Blackhawks' Keith Misses Practice But Will Play Saturday
News:Duncan Keith missed practice Friday but Coach Joel Quenneville said he is "fine" and is expected to play Saturday, the team's official Twitter account reports.
Analysis:Duncan Keith, along with Michal Handzus, are simply sitting out to rest in preparation for Saturday's Game 2.
News:Duncan Keith will play Tuesday against the Wild, CSN Chicago reports.
Analysis:Duncan Keith missed Tuesday's practice due to the birth of his child, but this will not keep him out of the lineup for Game 4.
News:Duncan Keith will not be in the lineup on Saturday night in the regular season finale as the Blackhawks rest their regulars for the playoffs, CSN Chicago reports.
Analysis:Duncan Keith finished with three goals and 24 assists in the 2013 condensed schedule, pretty much the same ratio for stats he has produced the last couple of seasons. Keith also finished with a plus-16 rating.
News:Duncan Keith registered an assist in Chicago's win over Calgary on Friday, his first point in three games.
Analysis:Duncan Keith has bounced back solidly from a disappointingly slow start, with 27 points in 47 contests heading into Saturday's season finale. Keith's goal-scoring numbers have been in steady decline since his 14-goal, 79-point season in 2010, as he has 14 goals total over the last three campaigns. He's still a solid option on your blue line, just don't expect monster numbers.
News:Duncan Keith scored the first goal and assisted on a pair of goals on Friday in the Blackhawks' 5-4 overtime victory over Nashville.
Analysis:Duncan Keith has three goals and 23 assists on the season. While he did not match his best season in 2009-10, Keith has had an improved 2013 season compared to the previous two seasons. Friday night's goal was the first one for Keith since March 16 against the Stars.
News:Duncan Keith notched an assist in Friday's win over San Jose, giving him six assists over the last four contests.
Analysis:Duncan Keith has been rolling the last 10 days following a woeful start and is showing the productivity owners had been expecting from Keith, despite the lack of goal-scoring. Look for Keith to get his name on the scoresheet at a similar rate to what we've been seeing the last few weeks, but expecting monstrous numbers from him appears to be a thing of the past.
News:Duncan Keith recorded two assists in Friday's win over Chicago, giving him four assists in the last four contests.
Analysis: Friday's assist came on the power play, where five of his season's seven points have come. Keith's numbers can only get better as the former Norris Trophy winner has been mired in a slump to begin the season. Still, seven points over 14 games are not poor numbers for any defenseman, but owners have expected more of Duncan Keith.
News:Duncan Keith scored his first goal of the season Sunday in the Blackhawks' overtime win over the Red Wings.
Analysis:Duncan Keith has scored three points, all scored on the power play, as the Blackhawks are off to an NHL-best 6-0 start this season. Keith sees a lot of minutes and is very involved in the Blackhawks offense, making him a great fantasy option.
News:Duncan Keith's five-game suspension came to an end with Sunday's shootout loss to the Wild.
Analysis: You'll get a full week out of him if you're playing for a championship this week, though unfortunately the Blackhawks are one of only three teams with a two-game slate in weekly formats.
News:Duncan Keith has been suspended five games for his hit on the Canucks' Daniel Sedin, Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: There was speculation that Duncan Keith might face harsher punishment after the league called him in for an in-person meeting. Keith isn't much of a goal scorer (four this season), but his passing ability is highlighted by his 36 assists this year. The earliest you can expect Keith back would be April 5 against Minnesota.
News:Duncan Keith has been summoned by the league for an in-person hearing, Jesse Rogers of ESPNChicago.com reports.
Analysis: It was first reported that Duncan Keith's hearing would be done via conference call, but this news means he could be facing a longer suspension than previously thought. Keith elbowed the Canucks' Daniel Sedin on Wednesday, and it's uncertain how hard the league will come down on him.
News:Duncan Keith has a hearing Friday to address the elbow he laid on Daniel Sedin in Wednesday's game against the Canucks, TSN's Darren Dreger reports.
Analysis:Duncan Keith's hearing will be via conference call, which means that his likely punishment will be five games or less.
News: An elbow to the head of Vancouver's Daniel Sedin Wednesday night could lead to a Duncan Keith suspension, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis:Duncan Keith, who picked up four assists Tuesday, racked up 16 penalty minutes Wednesday, but his hit to Sedin is probably going to earn him some unwanted time off.
News:Duncan Keith registered four assists in Tuesday's win over Columbus, giving him five in the last two games.
Analysis: Lost in the flurry of Duncan Keith's recent explosion is the fact that he had just one point since February 23 and has only one goal since the All-Star break. Keith's numbers, particularly his goal scoring have regressed since his 69-point season, but his 40 points on the year is still considered solid when compared to the rest of the league's defensemen not named Erik Karlsson. Owners would like more goals, but make sure you don't pay for 2010's numbers next fall on draft day.
