October 29, 2010
Jeff Angus
2010-10-29
Angus here – just as I predicted, the Predators have called up Linus Klasen. And I just added him in two of my leagues.
Kris Versteeg may need an MRI on his back, according to Ron Wilson. Uh oh…
Goldie: Posted a scouting report on Dubnyk’s 39-save OT loss. Grahame recall is a brutal decision, but not surprising since his mom works in the Avs’ front office. Keep an eye on Niitty and Elliott, I think they’re on the rise.
Seguin is officially staying in Boston, per Bob McKenzie.
Zherdev has been demoted to the fourth line.
Missed this earlier today – the Rangers have called up Evgeni Grachev.
Jimmy Howard’s back is still bothering him – Osgood will start tomorrow night.
Brent Burns is quietly off to a very good start to the season. He has three goals and six points through nine games. Most importantly, he has looked every bit as dynamic as he did during his breakout 2007-08 campaign.
Jack Johnson’s last three games (all without Doughty) – averaging 27 minutes per night, five points, even plus-mins rating, and eight shots on goal.
Andrei Markov is playing on Saturday night.
Brian Elliott has started six straight for the Senators, and there is no timetable for a Pascal Leclaire return.
Michael Frolik was a healthy scratch for the Panthers.
Spezza missed his fourth in a row due to a groin injury. I feel like I have typed this exact sentence about six or seven times over the past few years…
The ageless Daniel Alfredsson – six goals and six assists in 10 games. When will he start to slow down?
Nikita Filatov's ice time totals for his past three games – 8:15, 5:46, and 6:10.
Chris Clark has six assists in his past six games. He was largely an afterthought this summer in Columbus, but he has been arguably the most consistent and effective forward for the team so far this season.
It is never a good thing when a depth veteran is the best forward on a team…
Tyler Seguin scored against Toronto last night – his second of the season. Sure knows when to pot them, doesn't he?
Gustavsson made 30 saves and looked great, but he got no offensive help.
The Bruins are the best team in the East. Depth up front, a rock solid defense, and phenomenal goaltending. Thomas won his fifth straight start.
Keith Yandle scored last night (his second goal in two games). The rumours circulating earlier this week that the Coyotes are shopping him are completely foolish (and most likely false).
Phoenix has three defensemen on the back nine of their careers (Jovanovski, Aucoin, and Morris), and Yandle has a TON of upside (not just offensively, which is all we really care about as poolies).
Jimmy Howard missed the game last night because of back spasms – don't expect him to be out long.
Wojtek Wolski was a healthy scratch for the Coyotes last night – I was expecting big things from him this season, but I should have known better. Wolski needs to pay a visit to the Wizard and ask for a heart.
Alex Pietrangelo led the Blues in ice time last night – over 25 minutes. He has looked great this season. The offense will come.
Steen, Berglund, and D'Agostini scored for the Blues last night. All three will be mentioned in a comprehensive Blues column that I will post over the weekend.
Peter Budaj was horrid for the Avalance last night. Henrik Karlsson didn't look much better for the Flames. Does Colorado now lean on John Grahame? Somewhere Justin Goldman is shaking his head…
A huge swing and a miss I made this summer – expecting a decline from Chris Stewart. He scored twice in 29 seconds for the Avalanche last night and looks to be well on his way to developing into one of the league's premier power forwards.
Philip Larsen had an assist and played over five minutes on the PP for the Stars last night. He will probably be sent back down with Robidas returning, but keep him in mind when drafting next summer.
Justin Williams is off to a strong start. He looked awful last season (especially during the playoffs against Vancouver), but he has some hop in his step once again. Williams is on pace for close to 30 goals and 70 points – as an owner I'd be happy with 25 goals and 55-60 points.
The Wild fired only 17 shots on Michal Neuvirth last night but somehow still won the game.
Jaroslav Halak has not allowed a goal in over 150 minutes. Elite goalie on a good young team – I am not surprised.
Taylor Hall's first career NHL goal:
Jordin Tootoo doing what he does best – charging! The hit wasn't that bad (not blindside, no head shot, feet stayed on the ice), but it was charging.