z-Archives (other articles)

With yesterday’s release of NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings, I wanted to drop some fantasy-related insight on who I consider to be “long-term gems” for deep keeper leagues. Even if you only play in a standard one-year fantasy league, there is plenty to learn by understanding how to project the potential value of 17-and-18-year-old goaltender. If you play in a dynasty league, keeping an eye on draft-eligible goalies is even more important, as you’re always on the hunt for the next Marc-Andre Fleury or Pekka Rinne.

Both Rick Nash and Eric Staal are top-end talents with the ability to provide poolies with elite rotisserie production. We have seen big season's from both players; multiple 40-goal seasons from Nash and a 100-point season from Staal. While neither may ever be point-per-game players in the future, 70-points with the solid peripherals label both of these players as accountable fantasy providers. But do their massive contracts make them obsolete in a salary cap league?

Welcome back to An Expert’s Audit.  Every month we’ll take a look at a reader’s keeper league team in the hopes of helping him toward a championship.  If you’re interested in getting an audit for your own keeper team you can begin the process by emailing Dobber (dobber at dobberhockey.com) about it.

It's true. Don't fight it. Size does matter.

New name, same content. My monthly 15 Points to Consider has now become a weekly 15 Prime Cuts. 15 of my thoughts from the week that was in the world of hockey. This week, I take a look at Jiri Hudler, Brendan Gallagher, the mess in Edmonton (once again), Brayden Schenn, and more.

At the beginning of each season there are a few players who produce above their ability. Poolies have to decide whether or not that player is for real or simply on a hot streak. There are currently a handful of players who have been performing beyond expectations, some since the beginning of the season and others who may just be on the aforementioned hot streak. Who is real and who is not? I will discuss who can keep it up and whether or not these players can be of value in a salary cap league.

Starting this month, my 15 Points to Consider is going to become a weekly column.

This week: the Minnesota Wild’s top prospects, Chicago’s hunt for a second line center, Cedric Desjardins, Matt Frattin, and how Crosby should be valued. Enjoy!

(Team Canada celebrates one of five goals. Photo courtesy IIHF)

DobberHockey senior prospects writer Matt Bugg is covering the 2012 World Junior Championships live from Edmonton and Calgary. He’ll be posting updates throughout the week.

“Were they full measure for the win?” CTV News Channel’s Dan Matheson asked me on AM Express the morning after Team Canada's 5-0 victory over the Czech Republic.

A day later, and I’m still not sure.

(Yevgeni Kuznetsov was dialed in- but not until the second period. Photo courtesy IIHF)

DobberHockey senior prospects writer Matt Bugg is covering the 2012 World Junior Championships live from Edmonton and Calgary. He’ll be posting updates throughout the week.

Two goals, three assists. Five points. Not bad for a game’s worth of work- never mind a single period.

But the most incredible thing about Yevgeni Kuznetsov’s nine-point night- one off the World Juniors tournament record- was how easy he made it look.

Ilya Bryzgalov, Ilya Bryzgalov, everyone’s talking about Ilya Bryzgalov. The world’s favorite character on HBO’s hit show 24/7 is giving us plenty to laugh about, and for good reason. His quips on tigers and outlook on life and the universe are a perfect example of what makes goalies so dynamic. I’ve seen the, “Bryzgalov is proof that all goalies are crazy…” line more in the past three weeks than I can handle, and I was just in Costa Rica for seven days.