News:Lee Stempniak grabbed an assist on Calgary's lone goal in Friday's loss to Chicago, his third point in the last four games he's played.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak has put together a quietly solid season in Southern Alberta, notching 32 points in 47 contests and finishing a plus-2. His goal totals are a bit down from his career average, but he's a veteran NHL player that can be a decent waiver option in very deep leagues.
News:Lee Stempniak is slated to suit up for Thursday's game against the Blues, FAN 960's Pat Steinberg reports.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak, who the team rested Tuesday, returns to the lineup Thursday and is slated to skate on the team's top line with Matt Stajan and Michael Cammalleri.
News: It appears as though Lee Stempniak will be among the veterans rested by the Flames on Tuesday against the Preds, the team's official site reports.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak, has 31 points in 45 games to date, but will take seat with the Flames set to get a closer look at some of their youngsters in the season's final days.
News:Lee Stempniak neared the 30-point mark Wednesday, scoring a goal in Calgary's 3-2 win against Detroit to bring his season tally to 29.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak has been a surprisingly solid scorer for the Flames this season, as he topped last season's point total in 18 less games. He's shown his early season hot streak was not a fluke, and perhaps it bodes well for a strong season in 2013-14.
News:Lee Stempniak stretched a points streak to five games on Friday, notching an assist on Calgary's lone goal in its loss to Columbus.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak's steady play of late has been a boost for the Calgary offense as he has seven points over the last five contests. Few players have been as consistent as Stempniak recently and his 23 points in 29 games is well above his career points-per-game pace. Don't be surprised to see a regression come soon.
News:Lee Stempniak kept up his stellar play this season with two points in a 6-3 victory against the Predators on Friday night.
Analysis: He now has four points in his last two games and three multi-point contests in March. If there ever was a great time go play Lee Stempniak, now would be it.
News:Lee Stempniak registered a goal and an assist in the Flames' 5-2 victory over the Red Wings on Wednesday.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak has surprisingly been one of the most productive Flames this season, with seven goals and 11 assists in 25 games. He has found a solid home on a line with Curtis Glencross and Michael Cammalleri and it has paid off with his best season in a while. He's a decent start at this point, showing that his hot start wasn't just a fluke.
News:Lee Stempniak seized the team goal-scoring lead Saturday with the Flames' only tally in a 5-1 loss at Vancouver. He stands at 5-2-7 after nine contests.
Analysis: The hot start is great, but be sure to temper your expectations. He has never sustained a scoring pace like this over a full campaign, and sudden breakout seasons from 30-year-olds are understandably rare.
News:Lee Stempniak scored his fourth goal of the season Thursday to help Calgary defeat Columbus 4-3 in overtime.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak is tied for the team lead in goals with four and has six points in eight games. He's playing like he did in his younger days with St. Louis, so if you've got him, use him.
News:Lee Stempniak posted two early assists Saturday, then drove home the game-winner as Calgary beat Edmonton, 4-3. He concluded the night plus-2 with five shots on goal.
Analysis: He's off to a hot start with five points in four games, but he's never maintained a pace like that over a full season. If he were younger, you might look at this as a sign of a breakout. But he'll turn 30 in a week, an age at which a sudden blossoming is quite rare. We suspect this is likely a short-term blip.
News:Lee Stempniak scored for the second straight night Monday, picking up a goal in Calgary's 5-4 loss to Anaheim.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak is on pace for 48 goals at the moment, scoring in both of the Flames' first two games. Odds are Stempniak won't keep up any pace close to this, but he did show some major scoring potential in his years in St. Louis. Keep tabs on him for now.
News:Lee Stempniak netted the lone goal, a power play marker, in Calgary's 4-1 loss to San Jose Sunday.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak's goal was part of a first period in which Calgary outplayed San Jose before getting blitzed the final two periods. While this is a good start for Stempniak, he's a middle of the road scorer that only has value in deeper leagues.
News:Lee Stempniak received a two-year, $5 million contract extension Friday, The Sporting News reports.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak recorded 28 points in 61 games last season for the Flames. He'll look to replicate that production again in 2012-13.
News:Lee Stempniak lit the lamp for the first time since Jan. 21 on Thursday, but it wasn't enough as the Flames fell to the Wild 3-2 in a shootout.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak missed much of those two months with injury but finally seems healthy again. He now has 13 goals and 12 assists in 54 games this season and has provided some solid third-line scoring.
News:Lee Stempniak had a pair of shots in nearly 18 minutes of ice time in Calgary's 2-1 shootout loss to Columbus on Sunday.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak showed no ill effects from the ankle injury that kept him out a month and a half. He skated alongside center David Moss and winger Blake Comeau for the majority of the night.
News:Lee Stempniak is set to return from an ankle injury Sunday, the team's official site reports.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak has been out since the beginning of February with a high ankle sprain. While his 24 points in 51 games won't put him at the top of many fantasy list, he is a valuable top-nine forward for the Flames.
News:Lee Stempniak (high ankle sprain) is expected to miss six weeks, CalgaryFlames.com reports.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak had only 24 points (12 goals) in 51 games to this point, so hopefully his absence won't damage the fantasy fortunes of many.
News:Lee Stempniak left the first period of Tuesday's game with a lower-body injury.
Analysis: There was no indication after the game how severe Lee Stempniak's injury was. We'll keep you updated as information becomes available.
Stempniak's Monster Night Carries Flames To Easy Win
News:Lee Stempniak enjoyed his best night of the season Saturday, logging a hat trick and adding an assist as the Flames whipped the Oilers, 6-2. He finished the night plus-5.
Analysis: The explosion ends a long dry spell for him; before this he had just one goal in the past six weeks. From a fantasy standpoint, his output this season is still modest (12-12-24), but with a decent push, he could threaten his previous career high of 38 points, set last year.
