Did you really think we would use a video from Jaromir Jagr? That answer would be no of course. Last night was fun as all six goalies were backups and some played UP and some played down while a couple were in the middle. It was pretty much what was expected. Here is what we liked from last night and then a quick look ahead at tonight’s action in the NHL.
A LOOK BACK…..
1. Jacob Markstrom, G, Florida Panthers — All Markstrom did was stop 40 of 41 in a 2-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens last night at the Bell Centre. There was a save on Cammalleri that I swear was pure genius mixed in (see above). We have a little thanks to our friends from the Miami Herald right HERE on what Markstrom did. There were robberies galore in the third period and like Angry Sal said, part of Montreal’s problems come down to coaching but last night it was more Markstrom, who definitely has a bright future in this league if the surrounding cast is even decent.
2. Jaromir Jagr, F, Philadelphia Flyers — Really it just took playing the excessively slow Toronto Maple Leafs defense to reignite Jagr’s scoring touch as he notched not one but two goals on breakaways last night in a 4-2 win. He tacked on an assist which gives him an even 7 points in 7 games played. Last I checked, that is not bad for a 39 year old. The finishing ability is still there but if you look at every one of Jagr’s shots, they are all from in close (20.5 ft or less). That may be something to keep an eye on going forward especially for those defending him.
3. Claude Giroux, F, Philadelphia Flyers — Giroux is living up to the expectations and yes Scotty Hartnell had two goals and an assist but it was Giroux who had two assists and set up Jagr and Hartnell once each. Simply he was the playmaker last night and maybe that new line does have something in Philly after all. Time will tell but for one night…there were good points to be had for all.
SCHEDULE TIME:
Tuesday, October 25, 2011 |
|||||
| Teams | Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh | at | NY Islanders | 7:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Ottawa | at | Carolina | 7:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Detroit | at | Columbus | 7:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Tampa Bay | at | Buffalo | 7:30 PM | Gameday | ||
| San Jose | at | Nashville | 8:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Anaheim | at | Chicago | 8:30 PM | Gameday | ||
| Vancouver | at | Edmonton | 9:30 PM | Gameday | ||
| Dallas | at | Phoenix | 10:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| New Jersey | at | Los Angeles | 10:30 PM | Gameday | ||
Tonight features a nice little nine pack of games for everyone. There could be several interesting matchups including the Tampa and Buffalo tilt with Steven Stamkos going up against Ryan Miller. Anaheim and Chicago do not play much defense and that could be a high scoring affair. There will be more starters than backups in net but it will be interesting to see how Jonathan Bernier fares against New Jersey.
In all there is a lot to choose from for us to keep an eye on but this is what we have for tonight that at least, you should consider.
KEEP AN EYE ON……
1. Kari Lehtonen, G, Dallas Stars — It is not just his stats that have impressed but the clutch nature of his third period and extra time performances that has gained attention. Fantasy owners have noted his ability to make huge saves late as a key reason in his victories and that is true. Some may think the wheels are going to fall off again at some point but last year it was more of a case of the team freefalling. Phoenix will be a pretty good road test tonight and Keith Yandle and company will be waiting.
2. Ville Leino, F, Buffalo Sabres — Even Tim Connolly produced a bit better than Leino’s awful start. At least Leino is not as bad off as Tyler Ennis, who has no points and is now injured with a high ankle sprain. So it could be worse, it always can be worse. Simply he has to find his game as opposed to the rest of Buffalo’s free agent bounty which has seemed to. Tampa’s defense has been a bit more stout in the last week but is still suspect. This could be the time where Leino has one of those breakout games. Then again it may not be.
3. Ilya Kovalchuk, F, New Jersey Devils — There has been a lot of negative talk and some rightfully so about how he has played in the last week. Yes he may have been overused but sometimes you have to go with your horse even if it goes too often to the well. The way LA media is making this one out to be is the Los Angeles Kings vs. Ilya Kovalchuk. We saw a promo email that basically dictated as such. Yes everyone wants to see a show and well Kovalchuk needs to put on a show of points for his fantasy owners because that slow slippage to first half armageddon seems to be starting again. This is a good litmus test to see if the last two games were that feeling of deja vu or not.
Well good luck everyone and tonight on Weekly Slapshot, we will go thirty minutes of rapid fire throughout fantasy hockey. Listen on in!
