolies were thinking of playoff PIMs from the pugilist.
News: Godard is in line for an automatic 10-game suspension for leaving the bench during Friday night's melee with the Islanders, according to Darren Dreger of TSN.
Analysis: We'll wait for official word, but there was a whole lot of nonsense going on in this game so suspensions are looming. Those using Godard for penalty minutes should start to get prepared for some time without him.
News: Godard (facial injuries) will return to action Tuesday night against the Rangers, according to the Penguins' Web site.
Analysis: Godard hasn't played since fighting Ottawa's Matt Carkner in late December. His spot in the lineup gives Pittsburgh an enforcer's presence, aside from rookie Deryk Engelland.
News: Godard (nose) returned to practice Monday sporting a face shield, the Penguins' official site reports.
Analysis: Consider Godard day-to-day, but as long as he's being careful with his broken nose, he seems unlikely to rack up many majors for fighting.
News: The Pens placed Godard on the injured reserve list with a broken nose.
Analysis: Godard suffered a broken nose in a fight with Matt Carkner a week ago. Find another pugulist for the time being, as Godard might not be back for a while.
News: Godard might not be available Tuesday or Wednesday after taking a punch to his face by Ottawa's Matt Carkner, the Penguins' Web site reports.
Analysis: Godard will get looked at Tuesday. "Godard will get re-evaluated tomorrow (Tuesday) from our team doctors to see where he's at," coach Dan Bylsma said.
News: Godard is a likely healthy scratch Friday against the Lightning, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Analysis: Fantasy owners will have to look elsewhere for goon points Friday night.
News: Godard (illness) took part in practice Monday and Tuesday, but could serve as a healthy scratch Wednesday in Dallas.
Analysis: Godard actually returned to action last weekend, making a rare appearance against the 'Canes. Godard has played in parts of just four games this season. The emergence of defenseman Deryk Engelland has lessened the need for Godard's fighting skills.
News: Godard (illness) didn't take part in Friday's game-day skate, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Analysis: Godard missed Wednesday's game in Tampa Bay and now appears unlikely to suit up against the Flyers on Friday night.
News: Godard has been ruled out of Wednesday's game against Tampa Bay due to illness, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: Godard was expected to serve as a healthy scratch with Arron Asham returning anyhow. Godard's played in just three of nine games for Pittsburgh this season, serving as a healthy scratch in the other six contests.
News: Godard has served as healthy scratch in six of nine games.
Analysis: The Pens have paid Godard for his protective services for the last three years, but it will be interesting to see if Pittsburgh keeps him around after the team gets healthy. Mike Rupp served as Pittsburgh's strongman Saturday night, though Craig Adams was the only Pens player to fight against St. Louis.
News: Penguins RW Eric Godard returned to the lineup on Thursday against the Bruins for the first time since suffering a groin injury on Jan. 25 against the Rangers. He had no points in 3:31 of ice time. He also didn't take a penalty.
Analysis: Pittsburgh was expecting a revenge game from the Bruins on Thursday after the last time these teams met Bruins center Marc Savard was knocked out of the game by a questionable hit from Matt Cooke. Godard was available just in case Pittsburgh needed some added muscle. Godard is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM when healthy.
News: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that Penguins RW d Eric Godard will be out 4-6 weeks due to a groin injury.
Analysis: Godard only has two assists in 42 games this season, and his PIM number (64) is down quite a bit from the last two seasons (171). Only stash him if you're in the deepest of Fantasy leagues that reward bad behavior and you can afford to.
News: Penguins RW Eric Godard was a healthy scratch for Monday's game against the Wild. He has dressed for only two of Pittsburgh's first six January games.
Analysis: Godard has dressed only 10 times since Dec. 1, but with the way Pittsburgh is struggling, they might consider playing Godard a bit more for his toughness. Godard only dresses when Pittsburgh needs added muscle. Godard is pretty much just a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News: Penguins RW Eric Godard failed to record a point and finished at even in 4:01 of ice time on Thursday against the Canadiens. He has only one point in 29 games this season.
