darren kennedy

Wondering aloud about the pre-season, shootouts and Alexander Steen

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The actual NHL season is still pretty far away (October eighth) but hey at least we’ll soon have pre-season games! That might be the ultimate sign of a desperate poolie, the day you ask your buddies to do a preseason draft.

More often than not the silly season ignored by fans. I tend to take a different approach. Sure, you can’t really get a gauge on individual skillsets. Because certain players are working on different aspects of their game, you can’t judge the box score results the way you normally would. For instance, maybe Iginla is working his way back from a wrist injury and is intentionally passing more than usual. It will pull down his shot and goal totals artificially.

  Thoughts on Ken Holland, John Carlson, and Reggie Dunlop   *   I made the mistake yesterday of letting it slip on twitter that I’ve never seen the movie Slap Shot. Now, this didn’t strike me as that BIG of an issue. There are a lot of films out there in the universe, and [...]

Thoughts on Draisaitl, Girardi, and what to name your cat

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I’m contemplating getting an orange tabby cat. Everyone I’ve spoken to says they are one of the best natured animals you’ll find. Friendly, affectionate, and in need of endless belly-rubs.

Assuming I get one, the next question is what would said cat be named? Something related to Nichushkin would be nice. An ode to my fanboy-like adoration of the young winger. This creates a potential issue, however. What if Nichushkin ends up as a bust? It’s not fun to think about, but he certainly wouldn’t be the first former first round pick to fizzle out. Posting 15 goal seasons, with no penalty minutes, and limited shots, before eventually leaving for the KHL at 27. This would hurt my fantasy team and leave me with some cat named after a relatively nondescript former NHLer.

  Thoughts on Staal, Pavelski, and the growth of hockey analytics     *   If you haven’t had a chance yet, make sure to check this year’s Fantasy Hockey Guide.   *   It’s the summer, which means I’m spending most of my time reviewing hockey statistics and watching countless hours of Netflix (the [...]

  Dobber’s 2014-15 Fantasy Hockey Guide is... NOW... AVAILABLE! Happy Friday   ****   I remember when I first came across this site a number of years ago. At the time I was regularly buying three or four of the print fantasy magazines that come out every fall. I can honestly say that no guide [...]

*** Just one more day - Dobber's 9th Annual Fantasy Hockey Guide. Friday.   ***   I’m scared.   Not in a ‘watch the Blair Witch Project at home by yourself at age 13’ type of scared, but close to it. Poolies are getting a WEE bit too excited about one Joe Pavelski. He of [...]