We have always presented people with the negative turkeys and kind of neglected the best from games at times. This year we will change that at least a bit. Just to say that we may have told you so…here is our fantasy performer of sorts from today’s game.
(PHOTO CREDIT: AP / Gety Images)
Jussi Jokinen’s PPG late in the second broke a 2-2 tie and then Brandon Sutter scored a bit later to make it a 4-2 game that Carolina did not squander away. Brent Burns scored in the third on the man advantage as both teams tallied twice on the extra man. However, in the end, Carolina came away with a 4-3 victory. Now our three fantasy stars of the night.
1. Brandon Sutter (Carolina)
Scored two goals including the game winner very late in the second period. His three shots on goal were all quality and no filler. The +1 is also a nice touch in a game where special teams were ironically expected to excel. Seems Sutter is going to get near 20:00 a night this year which should also help his totals. This is definitely good news for anyone that was worried at all about Sutter’s playing time under Paul Maurice this season.
2. Jussi Jokinen (Carolina)
People asked if his 65 point season was a fluke? That answer for one game at least is no. Two power play points this afternoon or tonight depending on your time zone for Jokinen who was no joke. A PPG and PPA should make fantasy owners happy for now and yes the -1 was not so good but it is early. It is only one game. Jussi played 17:28 today and may get more time as the season goes on again like he did last year. If you do not have him yet, I suggest picking him up now then selling high when you can. Jokinen often can be streaky at times depending on who he is paired with but does excel now on the Power Play which could not be said a few years back. Stay tuned.
3. Matt Cullen (Minnesota)
At least for today, he earned his paycheck. The goal and assist with yes a -1 is not bad at all. Plus he played 23:32 and that may be a harbinger of things to come. Sure he had only one shot on goal and that may be a concern for fantasy hockey owners as it seemed Cullen was pressing at times. About 3 or 4 shots went so well wide I thought Brian Rolston was still with the Wild. However, when it came to special teams, Cullen excelled. That is not surprising. However, Cullen will have to pick it up even strength if he is going to be any kind of fantasy threat. At least he will get all the ice time he wants, provided he can stay healthy.
Was there a fantasy dud today?
The answer is yes somewhat. Niklas Backstrom gave up four goals on 31 shots which does not seem bad but was not very sound at times in the second period. That cost him more than once and he was in danger of being pulled after two but coach Todd Richards stuck with him and he did play better in the third. The scoring chances and rebound control that haunted Backstrom a bit last year are likely to occur again as Minnesota does not have any real stoppers on defense.
Stay tuned tomorrow for another fantasy game spotlight.
