Tomas Kaberle played only 17 minutes against the Senators on Saturday night - fifth among Leaf defensemen. Jakub Voracek has three helpers so far tonight in the Columbus game. He is a really fun player to watch - strong on the puck, big, fast, and talented. It is hard to project him because he [...]
What a big week we just witnessed in the hockey world. Washington and Ottawa have twelve and eleven game win streaks respectively. On Thursday February 11th, the two teams will face off, and the NHL should be scrambling to get the game on Versus in the US, as currently it will only be shown on TSN for Canadian viewers. For the two teams to remain unbeaten until that team, Washington will have to defeat Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Montreal, and Ottawa will have to beat Toronto and Calgary.
These two streaks mark only the 2nd time in NHL history that two teams have concurrent winning streaks of more than 10 games. In other hockey news, the Devils trade for the biggest fish in the trade market – Ilya Kovalchuk. On top of that, Toronto and Calgary completely overhauled their rosters (which could be bad news for Ottawa’s winning streak).
A tough decision can be made easier with these charts showing you the best five and worst five schedules for upcoming seven-day periods. Some of you used them last year but for the benefit of new readers here is a refresher. The number next to the team indicates the 'multiplier' to use on a player's point-per-game pace to give you an idea how many points to expect for that week.
Montreal has recalled forward David Desharnais from Hamilton. He has 16 goals and 48 points in only 37 games with the Bulldogs. Looking at his stats, he was a scoring sensation in both the QMJHL, and the ECHL. However, he is only 5-foot-6 and 170 pounds. Montreal signed him as a free agent in 2008, [...]
The Atlanta Thrashers have dealt superstar sniper Ilya Kovalchuk to the New Jersey Devils in return for defenseman Johnny Oduya, winger Nicklas Bergfors, prospect (and the recently suspended) Patrice Cormier, and New Jersey’s 2010 1st round draft pick. The two teams will also exchange 2nd round draft picks in 2010. Along with Kovalchuk, the Devils also received depth defenseman Anssi Salmela.
In my youth, this phrase was heard in the neighbourhood more than a few times. It was used during games of Hide and Seek to let everyone know that it was safe to come out from their hiding spots. Let’s hope that the newest Ranger, Olli Jokinen hears the call and emerges from wherever his 30-goal talent and passion have been hiding for the last few seasons. For those of you who own O.J. in your pools, you have to be optimistic that he finds his return to the Eastern Conference welcoming! He hasn’t been the same since leaving the Panthers in 2008.
7:27 PM - Kovalchuk is going to the Devils. My point below obviously only works if Greene isn't part of the trade.... haha. If it is indeed the Devils - PICK UP ANDY GREENE! Whoever gets the golden ticket of setting up Kovalchuk on the power play (Tobias Enstrom's gig), watch out. 7:19 [...]
In sports, numbers rarely tell the entire story. In hockey, this is especially true. It is hard to quantify some aspects of such a fast-paced, fluid game. In fantasy sports, numbers ARE the story. Unless a formula to quantify things like heart and determination is developed, don’t expect this to change. In fantasy hockey, a 50-point player is superior to a 40-point player by exactly 10 points. In real hockey, the 50-point player may be lazy, overpaid, short, tall, fat, thin, weak, and strong… I think you get the picture.
However, there are often reasons why that player is scoring 50 points as opposed to 40. How much ice time is he getting? Who are his linemates? What kind of role is he playing on his team? These are some of the questions I will hopefully answer with regards to four players performing below expectations (some more than others): Patrick O’Sullivan, Patrik Berglund, Claude Giroux, and Bryan Little.
With apologies to the New Jersey Devils, the Detroit Red Wings represent the clearest facsimile of a NHL dynasty since the glory days of the Edmonton Oilers. But things have plainly broken down this season. With injuries piled up like rush-hour commuters in the season’s first snowstorm, the Red Wings are currently fighting for their playoff lives. But now their injured players are returning, what will this mean for you?
Buy Marlie Suite tickets HERE. Details below. Ken Hitchcock has been FIRED. This is from Jeff Marek's Twitter. Jackets owners rejoice! I don't have to break this one down for you - it's a GOOD THING if you own Jackets players. 'Nuff Said. Ranger line combos last night: Jokinen with Gabby and Prospal; [...]
