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.
Shattering Expectations by a Mile
It’s been a good month for 21-year-old Colorado Avalanche defenceman, Kevin Shattenkirk. Maybe for you too, if you were savvy enough to snag him early. But that would put you in the minority. For the rest of us, we’ve had to watch in increasing awe as the young defender racked up 14 points in his first 15 games in the NHL.
I Like…Big…Busts and I Cannot Lie (2010)
We’re nearing a third of the way into the 2010-11 fantasy season and there has been a few busts to start the year. We’ll discuss a few that have caught my attention and see if a deviation from the norm is expected or are things going to remain status quo to drive you further insane.
The Crawford Conundrum
With Corey Crawford’s sixth straight win on Sunday night against the feeble Calgary Flames, the Chicago Blackhawks are very close to having a controversy on their hands. And although there are many ways the Blackhawks can handle their goalies in a positive manner moving forward, many questions surround both Crawford and Marty Turco’s short and long-term fantasy value.
Longshot Lighting it Up
If you like following the story of a long shot, hitch your wagon to Brendan Ranford.
Saturday’s Picks – December 4th
Happy December poolies! Two Saturdays ago didn’t exactly go exactly as planned. However, aside from the four shootouts (coin tosses) I managed to split my picks down the middle. Unfortunately, the SO’s cannot be excluded and will be on the rebound this weekend. As we enter the NHL’s 3rd month, this is where things start to get that much more interesting. Preliminary evaluations have now surely been made by GM’s league-wide and resulting plans of action will begin to stimulate some activity, as evidenced by the Hannan, Hunwick, Fleischmann movements this week. And so, without further ado let’s get to this week’s Saturday night slate!
Looking Ahead – Week 9
A tough decision can be made easier with these charts showing you the best five and worst five schedules for upcoming seven-day periods. Some of you used them last year but for the benefit of new readers here is a refresher. The number next to the team indicates the 'multiplier' to use on a player's point-per-game pace to give you an idea how many points to expect for that week.
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.
Hockey Stock: Buy Low on the Flash?
December and early January is one of my favourite times of year. Sure it's the turkey and the beverages, but it also marks a prime opportunity to make some significant (albeit under-the-radar) moves to continue to build my dynasty teams. In this week's segment of Hockey Stock, I touch on a few buy and sell candidates for single-year and dynasty leagues, as well as reveal my trading strategy for the holiday season.
15 Points to Consider
Elliotte Friedman’s weekly 30 Thoughts column on the CBC website is currently the best read in hockey. Friedman is insightful, articulate, knowledgeable, fair, and most importantly, interesting. He has sources and contacts in the hockey world that most could only dream of. He has an ability which is rare in this day and age - providing a balanced and reasonable opinion on the league, the players, and all 30 of the clubs.
Each week I will post my own observations (I couldn’t completely steal Friedman’s idea so I’ll pick a number other than 30) – with a heavy emphasis on the fantasy side of hockey, of course. Prospects, goalies, sleepers, busts, it will all be covered each week.