Fantasy Three Stars – Saturday October 22, 2011

October 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Here are the Fantasy Three Stars from last night’s NHL action:

1st Star

Mike Green, Defence, Washington Capitals

Seems like forever since the Capitals’ all-star defenceman had a big offensive night but Green made up for it in last night’s 7-1 drubbing of the Detroit Red Wings. Green had two goals, two assists, two powerplay points, a +2 rating, 3 shots and just over 22 minutes of icetime.

Fantasy Analysis: Mike Green is only one year removed from being the league’s premier offensive defenceman. After an injury-plagued season last year, Green appears to be regaining his form and that’s bad news for opposing goaltenders. With the Capitals now a perfect 7-0-0 to start the season, look for Green to continue his fine play and regain his status as one of the league’s best.

2nd Star

Jonathan Quick, Goalie, Los Angeles Kings

Jonathan Quick’s 28-save shutout performance over the Dallas Stars earned the Kings’ goalie a team franchise record with three straight shutouts. Quick’s shutout streak now stands at 188 minutes, 10 seconds. Rogie Vachon previously held the record with 184:55 in 1975.

Fantasy Analysis: Despite the annual rush to proclaim LA prospect Jonathan Bernier the Kings’ goalie of the future, Quick continues to defend his position as the number one netminder in La LA Land. Quick will continue to get the bulk of the play and owners can rest assured there is no goaltender controversy in LA.

3rd Star

Pekka Rinne, Goalie, Nashville Predators

After being pulled following a four-goal first period debacle in Vancouver, Pekka Rinne rebounded nicely by stopping all 33 shots he faced on Saturday night as the Nashville Predators blanked the Calgary Flames 2-0.

Fantasy Analysis: Nothing new here. Despite a poor effort against Vancouver, Rinne remains one of the league’s top netminders. With Nashville appearing to open up its offensive game a bit more in 2011, Rinne may see a bit more help on the scoresheet which should also lead to even more wins. Rinne provides a safe choice as your number one goalie in all fantasy formats.

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Fantasy Three Stars – Friday October 21, 2011

October 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Here are the Fantasy Three Stars from last night’s NHL action:

1st Star

Valtteri Filppula, Forward, Detroit Red Wings

The enigmatic Red Wing forward had a goal and three assists last night including three points on the powerplay. The Finnish winger had a +1 rating on the night, won four of eight faceoffs taken and logged just over 14 minutes of icetime.

Fantasy Analysis: Filppula is having a nice run on the Red Wings’ second line along with the Mule, Johan Franzen, who had three points of his own including two goals in the Red Wings’ 5-2 win over the Blue Jackets. Filppula has always disappointed fantasy owners up to now but this could be the season that we see him emerge as a legitimate 60-point player. With seven points in the Wings’ first five games he should be on your watch list.

2nd Star

Kari Lehtonen, Goalie, Dallas Stars

Lehtonon improved to 6-0-0 on the season after a 35-save effort to lead the Stars in their 3-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks. The win now establishes a record within the Stars’ organization for most consecutive wins to start a season.

Fantasy Analysis: No one gave the Stars’ much chance to compete in the strong Pacific Division this season especially with the departure of star forward Brad Richards, but it looks like someone forgot to tell Lehtonen. The Stars’ netminder stood tall in the third when the Ducks threw 14 shots his way and pushed hard during a late powerplay. Lehtonen surprised fantasy owners with a 34-win season last year after being labelled an injury risk for much of his career. The Stars continue to be outshot heavily, however, so Lehtonen owners should hold on for the ride.

3rd Star

Joe Thornton, Forward, San Jose Sharks

Jumbo Joe came to play last night in the Sharks’ 4-3 shootout win over the New Jersey Devils. Thornton fired a goal and added one assist, while posting a +2 rating along with two penalty minutes, four shots and 24:45 minutes of icetime. The towering centre also won a whopping 18 of 30 faceoffs taken on the night.