News:Duncan Keith scored a goal and an assist and was a plus-3 in Sunday's 3-1 win over the Blues.
Analysis: The goal was just Duncan Keith's fourth, but his 33 points are enough to get him back into the top 10 among NHL blueliners.
News:Duncan Keith finally got off his goal drought that had lasted 29 games as he lit the lamp in the first period against the Panthers on Friday night.
Analysis: Despite the drought, Duncan Keith is about on line to match last season's 45 points with three goals and 24 assists in 45 games. He will not match his career high that came two seasons ago with 69 points, however. Keith has four goals and 15 assists in 43 games skated against the Predators, the Blackhawks' Saturday night opponent.
News:Duncan Keith posted his second assist in four games during Monday's win over Columbus, also finishing a plus-2.
Analysis:Duncan Keith is a plus-5 over his last two contests with seven assists in 11 December contests. The Norris Trophy winner has not scored a goal since November 13, but he remains one of the more consistent options from the back end.
News:Duncan Keith assisted on both Chicago goals in a 2-1 win at Los Angeles on Saturday.
Analysis: Rearguards who score at his level (16 points in 21 games) are pure platinum in most fantasy formats. Duncan Keith is among the best fantasy blueliners in the league, unless your format is goals-only.
News:Duncan Keith (hand) will return to the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Blues, according to the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis:Duncan Keith missed the last three games, but he will be back on the ice after practicing the last couple days. Keith had been paired with Nick Leddy prior to getting injured, but in an effort to shake up the defense, head coach Joel Quenneville will move Brett Seabrook into the top defensive pairing alongside Keith.
News:Duncan Keith (hand) practiced Monday, Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis: It appears that Duncan Keith is on track to play Tuesday against St. Louis. If he doesn't play Tuesday, it would be safe to expect him back for Thursday's contest against Columbus (barring any setback). Keith has six points (assists) in 11 games this season and recorded 44 or more points each of the previous three years. Owners should check his availability for Tuesday before putting him in fantasy lineups.
News:Duncan Keith (hand) missed his third straight game Sunday, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: The team expects Duncan Keith to be back in action when Chicago goes on a two-game road trip starting Tuesday at St. Louis.
News:Duncan Keith (hand) will not play Sunday against Vancouver, the Chicago Sun-Times' Adam Jahns reports.
Analysis: Coach Joel Quenneville said late last week that Duncan Keith was doing much better, but the defenseman's hand isn't quite ready yet. After an off day Monday, Keith will try to return for Tuesday's tilt with the Blues.
News:Duncan Keith will miss his second consecutive game with a hand injury against the Lightning on Friday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. "He's doing much better," coach Joel Quenneville said of Keith, who suffered the injury while blocking a shot against the Nashville Predators on Monday. "He's progressing."
Analysis: We would have been slightly surprised if Duncan Keith could have come back Friday after it was a sure thing he was going to miss a day earlier. Still, it appears the injury is minor and there's some hope Keith can give it a shot for the team's next game, Sunday against Vancouver.
News: Coach Joel Quenneville said Duncan Keith (left hand) could return "soon" following Wednesday's practice but that his defenseman is out for Thursday's game against Florida, according to Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Analysis: The Blackhawks are right back at it Friday at Tampa Bay, so Duncan Keith is probably a question mark for that one, and probably a pretty good bet to play Sunday or Tuesday if he can't go Friday.
News:Duncan Keith missed practice Wednesday with a left hand injury suffered in Monday's game, Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis:Duncan Keith exited Monday's game with the injury and did not return. It's not clear if he will be able to play in Chicago's next game Thursday, but expect an update on Keith's status following the team's morning skate.
News:Duncan Keith (upper-body injury) is day-to-day after leaving Monday night's game in the second period, ESPN Chicago reports.
Analysis:Duncan Keith is expected to go on the upcoming two-game road trip to Florida, but he might go even injured since it is the team's annual dads' trip. The Blackhawks skate against Florida on Thursday. If he does not play, it would end a streak of playing every game in the last two seasons. He has missed only five games in five years. "We'll see, he's day to day with an upper-body injury," Blackhawks' coach Joel Quenneville said. "It's the dad's trip, we expect him (to travel)."
News:Duncan Keith collected his fourth and fifth assists of the season in Saturday's loss to Colorado.
Analysis: After taking the collar for the first four games of the campaign, Duncan Keith now has five assists in his last three games. If you were growing concerned about his offense, you can rest easy now.
News:Duncan Keith finally got his name on the score sheet during Tuesday's 5-2 win over the Coyotes. The blueliner notched two assists, his first two points of the season.
