Fantasy Hockey Ramble, March 23, 2009

 

Dobber Nation lineup – coming WEDNESDAY – The "Puck Daddy" Greg Wyshynski, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch, our own Matthew Bugg of Bugg Bytes fame, and prospect Landon Ferraro of the Red Deer Rebels.

 

The bug in the article comments is fixed. It should now count towards your forum posts. If not, let me know.

 

The Habs have sent down Max Pacioretty, as part of the S. Kostitsyn call up.

 

Mikko Koivu left last night's game with a knee injury. According to Michael Russo , and I agree with his theory, because the Wild was so forthcoming about the nature of the injury (i.e. "knee" and not "lower body") it is probably quite serious.

 

Although he was shut out yesterday, Ottawa d-man Brendan Bell had six points in four games prior to that.

 

Kris Letang has eight points in his last 11 games, clearly benefitting from the Ryan Whitney trade.

 

Matt Cullen will not be in the lineup today, due to a LBI. He had 26 points in his last 25 games, so the loss is a blow to the Hurricanes and Cullen owners – no word on how long he is out.

 

The Habs have recalled Sergei Kostitsyn in an effort to inject some offense. He had 14 points in his last 12 AHL contests.

 

Before getting shut off the scoreboard yesterday, Columbus prospect Alex Picard had seven goals in two AHL games, and 18 points in 11 games. This is the first offensive spark I've really seen from this fading prospect.

 

Brad Richards' newest break is more serious than his last one, probably requiring surgery – complete with pins and plates, according to Mike Heika's blog .

 

Michal Rozsival left last night's contest with a leg injury. If he is out for any length of time, then I would think Derek Morris benefits the most. I would say "Wade Redden", but believe it or not he is already getting as much ice and PP time as he can handle. He's just naturally sucking.

 

Drew Doughty has four points during his current three-game streak.

 

With the injury to Brad Richards, the Stars have recalled Tom Wandell. He is ranked 149th on my prospects list

 

Patrick Sharp had three points in his return, playing primarily with Havlat and Ladd.

 

Marian Gaborik played nearly 18 minutes in his return to the lineup.

 

MIN line combos: Koivu, with Gaborik and Miettinen; Belanger, with Brunette and Clutterbuck; Sheppard, with Nolan and Bouchard; Fritsche with Veillieux and Boogaard.

 

To address a question in the comments about my rankings (they were thankful for yesterd