Fantasy Analysis: The Sharks have been slow to hit the scoresheet this season thanks in part to a reduced schedule in the early going. Heading into last night’s play the team lead the league in shots on goal while placing 14th in goals per game. If last night is any indication, however, Thornton has finally awoken and owners can be assured he’ll continue to score at his traditional 75 – 90 point pace.

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Fantasy Three Stars – Wednesday, Oct 19, 2011

October 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Here are the Fantasy Three Stars from Last Night’s NHL action:

1st Star

Joffrey Lupul, Forward, Toronto Maple Leafs

Lupul scored twice and added the decisive goal in the shootout in Toronto’s 4-3 comeback win over the Winnipeg Jets.  The 28-year old winger played 19:17, had five shots on goal and finished with a +1 plus/minus rating. One of Lupul’s two goals came on the powerplay.

Fantasy Analysis: Lupul’s off to a quick start with seven points in his first five games and has a big chance to get his career back on track after several years of injury concerns.  He’s obviously developed some chemistry with Phil Kessel and if that continues, and he can stay healhy, he may have a chance to beat his career highs of 28 goals and 53 points.  Definitely a player to keep on eye on, as the talent is there.  A good pick up for a depth forward spot on your fantasy roster.

2nd Star

Phil Kessel, Forward, Toronto Maple Leafs

Kessel scored his 7th goal of the season and added a pair of assists in the Leaf’s 4-3 shootout win over the Winnipeg Jets.  The NHL’s leading scorer played 23:32, had five shots on goal, two penalty minutes, two power-play points and finished the game +1.

Fantasy Analysis: Wow. Even the most optimistic and loyal Leafs’ fan couldn’t have seen this coming.  To say Kessel is on fire right now would hardly be doing the situation justice. He leads the league with seven goals and 12 points in just five games. Of course he can’t keep up this pace, but he appears well on his way to a career year.  If you don’t have him in your line-up every week, you may want to seek professional help.  The definition of a must-start right now. 

3rd Star

Dustin Byfuglien, Defense, Winnipeg Jets

Byfuglien had a pair of assists in the Jets’ 4-3 shootout loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.  The big defenseman played almost 30 minutes (29:26), had three shots on goal and finished with an even plus/minus rating. He was also credited with a hit and had two blocked shots.

Fantasy Analysis: A lot of fantasy owners used a high pick to acquire Byfuglien in this year’s draft and to say the results so far have been disappointing would be an under statement.  After exploding  for career highs in goals (20) and points (53) last season, the two assists on Wednesday were the 26-year old’s first points of the season.  Hopefully this will break him out of his early-season funk.  Still should be starting on potential alone, but monitor him closely.

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Fantasy Three Stars – Tuesday, October 18, 2011

October 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Here are the Fantasy Three Stars from Last Night’s NHL action:

1st Star

Henrik Lundqvist, Goaltender, New York Rangers

Lundqvist made 40 saves to post his first shutout of the season and lead the Rangers to their first win of the 2011-2012 campaign, a 4-0 victory over the Vancouver Canucks.  He improved to 1-1-2 on the season.

Fantasy Analysis: Tuesday night was an example of King Henrik stealing a game the Rangers had no right to win, as his club was outshot 40-19.  It’s that type of game-stealing ability that makes him one of the elite goalkeepers in the NHL.  The 29-year old has six straight 30+ win seasons and is a lock to hit that mark again this year.  Definitely a must start.

2nd Star

Ryan Miller, Goaltender, Buffalo Sabres

Miller stopped 40 of the 41 shots he faced in the Sabres 3-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre.  After allowing a goal to the Habs’ Raphael Diaz on the 5th shot of the game, Miller made 36 straight saves.

Fantasy Analysis: The 2009-2010 Vezina Trophy winner looks primed for another monster season.  The winner of at least 30-games the past six seasons, the 9-year NHL veteran could give his career high of 41 wins a scare this season.  One of the top four or five fantasy goalies available, he should be starting in all formats. 