Analysis:Duncan Keith's performance Tuesday was a breath of fresh air for fantasy owners who have been waiting for the former Norris winner to have a breakout game. He led the team in plus/minus, points and TOI in the Hawks' convincing win over the Coyotes.
News: He didn't find the twine or assist in Game 6 on Sunday, but Keith is still averaging a point per game in the first round of the playoffs against the Canucks.
Analysis: No defender playing in the current postseason has more goals (4) or points (6) than Keith. On the downside, he has a minus-2 rating, though it's easy to overlook such a statistic based on his spectacular offensive play. You can bet that the Canucks will try to contain Keith for Tuesday's Game 7, do-or-die contest in Vancouver.
News: Keith (hand/finger) was able to play in Tuesday's loss to Florida.
Analysis: Keith played 27:16 in the contest, so he's obviously feeling fine. Make sure he's active.
News: Updating earlier reports, Keith (hand/finger) is expected to play Tuesday against the Panthers.
Analysis: It's worth noting this nugget, since it comes from the keyboard of Adam Jahns, who earlier tweeted without qualification that Keith would play. Regarding Keith and fellow defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson, coach Joel Quenneville noted Monday that "both are expected to play [Tuesday against the Florida Panthers]...They should be fine."
News: Though Keith (hand/finger) did not practice Monday, he will play Tuesday against the Panthers, Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis: It's still unclear how much Keith's hand/finger issue will hamper him, if at all, but the good news is that it won't keep him out the Hawks' lineup.
News: Keith (hand/finger) was not at practice Monday, Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis: There's been no update on Keith's injury, but
coach Joel Quenneville noted Sunday that the team is hopeful that the star blueliner's hand/finger issue is not serious.
News: Keith didn't play after blocking a shot with his hand on the penalty kill in third period of Saturday's win over the Leafs.
Analysis: He retreated to the dressing room but returned to the bench only to sit there with an ice pack on his hand. Television cameras showed him trying to bend his first finger on his right hand but to no avail. His production is way down this year compared to his outburst last season and a potential broken finger will only compound that situation. It'll slow him down even if it isn't broken -- it's hard to get a lot of power if you can't hold the top of your stick with strength.
News: Keith had two helpers Saturday and now has four points in his last four games.
Analysis: Is he back? We sure hope so. He's finally looking comfortable and that can only mean offensive excellence.
News: Keith had a "maintenance day" Tuesday, but will be good to go for Wednesday's game against Colorado, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis: Fantasy owners that were hoping Keith would replicate his Norris Trophy-winning season from 2009-10 are in line for a bit of a letdown. He's on pace for 44 points, which would be useful in most fantasy leagues, but he's still on track for 25 points less than he had last year.
News: Keith and Brent Seabrook will be separated on different pairings starting with Wednesday's game against Phoenix, Blackhawks' coach Joel Quenneville told ESPN-AM 1000 in Chicago.
Analysis: The Blackhawks are looking to stiffen their defense. Keith has started okay with a goal and 11 assists, but has a minus-5 on the season and is not up to the caliber of a defending Norris Trophy winner.
News: Keith logged over 29 minues of ice time in Wednesday's 5-3 loss to the visiting Devils.
Analysis: Keith looked to have hard time in the loss, at one point losing control of the puck in his own zone that lead to a New Jersey Goal. He also was held scoreless, snapping his five-game point streak. This is just a bump in the road and fantasy owners have nothing to worry about.
Keith Posts Another Multi-Point Effort in Chicago Loss
News: Keith assisted on both Chicago goals Monday in a loss to the Rangers.
Analysis: Following a sluggish start, Keith has posted nine points in the last four contests with all four games being multi-point efforts. This type of production should surprise no one, as Keith was one of the top blueliners in drafts.
News: Keith chipped in with three assists Friday, but his team took the loss in a 7-4 decision against the visiting Oilers.
Analysis: Keith has recorded five assists over his last two games and appears to be finding his offensive groove. Expect much more of the same for the defending Norris winner.
News: Keith notched a pair of helpers in Wednesday's 3-1 win over the visiting Kings.
Analysis: Keith is one of the elite blueliners in the game and should never be out of fantasy rosters for any reason.
News: Keith collected his 200th point of his short career with his third assist of the season that came on Friday against the Blues, the Daily Herald reports.
Analysis: Despite the career mark, Keith has started out slowly with only three assists and no goals along with a minus-3 rating. In his Norris Trophy season in 2009-10, he collected 14 goals and 55 assists, both career highs and a plus-69. With Brian Campbell out, Keith has had to pick up some of the load.
News: Keith posted an assist and finished a minus-2 in Monday's win over Buffalo.
