January 11, 2009
Dobber Sports
2009-01-11
Dobber's 2009 Midseason Guide is ready for immediate download. BUY NOW.
Those of you interested in my thought process at the draft table, I outline some of it here… (link is now fixed)
Ken Hitchcock gave Jakub Voracek and Nikita Filatov just over 21 minutes of ice time. Not each. Combined. His reluctance to give his youngsters ice time is remarkable – even when they prove to be the best players on the team. However, despite the lack of ice time Filatov and Voracek showed fantasy owners why nothing is going to stop them from becoming superstars – Filatov notched his first career hat trick in his sixth career game, and linemate Voracek assisted on all three goals. The two were each a plus-3. Linemate Mike Peca is making off like a bandit and is the under -the- radar beneficiary. While everyone in your league will be stepping over their own mother to get the two kids on their team – Peca will be neglected. However, Peca (who had two assists last night) will get just as many points as they do.
One kid who Hitchcock does actually play (because he has little choice) is goalie Steve Mason. He's won six of his last eight – with four shutouts. But seriously – with a 15-9-1 record and 1.75 and 0.938 – he has to be considered for the Vezina Trophy, not just the Calder.
Huselius returned to the lineup and played 20 minutes – he was pointless though.
The Rangers recalled Bobby Sanguinetti, but he didn't get into the game yesterday.
Brian Elliott took the loss, but he stopped 25 of 27 for the Sens, which to me is enough to earn another start.
Mats Sundin scored his first goal as a Canuck, but again played just 15 minutes. That will be his ice time for at least a couple of weeks.
Manny Fernandez is out with an undisclosed injury and Tuukka Rask was recalled. Thomas will get all the starts for now I'm sure.
Atlanta claimed Rich Peverley off of waivers. I doubt he will make a huge offensive impact.
Todd White tallied three points yesterday. He has 41 points in 43 games this season and points in 14 of his last 16 games. His season has been off the charts so far… I don't know what to make of it. I'm still counting on an injury to strike though, so I still say 'sell high'
Steve Sullivan played 12:30 last night in his first game in nearly two years. He was pointless, but that will come. By all accounts, he was back to his old self – embarrassing the opposition with some of his moves. He will not play today – but I warned you not to expect back-to-back games anyway.
Jason Arnott left last night's game in the third with a LBI. He will miss today's contest, but is not expected to be out for long.
Justin Williams – first on the trolley tracks and then losing the ensuing fight that he picks with Matt Hunwick:
[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jOoswk8Jqg]