3rd Star

Cam Ward, Goaltender, Carolina Hurricanes

Ward made 33 saves in the Hurricanes’ 4-1 win over the defending Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins.  The 27-year old had 13 stops in the first period and 12 more in the final stanza to seal the victory.

Fantasy Analysis: After a bit of a slow start, Ward has won two in a row and is looking like the goalie who won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2006. Now in his 7th NHL season, Ward is still relatively young for an elite NHL puckstopper and is, therefore, a valuable commodity in keeper leagues.  As your starter, you should be able to count on 30+ wins, a feat he’s accomplished four of the last five seasons.  The Canes look slightly better than expected in the early going, so his value could rise.  Grab him now if you have a chance.

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Letang Suspended for Two Games

October 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Darren Dreger of TSN reports that defenseman Kristopher Letang of the Pittsburgh Penguins has been suspended two games for a hit on Winnipeg’s Alexander Burmistrov during Monday’s game.

Fantasy Analysis:  This is a big blow for the Penguins, who are already missing regulars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Brooks Orpik, and to fantasy owners who have Letang as their number one defenseman.  Even without the club’s two best offensive weapons in the line-up, the 24 year-old is off to a quick start averaging a point a game (1 goal and 6 assists) in his first seven contests.  He remains one of the best fantasy options among defenseman.  He just won’t help you this week.

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Ice Chips – Tuesday, October 18, 2011

October 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Fantasy news and notes from around the National Hockey League:

Boston Bruins:  Adam McQuaid will be a game-time decision for tonight’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes, according to Fluto Shinzawa of Bruins Blog. If McQuaid plays, Matt Bartkowski will be the healthy scratch.  Center David Krejci has been ruled out for tonight and Tuukka Rask is expected to get his second start of the season in goal.

New Jersey Devils: Rich Chere of NJ.com reports that rookie defenseman Adam Larsson was back at practice today, while goaltender Martin Brodeur was missing.

Calgary Flames: According to Scott Cruickshank of Flames Insider, center Brendan Morrison looks ready to return to the line-up, causing a logjam at the forward ranks.  The Flames now have 15 available forwards with the team.

Philadelphia Flyers: Sam Carchidi of Broad Street Bull says back-up goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky will get his first start of the season when the club tarvels to Ottawa on Tuesday.

New York Islanders: Goaltender Rick Dipietro has been cleared by team doctors and practiced with the club on Monday according to Kevin Schultz of NYI Point Blank.

Los Angeles Kings:  Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider reports that winger Dustin Penner participated in the morning skate, meaning he could be in the line-up for tonight’s home opener against the St. Louis Blues.

Chicago Blackhawks: The Chicago Tribune’s K.C. Johnson reports that winger Marian Hossa missed practice again on Monday, raising doubts that he’ll be in the line-up on Tuesday in Phoenix.

Florida Panthers: After a last-minute change of plans last night, rookie goalie Jacob Markstrom is expected to get his first career NHL start tonight against the Washington Capitals according to George Richards of On Frozen Pond.

Columbus Blue Jackets: According to Aaron Portzline of Puck Rakers, the Blue Jackets have placed center Jeff Carter on Injured Reserve with a hairline fracture in his foot, confirming suspicions that the prize free agent might be out longer than originally expected.  Forward Cody Bass, recalled from Syracuse of the AHL, will make his Blue Jackets debut tonight.

New York Rangers: Pat Leonard of Blueshirts Blog confirms that defenseman Michael Sauer will not be in the line-up when the Rangers visit the Vancouver Canucks tonight.

Pittsburgh Penguins: As per Seth Rorabaugh of Empty Netters, the Penguins have recalled defenseman Brian Strait from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL.  The move was done for insurance in case defenseman Kris Letang faces supplemental discipline for his hit on Alexander Burmistrov in last night’s game against the Winnipeg Jets.

San Jose Sharks: Sharks coach Todd McLellan told David Pollack of Working the Corners that he expects winger Martin Havlat to play on Friday against the New Jersey Devils.