Analysis: Keith is coming off a Norris Trophy season and Monday's helper opened his points account for the season. Owners would prefer the minus-2 rating from the contest to go away, but we don't foresee a player of Keith's caliber being quiet for too long.
News:Duncan Keith of the Chicago Blackhawks won the Norris Trophy, given to the NHL's top defenseman. Keith beat Los Angeles' Drew Doughty and Washington's Mike Green for the award Wednesday at the NHL Awards ceremony in Las Vegas.
Analysis: Keith was second among defenders with a career-high 69 points. He also set career highs with 14 goals and 55 assists. He was second to Green among defensemen in points and assists. He also finished with a plus-21 rating in 82 games. He followed that up with 17 points in 22 playoff games. Keith has emerged as one of the NHL's elite two-way blueliners and a must-own Fantasy option.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith has totaled four assists and a plus-4 rating in his last six games. He has 42 assists on the season. Unfortunately, Keith has gone 10 games without a goal.
Analysis: Keith already has career highs in assists and points (53). The best part is that he hasn't sacrificed his defense as he has become a better offensive player. Keith has kept the pedal to the metal since signing his contract extension earlier this season and has become one of the best defenseman in Fantasy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Blackhawks D Duncan Keith assisted twice on Tuesday against the Oilers, giving him 26 helpers for the season, the most for an NHL defenseman. Keith has five goals, 13 points and a plus-11 rating in 13 January games.
Analysis: Keith, a plus-3 against the Oilers, is making a strong run for the Norris Trophy and should be the frontrunner for that honor at the moment. We figured Keith might have taken his foot off the gas pedal a little bit after landing his contract extension earlier this season. However, it has made him even hungrier and his offensive play has been ridiculous. Keith has emerged as one of the elite Fantasy blueliners.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith added an empty-net goal during a 3-1 win against the Flames on Thursday. Keith, who has 11 scores, has five goals and 11 points in 11 January games. He is also at plus-8.
Analysis: We figured Keith might have taken his foot off the gas pedal a little bit after landing his contract extension earlier this season. However, it has made him even hungrier and his offensive play has been ridiculous. Keith has emerged as one of the elite Fantasy blueliners.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith scored his ninth goal of the season Sunday in a loss to the Ducks, extending his point streak to five games.
Analysis: Keith is now just one point behind Mike Green's NHL-leading 43, and just two behind his single-season high of 44. Keith is en route to a monster campaign and remains a must-start Fantasy option in all formats.
News: The Blackhawks scored five straight times after spotting Boston a two-goal lead, getting two goals and an assist from Duncan Keith to beat the Bruins 5-2 on Thursday night. It was Chicago's fifth straight win, and its 12th in 14 games. Keith and Tomas Kopecky tied it before the end of the first period, Andrew Ladd gave Chicago the lead 102 seconds into the second, and Keith made it 4-2 midway through the period to chase goalie Tim Thomas.
Analysis: Keith has managed at least one point in 10 of his last 12 games, but it's not like he has been hot over just that stretch. Keith has been on a roll since the get go in 2009-10. He is already up to 40 points in 44 games and needs only five more points to set a new high. His numbers rival that of Mike Green, who is considered the top Fantasy defenseman by most folks. Keith has taken his game to the next level in 2009-10 and is among the elite Fantasy options at a thin position.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith tallied a pair of assists during Sunday's game against the Predators. He has one goal and eight assists during a six-game point streak.
Analysis: Keith already has 34 points in 38 games. He had all of 44 points in 77 contests last season. Keith just recently signed his contract extension, but he hasn't taken the foot off the pedal. He has emerged as one of the elite Fantasy defensemen.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith assisted twice in Wednesday's win over Detroit and now has six points in his last four games. He had just three points in his previous nine games before this hot run.
Analysis: Keith has always shown a great offensive game from the blue line in his NHL career, and is on pace to put up monster numbers this season. Continue to start him in all Fantasy formats.
News: Looking to the future, the surging Chicago Blackhawks signed three of their top players -- Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith -- to lucrative contract extensions Thursday. Kane and Toews, both 21, signed five-year deals reported to be worth $31.5 million each. Keith, a defenseman, got a 13-year contract worth a reported $72 million, making it the richest in team history and surpassing the 12-year, $62.8 million given to Marian Hossa in the offseason. "We are a close group of guys and there's no individual player who is bigger than the team," Keith said. "I would certainly rather have these two guys up here at the same time, as well, and take a little of the spotlight off. I don't mind that at all."