Analysis: Godard not producing much on offense is nothing new since he has only 13 points in 300 career games. However, he has only 28 penalty minutes this season and four fighting majors. He got into a career-high 21 fights last season, so it seems he has toned it down a bit. Godard is pretty much just a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Penguins coach Dan Bylsma has set his scoring lines for Friday's game at Columbus, the first without Evgeni Malkin. Chris Kunitz, Sidney Crosby and Bill Guerin will remain on the top line, while Jordan Staal, Ruslan Fedotenko and Chris Bourque will be on the second unit. Matt Cooke and Craig Adams will be fixtures on the third line, with Pascal Dupuis, Mike Rupp, Eric Godard and Chris Conner rotating in the final spot.
Analysis: This move really only affects the value of Staal, who will move up into the scoring lines in the place of Malkin. You might want to get Staal active in more than 47 percent of leagues for Fantasy Week 5 (Nov. 2-8). Everyone else retains their original Fantasy value.
News: According to The Sports Xchange, Penguins forward Eric Godard set the tone of Wednesday's game against the Rangers when he dropped his gloves three seconds into the game and knocked Rangers forward Colton Orr to the ice. Godard was sent to the penalty box to serve a fighting penalty, but not before he got his team going.
Analysis: Godard is on the Penguins to basically get into fights. He is on his way to set a career high in major penalties and is one of the Penguins' top enforcers. He remains a solid option in leagues that reward heavily for PIM but little else.
News: Penguins RW Eric Godard returned to the lineup Monday against the Rangers after missing four games with an undisclosed injury. He didn't have a point in 3:35 of ice time, but did what he does best when he fought with Colton Orr late in the third period.
Analysis: Godard picked up his 12th major penalty Monday and is well on his way to setting a new career high in that arena. Godard continues to act as the Penguins' top enforcer and is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News: Penguins RW Eric Godard missed a fourth straight game Saturday with an undisclosed injury. He remains questionable heading into Monday's game at the Rangers.
Analysis: Godard is in his first season with the Penguins after spending the previous two with Calgary. He was brought in to replace enforcer George Laraques and he has done just that with 11 major penalties and 101 penalty minutes. Godard remains just a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM when healthy.
News: Penguins RW Eric Godard was scratched from Thursday's game against the Bruins because of an undisclosed injury. It was the third straight game he missed and remains questionable heading into Saturday against Florida.
Analysis: Godard is in his first season with the Penguins after spending the previous two with Calgary. He was brought in to replace enforcer George Laraques and he has done just that with 11 major penalties and 101 penalty minutes. Godard remains just a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM when healthy.
News: Penguins RW Eric Godard was scratched from Tuesday's game against the Bruins because of an undisclosed injury. It was the second straight game he missed and remains questionable heading into Thursday's rematch with Boston.
Analysis: Godard is in his first season with the Penguins after spending the previous two with Calgary. He was brought in to replace enforcer George Laraques and he has done just that with 11 major penalties and 101 penalty minutes. Godard remains just a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM when healthy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports the Penguins recalled RW Tim Wallace from AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Saturday. He replaced injured RW Eric Godard in the lineup Saturday night against Montreal. Godard was injured Friday on a blocked shot at New Jersey. He is day-to-day.
Analysis: Godard is in his first season with the Penguins after spending the previous two with Calgary. He was brought in to replace enforcer George Laraques and he has done just that with 11 major penalties and 101 penalty minutes. Godard remains just a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM when healthy.
News: Penguins RW Eric Godard scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Saturday's 6-3 loss to the Flyers. Godard scored his first goal in 99 games dating back to Oct. 13, 2007, at Nashville at 11:06 of the third period. He also spent seven minutes in the penalty box, which included a major for fighting with Scott Hartnell.
Analysis: Godard has four goals in his career and already has 10 major penalties this season. He is not on the ice for his offensive game and remains one of the NHL's top enforcers. Continue to view him as just a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News: Penguins RW Eric Godard didn't record a point in 3:30 of ice time Saturday against the Senators, but managed to get into a fight with Chris Neil in the second period. It was his second fight in three games and his ninth major penalty of the season.
Analysis: Godard is in his first season with Pittsburgh after acting as Calgary's enforcer the last two seasons. He has racked up 63 penalty minutes so far. Godard remains just a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News: Penguins RW Eric Godard, who plays only just under five minutes a game, racked up five penalty minutes in 3:38 of action in Tuesday's loss to the Sharks. Godard got in a fight with Jody Shelley.
