Hockeycentric Fantasy Focus: November 26th 2009
In this week’s Fantasy Focus, ex-Leafs Carlo Colaiacovo, Anton Stralman and Tuukka Rask steal the show.
In the past week Joe Thornton took the overall assists lead, with a little bit of help from his linemate Dany Heatley. The two superstars connected for two identical goals vs. the Flyers on Friday night before Heatley finished off the hat trick.
In terms of injuries, the Montreal Canadiens take the biggest hit, as Brian Gionta and Scott Gomez were forced to stay off the ice this week.
First let’s take a look at last week’s notable player performances:
WHO’S HOT
F – Joe Thornton – 3 GP, 1 goal and 6 assists
F – Brad Richards – 4 GP, 1 goal and 7 assists
F – Kristian Huselius – 4 GP, 3 goals and 2 assists
D – Filip Kuba – 4 GP, 1 goal and 7 assists
D – Carlo Colaiacovo – 4 GP, 1 goal and 4 assists
D – Anton Stralman – 4 GP, 2 goals and 2 assists
G – Pekka Rinne – 4 GP, 4-0, .914 SV%, 2.25 GAA
G – Marty Turco – 4 GP, 2-2-0, .922 SV%, 2.5 GAA and 1 shutout
G – Carey Price – 4 GP, 2-1-1, .924 SV%, 2.5 GAA
WHO’S COLD
F – Rod Brind’Amour – Last 6 GP, 0 goals, 0 assists and a -5 rating
F – Ryan Callahan- Last 6 GP, 0 goals, 0 assists and a -5 rating on 13 shots
F – Steve Ott – Last 10 GP, 0 goals, 0 assists and a -4 rating
D – Willie Mitchell – Last 6 GP, 0 goals, 0 assists and a -2 rating
D – Trevor Daley – Last 9 GP, 0 goals, 0 assists and a -2 rating
D – Matt Hunwick – Last 4 GP, 1 assist and a -1 rating
G – Ray Emery – Last 3 GP, 0-2, 0.819 SV% and 4.00 GAA.
G – Chris Osgood – 3 GP, 0-2-1, .863 SV% and 3.35 GAA
G – Mathieu Garon – 2 GP, 0-0-2, .814 SV% and 4.00 GA
WAIVER WATCH
Ex-Leaf Anton Stralman has stepped up his play of late, with 3 goals and 4 assists in his last 6 games. In that span, he has also averaged 20 minutes of ice time per game.
Classic underachiever Maxim Afinogenov has caught fire in Hotlanta recently. Since November 12th, he has 6 goals and 4 assists in 8 games played, and he looks like the 2005-06 version of himself. If Maxim is still available in your pool, he’s a steal.
With Pascal Leclaire out with a broken cheekbone that he suffered while sitting on the bench, Brian Elliot is going to get some starts for the suddenly on-a-roll Senators. The Sens had a 4 game winning streak snapped last night by the Devils, but Elliot has a 2.33 GAA in his last 3 starts and looks ready to elevate his game in Leclaire’s absence.
While we’re on the topic of goaltenders, take a look at Tuuka Rask. Rask has started the last 5 games for the Bruins, and has a 4-1 record with an impressive .925 SV %. There are rumours out of Boston that Tim Thomas has a broken hand, and if this is the case Rask will be the B’s starting goaltender over the next several weeks.
DROP IT LIKE IT’S HOT
Tomas Fleischmann
After a 9-game point streak to start November, Fleischmann has trailed off. In his last 4 games, he has 0 points and is a +1. If you picked him up off the waiver wire early enough and were able to get some points off him, good for you. Expecting him to produce more than a point per game is unrealistic. Take your chances on another player who has suddenly caught fire.
Victor Hedman
After a great start to the season, the hulking Swede has slowed down. He has just 1 assist since October 12th, and he isn’t getting much powerplay time these days. Replace him with a player that is more productive. If you’re in a keeper league, don’t burn any bridges yet because this kid is going to be great. Just not yet.
Jaroslav Halak
With Carey Price back in the drivers seat, Halak will see his time in the net severely reduced. He hasn’t started since November 11th, and not only is Price playing regularly, he is playing well. Not worth keeping this guy on your bench.
INJURY REPORT
Rene Bourque
Bourque remains day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. He could be back as early as next week, but the Flames aren’t rushing things.
Niklas Kronwall
Kronwall is expected to miss at least a month with a sprained ligament in his left knee. He suffered the injury after a collision with Georges Laraque, who received a 5-game suspension for the incident. Jonathan Ericsson, who has established himself as a bonafide NHL player after being selected last overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, will fill in for Kronwall on the top D pairing with Nicklas Lidstrom.
Brian Gionta
Montreal loses their top line Right Winger in Gionta, who suffered a broken bone in his left foot on November 3rd, but had been trying to play through it. There is no timeline for his return.
Scott Gomez
Another off-season acquisition of the Montreal Canadiens, Gomez left Friday’s game against the Blue Jackets with a lower body injury. He could be out for quite some time, but for now he is listed day-to-day. Tomas Plekanec, arguably Montreal’s best player this season, will play as #1 centre.
Check back every Thursday morning for the Fantasy Focus, and don’t forget to check out our line combos section, updated throughout the week.
ThrasherMcSmasher on Thu, 26th Nov 2009 6:20 pm
Tim Thomas has a broken hand!! Good call on Rask!!