Fantasy Hockey: Eastern Conference Scene
Fantasy Hockey: Eastern Conference Scene
Written by Frank Mazzola, Rotoexperts.com Staff Writer
November 20, 2008
Frank Mazzola takes a look at the NHL’s Eastern Conference and keeps you up to date on the latest developments.
ATLANTIC DIVISION
New Jersey Devils
Between the lines
Patrik Elias (LW, NJ) has been tearing it up lately to the tune of eight points in as many games. He’s also recorded 28 SOG during that time period, a good indicator that the good times will continue to roll for his owners.
Dainius Zubrus (C, NJ), on the other hand, could freeze a bonfire right now. He hasn’t gotten on the scoresheet over the past five games. He’s always been inconsistent, so wait to see if he heats up again before claiming him and riding the streak.
Notable injuries
Martin Brodeur (G, NJ) – elbow, return uncertain
Watch list
Brian Rolston (LW, NJ) has been recovering from his ankle injury and makes a tremendous “buy low” candidate. Someone has likely ditched him your league, but when he comes back, he’ll be a big part of the offense.
New York Islanders
Between the lines
Doug Weight (C, NYI) has been a boon to the Islanders and he could be one to your fantasy squad as well. He’s recorded at least one point in 10 of his last 13 games and will continue to receive major ice time.
Frans Nielsen (C, NYI) is receiving more minutes on the power play lately, as well as more ice time in general. He’s a center who could break out later this season, so watch him for now.
Notable injuries
Rick DiPietro (G, NYI) – knee surgery, return uncertain
Freddy Meyer (D, NYI) – sports hernia, return uncertain
Watch list
Josh Bailey (C, NYI) has shown flashes of great ability in his short stint in the NHL. Provided he doesn’t get sent down to the minors, consider stashing him on your bench, especially in keeper leagues.
New York Rangers
Between the lines
Michal Rozsival (D, NYR) has really struggled as of late. He’s notched only one point in his last five games and is minus-7 for the season. Don’t drop him, but you may want to consider benching him for right now.
Nikolai Zherdev (RW, NYR) has cooled off a bit, but he is still shooting the puck quite often (23 SOG over the last eight games). Keep putting him in your lineup, because he’s too talented not to start potting some of those.
Notable injuries
Scott Gomez (C, NYR) – ankle, day-to-day
Watch list
Chris Drury (C, NYR) started the season slowly but has shown some promise in terms of getting on track again. He’s available in quite a few leagues and should be obtained immediately.
Philadelphia Flyers
Between the lines
Kimmo Timonen (D, PHI) has picked up his scoring (he has points in three of the last four games) and is widely available. It was only a matter of time before he started putting things together, so grab him and enjoy his return to fantasy relevance.
Scott Hartnell (LW, PHI) has been in the doghouse with his coach, resulting in a reduction in ice time. If you need the roster space, you can feel free to drop him right now.
Notable injuries
Daniel Briere (C, PHI) – lower body injury, return uncertain
Riley Cote (LW, PHI) – ribs, day-to-day
Watch List
Braydon Coburn (D, PHI) is currently on pace to obtain new career highs in points (36) and penalty minutes (74). He’s worth stashing on your bench.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Between the lines
Jordan Staal (C/LW, PIT) finally woke up after his demotion to the third line. He has recorded eight points in his last five games, and, while he probably won’t be able to keep up that scoring pace, he should be a much better option from here on out.
Alex Goligoski (D, PIT) has shined in the absence of Sergei Gonchar (D, PIT). He’s a good player to pick up for depth for your squad, because he’s proving to be a strong component of the Penguin’s attack.
Notable injuries
None
Watch list:
Phillippe Boucher (D, PIT) gets a new beginning with Pittsburgh after enduring a miserable start with Dallas. Expect him to get more ice time with his new team, and his stats will rise proportionately.
NORTHEAST DIVISION
Boston Bruins
Between the lines
Shawn Thornton (LW, BOS) is not a bad choice for those teams needing penalty minutes. He has 31 PIM in his last seven games and five major penalties on the season.
Michael Ryder (RW, BOS) has cooled off considerably from his hot start, notching only three points over his last eight games. Expect him to be streaky all year long, but if that sort of thing turns you on, you should be able to obtain him cheaply.
Notable injuries
Andrew Ference (D, BOS) – broken leg, out indefinitely
Watch list
Blake Wheeler (RW, BOS) has a world of promise and has shown moments of it this season. Monitor him in yearly leagues, but definitely try to acquire him in keeper leagues.
Buffalo Sabres
Between the lines
Maxim Afinogenov (RW, BUF) hasn’t gotten on track yet, but if he stays healthy (always a big question, since he’s only played more than 80 games in a season once in his career), he is a guy you should look to pick up or trade for. He’s certainly better than he’s shown thus far.
Henrik Tallinder (D, BUF) won’t get you a ton of points, but he has value in leagues that count +/- statistics. He is plus-35 for his career.
Notable injuries
Ales Kotalik (RW, BUF) – hamstring, day-to-day
Watch list
Adam Mair (C, BUF) has been getting more ice time as part of Buffalo’s “Energy Line.” Watch to see if the increased opportunity results in more points.
Montreal Canadiens
Between the lines
Guillaume Latendresse (RW, MON) was demot
ed down to the third line recently due to his lack of production. He’s safe for you to drop.
