Fantasy Hockey Ramble – April 16, 2009

 

Pick up my Playoff Draft List, HERE . 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!

 

Break time – ramblings will be light for the next couple of days ;) Enjoy the games!

 

Claude Giroux was a game-low minus-3 last night. He played just 11 minutes in his first ever playoff game – so he was a minus-1 every 3.5 minutes he was on the ice. Another game like that and he'll be in the press box.

 

Taylor Pyatt continues to miss time coping with his terrible tragedy. He has of course been granted an indefinite absense and I would be surprised if he was comfortable coming back to lineup at all in the first round.

 

Miroslav Satan was a healthy scratch last night. Since the team won handily, do not expect him back in the lineup soon. 

 

The Sens signed Ryan Shannon to a one-year deal. No word on whether it is one-way or two-way, but since 1) Shannon's top priority was a one-way deal and 2) he signed the deal so quickly, I would assume he got what he wanted. This makes Shannon a great dark horse for 60 points next campaign. He will play for Team USA at the World Championship.

 

The Red Wings have recalled Ville Leino from Grand Rapids in case Danny Cleary cannot go. It looks like he will, though, so look for Leino in the press box.

 

Matt Cullen returned to the 'Canes lineup, as expected. He played 13 minutes and notched an assist.

 

The Habs have signed undrafted center/left winger Dany Masse to a three-year entry level deal. Offensive talent? He has it in spades. He has an astounding 25 points in eight playoff games for Drummondville of the QMJHL, including 11 in the first two contests, before he 'slumped' to 14 in the last six. He is one of the oldest players in that league, however, so the numbers should be taken with a grain of salt. Still, I don't care how old you are, 25 points in eight games is phenomenal.

 

Washington coach Bruce Boudreau was unhappy with Jose Theodore's performance last night and is apparently mulling over whether or not to use rookie Simeon Varlamov. Another loss from Theodore and we will see Varlamov in Game 3 I'm sure.

 

Chris Drury did indeed miss last night's game, so Aaron Voros was in the lineup. No word on what Drury's issue is, but he will "apparently" be back Saturday.

 

Highlights from the PIT vs. PHI game last night…

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=br9rFIl151Y]