Transactions Fallout
We were riddled with big moves last week and now we have had a chance to see a couple of games from the fallout of those transactions. Let’s take a look at some of the teams with recent changes and what has happened so far.
Bloodlines and Valuable Lessons
Sometimes, prospectors blaze a trail and go out on a limb and pan for gold in a stream where no one has been before – and, sometimes, they go back to a stream that they know produced some nuggets before.
NHL scouts are no different and a fantasy hockey GM should be aware of the importance of good bloodlines. While they are not a guarantee of success – these are hockey prospects we’re talking about – they do help improve the odds of making it in the NHL. And since every little edge and advantage helps you win in this game, it is something worth paying attention to.
Saturday’s NHL Picks – with Notch
What a big week we just witnessed in the hockey world. Washington and Ottawa have twelve and eleven game win streaks respectively. On Thursday February 11th, the two teams will face off, and the NHL should be scrambling to get the game on Versus in the US, as currently it will only be shown on TSN for Canadian viewers. For the two teams to remain unbeaten until that team, Washington will have to defeat Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Montreal, and Ottawa will have to beat Toronto and Calgary.
These two streaks mark only the 2nd time in NHL history that two teams have concurrent winning streaks of more than 10 games. In other hockey news, the Devils trade for the biggest fish in the trade market – Ilya Kovalchuk. On top of that, Toronto and Calgary completely overhauled their rosters (which could be bad news for Ottawa’s winning streak).
Looking Ahead with Crazynuck – Week 19
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.
Ilya Kovalchuk to the Devils for Oduya, Bergfors, Cormier, and more
The Atlanta Thrashers have dealt superstar sniper Ilya Kovalchuk to the New Jersey Devils in return for defenseman Johnny Oduya, winger Nicklas Bergfors, prospect (and the recently suspended) Patrice Cormier, and New Jersey’s 2010 1st round draft pick. The two teams will also exchange 2nd round draft picks in 2010. Along with Kovalchuk, the Devils also received depth defenseman Anssi Salmela.
Olli Olli Oxen Free
In my youth, this phrase was heard in the neighbourhood more than a few times. It was used during games of Hide and Seek to let everyone know that it was safe to come out from their hiding spots. Let’s hope that the newest Ranger, Olli Jokinen hears the call and emerges from wherever his 30-goal talent and passion have been hiding for the last few seasons. For those of you who own O.J. in your pools, you have to be optimistic that he finds his return to the Eastern Conference welcoming! He hasn’t been the same since leaving the Panthers in 2008.
The Anatomy of a Slump – Little, O’Sullivan, Berglund, and Giroux
In sports, numbers rarely tell the entire story. In hockey, this is especially true. It is hard to quantify some aspects of such a fast-paced, fluid game. In fantasy sports, numbers ARE the story. Unless a formula to quantify things like heart and determination is developed, don’t expect this to change. In fantasy hockey, a 50-point player is superior to a 40-point player by exactly 10 points. In real hockey, the 50-point player may be lazy, overpaid, short, tall, fat, thin, weak, and strong… I think you get the picture.
However, there are often reasons why that player is scoring 50 points as opposed to 40. How much ice time is he getting? Who are his linemates? What kind of role is he playing on his team? These are some of the questions I will hopefully answer with regards to four players performing below expectations (some more than others): Patrick O’Sullivan, Patrik Berglund, Claude Giroux, and Bryan Little.
Broken Wings Healing, What Now?
With apologies to the New Jersey Devils, the Detroit Red Wings represent the clearest facsimile of a NHL dynasty since the glory days of the Edmonton Oilers. But things have plainly broken down this season. With injuries piled up like rush-hour commuters in the season’s first snowstorm, the Red Wings are currently fighting for their playoff lives. But now their injured players are returning, what will this mean for you?
Movers and Shakers (Part 2)
Last week’s article touched on the possibility of two Flames being moved at the deadline, and boom three blockbuster deals came into fruition last week which involved two of the players that I mentioned. Let’s see if this week I can find a few more movers and shakers for my fellow Dobberities.
Jokinen Shipped to Rangers
The long held-up deal has finally gone through and the Flames have sent Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust to New York for Chris Higgins and Ales Kotalik. The deal rescues the Rangers from a bad contract, as Jokinen's deal is up this year, and gives Calgary what amounts to a hope and a prayer.