December 10, 2008
Dobber Sports
2008-12-10
Teddy Purcell has (finally) been recalled from Manchester. Look for him to get a shot at a top-six role and some PP time.
The good news about Sakic is, the extra rest should really help his back for the playoffs.
The Caps have returned Sami Lepisto to the AHL and have recalled surging prospect Oskar Osala, who definitely bears watching.
Joe Sakic, already battling a bad back, injured his hand yesterday using his snow blower and is now on the shelf for three months. Definitely one of the more unique injuries…
The Isles finally went with Yann Danis last night and he lost. I can't see them going with anyone but McDonald for the rest of this month – and then DP will be the guy for the final 45 games or so.
Andy Hilbert has nine points in his last 10 contests. In six of those games his ice time has topped at least 18:30. I think we're starting to see what I saw in him five years ago.
Chris Higgins left last night's contest with an upper body injury (UBI). This opens up even more room for prospect Matt D'Agostini. The youngster continues to roll for the Habs. He now has five points in five games after his call up. He moves up to 47th on the latest prospects list update.
Gaborik is back practicing for the Wild. No timetable on his return.
Chris Stewart got his first NHL goal and assist last night. He is 91st on my prospects list.
The Ducks signed Eric Tangradi to an entry level deal. He is ranked 341 on my prospets list, as he is several years away.
Chris Gratton has been assigned to Norfolk. I was curious when I did my Fantasy Guide as to how the Lightning would free up room on their roster – after all, Ryan Craig was coming back and Jeff Halpern would also be back around Christmas – so how can they fit so many players on their forward lines? It turns out they'll send Vrbata to his home country, Gratton to the minors, Roberts to the injury ward (of course!) and Artyukhin to the press box.
With Sami Salo on the shelf, Alex Edler played over eight minutes on the power play and scored a goal.
He may have played well and stopped 25 of 27 shots, but the bottom line is: Dan Ellis finally returned to the net and he lost. Ten games from now, this will just be another tick in the "L" column when we look at Ellis' stats. Rinne's case to be the starter is building.
TJ Hensick was moved to the top PP unit last night, and he picked up two assists. The Avs prospect is worth owning, provided they keep him in this role.
ANGUS UNLEASHED:
Quite the wild affair in Nashville on Tuesday evening. Multiple scrums and misconducts, and several big hits. Definitely worth checking the highlights out.
Robert Lang put up three points as the Habs bested Calgary 4-1. D'Agostini scored for the fourth consecutive game; I think this guy can kiss his time in Hamilton goodbye. Another great find by the Canadiens scouting staff, he brings speed and energy to a very talented lineup.
Bob McKenzie is speculating that the Sundin camp is down to Vancouver and New York. The Rangers would have to clear some space, but it could be created by waiving or trading the likes of Prucha and/or Kalinin.
Jeff Carter scored his 20th of the season to keep pace with Vanek. He is shooting everything from everywhere this year.
Steve Bernier has looked great since being placed with Burrows and Kesler. He is racking up the shots (seven last game, four against Nashville), and is getting ample scoring opportunities. Now would be the time to pick him up.
Antti Pihlstrom has been impressive with the Preds. He broke out at the World Championships back in May and has some upside as a 15-20 goal sparkplug winger.