Sometimes however it is what you do not expect that steals the show. Yesterday only had two games but there was plenty of intrigue as the Winnipeg Jets played their first home game and though it was not the result the fans wanted, they had every right to cheer just for hockey. Canadians are definitely thankful for that as today is Thanksgiving Day in Canada.
First we will take that “look back” and then look ahead at a somewhat robust seven game schedule on what is also Columbus Day. Take news and notes and remember THERE ARE SEVERAL 1pm STARTS TODAY, so get your rosters in ASAP. This always happens on holidays where people just forget about their teams and it comes back to bite them in the rear.
A LOOK BACK:
1. Devan Dubnyk, G, Edmonton Oilers — Lost in all the Ryan Nugent-Hopkins goal buzz (and yes he tied the game late in the third) was the fact that Dubnyk stopped the Penguins at every turn stopping 33 of 34 shots then clinching the win in the shootout (2-1 victory). Dubnyk seems to be only owned in Yahoo leagues (35%) and is almost nonexistent in ESPN (3.2%). Something tells me Nikolai Khabibulin will be starting too much longer.
2. Carey Price, G, Montreal Canadiens — All Price did was go into an environment that was an absolute hornets nest and came away with 30 saves on 31 shots in a 5-1 win in Winnipeg. There was no true way to quiet that crowd, which had not seen NHL hockey in 15 years yet Price played remarkably well in net. There is a reason why Price is now one of the premier fantasy goalies out there.
3. Tomas Plekanec, F, Montreal Canadiens — Lost in some of the hoopla was the fact that Plekanec had a three point evening when all was said and done. His goal and two assists were an indication of his strong play throughout the game. He is going to have to step it up more now with the news that Michael Cammalleri is out for around two weeks with a leg laceration.
SCHEDULE TIME:
Monday, October 10, 2011 |
|||||
| Teams | Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | at | Boston | 1:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Carolina | at | New Jersey | 1:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Minnesota | at | NY Islanders | 1:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Calgary | at | St. Louis | 2:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Phoenix | at | Dallas | 6:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Tampa Bay | at | Washington | 7:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Vancouver | at | Columbus | 7:00 PM | Gameday | ||
It is a solid schedule with four afternoon games and yes the action ends around 9:30pm ET which is not bad at all.
ONES TO WATCH:
1. Zach Parise, F, New Jersey Devils — Honestly he looked sluggish against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday and we were not the only ones to notice. The Flyers were hitting him early and often. Clearly it did not deter Parise but it did slow him down noticeably in our humble opinion. Today he faces a Carolina team that is a little more porous defensively. This may be the time to get Parise’s scoring touch going as it feels like it has been a year since he scored a goal. Actually its very close.
2. That Minnesota First Line — The New York Islanders face quite a test this afternoon at home as they face the Minnesota Wild. While the Wild’s first line is not like the fear inducing one like when Jaromir Jagr and Mario Lemieux would team up, it is a line that can harass you into mistakes. Dany Heatley is your classic sniper while Devin Setoguchi has the scrappy ability with enough skill that you have to have. Mikko Koivu completes the trio very well as he has the ability to score, be the play maker, and be physical when needed. The Isles will be pushed to the limit.
3. Washington Vs. Tampa Tonight — This one needs little or no introduction. Simply watch this game and enjoy fantasy hockey fans. The star power is up there and while this is not Washington-Pittsburgh, it may be damn close.
Well good luck with your fantasy hockey teams today and we will be keeping you updated via Twitter. Out of respect to the holiday, there will be no This Day In Hockey History as that will be posted on Twitter as well. Enjoy the hockey!
