We did something last night we rarely do on the show and that is go the entire two hours talking nothing but fantasy hockey. Yes there was acknoledgement of headlines and such but it was mostly a numbers game of epic proportions between yours truly, Rick, Anthony, and Tim. So you had three guys from Inside Hockey and The Rick. What transpired was a no holds barred debate on goalies and more. Leaving Minnesota Wild goalie Nick Backstrom did not create all that much controversy in fantasy circles oddly enough. Though to some there was some vigorous disagreement, especially on Twitter and in the chatroom.
Some key things that were learned last night:
- If the goalies list was full of potholes, wait till you see the other positions…
- In doubt, we like to all homer out.
- Defensemen should be another position full of fireworks.
- Every draft and league type requires a different strategy.
- Trading for draft picks in a league can be fun.
Yes I am serious. It was an extremely enjoyable show last night. Clearly the Kovalchuk decision even weighs in on fantasy leagues to a lesser but still somewhat relevant extent. We also tried to find Alexei Kovalev but were not successful last night. However there were some key things established.
The IHFDL is clearly a league like no other. That is something that is quickly being realized by industry heavyweights. I have heard it even mentioned on other hockey shows which goes to tell you it is gaining some notice. To thank Ben, Kevin, John, and company would not be good enough. However, to give them a beer and a high five may be a good start. A draft that goes 32 rounds sounds overkill on the surface but puts a true premium at drafting or does it? You would sometimes be surprised at what can still be had very very late in drafts like this.
Here is why. When one has to sign players to contracts, it adds a different dynamic. There may be players that people are very hesitant about drafting because of their healtth, performance, or various other reasons. I will be honest what we are doing for the podcast league is much simpler but monitoring these leagues and other mocks going on all around me is important to you, the reader. Why? Simple. Like the great goalie crunch, goalies are going in bunches like never before. I watched in three separate leagues where a run of at least 9 goalies was sparked by one move.
So this week expect a top 25 defenseman list with maybe a few potential sleepers tossed in for good measure. It will come out later in the week in time for next Sunday’s show. That is how it will work. Sundays will be a little more fantasy oriented. Wednesdays will start some of our divisional previews. We will debate player by player if necessary to give you the most informed opinion one could possibly get.
Stay tuned…the best is yet to come……
Sincerely,
Chris Wassel
Director Of The Program
