This is the time of year where the goaltenders start to take the true spotlight. One of the biggest things we keep hearing is how the schedule just sets up for certain teams. Honestly it really does. Now you will see it on our “Looking Ahead” column later but we have the classic feast or famine schedule in the final week because team schedules are a little more spread out. Do note that Tampa plays four time in the six day week (starting Monday).
If your league starts on Sunday, this is the “Week Of Truth”, especially in roto and points league plus some playoffs that go that far. For leagues that truly value categories, we are in that time of utter stress and fun all rolled into one. Now let’s get down to business and it is time to unveil our Fantasy POTN.
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FANTASY POTN:
Mike Smith, G, Phoenix Coyotes — Sure they played the Anaheim Ducks last night but the Ducks were very game as they pounded the Coyotes to the tune of 44 shots. Guess what? Mike Smith stopped each and every last one of them as Phoenix won 4-0 on a milestone night. What you had to like was the simple fact that Smith tends to find a way to come through in the clutch when a fantasy team needs it. His weekend record is pretty solid for fantasy owners. Phoenix has three games to seal a playoff spot with a home game against Columbus then a road test at St. Louis followed by a road game the next night against Minnesota. The week sets up potentially well for Smith.
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QUICK LOOK BACK:
Ray Whitney, W, Phoenix Coyotes — When you are only the 79th player to score 1000 points in NHL history, that gets you a place today on here. Also, Whitney had a goal and assist which is just as big of a reason. “The Wizard” has enjoyed a resurgence in Phoenix and yet so many fantasy players drafted him late and could not believe the results. Radim Vrbata gets a bit more press with his 33 goals and 11 GWG but Whitney has a 75 point season going (24 G 51 A) in 79 games. There is a lack of respect but an even more glaring lack of fantasy respect. Thank you Ray Whitney for bailing several of my leagues out this season.
Ilya Kovalchuk, W, New Jersey Devils — Hey Ilya, nice effort last night! Kovalchuk had a goal and two assists. His goal came seconds after a power play expired which deprived owners of another power play point on the night but the bottom line is Kovalchuk will lead his team in scoring for the fifth time in his career without leading the league in scoring (thanks Rich Chere). The bottom line is New Jersey has three games left on the year and could produce another 3-5 points potentially.
Honorable Mention: Brad Marchand, Tyler Seguin, and Patrice Bergeron — 8 points combined and a +9.
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SCHEDULE TIME:
Sunday, April 1, 2012 |
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| Teams | Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | at | Pittsburgh | 12:30 PM | Gameday | ||
| Ottawa | at | NY Islanders | 3:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Florida | at | Detroit | 4:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Boston | at | NY Rangers | 7:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Minnesota | at | Chicago | 7:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Edmonton | at | Anaheim | 8:00 PM | Gameday | ||
Yes the first game is probably the biggest of the day but typically with Sundays, even the Anaheim game to end the night will mean something fantasy wise. There are always goofy circumstances that often present themselves at the oddest of times. Do we keep an eye on it? You bet we do. Here are a few players you may want to keep an eye on today.
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KEEP AN EYE ON:
Kris Letang, D, Pittsburgh Penguins — Word is Letang could play with the Simon Despres demotion but keep an eye come game time anyway as this will be a last minute decision. If he plays, you have to put him in I suppose but just watch how he plays. It is a rare start/watch.
Claude Giroux, C, Philadelphia Flyers — Giroux has seen 16 goals go in for Philly and not had a role in any of them. Then he tried some bizarre back end move yesterday in the shootout. Philadelphia lost that shootout and Giroux just looks like he is gripping the stick too tight. If today’s matchup against Pittsburgh does not get him going, this could be a struggle that lingers even longer. Elite players have to step it up. Let’s see what happens.
Jimmy Howard, G, Detroit Red Wings — Did anyone learn the lessons from Tomas Vokoun and the chronic “lower body injuries”? Howard will start today in a home tilt against the Florida Panthers but keep an eye to see how he looks in his movements. Something tells me that groin is not quite 100%. Let’s just leave it at that.
Tim Thomas vs. Henrik Lundqvist — This is a big one as Lundqvist and Thomas have both righted the ship lately and both teams need the two points. Many fantasy GM’s are looking to this matchup as well so if the lights are right, we are in for one hell of a night. If not, then look out!
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Good luck and again thanks for reading. We are getting closer and closer to the end.
