Hockey Rambling

After Tuesday’s discussion of goalie fatigue, I got to thinking about the most important traits a goaltender can have. Undoubtedly, you want a goalie playing on a good team. We’ll never completely parse the impact of goalie talent, player talent, coaching and systems, but for fantasy owners you’ll do well in goalie stats by playing [...]

The big injury news from Tuesday was Jack Eichel returning to the Sabres and participating in a full practice. He was slotted in his usual second line position as well as the top power-play unit. The original diagnosis for his high-ankle sprain was four to six weeks and a return on Thursday would be about [...]

  Goaltender fatigue has become one of the big discussion points late in this season. Braden Holtby has had a miserable run, leading to Philipp Grubauer taking over the crease. Frederik Andersen’s heavy starting load has been a hot button issue in Toronto. Andrei Vasilevskiy has discussed how fatigue has affected his second half play: [...]

  My take on the Hart Trophy going to a player on a team that didn’t make the playoffs? I’m fine with it as long as the team is close. If the team is nowhere near the playoffs (ahem, Edmonton) then I don’t think that player can be the player judged to be most valuable [...]

Laine Strikes Again, Washington Goalie Controversy? Plus more… […]

We are on the precipice of Ryan McDonagh’s debut with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He had been practicing in a non-contact jersey since the trade but was in a regular jersey for Friday’s practice. He didn’t skate in actual pairing, though, so I wouldn’t anticipate plays in the team’s game Saturday afternoon against Montreal. They’re [...]

Teams to target, injured goalies, plus more… […]

  Great timing from Wayne Simmonds to return for the fantasy playoffs. Simmonds’ return pushed Nolan Patrick back onto the second power play unit, and likely off of many fantasy teams. Looking forward, the Flyers play tonight and on Saturday, both densely packed slates where you’re unlikely to slot Patrick in. Even though he notched [...]

We received an update on Charlie McAvoy’s injury on Tuesday afternoon and it appears he’ll be out at least a month with an MCL sprain. As noted in the link, he’ll be re-evaluated at that point. As far as the regular season is concerned, the Bruins have all but wrapped up a playoff spot and [...]

  Tank re-enforcements for the Canadiens yesterday with Max Pacioretty being ruled out 4-6 weeks with a knee injury and Victor Mete ruled out six weeks with a broken finger. Their seasons are done! Good riddance for Pacioretty. I couldn’t bring myself to drop him despite a run one goal and six points in 15 [...]