Washington Capitals: Katie Carrera of Capitals Insider reports the Capitals have recalled goaltender Dany Sabourin from the Hershey Bears of the AHL.  This probably means Michal Neuvirth’s bruised foot is still causing him pain.

Vancouver Canucks: According to TSN, center Ryan Kesler will return to the Vancouver line-up tonight when the Canucks host the New York Rangers.

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Fantasy Three Stars – Monday, October 17, 2011

October 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Here are the Fantasy Three Stars from Last Night’s NHL action:

1st Star

Stephen Weiss, Forward, Florida Panthers

Weiss had a four-point night – two goals and two assists – in the Panthers 7-4 win over cross-state rival Tampa Bay Lightning. The nine-year veteran played 18:10, had six shots on goal, three power-play points and finished with an even plus/minus rating.

Fantasy Analysis: With six points in his first four games, Weiss may finally becoming the offensive leader the Panthers hoped he’d be when they drafted him 4th overall in the 2001 entry draft. The 28-year old should come close to his career highs of 28 goals and 61 points if he can stay healthy for a full season.  A good depth player in most fantasy formats.

2nd Star

Ondrej Pavelec, Goaltender, Winnipeg Jets

Pavelec made 28 saves to pick up the “new” Jets first win, a 2-1 decision over the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Fantasy Analysis: Like the rest of the Jets, Pavelec hasn’t been great to start the season, but he showed why he’s so highly regarded by the Winnipeg franchise and fantasy GM’s last night.  The 24-year old Czech goalie isn’t a must-start at this point in his career, but would be a valuable addition in keeper leagues. 

3rd Star

Shawn Horcoff, Forward, Edmonton Oilers

Horcoff set-up all three Edmonton goals in a 3-1 win over the Nashville Predators.  The veteran center played a whopping 21:32, had two shots on goal and a power-play point and finished the game +1.

Fantasy Analysis: While all the focus has been on the Oilers’ young guns to start the season, the club will need solid contributions from veterans like Horcoff to be successful.  Probably not going to reach the 73 point high he hit in 2005-2006, but is surely capable of bettering the 27 points he managed in 47 games last season.  50 points is possible making him worth a roster spot, especially considering the young talent that now surrounds the 11 year pro.

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Ice Chips – Monday, October 17, 2011

October 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Fantasy News and Notes from around the National Hockey League:

Carolina Hurricanes: Chip Alexander of Canes Now reports that center Zac Dalpe is listed as week-to-week with a lower body injury suffered in Friday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres.  The club has recalled forward Brett Sutter from the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL as an emergency injury replacement.

New Jersey Devils: According to Rich Chere of NJ.com, rookie defenseman Adam Larsson’s foot injury is not serious and he shouldn’t miss any time.

Anaheim Ducks: The Ducks have recalled forward Patrick Maroon from Syracuse of the AHL as per Eric Stephens of Ducks Blog.  Maroon will replace winger  Jason Blake on the roster.  Blake is expected to miss three months with tendon damage in his left arm.

Los Angeles Kings: Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider confirms reports that defenseman Drew Doughty will be out a minimum of 7-10 days with an upper body injury. To replace Doughty on the roster, the Kings have recalled defenseman Slava Voynov from Manchester Monarchs of the AHL.

Florida Panthers: George Richards of On Frozen Pond says it’s possible rookie Jacob Markstrom will get his first NHL start on Monday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Left winger Matt Calvert has been assigned to Springfield of the AHL according to Aaaron Portzline of Puck Rakers. Columbus is expected to recall a player from Springfield to fill his spot.

Edmonton Oilers: Joanne Ireland of Oil Spills reports that winger Ales Hemsky will out for approximately two weeks with a strained shoulder, while forward D’arcy Hordichuk could be sidelined for up to four weeks with a knee injury as a result of a knee on knee collision with the Canucks’ Keith Ballard. 