Analysis: The 26-year-old Keith is in his fifth season with the Blackhawks and is known for his durability and speed. He leads the team in average ice time at 26:44 and has five goals and 18 assists to go with a plus-nine rating. Kane, the first pick overall in the 2007 draft, leads the team with 26 points -- nine goals and 17 assists. And Toews, the team captain and the Blackhawks' first-round choice (third overall) in 2006, has six goals and 10 assists. He missed six games this season with concussion-like symptoms after taking a hard hit from Vancouver's Willie Mitchell on Oct. 21. Fantasy owners might worry about all three players taking their foot off the accelerator, but we wouldn't. All three players are very talented skaters and must-start Fantasy options.
News: The Chicago Blackhawks are expected to announce contract extensions for young stars Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews and defenseman Duncan Keith. The team has called a news conference for Thursday afternoon. Kane and Toews, both 21, led the Blackhawks to the Western Conference finals last season. The Blackhawks have the lead this season in the Central division. Kane and Toews are each expected to get new five-year deals. Keith, one of the team leaders in minutes played, is expected to get a 13-year extension.
Analysis: Chicago has been desperately contemplating since the offseason how they would lock up three of their most important assets. It seems they sharpened their pencils and got the deals done. Fantasy owners might worry about all three players taking their foot off the accelerator, but we wouldn't. All three players are very talented skaters and must-start Fantasy options.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Blackhawks D Duncan Keith had his 17th assist of the season on Saturday against the Kings, giving him the team lead over Patrick Kane by one. He also played over 28 minutes and had four shots on goal and two blocked shots.
Analysis: Keith has a pair of three-assist games in his last six outings, so that has helped him take the team lead. Keith has 14 points in 12 November games and has really come on as the team's top blueliner. It's really no surprise since Keith is in the final year of his contract and is playing his best to land a big contract. Keith remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith assisted three times in a 7-1 rout of the Flames on Thursday. He now has 10 points in his last seven games.
Analysis: Keith has put a mini-slump from late October behind him and is currently tied for fourth among defensemen with 18 points. Continue to view him as an elite No. 1 Fantasy option.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith tallied two assists and finished at even during Monday's game against the Kings. Keith has one goal and three assists in his last six games.
Analysis: Keith is up to 11 points on the season. He is probably playing some of the best offensive hockey in his career. The only knock against Keith is that he is at plus-3 after being a plus-30 candidate the last two seasons. Oh well. Keith is still worth starting in all Fantasy formats.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith scored and assisted in Wednesday's loss to the Canucks and now has seven points in his first nine games.
Analysis: Keith is proving his 44-point campaign from 2008-09 wasn't a fluke. Get him active in all Fantasy formats.
News: Chicago D Duncan Keith scored his second goal of the season on Thursday in a 3-1 win over the Predators. Keith's goal came 7:07 into the third period on a slap shot. He increased his points total on the season to five with the goal.
Analysis: Keith now has a point in four straight games after getting only one point in his first three starts. Keith is one of the better ofensive blueliners in the league and remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith scored a goal and finished at even during Saturday's game against the Avalanche. Milan Hejduk put Colorado ahead 3-2 with 4:32 left in the second with a 5-on-3 power-play goal, one-timed from the left edge of the crease. Keith replied 40 seconds later with a short-handed goal when he pinched into the crease and converted Kris Versteeg's feed.
Analysis: Keith has proven over the last few years to be one, if not the best all-around blueliner Chicago has. He definitely showed that Saturday as he scored a clutch goal with the team a man down. Keith gets it done at both ends of the ice and remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith tallied three assists and finished at plus-3 during Sunday's game against the Kings. He has five assists in his last two games and three multi-assist games in his last six appearances.
Analysis: Keith is up to a career-high 33 assists and 41 points in 2008-09. He has been a passing machine as of late and is starting to once again look like a must-start Fantasy option. It's good to see Keith step up in crunch time for Fantasy owners.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith tallied a pair of assists and finished at minus-2 during Friday's game against the Blue Jackets. He has three assists in his last two games and 28 on the season. Keith also has eight two-assist games this season.
Analysis: Keith hasn't been much of an offensive contributor as of late with just two goals and five assists in his last 18 games. We want to blame a January concussion for the slowdown in production, but the fact of the matter it really hasn't been an issue since he was producing right after the injury. Keith has high-end Fantasy potential, but needs to be taken down a notch until he can go on a nice run.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-3 during Tuesday's win against the Lightning. Chicago scored first during a 4-on-4 situation, when Martin Havlat sent a cross-ice pass and Keith stuck the puck into an open net, past Karri Ramo. He had his first points in seven February games.
Analysis: Keith returned from a concussion in late January with points in his first three games. He then went cold to begin February, but it hardly had to do with his previous condition. He just simply hit a cold spell. Keith is a top-logging defenseman for the Blackhawks and is on the ice in all situations. He still has high-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Chicago D Duncan Keith was able to make his return on Wednesday against the Ducks after missing four games as he dealt with a concussion. He had an assist in the game and played 24 minutes.