News:Lee Stempniak found the stat sheet for the third straight game Thursday, registering an assist in Calgary's 1-0 overtime win over Anaheim.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak seems to be finding his offensive rhythm after struggling with consistency for much of the season. He has had multiple 40-plus point seasons, so now would be the time to use him if you have him.
News:Lee Stempniak added a goal and an assist in Calgary's 5-3 victory against New Jersey on Tuesday.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak has been a little disappointing for Calgary this season, but is starting to turn it around with four points in his last five games. Calgary could use him scoring more often, as the Flames are 11-3-1 when Stempniak gets into the box score.
News:Lee Stempniak contributed an assist to Calgary's 3-1 win over Minnesota on Saturday.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak now has eight goals and nine assists in 43 games. He has struggled with consistency at times, however, as in the last 15 games, Stempniak only has three assists, no goals and a minus-6. It will take a really strong finish to the season for Stempniak to get to his 19 goals and 19 assists from his 2010-11 campaign.
News:Lee Stempniak notched an assist in the Flames' 5-3 loss to the Predators on Sunday.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak snapped a three-game scoreless streak with the assist, but is in the midst of a bit of a drought. He has only scored two assists and no goals in the past 12 games, and is a minus-5 during that span.
News:Lee Stempniak grabbed an assist Friday as the Flames dispatched the Canucks, 3-1.
Analysis: After a strong start to December, Lee Stempniak went on a seven-game scoreless streak before snapping it Friday. He has been decent on the second and third lines for Calgary, but his 15 points in 36 games this season leaves him on the bench in most leagues.
News:Lee Stempniak scored a goal and an assist in the Flames' 3-2 victory over the Avalanche on Thursday.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak is off to a great start in December, with five points in five games and four in his last two. He's worth a look on waiver wires if you need some help, as he's on fire.
News:Lee Stempniak picked up a goal and an assist in the Flames' 7-6 win over the Hurricanes on Tuesday.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak has been a decent lower-line scoring option for the Flames this season, with seven goals and five assists in 27 games. While he doesn't score a point a night, he will chip in with games like Tuesday's once in a while.
News:Lee Stempniak scored a goal in the Flames' 4-3 shootout loss to the Blue Jackets on Thursday night.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak has played fairly solid hockey with Calgary this season, scoring six goals and four assists in 24 games. While he likely won't match last season's 38-point output, he has panned out well in Calgary.
News:Lee Stempniak scored the team's opening goal Friday as the Flames dismissed the Blackhawks, 5-2.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak opened the floodgates for the Flames, scoring just five minutes into the contest. Although he's not putting up big fantasy numbers, Stempniak has been a solid signing for Calgary, as he has eight points and a plus-2 in 18 games.
News:Lee Stempniak's second-period tally Saturday gave the Flames a comfortable 4-0 lead over Colorado with just over 30 minutes to play. But the Avalanche roared back to make it a contest, scoring three times before the final horn sounded, making Stempniak's goal the game-winner. He added an assist to pocket his sixth and seventh points of the campaign.
Analysis: While this was a nice outing for him -- the two points earned him first-star honors -- he just won't put up enough offense over the 82-game schedule to be valuable in any but very deep leagues.
News:Lee Stempniak netted his second goal of the season in Calgary's 4-1 win over Detroit on Thursday.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak now has five points in 11 games and has given the Flames a nice third-line scoring option.
News:Lee Stempniak scored his first goal as a Flame on Wednesday in a 4-2 win over the Avalanche.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak now has a goal and three assists in eight games with Calgary. He has become a solid addition to Calgary's third line and is on pace for around 40-45 points for the season.
News:Lee Stempniak had his first point of the season, an assist, in Calgary's 5-2 loss to St. Louis Monday.
Analysis:Lee Stempniak was brought in to solidify Calgary's third line, and should put up 30-40 points this season.
News:Lee Stempniak will make his debut in a Flames uniform Tuesday night, playing on a line with Matt Stajan and Turner Elson, the Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis: After netting 19 goals last season, Lee Stempniak is looking to improve on that tally. If he stays with Stajan, the Flames could have a very potent third line.
News:Lee Stempniak has been traded to Calgary from Phoenix for Daymond Langkow, the Flames' official Twitter feed reports.
Analysis: The deal is pending a Langkow physical, but Lee Stempniak could receive an uptick in value with the move to Alberta, it's just a matter of which line he lands on with his new club.
News: Stempniak is on a three-game goal streak.
Analysis: After not picking up any goals in his last 21 games, Stempniak all of the sudden has scored a goal in his last three. Stempniak typifies the model of a "streaky player" as he has had short bursts of production followed by long droughts of inactivity.
News: Stempniak has not scored a goal in 19 games.
Analysis: Not only has he yet to light the lamp for the past seven weeks, he has only one point his last five games and two points in his last 13. Stempniak has clearly hit a brick wall.
News: Stempniak's hot hand continued Saturday when he potted two more goals in a loss to the Kings.
Analysis: He has five goals and three helpers during the streak and should be activated in all formats. Hot is hot after all.
News: Stempniak has three goals and six points in the Coyotes' last four games.
Analysis: Stempniak is beginning to wake up from his scoreless slumber. However, based on how he has been going, it is tough to tell if he'll be a consistent point producer on any given night. The Coyotes need him to contribute secondary scoring so hopefully whatever his game routine is right now, he'll continue doing it.
News: The Coyotes crushed Anaheim on Saturday, 6-2, behind Stempniak's goal and two assists. He ended the night with five shots on goal and a plus-3 rating.
Analysis: The dark cloud obstructing this silver lining is the fact that he has just three multi-point games all season, and the last one was in November. His points come in drips and drabs, and his 0-fer-late-December (no points in nine straight games) tells you that he can simply disappear for long stretches. We don't think the upside of a few games like this one is worth the price you'll have to pay in the long interims between breakouts.
News: Stempniak has recorded one assist in his last five games.
