Hockeycentric Fantasy Focus: January 21st, 2010
In this week’s fantasy focus, we pick on a rookie goalie who has just 2 NHL games under his belt. Dustin Tokarski, a standout for Canada at the 2008 WJHC, has struggled mightily in goal for the Lightning so far. He’s going to be great, but it’s been an unfortunate start for him.
More than a few players have gone from December fantasy studs to January fantasy duds, including Niclas Bergfors, Michael Neuvirth and Erik Christensen.
And keep your eye on the waiver wire, as an Olympian has returned to the lineup out West.
Let’s take a look at last week’s notable player performances:
WHO’S HOT
F – Alex Ovechkin – 3 GP, 2 goals and 6 assists
F – Tim Connolly – 4 GP, 1 goal and 6 assists
F – Mike Fisher – 4 GP, 2 goals and 5 assists
F – Joe Pavelski – 4 GP, 1 goal and 6 assists
F – Kristian Huselius – 4 GP, 1 goal and 6 assist
D – Dan Boyle – 4 GP, 1 goal and 5 assists
D – Nicklas Lidstrom – 4 GP, 2 goals and 3 assists
D – Anton Stralman – 4 GP, 4 assists
D – Mike Green – 3 GP, 4 assists
D – John-Michael Liles – 2 GP, 1 goal and 3 assists
G – Craig Anderson – Last 2 GP, 2-0-0, .984 SV%, 0.50 GAA, 1 shutout
G – Mike Brodeur – Last 2 GP, 2-0-0, .969 SV%, 1.00 GAA
G – Rick DiPietro – Last 2 GP, 2-0-0, .962 SV%, 0.96 GAA
WHO’S COLD
F – Darcy Tucker – Last 7 GP, 0 goals, 0 assists and a -1 rating
F – Niclas Bergfors – Last 6 GP, 0 goals, 0 assists and a -2 rating
F – Rod Brind’Amour- Last 4 GP, 0 goals, 0 assists and a -2 rating
F – Daymond Langkow – Last 4 GP, 0 goals, 0 assists and a -2 rating
F – Shawn Horcoff – Last 4 GP, 0 goals, 0 assists and a -2 rating
D – M.E. Vlasic – Last 19 GP, 0 goals, 0 assists and a +7 rating
D – Ryan Whitney – Last 12 GP, 0 goals, 0 assists and a -8 rating
D – Dan Hamhuis – Last 10 GP, 0 goals, 0 assist and a -3 rating
D – Brent Sopel – Last 9 GP, 0 goals, 0 assist and -3 rating
D – Brad Stuart – Last 8 GP, 0 goals, 0 assists and a -4 rating
G – Dustin Tokarski – Last 2 GP, 0-2-0, 0.812 SV% and 4.06 GAA
G – Cam Ward –Last 2 GP, 0-2-0, .897 SV% and 3.53 GAA
G – Johan Hedberg – Last 5 GP, 0-2-0, .848 SV% and 3.62 GAA
WAIVER WATCH
The cousin of the greatest goaltender of all time, Mike Brodeur has silenced many critics with his play as of late. After a stint in the ECHL, which is essentially the death row of professional hockey, Brodeur’s improved play led him to an AHL roster spot and finally a job with the Sens. With so much goaltender controversy in the nation’s capital, he is worth a look, especially with Pascal Leclaire on the shelf.
Tampa Bay goon Steve Downie has earned head coach Rick Tocchet’s respect, and in turn more ice time. “The thing with Steve Downie is he’s earning it,” said Tocchet. “Every practice he’s out there a half-hour before anybody’s out there.” The extra practice time has paid off; Downie has 2 goals, 3 points and 8 penalty minutes in his last 4 games.
It was obvious that Pavol Demitra would be returning to the Canucks line-up soon, as he was named to the Slovakian Olympic Team. Demitra returned Saturday night, and has scored at least 20 goals nine out of the last 10 seasons. He had 53 points in 69 games last season, but be patient with him; he’ll need some time to shake off the cobwebs, as his last NHL game was on May 2nd, 2009.
DROP IT LIKE IT’S HOT
It looks like Michael Neuvirth’s hot streak has come to an end. He has allowed 14 goals in his last 4 games, and has been pulled twice in favour of Jose Theodore. With Semyon Varlamov expected to make a return late next week, Neuvirth could be out of a job.
After a stellar December campaign, Martin Erat has slowed down considerably in the first month of 2010. He has never been able to put up points without Jason Arnott, and it looks like that trend will continue. In December, he had 10 goals, 16 points, a rating of +3 and was held pointless in only 2 contests. In his first 5 games in January he has just 1 goal and is a -1.
After a 7 points in 7 games scoring streak, Erik Christensen’s point production has dropped off. Playing on the top line, he has just 1 assist in his last 5 games, which included an 6-2 win over the Habs and an 8-2 drubbing of the Lightning. He should return to his form from the beginning of this season, where he went 17 games without recording a single point.
INJURY REPORT
Members of the Anaheim Ducks and the Finnish Olympic Team, Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu were both sidelined by injuries this week. Selanne suffered a broken jaw and is not expected to return until mid-February, which could put a damper on his Olympic plans. Koivu’s knee injury is less severe, and he could return sometime next week.
New Jersey Devil Patrik Elias has been placed on the IR due to a concussion. He is expected to return in late January or early February, which will allow him to captain Czech Republic’s Olympic Team.
Marc-Andre Fleury fractured his finger on his catching hand last weekend, and has now been placed on the IR. John Curry was called up from Wilkes-Barre, and has split time with Brent Johnson. Fleury should be back sooner than you think.
Ottawa’s injury-prone starting goaltender Pascal Leclaire has been sidelined again. He left practice last Thursday with a concussion, and is there is no deadline for his return. Mike Brodeur and Brian Elliot are handling goaltending duties for the Sens.
Check back every Thursday morning for the Fantasy Focus, and don’t forget to check out our line combos section, updated throughout the week.