Analysis: Keith is a very high-end option in Fantasy play, with 26 points on the season. He is an iron man for the Blackhawks on the defensive end and a must-start in most leagues. He's back and healthy, so get him active.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith sat out his fourth straight game Monday against the Blues with a probable concussion. According to The Chicago Tribune, Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville is targeting the Jan. 28 game at Anaheim for Keith's return.
Analysis: Keith has been an iron man for the Blackahwks, so if the coach says he's going to come back on Jan. 28 after the break, you'd have to think he will. He has high-end potential and might be worth taking a risk on for the upcoming scored period.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith sat out his third game Monday against the Wild with a probable concussion. Keith, who leads the Blackhawks with just under 26 minutes of ice time per game, is day-to-day and questionable heading into Wednesday against the Blues.
Analysis: Keith has been an iron man over his career for the Blackhawks, but even the toughest guys are hurting at times. Chicago will likely be cautious and keep Keith out until after the All-Star break. He has high-end Fantasy potential when healthy, so we can only hope he is his normal self in the second half.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith sat out Friday against the Blues after suffering an undisclosed head injury from a hard, open-ice hit in Chicago's 4-1 win over Buffalo on Wednesday. Keith, who leads the Blackhawks with nearly 26 minutes of ice time per game, is listed as day-to-day and questionable for Monday against the Wild.
Analysis: Keith very rarely goes out for the Blackhawks and is one of their top defenseman in terms of time spent on the ice. This is just the second time in his career that he has missed any time, with the first time being just one game. He is an injury-risk for Fantasy Week 16 (Jan. 19-25) and the Blackhawks play only two games before the All-Star Break, so you may want to look elsewhere for a defenseman.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith sat out Friday against the Rangers after suffering an undisclosed head injury from a hard, open-ice hit in Chicago's 4-1 win over Buffalo on Wednesday night. Keith, who leads the Blackhawks with nearly 26 minutes of ice time per game, is listed as day-to-day and questionable for Saturday against the Blues.
Analysis: Keith is usually an iron man for the Blackhawks and this is just the second game he has missed in his career since entering the league in 2005-06. So whatever happened must have done its magic. Hopefully Keith will be back shortly since he is a high-end Fantasy option.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith left Wednesday's game against the Sabres with an undisclosed injury after taking a hard, open-ice hit to the shoulder and head area from Buffalo's Drew Stafford midway through the second period. Keith, who was hit just after releasing a shot, entered the game averaging nearly 26 minutes of ice time. The Blackhawks weren't sure how serious Keith's injury might be. "Dunc was talking after the game," Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said. "We'll have a better idea tomorrow." Keith had a hard time getting to his feet after the hit, but may have been dazed and not suffered a more serious injury. "As far as I know, he's in good spirits," Toews said. "He's chatting away and is his normal self. I guess we'll wait and see what the doctors say." Stafford, who has 10 penalty minutes, said his hit was a matter of hard back-checking, not an intent to injure. "I hope he's OK. I'm not trying to hurt anybody," Stafford said. "At the same time, you have to keep your head up if you're going to make a play over the blue line like that."
Analysis: Keith is the anchor of the Blackhawks' defense. He leads the team in ice time and plus/minus at plus-23. In 41 games, Keith has six goals and 21 assists, including an assist in the first period on Wednesday. He has 16 points in his past 17 games. If this injury is severe, he may need to be benched for Fantasy Week 16 (Jan. 19-25).
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith tallied a pair of assists and finished at plus-1 during Sunday's game against the Predators. He has three two-assist games in his last five appearances. Keith reached 20 assists on the season Sunday.
Analysis: Keith has been red hot since December with 16 points in his last 18 games. He is also plus-16 in that span. Not bad for a defenseman. Keith is one of the league's top-logging defenseman and is really developing as a player under Joel Quenneville. He is worth starting as a high-end Fantasy defenseman.
News: Chicago D Duncan Keith increased his assist total on the season to 16 with two assists against the Flames on Sunay. Keith has 21 points overall this season, including five goals.
Analysis: Keith has been one of the better assisting defenders in Fantasy this season and is the reason he is owned in 92-percent of leagues. Continue starting him as a high-end Fantasy defenseman in most leagues.
News: Blackhawks D Keith Duncan had a goal in Friday's game against Calgary. He has scored in back-to-back games and has a point in four straight contests.
Analysis: Duncan has six points over the last four games and is playing at a plus-17 rating over the course of the season. He is as hot as he has been all season and is worth starting in any format at the moment.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith scored and assisted in a rout of the Oilers on Tuesday. In his last five games he has one goal, five assists and a plus-9 rating.