Analysis: On a Coyotes team that scores by committee, Stempniak has contributed very little. Not only has he only scored one point in his last five, his drought covers 10 games with him only adding a goal against Anaheim on Dec. 5. His last multi-point game took place Nov. 23 against Edmonton.
Phoenix's Stempniak has Three Points in Victory on Tuesday
News: Stempniak had two goals and an assist in Tuesday's win over Edmonton.
Analysis: In 21 games this season, Stempniak has 13 points. He should finish the season right around 50 points and he's only worthy of a roster spot in deeper leagues.
News: Stempniak scored his 100th goal Wednesday night in the 4-3 victory over Nashville.
Analysis: Among the forwards, Stempniak has been one of the more consistent producers. He is tied for second among the team forwards in points scored with six and is a plus-1.
News: Stempniak scored twice in the first period, then finished the hat trick with an empty-netter in Thursday's win over the Kings.
Analysis: Stempniak had started slowly this season, managing just an assist in his first four games, but this certainly will make his season numbers look better. This was the kind of night Stempniak needed: one reminiscent of the magic that allowed him to score at a point-per-game pace over 18 games with Phoenix last year.
News: Stempniak aims to recapture his scoring touch that he had at the end of last season with the Coyotes, according to the Arizona Republic.
Analysis: Before he joined the Coyotes, Stempniak's shooting percentage was about nine percent. After joining the team, it skyrocketed to 33 percent. To give the Coyotes depth, the team's focus for Stempniak is maintaining that consistency and becoming a 20-plus goal scorer.
News: Stempniak signed a two-year deal with the Coyotes Monday, NHL.com reports. "Lee, with his work habits and personality, was a terrific addition to our team last year," GM Don Maloney said Monday. "Although he ran into a dry spell scoring in the playoffs, he was still competing in the hard areas - in the corners, at the front of the net - to score. We expect Lee to be a 25-plus goal scorer for us this season."
Analysis: There you have it, a goal-scoring projection from Stempniak's boss. It seems to be a pretty plausible one though, as Stempniak scored 28 goals overall last season, including 14 tallies in 18 regular-season games after being acquired by Phoenix in a trade with the Leafs.
News:Lee Stempniak needed just over six minutes to make an offensive impact in his first game with the Phoenix Coyotes. The goals have been pouring in ever since. Stempniak has been the league's most prolific scorer since being acquired at the March 3 trade deadline. His 13 goals in 14 games with Phoenix led the NHL last month and are one fewer than he had in 62 games with Toronto this season. "I think (being traded) was a welcome change," Stempniak said Friday after a Coyotes practice. "I certainly wasn't ready to give up on being in Toronto or quit on that team. To come to a team like this was really, really exciting. It's a good team and a fresh start, and I've been fortunate to have some success and find chemistry."
Analysis: Stempniak has provided the Coyotes with the offensive punch they were looking for when they shook up their lineup with seven deadline deals a month ago, and he was a major catalyst in the team's recent nine-game winning streak. He scored 6:13 into his first game -- a 3-1 victory over Colorado -- to help Phoenix end a three-game slide and spark the run which has the Coyotes in contention for first place in the Western Conference. The 27-year-old right wing scored nine goals during that stretch and six of those either gave Phoenix the lead or tied the game. "It's not just the amount of goals he's scored, he's scored big goals for us," coach Dave Tippett said. "He's been tremendous. He's meshed very well with our guys. He's kind of a quiet personality, which is not bad having a quiet personality and carrying a big stick." Since joining the Coyotes, Stempniak has four multi-goal games -- he had six in his previous 356 NHL games -- and hasn't gone more than two games without a goal. He has become a solid play down the stretch in Fantasy.
News: Coyotes RW Lee Stempniak continues to play well since being traded west, scoring a pair of goals in Wednesday's 4-3 shootout victory over the Canucks. He has four points in three games with the Coyotes.
Analysis: Stempniak has recorded a point in all three games he's played for Phoenix, and now has 17 goals and 17 assists on the season. He should no longer be considered just a low-end option for deeper leagues.
News: The Maple Leafs have traded RW Lee Stempniak to the Coyotes for D Matt Jones along with fourth and seventh-round picks.
Analysis: Stempniak was a huge disappointment in Toronto after coming over in a deal from the Blues in November, 2008. Maybe he'll find his offensive game in Phoenix, but until he does he'll remain just a low-end option for deeper leagues. Jones, who has 11 points in 106 NHL games, can continue to be ignored in all formats.
News: Maple Leafs RW Lee Stempniak scored a goal during Friday's game against the Devils. Stempniak put Toronto ahead for good with a nice individual effort. He took the puck from Devils' defenseman Mike Mottau along the left side boards, skated an arcing half circle to the top of the right circle and beat Martin Brodeur with a shot between the pads for his 14th goal. It was also his first score in 10 games.
Analysis: Stempniak got off to a nice start after the calendar year flipped to 2010. He recorded three goals and three assists in his first eight January games. But as soon as it looked as though he was turning the corner, Stempniak ran into a brick wall again. It's the kind of disappointing play we expect from the veteran winger. He continues to be more of a low-end Fantasy flier.
News: Maple Leafs RW Lee Stempniak tallied an assist, finished at minus-1 and spent two minutes in the penalty box on Friday against the Capitals. Stempniak has six points in eight January games.
Analysis: Stempniak has quietly produced eight goals and 16 points in his last 24 games. He has picked up the scoring slack as Phil Kessel is mired in a long scoring slump. This has been one of Stempniak's better offensive outbursts in a long time. However, he continues to be more of a low-end Fantasy flier.
News: Maple Leafs RW Lee Stempniak scored a goal during Tuesday's game against the Panthers. Stempniak started the comeback during a power play when he one-timed Tomas Kaberle's pass over goalie Tomas Vokoun at 10:13. He has two goals and four assists in his last seven games.
