March 12, 2011
Jeff Angus
2011-03-12
Braden Holtby has allowed four goals on the last 178 shots he has faced. Washington is going to have one of those “good” problems this summer with three fantastic young goalies.
Toronto prospect Matt Frattin (Univeristy of North Dakota) was recently named WCHA Player of the Year. He had three goals and an assist last night. He’s a bit undersized but very skilled offensively.
More on Frattin from our friends over at the Pension Plan Puppets.
Jamie Benn has six goals in six games. His goal last night was a beauty – blew by a defenseman and flicked a backhander top shelf coming down the wing.
Sam Gagner is out for the season with a tendon injury. He was cut after teammate Ryan Jones accidentally sliced him making a line change at the bench.
Guilliame Latendresse played only five minutes last night against Dallas – he wasn't skating comfortably and it appears that the groin is still bugging him.
Ottawa is now winning games when they shouldn't. Tough for the fans, as the team could use the highest pick possible this summer at the 2011 Entry Draft.
Colorado has held the opposition to less than three goals ONCE in their past 21 games. Tough to win with that kind of defense/goaltending each night.
Per Adrian Dater – Paul Stastny is doubtful tonight with a back injury.
Ilya Kovalchuk continues to rectify for his horrid first half of the season. He scored the tying goal in the third period and assisted on the OT winner. Treat him as a 90-95 point winger for next season (regardless of what happens with Zach Parise).
Blake Wheeler has four goals in nine games as a Thrasher. A small sample size, but he could hit 25-30 next season with consistent offensive minutes.
Dustin Byfuglien had a goal and seven shots on net last night – a performance reminiscent of his first half of the season.
Bobby Butler scored again for the Sens – he's having a very strong rookie season and is earning himself a roster spot for next season.
Devan Dubnyk was minutes away from shutting the Red Wings out last night. He ended up with the OTL, stopping 42 of 44 shots. His upside has gone up this season in my books.
It is easier to play in games that mean nothing, but Dubnyk is showing great improvements in all areas of the game.
Ryan Jones scored the lone Edmonton goal. More noteworthy – he played almost 25 minutes!
Steve Mason the bad was in nets last night – he has had some great nights this season, but he was awful against the Kings. Seemed out of it all night and was really fighting the puck. He has so much talent and upside, but he seems so far from reaching.
Justin Williams had a goal and two helpers, and Anze Kopitar had a hat trick.
The ramblings will probably start to slant towards prospects more and more as the playoffs approach. Many fantasy leagues have had their trade deadlines come and go. Don't worry – short term sleepers are going to be mentioned a lot as we all know they are often the difference between winning and losing pools that go down to the wire.
Matt Calvert was pointless in just under 12 minutes of ice time.
Derrick Brassard scored a goal for the Jackets.
Jamie McBain sustained a forearm injury last night – will update when more is made available.
Matt Moulson scored his 29th of the season last night – he had 30 in 2009-10. Does he have 35-40 goal upside? As Tavares continues to improve, I think Moulson could approach 40 (assuming the duo stick together)
Michael Grabner is only two away from 30 goals on the season. He leads the league in non-PP goals with 27.
The Vezina race has some new contenders – Thomas, Price, Rinne, Luongo… Lundqvist, Hiller, perhaps even Quick. Does Thomas still take it in a walk?
The Islanders are scoring goals at a nice clip lately, and they have help on the way with Mark Streit returning. They also have a young defenseman who will be a huge boost to the PP attack (probably not next season, but beyond) – he found his way onto my Top 10 Defensive Prospects to own list (out Sunday).
Joe Colborne was hammered last night – late hit, much? Check the video out here.
Ryan Kesler is making it a habit to "interview bomb" on his teammates: