In the weekly piece “Eastern Edge”, TJ Branson breaks down the latest fantasy information from the standpoint of the Eastern Conference – the streaks, the slumps, the line combinations and much more.
Bust a Move – Eastern Style
Following my Western counterparts lead this week, we'll take a look at the Eastern Conference in the search for big busts. I will also give you my take on what the balance of the season might hold for them.
November Reign
I thought it would be fun to take a look back at the month of Mo, uh, November and see who the top performers were. I've included players from both conferences, if only to provide a reference to where they place overall.
Fantasy Indicators of Success: Centres of Attention
This is the final installment of the Fantasy Indicators of Success series. This week we take a look at the all important Centre position.
Nearly identical to the Wingers, Centres require top six ice time and first unit power play minutes to separate the men from the boys. Some Centres are shoot first, ask questions later types, like Stamkos, Malkin, Jeff Carter, Eric Staal and the new Crosby. Others are the pass first types like Henrik Sedin, the old Crosby and Backstrom. Obviously the shots on goal statistic will not be all that relevant for those pivots that prefer passing to shooting.
Fantasy Indicators of Success: Wingmen
Following my Western counterpart, this week we will cover Eastern Conference wingers. Two key statistics that I use to determine the potential value of a forward are Power Play Time On Ice and Time On Ice. Typically in order to produce fantasy-worthy numbers, players need to be receiving top six ice time and be at least receiving reasonable amount of time with the man advantage.
Fantasy Indicators of Success: Defensemen
I admit I may overvalue defensemen in my fantasy leagues. In nearly every league I've ever been in, my defence is always at or near the top. I've been called a "defence whore" for my penchant for drafting quality offensive defensemen, even if I may need other positions more.
Fantasy Indicators of Success: Goalies
In order to provide a balanced view, I'll be following the lead of my Western counterpart and look at the top two goalies from each of the 15 Eastern Conference teams. Each goaltender will be labeled Buy, Sell or Hold.
Slow Starters
Last week, we had a look at early season success stories. This week, we'll cover 10 slow starting veteran players based in the Eastern Conference and try to figure out if this is simply a slow start or a sign of things to come.
Early Season Surprises
Earlier this week, my Western counterpart covered some early season success stories and discussed whether or not they were likely to continue lighting the lamp or crash and burn. I'll attempt to give you my take on the Eastern side of the house.
Taking Advantage of Opportunity
It was an ugly scene last Monday with Jason Pominville being escorted off the ice on a stretcher after being hammered into the boards by Chicago's Niklas Hjalmarsson. With the NHL's discipline czar dishing out a two game suspension, all that's left to figure out is who might benefit from Pominville's absence?