Analysis: Keith had a very quiet November with no goals and four assists in 12 games, but he is starting to heat up in December. Keith is usually good for 30-plus points and a favorable plus/minus rating. He is also solid on the penalty kill. Consider him a decent No. 4 Fantasy defenseman.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith tallied a pair of assists during Sunday's game against the Blue Jackets. He has five assists and a plus-8 rating in his last six games.
Analysis: Keith had a very quiet November with no goals and four assists in 12 games, but he is starting to heat up in December. Keith is usually good for 30-plus points and a favorable plus/minus rating. He is also solid on the penalty kill. Consider him a decent No. 4 Fantasy defenseman.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith assisted twice in Saturday's shootout win over the Blue Jackets.
Analysis: Keith is off to a nice start in 2008-09 with seven points in 11 games. That puts him on pace to easily eclipse his career-high 32 points from last season. Keith is a developing offensive defenseman and remains a decent No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy option.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith scored a goal during Monday's 3-2 loss to the Wild. Keith's point-blank slap shot trickled past Niklas Backstrom and cut Minnesota's lead to 3-2 with under five minutes left in the third. It was his second goal of the season and first since opening night against the Rangers.
Analysis: Keith has now scored on two of his 18 shots this season. He has five points in nine games. Keith continues to see a ton of ice time for Chicago despite the coaching change. The longer he is out on the ice, the more chance for points. Keith is a developing offensive defenseman and remains a decent No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy option.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith was again the ice time leader Saturday against the Blues with his longest stint of the season, 32 minutes. He didn't have a point and finished at minus-1. He also took a two-minute penalty for interference.
Analysis: Keith continues to see a ton of ice time for Chicago despite the coaching change. The longer he is out on the ice, the more chance for points. Keith is coming off a career-high 12 goals and has attained 30-plus points his last two seasons. He also had a plus-30 rating last season. Keith is a developing offensive defenseman and remains a decent No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy option.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith scored on a slap shot in the third period of Friday's 4-2 loss to the Rangers. Keith took five shots on net and finished at minus-2 in 29:46 of ice time.
Analysis: Keith logged the most time of any defenseman Friday, including new acquisition Brian Campbell. Keith is coming off a career-high 12 goals and has attained 30-plus points his last two seasons. He also had a plus-30 rating last season. Keith is a developing offensive defenseman and remains a decent No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy option.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith scored his 10th goal of the season Sunday in a 6-5 OT loss to the Oilers as the third-year player closes in on his career-best season of 31 points (he now has 27).
Analysis: Keith has a superb plus-29 rating this season after finishing last year at dead even. That's a very impressive jump for a guy on a very average team. He has developed into a solid No. 4 Fantasy defenseman and will be a hot Fantasy commodity next season.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith scored a goal and finished at plus-3 during Thursday's 6-1 win against the Predators. Keith opened the scoring a little more than a minute into the game setting the tone for the Blackhawks as he scored on a one-timer from low inside the left faceoff circle against Nashville goaltender Chris Mason. It was his eighth goal of the season and third in his last six.
Analysis: The third-year defenseman out of Michigan State has eight goals, 13 assists and a plus-21 rating this season. He has managed at least 20 points for the third straight season and his plus-21 mark is a career high. He has developed into a solid No. 4 Fantasy defenseman.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith scored for the second time in three games during a 3-1 win Thursday against the Flames. Keith, who also finished at plus-2, extended his points streak to three games as well. He has the two goals and one assist in that span.
Analysis: The third-year defenseman out of Michigan State has seven goals, 13 assists and a plus-19 rating this season. He has managed at least 20 points for the third straight season and his plus-19 mark is a career high. He has developed into a solid No. 4 Fantasy defenseman.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith managed two assists and a plus-1 rating Tuesday against the Canadiens while logging a game-high 34:14 of ice time. It was his first points in six games.
Analysis: Keith has missed just one game in his first two NHL seasons and is looking sharp in his third pro campaign. He has 16 points in 42 games and is playing more than 24 minutes a game. Consider him a No. 3 Fantasy defenseman at this time.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith logged the most time for a Chicago player, other than a goalie, this season when he spent 32:28 on the ice during Friday's 2-1 loss to the Ducks. He failed to record a point for the fourth straight game and has two assists in his last 10 games.
Analysis: Keith has missed just one game in his first two NHL seasons and is looking sharp in his third pro campaign. He has 14 points in 40 games and is playing more than 24 minutes a game. Consider him a No. 3 Fantasy defenseman at this time.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith was able to put a point shot past a completely screened Dwayne Roloson for his fourth goal during Saturday's game against the Oilers. It was his second goal in five games. He also has two assists in that span.
