Last night was very light and really so is tonight with only three games on the NHL schedule. Pittsburgh defeated Florida 4-2 and Ottawa defeated Minnesota 4-3 via a shootout. However, tonight has three games that may be a little bit better. Now it is time for a condensed look fantasy hockey style.
A LOOK BACK:
1. Marc Andre-Fleury, G, Pittsburgh Penguins — Fleury stopped 32 of 34 shots in the 4-2 win over Florida. Pittsburgh was sloppy at times defensively and this goalie had to stand tall. Keep in mind, the Penguins do not have Evgeni Malkin (Lower Body) or Sidney Crosby (concussion). There is a reality that Pittsburgh has to ride Fleury and get timely scoring while their two stars are out. Malkin could be back very soon while Crosby will still take awhile. Florida did not have much of a chance with the Pittsburgh netminder in charge.
2. Niklas Backstrom, G, Minnesota Wild — You almost had to feel for the guy as he stopped 41 of 44 shots but unforunately Minnesota could not hold a 3-1 lead in the third period. It was not because of lack of effort from Backstrom who kept making save after save. Unfortunately, the shootout would do him in again but the fact that Minnesota got 1 point in this game was mostly because of the netminder. He does look healthy this year and if Backstrom has the stamina, he could really pay off in deeper leagues.
3. Chris Neill, F, Ottawa Senators — Yes he had a goal and assist last night in the 4-3 shootout win over Minnesota. It seems some of these pests are just finding the right holes in the first week of the season. This means ride them while you can because the inevitable party will be over and when it is, it will be ugly. In the interim, Neill is a temporary own in deep leagues because of his PIMS but at least for now because of the points he is chipping in.
SCHEDULE TIME:
Wednesday, October 12, 2011 |
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| Teams | Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | at | Columbus | 7:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Boston | at | Carolina | 7:30 PM | Gameday | ||
| Vancouver | at | Philadelphia | 7:30 PM | Gameday | ||
There are a couple nice games on the docket tonight. This should be interesting. We give you our three things to watch tonight in the National Hockey League.
THREE TO WATCH:
1. Steve Mason, G, Columbus Blue Jackets — No it is not Semyon Varlamov of the Colorado Avalanche like some were expecting here. Mason has been his usual laissez-faire self in the first week of the season which has again led to questions of whether or not he will last the season as a starter. Fantasy wise, Mason was probably only someone you should have considered if you are in a very deep league or well missed your draft. The GAA will be right around 3 and the save percentage around .900 most of the year anyway but tonight Columbus needs a win. Maybe he gets one.
2. Cam Ward, G, Carolina Hurricanes — Honestly Ward has not been his usual self in giving up 8 goals after his first 2 starts. He faces a Boston team tonight that he has had some success against. The goalie can only do so much and he will need a team effort if he is to produce his first W of the season tonight. His keys are simple, keep the game close and hope Carolina can score enough to win (basically give up 2 or less).
3. Sedin Twins, F, Vancouver Canucks — The Sedin Twins go to Philly tonight and simply they have to make an impact because goaltending may be kind of skittish in a game where both goalies do not actually come up that big in these types of cross conference clashes. Simply someone has to come up big in this game so why not make it two. Philly comes in high on the hog and Vancouver has been humbled a bit early. Ride the Sedin Twins to glory and be amazed like I was when these ideas were being drafted up.
Well good luck on your fantasy leagues and tonight the show is at 8pm ET as always at The Program. Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Chris Wassel
Director Of The Program
