September 27, 2009
Dobber Sports
2009-09-27
Fantasy Guide and Draft List – Buy it HERE.
Angus here. Sergei Shirokov with another statement game. Two assists playing on the first PP unit with the Sedin twins. Best forward on the ice for either team.
A couple of quick notes that I will go into more detail in the morning – the Habs cut Sergei Kostitsyn. Also, the Rangers cut Grachev. He did score today, but he was later sent to Hartford. Sharks cut tryout invitees Dan Hinote and Mat Dandenault. Matt Duchene has made the Avs.
How does Stalberg keep scoring? How good will he be this year? More in the morning. I also give my thoughts on him on Dobber Nation, if you haven’t heard the Podcast yet.
The reason I haven’t mentioned Peter Forsberg over the past week or so of his rumored “return” is because I don’t care. And you shouldn’t either. He won’t help your team, he will make it worse. He’ll miss games at the last minute, after you’ve already put him in the lineup and you were counting on him. DO NOT PICK HIM. In ANY format. Ever. I wish there was a way I could make every loyal reader understand absolutely beyond a shadow of a doubt that Forsberg should not be drafted. Perhaps I will change my banner to read “Do Not Draft Forsberg”.
The Leafs made just four cuts today – Nazem Kadri, Christian Hanson, Jonas Frogren and Andy Rogers. The remaining 8-10 cuts will come after today’s preseason finale.
Kris Russell played nearly 20 minutes – six on the PP – had two points and was a plus-2 last night. He’ll take another step forward this year, perhaps topping 35 points.
Mike Santorelli was pointless and a minus-2, but he’s still playing with Legwand and Erat. Still hanging in there.
Patric Hornqvist subbed in for the injured Sullivan and he played 19 minutes, picking up another two points. Horny has really found his groove and has probably taken over the lead in the race to land a top six wing spot.
Shirokov did indeed return last night, and tallied an assist to boot.
Henrik Zetterberg, who has yet to play a preseason game due to a groin injury, is expected to play today.
Ilya Bryzgalov stopped all 27 shots against the Sharks. Along with Carey Price, I think he is in for a bounce-back year that is further compounded by a new coach that brings a beneficial system. Disclosure: I do own each of them in a keeper league, but I feel strongly about this because of what Jacques Martin (he made Lalime’s numbers strong) and Tippett (he made Smith’s and Turco’s numbers strong) bring.
Randy Jones has officially been waived and will play in the AHL this year I am sure.
As hinted at Thursday, Carter Ashton has returned to junior. Andrew Walker actually had a word with him Friday in Alberta for another show he does. He’ll be taken very seriously in fantasy leagues next fall.
The Sabres cut seven and I believe that leaves 26 in training camp, including Gerbe and Kennedy. Expect the latter to be cut and the former I’m still 50/50 on. Gerbe scored last night, which helps.
The Bruins are down to 24 players – one cut to go. Included among the 24: Brad Marchand and Zach Hamill. One of them will be cut and one will play until Krejci returns I am sure.
The Anaheim cuts leave 26 in camp, so three more to go.
Atlanta cuts leave them with 27 players, four to go. Machacek was cut, but he will be a very early recall, trust me. Still with the team: Evander Kane. He’ll play for nine games and then get sent to junior I am sure, barring a killer performance a la Jordan Staal from three years ago.
From the offices of “dragging their feet” – the Toronto Maple Leafs. I know we want to see these kids play, but the season starts in a few days folks, there is no reason to have the roster at 36. Word is that massive cuts could be in store for today, and the Leafs will get to carry some extra guys due to several injuries. Expect Jason Allison and Nazem Kadri to get cut.
Brad Isbister has retired. So much promise as an 18-year-old.
Cuts of interest:
Justin Pogge, Kyle Calder, Jassen Cullimore. ANA
Drew MacIntyre, Spencer Machacek, Jason Krog, Joey Crabb. ATL
Dany Sabourin, Mikko Lehtonen, Andy Wozniewski, Drew Fata, Drew Larman, Guillaume Lefebvre (who also signed as a free agent with the team). BOS
Mark Mancari finally signed with the Sabres, but was immediately sent down. Also Marc-Andre Gragnani, Jhonas Enroth, Philip Gogulla and Jeff Cowan. BUF
Joe Piskula, LA
Marco Scandella, Matt Kassian, Cody Almond, Robbie Earl, Danny Irmen. MIN
Carter Ashton, Ty Wishart, Dana Tyrell, Dustin Tokarski, Paul Szczechura (!), Juraj Simek, Vladimir Mihalik, Martins Karsums, Blair Jones, Riku Helenius. TB
WHAT a save by The Monster Gustavsson. You don’t really see it well until the second replay. But wow. And I’ll add another “wow” for that shot of his girlfriend in the stands, too.