Analysis: Godard is in his first season with Pittsburgh after acting as Calgary's enforcer the last two seasons. He has racked up 37 penalty minutes so far and has been involved in five fights. Godard remains just a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News: Penguins RW Eric Godard didn't record a point in 6:28 of ice time Monday against the Bruins. He took one shot on net and finished at even while recording two penalties for seven minutes, including five minutes for fighting with Scott Thornton in the first period.
Analysis: Godard is in his first season with Pittsburgh after acting as Calgary's enforcer the last two seasons. He has an assist in his first seven games, but has racked up 27 penalty minutes and has been involved in three fights. Godard remains just a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News: Free agent RW Eric Godard signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 1. He spent the 2007-08 season with Calgary, totaling two points and 171 penalty minutes in 74 games.
Analysis: The 171 penalty minutes were a career-high for Godard, as well as the 74 games played. He will fill the role of enforcer for Pittsburgh and is nothing more than a flier in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News: Flames RW Eric Godard was not in the lineup Thursday even though he already served his automatic one game suspension for receiving his third game misconduct Monday against the Avalanche.
Analysis: Godard has just one goal and 123 penalty minutes in 47 games. Godard set a new career high in PIM Monday and should only be used in leagues that reward heavily for PIM when active.
News: Flames RW Eric Godard didn't play Tuesday against the Coyotes after receiving an automatic one game suspension for receiving his third game misconduct Monday against the Avalanche.
Analysis: Godard has just one goal and 123 penalty minutes in 47 games. Godard set a new career high in PIM Monday and should only be used in leagues that reward heavily for PIM when active.
News: Flames RW Eric Godard totaled just 1:32 of ice time Monday against the Oilers, but managed 17 penalty minutes. The game got out of hand late as Edmonton staged a 5-0 lead with seven minutes to play. Godard was shown the gate after recording three penalties with 7:02 to play. He was hit with goaltender interference, a fighting penalty and a 10-minute game misconduct.
Analysis: Godard came into the game with just one goal and 106 penalty minutes in 46 games. He didn't increase his goal total, but saw his penalty minutes total rise to 123. Godard set a new career high in PIM Monday and should only be used in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News: The Sports Xchange notes: LW Marcus Nilson played just one shift in the third period against Chicago Sunday. C Mark Smith didn't see the ice in the final frame, and RW Eric Godard was benched after the first.
Analysis: None of these players are worth using in anything but the largest of Fantasy leagues for now.
News: The only life the Avalanche displayed in the second period Saturday against the Flames was when Scott Parker and Calgary's Eric Godard exchanged blows behind the Flames' net. Both received fighting majors and Parker drew a game misconduct. Godard totaled four penalties in the game for 27 minutes.
Analysis: Godard has just seven points in 146 career games. However, he has already managed 89 penalty minutes this season and easily can be considered the team's top enforcer. Use him only in leagues that reward for PIM.
News: Calgary F Mark Smith dressed for the first time in four games Thursday against Vancouver. That made RW Eric Godard the lone healthy scratch.
Analysis: Either player is only worth a look in the deepest of Fantasy leagues which heavily reward penalty minutes.
News: The Calgary Flames have re-signed Erik Godard to a contract, although terms of the deal were undisclosed.
Analysis: Godard is only worth a look in the deepest of Fantasy leagues which heavily reward penalty minutes.
News: With RW Eric Godard in the lineup, Calgary has yet to lose in regulation (8-0-2).
Analysis: Too bad Godard doesn't have that same affect in Fantasy leagues. Godard is only worth a look in the largest of Fantasy leagues which heavily reward penalty minutes.
News: RW Eric Godard and LW David Moss were recalled from Omaha of the AHL over the weekend.
Analysis: Godard is only worth a look in the largest of Fantasy leagues which heavily reward penalty minutes.
News: The Calgary Flames have reassigned C Dustin Boyd, RW Eric Godard and LW David Moss have been reassigned to Omaha of the AHL.
Analysis: Godard is only worth a look in the largest of Fantasy leagues which heavily reward penalty minutes if and when he returns to the NHL.
News: Eric Godard was returned to Omaha of the AHL on Sunday, which might be a sign that Chuck Kobadew (concussion) is ready to return Monday at Nashville or Wednesday at Dallas.
Analysis: Godard might be recalled at some point down the line, but he is not a recommended Fantasy option in any format.
News: RW Eric Godard made his Calgary debut after being recalled Monday from Omaha of the AHL. Godard had appeared in 107 games with the New York Islanders over the previous three seasons.