Analysis: Stempniak has been playing his best hockey since December. He has six of his 11 goals in his last 18 games. Stempniak is still not on a serious tear, so he remains a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Maple Leafs RW Lee Stempniak scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 during Monday's game against the Thrashers. Stempniak registered the 100th assist of his NHL career and also opened the scoring with his seventh goal of the season 2:49 into the second. It was his second goal in three games.
Analysis: We figured Stempniak might have reached 100 helpers sooner since he showed a lot of promise early in his NHL career. He has been sort of playing at an average level the last few seasons and is still trying to get back over 50 points since reaching that plateau in 2006-07. Stempniak has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Maple Leafs RW Lee Stempniak scored a goal during Thursday's game against the Hurricanes. Stempniak gave Toronto a 2-0 lead as he beat Manny Legace on a slap shot in the first period. It was his fifth goal and first in eight November games.
Analysis: Stempniak had a good run in late October when he had three goals and six points in a four-game span, but his play once again retracted in November. We are not shocked since Stempniak's career has gone backward ever since his breakout season in 2006-07 with the Blues. Stempniak has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Maple Leafs RW Lee Stempniak scored his third goal in the last four games Saturday as Toronto fell to the Canadiens.
Analysis: Stempniak has seven points in 12 games this season and might be ready to finally get back to scoring in the 50s like he did in St. Louis. For now he only has minimal Fantasy value, however.
News: Maple Leafs RW Lee Stempniak scored his 12th goal of the season Tuesday in a win over the Islanders.
Analysis: Stempniak's offensive effort has been very spotty since being acquired in a trade from St. Louis in late November. He has really regressed offensively after a 52-point season in 2006-07. Stempniak remains a low-end Fantasy forward.
News: Maple Leafs RW Lee Stempniak scored a goal during Thursday's 2-1 win against the Capitals. Martin Gerber and Jose Theodore matched each other save-for-save until Stempniak, shooting from behind the goal line, banked in a shot off Theodore's right skate with 13:55 remaining in the game. It was his 11th goal of the season and first since a two-goal outing Feb. 12.
Analysis: Stempniak's offensive effort has been very spotty since being acquired in a trade from St. Louis. He has really regressed offensively after a 52-point season in 2006-07. Stempniak remains a low-end Fantasy forward.
News: Toronto RW Lee Stempniak has assists on all three goals on Sunday in a 3-2 overtime win over the Rangers. Stempniak's feat was matched by Pavel Kubina who also had three assists.
Analysis: Stempniak and Kubina were largely responsible for the Maple Leafs' win on Sunday as their puck movement created the team's goals, all of which came in the third period or later. He now has 33 points on the season with 10 goals and 23 assists but is only a low-end option in Fantasy play.
News:Lee Stempniak scored twice for Toronto during Thursday's 6-4 loss to the Lightning. Stempniak opened the scoring with his ninth goal 10:58 into the game. He added his second goal on a power-play scored 11:32 into the middle period. It was his first scores in eight games.
Analysis: Stempniak has been a little more aggressive in the offensive gameplan as of late with four goals and four assists in his last 11 games. Stempniak hasn't been much of a top offensive force since coming over in a trade from St. Louis and has been a disappointing Fantasy option the last two seasons after totaling 52 points in 2006-07. Stempniak is a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Toronto RW Lee Stempniak had a goal and an assist in a 4-3 shootout loss on Wednesday to the Bruins. Stempniak also added a shootout goal to his stat sheet. Stempniak has three points in his last three games after starting off the month of January with a seven-game pointless streak.
Analysis: Stempniak is going to put up a goose egg in the points category more often that not, which is why he is only a low-end option. He has done little with two clubs this season, the Blues and the Maple Leafs.
News: Maple Leafs RW Lee Stempniak scored a power-play goal during Friday's 4-3 loss to the Thrashers. Stempniak opened the scoring 12:53 into the game, beating Johan Hedberg on a power play off a rebound of Tomas Kaberle's shot. It was his seventh goal of the season and first point in eight games.
Analysis: Stempniak has settled back into his non-existent ways after he started to come out of his shell with the Blues earlier this season. The trade to Toronto really hasn't been all the beneficial, so Stempniak remains a low-end Fantasy forward.
News: Maple Leafs RW Lee Stempniak scored a goal during Tuesday's 4-3 overtime win against the Thrashers. Stempniak tied the game at 2 with his sixth goal of the season 4:16 into the second period. He has scored twice in three goals and has three points in his last four.
Analysis: Stempniak was having a pretty good run with the Blues before he was dealt away and the offensive chances just haven't been as abundant with Toronto. He has just eight points in 16 games. Stempniak has been a pretty frustrating Fantasy player because of his inconsistent play, so he remains just a low-end Fantasy flier.
News: Maple Leafs RW Lee Stempniak tallied an assist Friday against the Sabres and now has four points (one goal) in nine games since being acquired in a trade from St. Louis.
Analysis: Stempniak was having a pretty good run with the Blues before he was dealt away and the offensive chances just haven't been as abundant with Toronto. Stempniak has been a pretty frustrating Fantasy player because of his inconsistent play, so he remains just a low-end Fantasy flier.
News: Toronto RW Lee Stempniak, in his first game since being acquired from St. Louis, joined Nik Antropov and Matt Stajan on a line in Tuseday's loss to the Thrashers. The trio got the Leafs on the board at 7:31. Antropov scored his eighth when his intended pass glanced off defenseman Ron Hainsey's stick and behind Johan Hedberg. Stempniak was given an assist on the play.
Analysis: Stempniak got off to a slow start this season due to a knee injury, but he finally appears to be 100 percent and is producing. Stempniak only really has value in deeper Fantasy leagues.
News: The Toronto Maple Leafs traded D Carlo Colaiacovo and C Alexander Steen to the St. Louis Blues for RW Lee Stempniak on Monday.
