Fantasy Hockey Ramble – April 15, 2009 Playoff Time!
Dobber Sports
2009-04-14
Pick up my Interactive Playoff Draft List, HERE . Fully updated. Just $8.95 – not only is cheaper than other playoff lists you'll find, but there is a possibility that I put together those other lists you have seen out there (I won't say which ones – confidentiality agreement). Hey – it's what I do!
According to Bashir's Capital's Insider Blog, Chris Clark is ready to return. It won't be for Game 1, but you could see him soon. He will probably not be on a scoring line, but if you like the Caps to go deep he could be a decent final round pick for you.
The Dispatch is reporting that Derick Brassard did NOT receive clearance for contact today. Had he received the clearance, he may have been back for Game 3. My feeling is that he will be back if the round extends to six or seven games.
The Nashville Predators and Alexander Radulov have finally agreed to meet, according to the Tennessean. No date has been set, but speculation is that it will take place later this month.
The Oilers have let Craig MacTavish go. How this impacts the team fantasy-wise will depend on the coach they bring in. He did have it in for Rob Schremp, however, so the move could help his fading outlook.
Patrick Sharp practiced with the Blackhawks yesterday. He is questionable for Thursday's contest, but it looks quite promising. He has been out with a knee injury.
Paul Kariya continues to rehab. No word on when he will try a second time to get cleared to play by the doctors. My guess is that he will not be in the lineup for Games 1 or 2, but has a reasonable shot at returning for Game 3.
The New York Islanders won the draft lottery and so all teams will remain where they are in the draft order, other than the Cup winner. Leafs' GM Brian Burke made no secret of the fact that he is gunning for John Tavares, and after seeing his magic with drafting both Sedin twins, I don't doubt him. Look for something pretty big on draft day from the Leafs. To land Tavares, the Leafs would have to part with their best assets (but not Schenn) – so Kaberle and Tlusty come to mind as the best assets they have. Anyway, there will be no shortage of drama on June 26.
The Leafs also signed prospect Viktor Stalberg to a two-year entry level contract yesterday. Stalberg, ranked 174 on my prospects list, is coming off a huge season in which he was fifth in NCAA scoring. He'll play for the Marlies in the postseason. He moves up my prospects list with this news, and could move up further with strong AHL play.
Kris Draper will miss the first two games of the postseason with an upper body injury. Danny Cleary also left yesterday's practice and is questionable for Game 1. This could be the break Ville Leino needs to get into the Detroit lineup.
Boston has assigned Vladimir Sobotka to the AHL. He is ranked 30th on my prospects list, but probably needs a new team before he can flourish – Boston is too deep.
Nashville has re-signed prospect Hugh Jessiman to a one-year deal.
The Flyers have sent Andreas Nodl to the Phantoms.
TSN's Top 10 goalie bloopers
[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=de3ER08PluI]