Robert Lang (C, MON) has been a consistent producer for Montreal this season. You could certainly do worse in terms of depth at the center position.
Notable injuries
Mike Komisarek (D, MON) – shoulder, day-to-day
Watch list
Jaroslav Halak (G, MON) won’t play much as long as Carey Price (G, MON) stays healthy, but he’s performed admirably in the games he has started (2.47 GAA and .917 SV%)
Ottawa Senators
Between the lines
Martin Gerber (G, OTT) hasn’t started a game since November 7, and he’s winless in his past three appearances. Though you almost never drop a goalie in fantasy hockey, he should be so far down your bench that you need binoculars to see him.
Chris Phillips (D, OTT) hardly ever gets points, but his value is usually in the +/- category (he is plus-106 for his career.) That is why it’s so disturbing to see him at minus-8 right now. If he’s the guy you’re counting on to contribute to that area of head-to-head scoring, you need to find someone else.
Notable injuries
Chris Neil (RW, OTT) – knee, return uncertain
Mike Fisher (C, OTT) – leg, day-to-day
Watch list
Alexandre Picard (D, OTT) has offensive talent and may be the beneficiary of some power play time if the Senators decide to shake things up. However, don’t pick him up until that happens.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Between the lines
Matt Stajan (C, TOR) just ended a 6-game scoring streak that saw him notch ten points. He’s getting a ton of ice time and is out-producing several “name” centers right now. Snatch him off your waiver wire immediately.
Mikhail Grabovski (C, TOR) is the other red-hot Leaf right now (11 points in his last eight games). Leagues are starting to take notice of this guy, so nab him if he’s available.
Notable injuries
Mike Van Ryn (D, TOR) – broken hand, out 4-to-6 weeks
Watch list
I’m not sure what’s happening in Toronto, but Ian White (RW, D TOR), a converted defenseman, is also riding a 6-game scoring streak. However, watch him to see if he can keep it up.
SOUTHEAST DIVISION
Atlanta Thrashers
Between the lines
Slava Kozlov (LW, ATL) found the Fountain of Youth somewhere along the line as he’s notched 11 points over his last nine games. He’s okay to pick up, but just remember that players at his age tend to break down as the season wears on.
Garnet Exelby (D, ATL) is on his way to establishing a career high in penalty minutes this season. A team deficient in that area could certainly do worse than he to fill their needs.
Notable injuries
Zach Bogosian (D, ATL) – broken leg, out 6-to-8 weeks
Mathieu Schneider (D, ATL) – hip, return uncertain
Watch list
Erik Christensen (C, ATL) has picked up his play recently and may start to see some more power play time. Watch him to see if that happens.
.
Carolina Hurricanes
Between the lines
Tuomo Ruutu (LW, CAR) has cooled off considerably (just two points in his last six games). He’ll blow hot and cold throughout the season, but he’s okay to stash if you have the room.
Sergei Samsonov (LW, CAR) has shown a few signs of life since his moribund start to the season. However, he still does not belong anywhere near your roster until he proves he can regain his form.
Notable injuries
None
Watch list
Dennis Seidenberg (D, CAR) has seven power play points this season and that trend should continue. You should definitely stash him for when one of your regulars gets injured.
Florida Panthers
Between the lines
The Panthers were very happy to get Bryan McCabe (D, FLA) back from injury. He is riding a 4-game point streak and is providing the shot in the arm the team needed. If he is available in your league for some reason, make sure you’re the guy who gets him.
Jay Bouwmeester (D, FLA) somehow consistently gets drafted much higher than he deserves to be. He only has six points this season and is minus-8. You probably can’t trade him, but if you can find some sucker to take this albatross off your hands, do so immediately.
Notable injuries
Kamil Kreps (C, FLA) – concussion, return uncertain
Watch list
Richard Zednik (LW, FLA) has exhibited signs of putting some offense together recently. He’s someone you definitely want to keep your eye on.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Between the lines
He started the season terribly and then got injured. However, Radim Vrbata (RW, TB) does have points in three straight games now. He’s still a talented player, and I’d make room for him on me roster if I could.
Vincent Lecavalier (C, TB) has not exactly been playing like the All Star he has been in recent years. However, his low numbers could prompt some impatient owner to accept a less than market value deal for him. Jump all over that situation should it present itself.
Notable injuries
Ryan Malone (LW, TB) – leg, return uncertain
Watch list
Jussi Jokinen (LW, TB) may see some more power play time soon with the Lightning bringing aboard a new coach. If so, he would be worth a roster spot.
.
Washington Capitals
Between the lines
Nicklas Backstrom (C, WAS) has taken full advantage of the injury to Alexander Semin (C, WAS) by recording 12 points over the last five games (no, that’s not a misprint.) His value will decrease once Semin returns, so ride this pony while you still can.
Brent Johnson (G, WAS) has won his last four starts and has firmly entrenched himself as part of a goaltender committee. Expect him to see quite a bit more action this season than was first anticipated.
Notable injuries
Alexander Semin (C, WAS) – upper body, day-to-day
Watch list
Jeff Schultz (D, WAS) is on a pace to record 28 points this season. That’s not bad for a depth player, but watch him to make sure he continues to play well.
Frank Mazzola is a staff hockey writer for Rotoexperts.com who is committed to helping you win your league. All comments, suggestions and death threats should be sent to him at frank.mazzola@rotoexperts.com