Analysis: The Leafs were stacked on the blue line, so this move clears a little room for Ian White to maybe move back to his natural position. White is playing well on the wing though, so maybe they'll just leave him there. Colaiacovo gives the Blues some help on their injury-depleted blue line, but he's a health risk who can't be relied upon in Fantasy play. Steen has only managed to put up six points in 20 games this season. The Leafs got the best Fantasy-viable player in the deal, but Stempniak, who has some value in deeper leagues as a low-end starting forward, might not find a spot on the top six in Toronto. Keep an eye on his ice time, but his value isn't likely to change much.
News: Blues RW Lee Stempniak had three assists in Friday's game against Chicago to give him points in five straight games. He has eight points during that span.
Analysis: Stempniak got off to a slow start this season due to a knee injury, but he finally appears to be 100 percent and is producing. He has been temporarily removed from the team's top scoring line, but remains on the power play and should log top-six minutes for most of the season.
News: Blues RW Lee Stempniak had a goal, an assist and plus-2 rating in 19:39 of ice time Wednesday against the Sabres. The Blues made it 4-3 with just under 12 minutes to go when Stempniak converted David Perron's slick pass in the slot. It was his second goal in three games. He has the two goals and five assists during a four-game points streak.
Analysis: Stempniak got off to a slow start this season due to a knee injury, but he finally appears to be 100 percent and is producing. He has been temporarily removed from the team's top scoring line, but remains on the power play and should log top-six minutes for most of the season. Stempniak has potential, but is a low-end Fantasy forward for the time being.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Lee Stempniak hopes he has snapped out of his early season funk. The Blues' winger hasn't been able to replicate his strong preseason -- he had just two assists in his first seven games but he broke out with a three-point night Thursday against San Jose, notching his first goal of the season along with two assists. Stempniak hopes it is a sign of things to come. "For me personally, it was nice to contribute with a goal and a couple of assists," he said. "I was sort of the beneficiary of a couple of good plays by Patrik (Berglund) and Alex (Pietrangelo). But hopefully it's a start. I'm confident. Keep it rolling."
Analysis: Some of Stempniak's struggles could be attributed to his recovery from a knee injury that knocked him out of four games last month, although the right wing said that he feels good now. "When you're playing well, you never want to take that time off," he said. "It was a bit of relief to score there, and hopefully I'm back on track." The Blues hope that Stempniak retreats to the form of his 2006-07 breakout season when he had 27 goals and 52 points. The 25-year-old slumped to 13 goals and 38 points last season. Stempniak ran his point-scoring streak to three games with an assist Saturday night against Los Angeles. There is potential with Stempniak on the Blues' top line, but he remains more of a low-end Fantasy forward.
News: Blues RW Lee Stempniak tallied an assist and finished at minus-2 in 18:17 of ice time Wednesday against the Ducks. He took five shots on net and had his first point in six games since returning from a knee injury.
Analysis: Stempniak had a great preseason and there was high hopes for him entering the 2008-09 season playing on a line with Brad Boyes and Andy McDonald. Well, he had a point in his first game and then had to battle a knee injury. He has the lone assist since returning and is not showing much of an offensive game. There is potential with Stempniak on the Blues' top line, but until he gets going, he has limited Fantasy appeal.
News: Blues RW Lee Stempniak retured to the lineup Wednesday against the Red Wings after missing four games with a knee injury. He didn't record a point in 22 minutes of ice time and finished at minus-1. He took four shots.
Analysis: The fact Stempniak played 22 minutes Wednesday is a good indicator he is over his knee ailment. He is back on the top line with Andy McDonald and Brad Boyes and is hoping to stay hot after a strong preseason. There is potential with Stempniak, but he remains a low-end Fantasy forward until further notice.
News: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Blues LW Lee Stempniak practiced Tuesday and should be fine for Wednesday's game vs. Detroit.
Analysis: Stempniak had an explosive preseason with his new linemates and the Blues, as well as Fantasy owners, hope he can continue that success into the regular season. There is potential with Stempniak, but he remains a low-end Fantasy forward until further notice.
News: Blues RW Lee Stempniak missed his fourth straight game on Saturday against the Blackhawks because of a left knee injury. He remains day to day.
Analysis: Stempniak had an explosive preseason with his new linemates and the Blues, as well as Fantasy owners, hope he can continue that success into the regular season. There is potential with Stempniak, but he remains a low-end Fantasy forward until further notice.
News: Blues RW Lee Stempniak missed his third straight game Thursday against the Stars because of a left knee injury. He remains day to day and questionable for Saturday against the Blackhawks.
Analysis: Stempniak had an explosive preseason with his new linemates and the Blues, as well as Fantasy owners, hope he can continue that success into the regular season. There is potential with Stempniak, but he remains a low-end Fantasy forward until further notice.
News: Blues RW Lee Stempniak missed his second straight game Monday against the Maple Leafs after tweaking his left knee during the first period of Friday's 5-2 win over Nashville.
Analysis: Stempniak had an explosive preseason with his new linemates and the Blues, as well as Fantasy owners, hope he can continue that success into the regular season. There is potential with Stempniak, but he remains a low-end Fantasy forward until further notice. He is an injury-risk start for Fantasy Week 2 (Oct. 13-19).
News:The Sports Xchange reports the line of Lee Stempniak, Andy McDonald and Brad Boyes could be without one of its parts for a couple of games. Stempniak missed Saturday's game against the New York Islanders with a "tweaked" left knee, the result of an awkward hit from a Nashville player Friday in St. Louis. The Blues aren't sure if Stempniak will be available for Monday's game in Toronto. They're calling him day-to-day, but his knee remained stiff Saturday. "I was getting the puck and just sort of got hit," Stempniak said. "Just a fluky thing. It wasn't a hard hit, just a vulnerable position."
Analysis: Stempniak left the game briefly Friday but returned to play 20 shifts and finished with 15:55 of ice time. "I came back and played and felt fine," Stempniak said. "It just got a little more stiff. Hopefully it's getting better now. I'd love to play in Toronto and I'm hoping to play on Thursday (against Dallas)." Stempniak had an explosive preseason with his new linemates and the Blues, as well as Fantasy owners, hope he can continue that success into the regular season. There is potential with Stempniak, but he remains a low-end Fantasy forward until further notice. He is an injury-risk start for Fantasy Week 2 (Oct. 13-19).
