Between the Lines – Malkin, Benn, Kessel and more…

Chris Wassel

2011-12-19

ui

 

Between The Lines heads into Week 11 with a renewed sense of urgency. We give you the lines that heated up Week 10 (12/10-12/17) that may do the same in this shortened Week 11.

 

 

Forward March…….


Chris Kunitz-Evgeni Malkin-James Neal (Pittsburgh) – Sidney who? The line itself combined for 13 goals alone in just four games. Evgeni Malkin had ten points (five goals, five assists) as Chris Kunitz and James Neal had six points each for the week (12/10-12/17). This line was even more effective considering they fired only 43 shots while converting 10 times. It will be interesting to see how they play in Week 11 (CHI, @WPG). This line in two games is likely to do more than most do in three.

 

Jamie Benn-Loui Eriksson-Michael Ryder (Dallas) – This line was a fantasy surprise in October and returned to prominence in Week 10 on the road of all places. Dallas benefitted from a heavy schedule (four games) but a point a game for Jamie Benn is headline worthy and a start. Loui Eriksson and Michael Ryder had three points each but those points came mostly in the last two games. This line is getting hot at the right time with three games at home (ANA, PHI, NSH) during Week 11. Shot selection has been better which should lead to more results.

 

Erik Cole-David Desharnais-Max Pacioretty (Montreal) – Up until Saturday, this was the hottest line of the week until they ran into the New Jersey Devils. Then the boom was lowered on Jacques Martin. Randy Cunneyworth (Interim Coach) did play this line but much less as the third period went on. Their effectiveness was neutralized on Saturday but Erik Cole and Max Pacioretty had four points each then inexplicably went without a shot. David Desharnais is the key to the success of this line and the Week 11 schedule is somewhat favorable (@BOS, @CHI @WPG).

 

Tyler Bozak-Joffrey Lupul-Phil Kessel (Toronto) – The line leveled off a bit in Week 10 with only seven points and reports suggest that Tim Connolly could replace Tyler Bozak at the pivot. Connolly is a little more experienced and it seems the coaching staff thinks Bozak is making a few too many mistakes on the top line. If Connolly plays on the line, Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul do not really get a significant bump up but Connolly might. Bozak was seen on the third line in practice on Sunday. Keep an eye on this developing situation for Week 11.

 

Ryan Getzlaf-Corey Perry-Teemu Selanne (Anaheim) – It cannot get much worse for Anaheim. Now this trio was only put together against Winnipeg on Saturday but the chemistry 5 on 5 was evident. They combined for six points this week with many more scoring chances particularly between Ryan Getzlaf and Teemu Selanne. Corey Perry created a ton of space in and around the front of the net. If Bruce Boudreau keeps them together in Week 11, it is a line to at least monitor for upticks especially if their 11.6% EV rises a good bit.

📢 advertisement:

 

Lead Us Defenders……


Jared Cowen-Erik Karlsson (Ottawa) – There was a fear when this pairing was put together that they would be a very solid pairing. Jared Cowen and Erik Karlsson motored along to a nine point Week 10. Cowen had five points including four against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The only knock is Cowen has a very good shot (like Karlsson) but does not use it enough. He has no more than two shots in a game this season. Karlsson is the better passer with four points (all assists). Ottawa is high risk and high reward so their Week 11 schedule (BUF, BOS, @CAR) is worth picking up Cowen and trading for Karlsson.

 

Michael Del Zotto-Steve Eminger (NY Rangers) – Injuries can never be underestimated as Steve Eminger and Michael Del Zotto combined for six points in Week 10 but Eminger was hurt on Saturday against Phoenix. He is out at least a few weeks with a shoulder separation. Del Zotto was paired with Daniel Girardi (14.4% EV) with some lukewarm results after the injury but that seems like the pairing that will be used in Week 11. Check out their progress on Tuesday against New Jersey first.

 

Tomas Kaberle-P.K. Subban (Montreal) – This pairing looks like something out of the odd couple but they may just be the tonic to your fantasy team at least in the short term. Tomas Kaberle is the set up artist to P.K. Subban's hard shot. While they only combined for three points together in Week 10, they are gradually playing more together which makes Kaberle a solid pickup in leagues where GM's are looking for assists. Do not worry Subban will get his points in a more up tempo style. Week 11 is their litmus test.

 

 

As always, you can follow me on Twitter @TheProgramBTR and fire away your questions.  Thanks again.

 

Leave A Comment

UPCOMING GAMES

Nov 06 - 19:11 WSH vs NSH
Nov 06 - 20:11 CHI vs DET
Nov 06 - 20:11 EDM vs VGK

Starting Goalies

Top Skater Views

  Players Team
TIMOTHY LILJEGREN S.J
MARTIN NECAS CAR
ARTTURI LEHKONEN COL
ALEX LAFERRIERE L.A
WYATT JOHNSTON DAL

Top Goalie Profile Views

  Players Team
UKKO-PEKKA LUUKKONEN BUF
SAM MONTEMBEAULT MTL
PYOTR KOCHETKOV CAR
JEREMY SWAYMAN BOS
LINUS ULLMARK OTT

LINE COMBOS

  Frequency WSH Players
23.4 TOM WILSON CONNOR MCMICHAEL PIERRE-LUC DUBOIS
19.7 DYLAN STROME ALIAKSEI PROTAS ALEX OVECHKIN
19.1 TAYLOR RADDYSH BRANDON DUHAIME NIC DOWD

DobberHockey Podcasts

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

📢 advertisement: