So this hit put a bit of a damper on what was a nice Monday Night in fantasy hockey leagues. This definitely was not a perfect night by any stretch but there definitely were some show stoppers in the National Hockey League despite only the five game schedule. Here were just a few.
A LOOK BACK…..
1. Dan Ellis, G, Anaheim Ducks — There were not many #DanEllisProblems last night as he stopped 41 of 43 shots in a 3-2 win over the San Jose Sharks. Ellis really was unexpectedly good last night, let’s be honest. However, it was our Fantasy POTN because Anaheim was completely outplayed in the final 20 minutes when Ellis came up the biggest. It was really along with Teemu Selanne‘s two goals the only two reasons why Anaheim won.
2. Stephen Weiss, F, Florida Panthers — The Panthers did something you may never see them do again all year and that was convert 4 pp goals and 1 sh chance in a 7-4 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. What was more surprising was this was done in Tampa and Weiss led the way with 2 key goals and 2 assists. He fired a season high 6 shots on goal and had a 61% faceoff win percentage to boot. Now that is what you call making a surprise presence.
3. Kris Versteeg, F, Florida Panthers — Versteeg was riding shotgun with Weiss last night in Tampa as he also had two goals and two assists. The Winger fired 4 shots on goal and was instrumental in the special teams explosion. Fantasy owners had not seen this type of production from him since his days in Chicago. This was truly improbable and yet for whatever reason early on, Florida’s PP has clicked. Will that last? It may determine the fortunes of guys like Versteeg and Weiss.
SCHEDULE TIME:
Tuesday, October 18, 2011 |
|||||
| Teams | Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina | at | Boston | 7:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Florida | at | Washington | 7:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Dallas | at | Columbus | 7:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Buffalo | at | Montreal | 7:30 PM | Gameday | ||
| Philadelphia | at | Ottawa | 7:30 PM | Gameday | ||
| Pittsburgh | at | Minnesota | 7:30 PM | Gameday | ||
| Edmonton | at | Calgary | 9:30 PM | Gameday | ||
| NY Rangers | at | Vancouver | 10:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Chicago | at | Phoenix | 10:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| St. Louis | at | Los Angeles | 10:30 PM | Gameday | ||
Now this is a nice packed Tuesday Night schedule and some good games to top it off for fantasy owners.
MATCHUPS BIZARRE…….
Why does it seem like on busy nights like these that there are always a matchup or two that leaves fantasy GM’s scratching their heads everywhere. One in particular is the Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers tonight at 10pm ET. Ryan Kesler (hip) makes his long waited return and about a month early according to some. What will his effectiveness be and should you put him in the lineup? Coach Alain Vigenault probably will just throw him right in there. He has been practicing and though he will not see the ice time he is quite accustomed to, expect him to be snuck on the power play and penalty kill almost right away. Kesler is that vital to the Canucks and his point production is projected (even now) to still be around .8 to .9 points per game. Add his defensive skill and hitting ability and that value goes up that much more. Tonight expect a point from the Forward against the Rangers.
Luke Adam against the Montreal Canadiens is also a matchup that seems nuts but this rookie has been amazing on Buffalo’s first line and has proven that he has far more poise than an average youngster. He was a Rookie Of The Year award winner in the AHL and so far that has spilled into the NHL with 6 points in 4 games. The only potential “problem” is that the Buffalo power play has been so-so. Adam only has an assist on the man advantage in 4 games so far despite a relatively healthy amount of chances. Montreal’s defense is a bit depleted to say the least so what a nice matchup for a guy who has some good speed and most importantly size. Montreal will have its work cut out for them surely.
Tomas Vokoun faces his former team tonight who is blazing hot with their power play and though Vokoun clearly knows something about his former team. They know quite a bit about him too and well there has to be a little bad blood in this one…at least a bit. Vokoun will have to be at the top of his game and so will Washington as this Southeast Division tilt shapes up to hit the over and be a bit of a wild one (even if its 4-3). Some keys for Vokoun include his glove hand, how he plays angles, and closing that five hole, among others. Those are just the main ones.
KEEP AN EYE ON………
1. Claude Giroux, F, Philadelphia Flyers — Ottawa is a mess defensively and nothing says a good offensive night like playing the Senators this year. They have given up the most goals in the league and tonight’s opponent will not help matters. If Giroux is going to hit the 90 point plateau, this is the type of team he has to have a 2,3, or 4 point night. Matchup wise, Ottawa is having fits with top lines and Philly’s is young and fear inducing. If Philly puts up a 5 spot, do not be surprised really with Giroux, van Riemsdyk, and even Jagr leading the way points wise.
2. Tuukka Rask, G, Boston Bruins — Rask gets little or no support in Boston but he should almost expect that. If he gets the start tonight which seems very likely according to the media, then expect a pretty solid performance that is win worthy even if you do not get the W. He only gave up one goal in his start against Colorado and likely deserved better with some of the saves he made. In our opinion, he looks as good as Tim Thomas does this season.
3. Anze Kopitar, F, Los Angeles Kings — This seems like a Kopitar kind of night and with how St. Louis tends to lay up against the state of California in the last coupld years, this may be a really good time to have Kopitar at the forefront of your fantasy lineup tonight. The forward has shown no signs of malaise from the season ending injury last year and no one really expected him to. Kopitar has the talent and depth around him he did not quite have in previous seasons so the pressure is a bit deflected. Kopitar is even more freightening on the power play against a team like St. Louis who has to be somewhat fatigued after being punished by Anaheim Sunday Night in a 3 games in 4 scenario. Keep that in mind going ahead.
Good luck in your fantasy leagues and we will have the Weekly Slapshot at 9:30pm ET tonight for 30 minutes of rapid fire fantasy hockey news and advice…..see you then.