San Jose Sharks:  According to David Pollack of Working the Corners, Antti Niemi will be between the pipes when the Sharks play the Anaheim Ducks.

Washington Capitals: Goalkeeper Michal Neuvirth is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury according to Tarik El-Bashir of the Capitals Insider.

 

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Fantasy Three Stars – Sunday, October 16, 2011

October 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Here are the Fantasy Three Stars from Last Night’s NHL action:

1st Star

Bobby Ryan, Forward, Anaheim Ducks

Ryan scored twice and added an assist in Anaheim’s 4-2 win over the St. Louis Blues. The 5th year pro played 17:43, had five shots on goal and finished +2

Fantasy Analysis: The Ducks have been finding ways to win without contributions from their big three, but the whole organization and fantasy owners everywhere had to be relieved to see them finally connect last night.  After being held scoreless in the first three games of the season, Ryan looks back on track.  With three straight thirty goal seasons, the American-born sniper remains a must-start in all formats, and a high pick in keeper leagues at the age of 24.

2nd Star

Ryan Getzlaf, Forward, Anaheim Ducks

Getzlaf registed a pair of assists in the Ducks’ 4-2 win over the St. Louis Blues.  In 20:13 of ice-time, the 26-year old center had three shots on goal, two penalty minutes and an even plus/minus rating.

Fantasy Analysis: The assists were Getzlaf’s first points of the season after three straight scoreless efforts.  Look for him to get back on track and resume his position as one of the best young players in fantasy hockey.  Don’t let his slow start keep him out of your line-up.

3rd Star

Jonas Hiller, Goaltender, Anaheim Ducks

Hiller made 28 saves in the Ducks’ 4-2 win over St. Louis to pick up his third win in four games.

Fantasy Analysis: The 29-year ols Swiss Olympian has been carrying the Anaheim club on his back in the early going as the offense struggles to get on track.  His 1.71 goals against average and .931 save percentage put him in the elite class of NHL netminders.  A must start in all fantasy formats.

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Fantasy Three Stars – Saturday, October 15, 2011

October 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Here are the Fantasy Three Stars from Last Night’s NHL action:

1st Star

John Tavares, Forward, New York Islanders

Tavares had his third career hattrick and added an assist in the Islanders 4-2 win over the New York Rangers.  The 20-year old played 17:29, had five shots on goal and finished the game with a +2 plus/minus rating.  Two of Tavares’ three goals came on the powerplay.

Fantasy Analysis: It was Tavares’ second straight four-point game, and moved him to the top of the NHL scoring list with five goals and eight point in four games. Tavares looks primed for a break-out season.  If there was any doubt about his value in fantasy leagues, those doubts are quickly fading.  He remains a must-start and soon could be considered one of hockey’s elite offensive players.

2nd Star

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Forward, Edmonton Oilers

Nugent-Hopkins recorded his first career hattrick in the Oilers’ 4-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks.  In 18:42, Nugent Hopkins had 6 shots on goal, a pair of powerplay goals and finished +1.

Fantasy Analysis: Any chance of Nugent-Hopkins being shipped back to junior have all but disappeared as the 18-year old continues to prove that he belongs.  Four goals in his his first three career games is much more than even the Oilers imagined.  Should be started in all formats and owned in all keeper leagues at this point. It’s starting to look like his #1 overall selection was right on the mark.

3rd Star

Phil Kessel, Forward, Toronto Maple Leafs

Kessel was in on all three Toronto goals, scoring twice and adding an assist in the Leafs’ 3-2 win over the Calgary Flames.  The 24-year old sniper played 20:14, had 5 shots on goal, picked up two penalty minutes and finished +3.

Fantasy Analysis: Tyler Who? The six-year pro is making all Leaf fans forget about what Brian Burke gave up to get him and has quickly jumped to the top of the NHL scoring race with 5 goals and 3 assists in just 3 games.  On track for a break-out season, Kessel is a must-start in all fantasy formats at this time.

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