News: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Blues RW Lee Stempniak will take the injured Erik Johnson's spot on the St. Louis power play as the team goes with five forwards when they have the extra man. "I feel really comfortable," Stempniak said. "A lot of it has been talking with Paul (Kariya,). We're just trying to make it easier on each other by backing each other up, so you don't feel like you're the last guy ... you make a bad pass and it's a two-on-none the other way."
Analysis: Stempniak had a poor season in 2007-08 as his point total dropped 14 and he spent less time on the power play. This year he could be in for a better campaign, so continue to think of him as a low-end bench flier in deeper formats.
News: Blues RW Lee Stempniak ended an eight-game slide without a goal Tuesday when he found the back of the net in a 4-3 OT loss to the Oilers.
Analysis: Stempniak is only 24 years old, but his goal total is down from 27 to 12 this season, and that's a worrying trend. His shot percentage is also down from 16.3 percent to 8.3. He cannot be trusted outside of larger Fantasy leagues at this time.
News: Blues LW Lee Stempniak didn't record a point Sunday against the Coyotes and had his point streak stopped at four games. He had one goal and three assists in the previous four games.
Analysis: Stempniak has been pretty disappointing this season after scoring 27 goals last season. He has been bumped down to the lower lines for the Blues and can't be trusted outside of larger Fantasy leagues at this time.
News: Blues RW Lee Stempniak scored a goal and finished at even during Tuesday's game against the Blackhawks. Stempniak's 11th goal capitalized on a double-minor against Tuomo Ruutu for high-sticking and boarding at 11:04. It was his third power-play goal this season and first goal since Jan. 16.
Analysis: Stempniak has been pretty disappointing this season after scoring 27 goals last season. He has been bumped down to the lower lines for the Blues and can't be trusted outside of larger Fantasy leagues at this time.
News: Blues right winger Lee Stempniak, with only two assists in the last 10 games, was a healthy scratch on Tuesday against the Kings.
Analysis: Stempniak has no goals in 11 games and just two assists during the span. He is nothing more than a No. 4 Fantasy forward, but could be a lot more with some consistent play.
News:Lee Stempniak scored his 10th goal of the season, but it was the only goal the Blues weere able to muster in Wednesday's 6-1 loss at Chicago. St. Louis lost its third straight game.
Analysis: Stempniak netted his first goal in five games. He did have two assists during that span. Stempniak has been playing good hockey since the early part of December and is finally living up to his potential after posting 52 points last season. He has emerged as a No. 4 Fantasy forward, but can be so much more.
News:Lee Stempniak never expected his first-period goal to stand up as the winner. "No, especially the way games are now," Stempniak said after the Blues beat the Carolina Hurricanes 1-0 on Saturday night. "You never think it's going to be a one-goal game. Usually it takes four goals to win a game." Stempniak's 50th NHL goal was enough because Manny Legace stopped 27 saves to make the little bit of offense stand up. Stempniak scored his ninth of the season 12:49 in with a quick redirection from the slot between Michael Leighton's pads off a feed from Jay McKee. "Jay made the pass out front and I just tried shoveling it five-hole," Stempniak said. "It didn't go in right away. It looked like it got caught up in there and sort of rolled in."
Analysis: Stempniak has now scored twice in three games and also has two assists in his last four games. He has been playing exceptionally well since early December and is finally living up to his potential after posting 52 points last season. He has emerged as a No. 4 Fantasy forward, but can be so much more.
News: The Blues made it 1-0 Saturday against the Bruins when Lee Stempniak tipped Keith Tkachuk's shot past Tim Thomas 11:56 into the game. Tkachuk fired a wrist shot from the right circle and the puck slipped inside the far post. It was the second straight game Stempniak scored and the third time in six games. He finished at plus-2 and also has four assists in his last seven games.
Analysis: Stempniak has recorded a point in eight of nine December games and is by far on the best points run he has had all season. Stempniak managed just four points in November and was having quite a disappointing season. He's starting to turn it around now. He came in with such his expectations after posting 52 points last season. He has emerged as a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy forward, but can be so much more.
News: LW Lee Stempniak's goal against Colorado Sunday against Colorado was his fourth in the team's last five games.
Analysis: Stempniak managed just four points in November and was having quite a disappointing season. He's starting to turn it around now. He came in with such his expectations after posting 52 points last season. Consider him in larger leagues for now.
News:Lee Stempniak scored in a loss at Calgary Tuesday. He has now scored in three straight games.
Analysis: Stempniak has scored five goals in 10 career games against Calgary. Stempniak managed just four points in November and is having quite a disappointing season. He came in with such his expectations after posting 52 points last season. Right now, he is merely a low-end Fantasy option, but it is a good sign that he is starting to score goals.
News:Lee Stempniak knew it was just a matter of time before his goal drought would end. The St. Louis Blues winger had gone 19 straight games without scoring and was stuck on one goal for the season. The drought ended Friday, and Stempniak made it two goals in two nights with another in the Blues' 3-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday. "For me, I had a sense that it had been coming for a while," Stempniak said. "I felt like I had been playing good for three or four games leading up to (Friday)."
Analysis: Stempniak gave the Blues a 1-0 lead 3:07 into the first period, slashing around Chicago's Jim Vandermeer before tucking a backhand shot between Lalime's blocker and right side. "I had a lot of speed just coming around the side and it was a race to the far post," Stempniak said. "I was lucky I got the shot where I wanted it, slid it under (Lalime's) arm. He was leaning. It was good to get a goal in back-to-back games." Stempniak managed just four points in November and is having quite a disappointing season. He came in with such his expectations after posting 52 points last season. Right now, he is merely a low-end Fantasy option, but it is a good sign that he is starting to score goals.
