With the second month of the NHL season just about over it is interesting to see where teams are going, what certain players are doing (and not doing), and whether you can harness this knowledge to make fantasy adjustments. Are you catching any trends? Did you notice anything special?
Last season was typical of many previous seasons for two different teams. The Columbus Blue Jackets had another sub par year in which expectations were not met. Their record was 33 wins 49 losses. The Devils on the other hand had another spectacular season in which they reached the playoffs. Their overall record was the opposite - 49 wins 33 losses. While it is still early on in the 2007-08 season it seems the two teams have done a role reversal.
The start of the fantasy season can be very tricky. Many managers get worried too quickly and make too many moves in the quest to get this season’s hottest players. Often times they give up on a player too soon. Do not be the person who drops a great player, be the person that is patient and smart. Guys like Marian Hossa, Roberto Luongo and Brendan Shanahan will come through eventually. Some players are the real deal, but other players can be nothing but smoke and mirrors. Here is a list of some early notables.
Take a look at the list of NHL teams that had goalie controversies in 2005-06, then 2006-07, and now at the start of the 2007-08 seasons. Are you noticing a trend? It is true; the tag team tandem of having two goalies sharing/ competing for a bulk of the starts is on a decline.
For fantasy owners this is good news.
The 2007-08 NHL season is fast approaching. Many of you are getting ready for your fantasy hockey seasons. Besides getting player knowledge, there is a lot to do to prepare.
Whether you are a commissioner of a fantasy hockey league or just a team manager you should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of having an automatic draft and a live draft.
Would you sign Peter Forsberg to a 1-year contract to help sell tickets, and then trade him later on at the deadline to a playoff contender to help rebuild your team with young draft picks?
After having a great 2005-06 season, the Flyers took a nosedive last season. The nosedive affected everyone from management to coaches to players. This team flat out crashed, allowing the most goals (297) and winning the fewest games (22). There were lots of other lows, too. Only one player played in all 82 contests (Derian Hatcher). Goaltending was inconsistent. Losing became an infection that kept spreading and getting worse. While Simon Gagne managed to remain a serious scoring threat, he alone could not carry his team. The injury to Mike Knuble and other key players did not help. This season the Flyers look to lift themselves up off the ground and turn everything around.
I recently got to spend some time and ask questions to Ranger’s head coach Tom Renney, Assistant Coach Mike Pelino, and a few current and former Rangers’ players at the Ranger’s practice facility for their Summerfest 2007.
Here’s a synopsis of what I learned:
Just before the midway point of the 2006-2007 NHL season, Dobberhockey.com staff helped contribute towards the Midseason Guide. Besides insider tips, trade rumors, prospect information and more, there was a breakdown of the player’s current pace as well the projected totals. Now that the 2006-2007 NHL season is over we can tally the stats and compare which players performed above or below their midseason pace.
