Zubov’s still got it
As far as fantasy defensemen go, there haven’t been many better than 37-year-old Sergei Zubov and there haven’t been any that have been better for longer.
Shifting Gears
The best keeper-league (and roto-league) owners don’t get that way by stubbornly sticking to their opinions for too long, despite evidence that they were clearly on the wrong track. No, the really good ones know when it’s time to change gears and roll with the trends. At the same time, they need to balance what truly is a contradicting trend with events that are just ‘hot streaks’.
Staal Brothers Set for Big Year
Eric, Jordan and Marc Staal will all be in the NHL this season. Can the three of them combine for 200 points? I think it’s possible.
Croaks from the Fantasy Frog
We’re basically a week into the season and already some players have seen their fantasy value fluctuate, either positively thanks to a great start to the season or on the down side because of early struggles. So let’s separate the Frogs from the Princes as we take a look at the hot and the not after a week of play.
The Sophomore Jump
All poolies are aware of the dreaded sophomore slump. Talented second year players for whatever reason cannot rekindle the magic of their rookie seasons. They struggle with consistency, and over the years have killed many fantasy teams. Many second year players are often overlooked because of this perceived slump, which may allow some talented youngsters to slip down the depth chart.
First Impressions are Fleeting
The first week of the season was full of competitive games and some really wild results. The Blackhawks coming back to defeat the Red Wings in a shootout, Columbus shutting out Anaheim and Washington doing the same to Carolina were just three of many impressive games that transpired in the last five days.
And while some team managers are reaping the rewards of having goalies like Chris Mason, Martin Gerber and Pascal Leclaire in their lineup, others are left feeling like a homicidal maniac perched high atop a bell tower with a trembling and itchy trigger finger, just waiting to drop or trade some of their top two goalies.
New Islanders In A Word: Dominating
Has Ted Nolan done it again? Has he taken a mishmash cast of underachievers and molded them together to form a cohesive, productive unit?
Two impressive wins over the Buffalo Sabres and it would seem so. Nolan is making GM Garth Snow look like a brilliant man for bringing Mike Comrie, Bill Guerin and Ruslan Fedotenko on board.
The Name Game
What’s in a name? Plenty I say.
There are several NHL players with two first names. Players like Duncan Keith, Chris Simon, Bill Thomas, Bryan Allen, Chris Kelly, Tom Gilbert and Ryan Craig. You would think their parents might have noticed that and given them a unique first name.
Problem…Solved
Throughout training camp, all eyes in Minnesota were on four youngsters battling for two roster spots. James Sheppard, Benoit Pouliot, Matt Foy and Petr Kalus arrived in camp with one goal in mind: get on that roster.
Donkey Punched
The NHL season has finally started. Are you ready to get down and dirty? It’s an exciting time for fantasy hockey fans. As you have fun looking at box scores and following your players try to incorporate these...traditionally 'dirty' terms with a fantasy hockey twist.