News: Blues C Lee Stempniak scored just his second goal this season during Friday's game against the Wild. He finished at even. Stempniak last scored a goal on Oct. 10 before beating Niklas Backstrom on Friday.
Analysis: Stempniak managed just four points in November and is having quite a disappointing season. He came in with such his expectations after posting 52 points last season. Right now, he is merely a low-end Fantasy option.
News: LW Lee Stempniak missed on a penalty-shot attempt in the second period against Phoenix Tuesday.
Analysis: Keep Stempniak active in all Fantasy lineups in leagues of 12 or more teams. He has seven points so far.
News: Lee Stempniak (flu) scored against Nashville on Wednesday.
Analysis: Keep Stempniak active in all Fantasy lineups in leagues of 12 or more teams. He has three points in three games so far.
News: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Lee Stempniak was forced to miss practice on Monday due to a bout with teh flu, but he is expected to skate on Wednesday against Nashville.
Analysis: Stempniak is considered probable for Wednesday's contest. It appears safe to keep him in the active Fantasy lineup in all leagues of 12 or more teams.
News: Lee Stempniak was scoreless with a minus-2 rating in 19:17 of ice time in Thursday's game at Phoenix.
Analysis: Stempniak is a sleeper heading into the new season. For now, remains a No. 4 or 5 Fantasy forward in leagues of 10 or more teams. The Blues will be back in action on Saturday at Los Angeles.
News: The St. Louis Blues have re-signed Lee Stempniak to a three-year contract on Wednesday. He was the team's leading scorer with 27 goals and 25 assists in 82 games. "I'm putting a lot of pressure on myself to have a better season than last year," Stempniak told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "It's going to take a lot of work, but I'm definitely up to the challenge. The last two years, I've learned a lot about myself as a player. I felt like a different player at the end of last season, just in terms of comfort level on the ice and knowing what to expect."
Analysis: Stempniak emerged as a solid Fantasy option down the stretch, getting a lot more comfortable with more responsibilities in the offense. Stempniak is still on a team expected to lose more games than they will win, so expect his plus/minus rating to be in the negative. However, he should be a decent middle-round pick on Draft Day in most leagues.
News: Petr Cajanek, Jay McClement, Peter Sejna and Lee Stempniak each scored goals in Thursday's game against the Oilers.
Analysis: Stempniak ended a seven-game goal drought. Despite his recent lack of offense, we still like him as a breakout player heading into the 2007-08 season.
News: Lee Stempniak has managed four goals and three assists with a plus-1 rating over the past eight games, taking advantage of an increase role in the St. Louis offense following the departure of Bill Guerin and Keith Tkachuk in separate deadline deals.
Analysis: Stempniak is a player we are really high on heading into the 2007-08 season barring any big offseason moves by the Blues which stunt his growth.
News: Lee Stempniak scored a pair of goals with a plus-1 rating in Monday's shootout loss at Calgary.
Analysis: Stempniak has managed six goals and 12 points over the past 10 games. He is worth using as a No. 4 or 5 Fantasy forward in all leagues while hot.
News: D Eric Brewer, C Brad Boyes and RW Lee Stempniak each scored a goal and assist in Thursday's game against the Stars.
Analysis: Stempniak also added a plus-3 rating in the win. He has four goals, 11 points and a plus-2 rating over the past 10 games. He is a solid No. 5 or 6 Fantasy forward in most larger leagues.
News: Lee Stempniak's power-play goal 25 seconds into overtime gave the St. Louis Blues a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over the New York Islanders on Thursday night in Ryan Smyth's debut on Long Island. Stempniak had an open shot from the left circle off a pass from Eric Brewer and beat Rick DiPietro to the far corner to give the Blues their sixth win in seven games (6-1-0). Stempniak also had an assist in the game to give him three goals and four assists in his last five games.
Analysis: Stempniak now has 20 goals and 20 assists on the season. He is a decent No. 5 or 6 Fantasy option in larger leagues.
News: Lee Stempniak and Doug Weight scored and Manny Legace stopped both Columbus shootout attempts to secure the victory. It marked the second time this season St. Louis has won four consecutive games -- both under Murray -- and gave the Blues 19 victories since he took over Dec. 12 when they were 7-17-4.
Analysis: Stempniak has managed a goal and five assists with a plus-3 rating over the past four games. He remains a solid No. 5 or 6 Fantasy forward, especially while the Blues are playing well and his plus/minus rating remains decent.
News: Lee Stempniak picked up a pair of assists with a plus-2 rating in 14:09 of ice time in Sunday's game against Minnesota.
Analysis: Stempniak has managed four assists and a plus-4 rating over the past three games. He is a decent No. 5 or 6 Fantasy option in larger leagues.
News: Blues LW Lee Stempniak netted two assists Wednesday against Columbus, giving him 16 this season.
Analysis: Stemniak has already surpasses his rookie total for points and could get close or more than 50 by the end of the year. Still, he is a low-end Fantasy option in most leagues.
News: Lee Stempniak, Ryan Johnson, and Keith Tkachuk scored for St. Louis in Friday's 5-3 loss to the Red Wings.
Analysis: Stempniak now has 16 goals on the season and two in his last three games. He remains a solid No. 4 or 5 Fantasy forward in most larger leagues.
News: Lee Stempniak scored his 15th goal of the season on Saturday against the Predators, ending a five-game scoreless stretch.
Analysis: Stempniak apparently carried over his momentum from a strong showing in the YoungStars Game during the All-Star festivities into the second half. He remains a solid No. 4 or 5 Fantasy forward in most larger leagues.
News: Blues LW Lee Stempniak, who was named to the NHL's YoungStars game Jan. 23 in Dallas, scored a goal and had an assist Saturday.
Analysis: Stempniak has three goals and four assists in his last six games to bring his season totals to 14 goals and 14 assists. He is about to surpass his point total from last season (27) and is a solid young player. He continues to be a solid low-end Fantasy forward.
