January 02, 2011
Dobber Sports
2011-01-02
Peter Regin has just one goal this year. I don’t think anyone saw that coming. Just jotting down some notes as I go through all the team stats for the monthly player rankings…
I knew Keith Yandle was having a great season. I did not know that he was leading the Coyotes in scoring. I don’t own any Coyotes in any of my four leagues, having traded Bryzgalov last month and Doan the month before.
The Devils are going to keep trying their golden boy – the epitome of all golden boys (for good reason) – Martin Brodeur. And Martin Brodeur is going to keep sucking. If I’m in a deep enough league, or in need of goalies, I’m quietly getting Jeff Frazee on my team for the future, and Johan Hedberg on my team for the short-term.
Brodeur was pulled after allowing three goals on eight shots Saturday, and apparently left without speaking to reporters afterward.
Ryane Clowe is quietly on pace for nearly 75 points. Doing much better than I thought he could do, and that can be attributed to good health.
I can’t believe that the Lightning pulled the trigger on acquiring Dwayne Roloson so quickly. I absolutely expected them to go after him and successfully land him. But after Cedrick Desjardins played well in his first game, and was set to start another game, I would think that the move could and should have been delayed. Just to see him get in several more games. But he got his second win, giving up just one goal… and now he’ll go down to the minors. It was a good trade for TB, I just wonder about the timing. Roloson is now very much fantasy worthy in one-year leagues.
The Isles will roll with DiPietro and probably Nathan Lawson, as they give Kevin Poulin the helm in Bridgeport. Since DiPietro is on the executive Band-Aid Boy committee, I would expect Lawson to see his share of starts.
Jordan Staal played 14:38 in his season debut.
John Carlson has just 11 points in his last 35 games, which is a pace that is below 30 points over a full season. Quite the slowdown. But I still believe he’ll be a bigger star than Mike Green in a couple of years.
I’m noticing that Jason Pominville is really stepping up his game now that Derek Roy is on the shelf (I actually wrote this note before his game yesterday). Good on you if you stuck with him during his tough start. A four-point effort gives Pominville eight in his last four games, completely taking over the Buffalo offense. Drew Stafford has also stepped up, as he has 10 points in his last nine games.
Tyler Bozak has four points in his last three games, perhaps finally shaking off the sophomore slump. Something to keep an eye on…
James Reimer had a huge game in his first NHL start for the Leafs, stopping 36 of 37 shots. It certainly warrants another look. A lot of good goaltending prospects are pushing the shaky veterans ahead of them on the depth chart this season.
Jordan Eberle injured his ankle against the Flames. He left the game and did not return. No word on the severity. If he misses time, Linus Omark gets back up and he gets on a good line for once. Can’t wait.
There has to be something to Matt Beleskey. A solid prospect, of course, who is not quite ready for a top six role. But the Ducks keep trying him there, which makes it clear to me that that is where they see him eventually. But I hope they don’t burn through all his chances this year. It’s another season or two before he gives the results that they’re looking for.
Four points last night give Tuomo Ruutu 26 points in his last 29 games. He’s also a plus-5 in his last four.
Ilya Kovalchuk is now a minus-28.
Magnus Paajarvi was a healthy scratch. I’m sure it’s temporary, and I’m sure he’ll respond.
Why JF Jacques is even in the NHL is beyond me.
Oscar Moller had five points for Manchester Friday night in AHL action. That’s the stuff we want to see. He hasn’t shown much since an injury derailed an excellent rookie year. Great news for Moller owners. I always respect five-point games at the AHL level.
The Midseason Guide countdown – released in five days (Friday)
Neil vs. Orr