Fantasy Hockey Ramble – April 05, 2009

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Patrick Sharp left Friday's game after colliding with Pekka Rinne. He will miss at least two more contests, but the injury is said to not be serious.

TSN is reporting that Linus Omark is posturing to play in the KHL next season if the Oilers don't give him the rookie maximum. The 22-year-old was a top scorer in the SEL this past season, but given his small stature it would probably take him several years to really get rolling in a league like the NHL. He is ranked 167 on my fantasy prospects list, which is updated in five days. He moves up with this news, because if Edmonton caves in to his demands, he will probably be an NHL player right away.

The Leafs scratched Lee Stempniak to make room for newcomer Christian Hanson. Hanson was a minus-1 in 15:34 of action.

Playoff Race Update:
EAST
8. NYR 89 (3GR)
9. FLA 87 (4GR)
10. BUF 85 (4GR)

WEST
7. ANA 87 (3GR)
8. NSH 86 (3GR)
9. STL 86 (3GR)
10. MIN 83 (4GR)
Edmonton is all but done. They have 83 points, but just three games remaining.
Interesting that the Senators passed the Leafs in the standings. Leafs are still out of the Tavares mix in the draft lottery unless two more teams pass them.

LA's Brian Boyle has three goals in four games since being recalled. He has made this kind of impact before, though.

Another LA player who makes an early impact and then disappears – Teddy Purcell. He is pointless in seven contests. Both of the players need to straighten out their consistency if they are going to make their mark next season.

Dallas was officially eliminated yesterday despite goalie Matt Climie winning his first NHL game in place of Turco, who is day to day with a LBI. Climie is ranked 142 on my goalie list, and moves up with his play – but is probably still in tough to crack the top 100 until I see more.

With Jason Arnott back in the lineup, Cal O'Reilly was back to nine minutes of ice time.

Al Montoya got rocked last night. I had floated the suggestion of benching him after he wins one more game so he rides a wave of confidence into the summer. I guess he should have been benched prior to playing that third game.

Justin Williams broke out of his slump with a three-point effort.

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I know most hockey fans, analysts and players will disagree with me on this. My opinion on Avery never