News: Lee Stempniak scored the winning shootout goal and added two assists in Tuesday's win against the Blue Jackets. "We obviously played hard in the third period and overtime," Stempniak said. "If you're coming from behind like that, you're going to get lucky sometimes. If you try to do it all the time, it's not going to work for you."
Analysis: Stempniak has managed three goals and eight points during his career-high seven-game point streak. He is worth a look as a No. 4 or 5 forward in Fantasy leagues of 12 or more teams.
News: Lee Stempniak and Dennis Wideman scored goals to lead the Blues to a 2-0 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night.
Analysis: Despite the goal, Stempniak is still only worth using in larger Fantasy formats at this time.
News: Backes scored his first NHL goal and Lee Stempniak added a goal and an assist, helping the Blues beat the Los Angeles Kings 5-2 on Thursday night.
Analysis: After an eight-game scoreless streak and 16-game goal drought, Stempniak has lit the lamp twice in the past three games and he has three points during the span.
News: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Lee Stempniak might see more time on the power play following the hiring of Andy Murray and the firing of Mike Kitchen. Stempniak saw time on the team's No. 1 power play unit on Tuesday night.
Analysis: Stempniak might be worth stashing away on reserve in larger Fantasy leagues, but he still remains too inconsistent to be relied on in pools of 10 or fewer teams.
News: Lee Stempniak scored a goal (8) and had an assist with a plus-2 rating and three shots on goal in Sunday's game against the Oilers.
Analysis: Stempniak has scored in consecutive games after a four-game scoreless streak. He remains a decent No. 4 or 5 Fantasy wing in most leagues.
News: Lee Stempniak is second on the Blues with six goals and he has added four assists and an even rating in 13 games. He also has just one minor penalty to his credit this season.
Analysis: Stempniak is a solid Fantasy option in most leagues which discourage penalty minutes. He is also second on the team in power play points with four (2 G, 2 A).
News: St. Louis (3-3-1) hasn't played since last Saturday's 4-3 road win over Chicago that snapped a two-game losing streak. The Blues have won three of their last five games after starting the season 0-2-1. Second-year right wing Lee Stempniak had the first three-point game of his career against Chicago, scoring twice and adding an assist. Stempniak, who had 27 points in 57 games in 2005-06, has five goals and three assists this season to lead St. Louis in scoring. "I definitely feel so much more comfortable this year," Stempniak said. "I played a lot for a rookie last year, especially after the trade deadline and we lost a couple of guys. All the experiences I had last year are helping me this year."
Analysis: Stempniak has been added in 18 percent of Fantasy leagues over the past week and has been the No. 14 most added player. He has emerged as a decent No. 4 or 5 Fantasy forward in most formats.
News: When asked after Saturday's three-point night if any of his teammates would add him to their Fantasy Hockey team, RW Lee Stempniak said, "I think everyone's more worried about Fantasy Football right now."
Analysis: Stempniak has posted seven points (4 G, 3 A) and a plus-1 rating over the past five games. He has emerged as a decent No. 4 or 5 Fantasy forward in most formats. He went from being owned in 13 percent of CBS SportsLine.com's leagues to 24 percent in one week.
News: Lee Stempniak has managed to light the lamp three times in the past two games heading into Saturday's game against the Red Wings.
Analysis: Stempniak has posted seven points (4 G, 3 A) and a plus-1 rating over the past five games. He has emerged as a decent No. 4 or 5 Fantasy forward in most formats.
News: Blues RW Lee Stempniak scored a goal on Friday. He now has three goals and and two assists on the season.
Analysis: Stempniak is in his second season as a pro and is already well on his way to surpassing his 2005-2006 totals (14 G, 13 A) he had in 57 games. He is definitely worth adding as a possible No. 4 or No. 5 wing in deep Fantasy leagues. He could have himself a decent sophomore campaign.
News: Stempniak scored a goal, added an assist and had a plus-1 rating with four shots on goal in 21:28 of ice time in Sunday's game at Vancouver.
Analysis: Stempniak has posted eight goals, four assists and a plus-3 rating over the past 10 games since being recalled from Peoria of the AHL on Jan. 30. The rookie has proven he belongs in this league and can produce, so feel free to add him as a No. 4 or 5 Fantasy wing if you need some scoring.
News: Lee Stempniak posted two more goals on three shots in 15:21 of ice time in Sunday's game at Edmonton.
Analysis: Stempniak has posted eights points (6 G, 2 A) and a plus-2 rating in seven games since being recalled from Peoria of the AHL. If he is available in your Fantasy league of 12 or more teams, he might be worth taking a flier on.
News: Lee Stempniak scored a goal on his only shot in Wednesday's game at Detroit in 14:57 of ice time.
Analysis: Stempniak has lit the lamp in consecutive games since being recalled from Peoria of the AHL. He is only worth a look in the largest of Fantasy leagues despite his recent solid play.
News: Rookie Lee Stempniak, summoned from Peoria of the AHL on Sunday, scored the tying goal and then got the winner in the fifth round of a shootout for a 3-2 victory over Calgary Monday. "Everyone wants to be a clutch player and I was happy to be out there, but I was a little bit nervous," Stempniak said. "I'd been 0-for-the-shootout so far in Peoria and I was just happy it went in." He scored the tying goal in the second period for the Blues, who won for only the second time in 13 games.
Analysis: Stempniak isn't a strong Fantasy force normally, so don't bother picking him up.
News: Lee Stempniak has been assigned to Peoria of the AHL on Thursday.
Analysis: Stempniak had some flashes of brilliance, but even if he returns he is not a useful Fantasy option.
News: Lee Stempniak was scoreless on Tuesday against the Penguins, his sixth straight game without a point.
Analysis: Stempniak started the season with seven points (3 G, 4 A) with a plus-2 rating in his first 12 games, but he has tailed off since. Avoid using him in all Fantasy leagues.