Analysis: Keith has missed just one game in his first two NHL seasons and is looking sharp in his third pro campaign. He has nine points in 22 games and is playing more than 23 minutes a game. Consider him a No. 3 Fantasy defenseman at this time.
News: D Duncan Keith had an assist, three shots and five blocked shots while playing more than 25 minutes, the most of any Blackhawk against Nashville Thursday.
Analysis: Keith appears primed and ready for a breakout season and he is on the top defensive pairing for coach Denis Savard. However, he is still only worth a look as a No. 4 or 5 Fantasy option.
News: The Sports Xchange notes: D Duncan Keith led the Hawks with more than 21 minutes of ice time against Detroit Sunday. He also had two hits and two blocked shots.
Analysis: Keith appears primed and ready for a breakout season and he is on the top defensive pairing for coach Denis Savard. However, he is still only worth a look as a No. 4 or 5 Fantasy option.
News: The Sports XChange reports: D Duncan Keith led the Hawks with over 28 minutes of ice time and blocked four shots against Dallas Wednesday.
Analysis: Keith appears primed and ready for a breakout season and he is on the top defensive pairing for coach Denis Savard. However, he is still only worth a look as a No. 4 or 5 Fantasy option.
News: Duncan Keith was scoreless with a minus-1 rating in Thursday's regular season opener at Minnesota, but he led all Blackhawks in ice time with 22:42.
Analysis: Keith appears primed and ready for a breakout season and he is on the top defensive pairing for coach Denis Savard. However, he is still only worth a look as a No. 4 or 5 Fantasy option.
News: D Cam Barker, D Duncan Keith, C Craig MacDonald, C Tuomo Ruutu and RW Radim Vrbata each picked up assists in Sunday's game at Columbus. Barker, MacDonald and Vrbata each had a plus-1 rating, while Keith was a plus-2 and Ruutu was a minus-1.
Analysis: Keith has been a steady contributor for the Blackhawks and he has emerged as a solid No. 5 or 6 Fantasy defenseman in leagues of 12 or more teams this season.
News: Cam Barker, Duncan Keith and Patrick Sharp posted assists in Sunday's win against the Flames. Barker had an even rating, Keith posted a plus-2 and Sharp had a plus-1 in the game.
Analysis: Keith leads all Blackhawks rearguards with a goal, 20 assists and a plus-3 rating with 46 penalty minutes through 50 games. He is a decent No. 4 or 5 Fantasy defenseman in leagues of 10 or more teams at this point.
News: Keith has posted a goal, 19 assists and a plus-3 rating with 46 penalty minutes through 48 games at the All-Star break.
Analysis: Keith has also been averaging a team-high 23:11 in ice time, which might be a surprise to some, especially considering this team has veterans D Adrian Aucoin (groin - IR) and All-Star Martin Havlat on the roster.
News: Blackhawks D Duncan Keith has played in 42 games this season, but is still without a goal. He does have 18 assists and a plus-4 rating, but his zero under the goals column on the stat sheet is noticeable.
Analysis: Keith is close to surpassing his point total from his rookie season last year (21), but even then he had nine goals to go along with 12 assists. If you are in need of a defensemen that can get you assists, then Keith is a viable option. But don't count on him for goals at this time.
News: Duncan Keith has managed six assists over the past six games to go along with a solid plus-7 rating during the stretch.
Analysis: Keith has picked up a plus-1 or better in each of the past six games and is worth a look in larger Fantasy leagues if you need defensive help.
News: Adrian Aucoin, Duncan Keith and Jim Vandermeer were all scoreless in Tuesday's game at N.Y. Islanders.
Analysis: Only Aucoin is worth a look in weekly Fantasy leagues at this point, while Vandermeer is a decent option in larger formats which heavily reward penalty minutes.
News: D Adrian Aucoin, the Hawks' captain, played just over 21 minutes, which was considerably below him ice time in previous seasons. D Duncan Keith was on the ice 27 minutes 52 seconds.
Analysis: Keith is a decent looking young player for the Blackhawks, but it will be years before he truly turns into a Fantasy force due to his poor plus/minus rating and marginal offensive numbers.
News: Duncan Keith has seven goals, nine assists and a minus-7 rating with 54 penalty minutes through 56 games through the Olympic Games break.
Analysis: Keith is a decent looking young player for the Blackhawks, but it will be years before he truly turns into a Fantasy force due to his poor plus/minus rating and marginal offensive numbers.
News: Keith was scoreless with a plus-1 rating and one shot on goal in Sunday's game against the Flames in 25:17 of ice time.
Analysis: Keith is only worth a roster spot in larger Fantasy leagues which allow keepers.
