December 18, 2008

 

Dustin Brown has seven points in his last four games – each of which he has played at least 20 minutes. Upon further study, I (it's Dobber again) discovered that he has 17 points in 18 games that he played at least 20 minutes, but just seven points in 13 games where he did not see that kind of ice time. I just found that interesting.

 

Angus here, sorry for the lack of updates I was busy finishing up with school.

 

Pierre Lebrun is reporting that Mats Sundin HOPES (key word) to have a decision by tomorrow. Looks like those rumors of him waiting for the Rangers to clear space may be false. Lebrun talked to Sundin's agent, JP "limelight" Barry. 

 

Daniel Sedin has 16 points in the 12 games post-Luongo for the Canucks, while his brother Henrik has 10. 

 

Bertuzzi's OT winner last night was his first goal in 20 games. So much for the hot start.

 

Both Horton and Booth are back for the Panthers tonight, which should give that offense a bit of a jump start. Frolik looked very good in a fill-in role, but Matthias struggled.

 

Sam Gagner scored his SECOND goal of the season last night. The sophomore slump has hit him in a bad way.

 

Jamie Lundmark has an assist in each of the two games he has played since his recall. He was Once a highly touted prospect and I hope he can stick for the year. He is replacing Curtis Glencross for now.

 

With Gaborik's return, the Minny lines shaped up like this: Gaborik with Veillieux and Sheppard; Gaborik with Veillieux and Pouliot; Gaborik with Koivu and Miettinen; Gaborik with Koivu and Brunette; Gaborik with Koivu and Clutterbuck… translation – lines are not set at all. What seemed to work best was Koivu centering Gaborik and Brunette as they combined for five points. That left Belanger with Miettinen and Clutterbuck on the second line.

 

Jeff Halpern will make his season debut tonight. He had 18 points in 19 games once joining TB last season, but with a new coach who knows how he will perform. For now, assume a point for every two games with a bit of upside. Paul Szczechura may be the odd man out, or Jussi Jokinen (who has been in the doghouse).

 

Jason Chimera suffered a groin injury, and from the description in the Dispatch it sounds serious. Normally, a Chimera injury doesn't excite me – even with his very strong start. However, somebody needs to replace him and I'm thinking Nikita Filatov. Furthermore, this could give Jakub Voracek some decent ice time again.

 

Randy Jones is back healthy and has been sent to the AHL for a short conditioning stint.

 

Steve Sullivan skated a full practice again yesterday. That's two days in a row.

 

With Jay McKee's injury, the Blues have recalled Jonas Junland, who has six goals and 13 points in 21 AHL contests. He is ranked 348 on my fantasy prospects list with offensive upside.

 

I saw a couple of reports indicating that Carey Price would be out with a groin or hip problem until after Christmas and for a second I felt a bit of panic. I have him in two of my keeper leagues – and one of them my other goalies are Theodore and Leclaire (whoops!). But then I realized that Christmas is in a week. I'm not bothered by losing a goalie for a week.

 

Marian Gaborik picked up a couple of points in his return to action last night.