Analysis: Godard is only worth a look in the largest of Fantasy leagues which heavily reward penalty minutes if he can stick around with the Flames.
News: The Calgary Flames have placed Brad Ference and Eric Godard on waivers on Tuesday.
Analysis: The two tough guys will land with the team's AHL affiliate in Omaha unless they are claimed by another club. Their only value to Fantasy owners when in the NHL is for penalty minutes.
News: The Calgary Flames signed Eric Godard to a one-year contract on Thursday. Godard posted 115 penalty minutes in 57 games and will be this year's version of Krzysztof Oliwa, who played for the Flames in 2003-04 and provided grit.
Analysis: That is something the Flames missed last season. Godard is only worth a look in larger leagues which heavily reward penalty minutes.
News: Eric Godard (concussion) missed another game on Thursday against the Rangers and his return date is uncertain according to the team's official website.
Analysis: Godard should be dropped in all Fantasy leagues which heavily reward penalty minutes if you were holding out hope for his return.
News: Eric Godard (head) was out of the lineup for the second straight game on Wednesday at Toronto.
Analysis: Godard remains day to day. When healthy, he only has Fantasy appeal in larger leagues which heavily reward penalty minutes.
News: The team's official website reports Eric Godard was unable to play in Sunday's game against Philadelphia due to a head injury.
Analysis: Godard is considered day to day. Keep him reserved in all larger Fantasy leagues which heavily reward penalty minutes if you have healthier alternatives.
News: Eric Godard (viral infection) was able to play Saturday at Boston. He recorded five PIM and a shot on goal in the game.
Analysis: When healthy, he is only worth using in larger leagues which heavily reward penalty minutes.
News: Eric Godard (viral infection) was out of the lineup for the fifth consecutive game on Tuesday against the Devils.
Analysis: Godard remains day to day. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues which heavily reward penalty minutes until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Eric Godard (viral infection) missed his fourth straight game on Monday at Washington.
Analysis: Godard is considered day to day. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues which heavily reward penalty minutes until he can officially return.
News: Eric Godard (viral infection) missed his third straight game over the weekend against the Flyers.
Analysis: Godard remains day to day. When healthy, he is only worth using in larger leagues which heavily reward penalty minutes.
News: Eric Godard (viral infection) missed his second consecutive game against the Devils on Thursday.
Analysis: Godard remains day to day. Keep him reserved in all larger daily Fantasy leagues which heavily reward penalty minutes.
News: Eric Godard did not play in Tuesday's game against the Canadiens due to a viral infection.
Analysis: Godard is considered day to day. When healthy, he is only worth Fantasy consideration in larger Fantasy leagues which heavily reward penalty minutes.
News: Godard has managed only four points (2 G, 2 A) and a minus-2 rating through 45 games at the Olympic Gamesbreak, but he has racked up 84 penalty minutes so far.
Analysis: Godard is worth a roster spot in all larger leagues which reward penalty minutes, but unfortunately his play on the offensive end leaves something to be desired.
News: Eric Godard (flu) returned to the lineup on Saturday. He was scoreless in only 2:34 of ice time.
Analysis: Godard is only worth activating in larger Fantasy leagues which reward PIM.
News: Eric Godard (flu) missed his third consecutive game on Tuesday.
Analysis: Godard is day to day. Keep him reserved in daily leagues which allow PIM.
News: Eric Godard has missed two games due to the flu. He might return on Tuesday against Philadelphia.
Analysis: Godard is only useful in larger Fantasy leagues which reward PIM.
News: Erik Godard returned from a shoulder injury Saturday against Chicago. He was scoreless and skated just four minutes in the game.
Analysis: Godard doesn't warrant Fantasy attention when healthy.
News: Godard was placed on injured reserve on Monday due to a shoulder strain.
Analysis: When healthy, Godard is only worth a roster spot in larger Fantasy leagues which reward PIM.
News: Eric Godard missed Saturday's game against Philadelphia with a strained right shoulder. He suffered the injury during Friday's game.
Analysis: Godard isn't a useful Fantasy player when healthy.
News: Godard was suspended on Thursday for one game. He will miss Friday's Game 2 at Ottawa due to a high-sticking incident involving Ottawa's Chris Neil in Wednesday's 3-0 win in Game 1.
Analysis:
