This is the time of year that finally the reality of hockey season sinks in. That is right, the first preseason games were played last night and before you know it, regular season hockey will be upon us. That is the nicest feeling any hockey fan can experience. No Fantasy Hockey GM with a clear conscience should take information at first glance as gospel. The minute that is done on a consistent basis means you are dependent on likely paid sites to guarantee good results that may not always come. Then what? One spends money on information that results in lost money. Nobody wants that.
Drafts are taking place all over and everywhere this week, next week, and even just before the openers which are just a little over two weeks away. Everything is gearing up towards what promises to be an intriguing fantasy hockey season. The question becomes what can you take out of one night of preseason hockey? Well that answer is uncertain at best.
However, we will try as we might here at The Program. Also we will be working for a handful of other sites as well in an effort to not only spread some insight but take some insight from the fans as well. The fans provide the greatest amount of info via their feedback. It can never be underestimated. Also we start the rapid fire edition of Weekly Slapshot tonight as well at 9:30pm ET right HERE.
Furthermore, we will be taking an admin role on at The Daily Faceoff. This will only enhance our ability to give you the latest information and updates without costing you anything. We will be hitting high and hard like we always do. Stay tuned and stay observant.
So what caught our eye last night? Quite simply Jake Gardiner. Not only did he look good and polished but it was not just the because its game 1 of the preseason type of thing. There was a presence about him and even Tyler Bozak last night also from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Early on we also like the way Blake Geoffrion looks and the two points yesterday is a harbinger of things to come. Though he did not quite make our sleepers tier, he is one to keep an eye on. We may just add him anyway.
Jared Cowan is also a guy to look at for Ottawa. While he is definitely rough around the edges, do take note that he exerts maximum effort at all times on the ice. Any player that is not afraid of contact and has pretty good hands will find a way to stick with a team. Cowan definitely impressed on the first outing and it will be curious to see what he does in subsequent games.
Tonight there are more games, including a doubleheader on the NHL Network beginning at 7pm ET so there will be more opportunities to take a look at some up and comers while keeping a keen eye on the mainstays. It should be a lot of fun and definitely something to look forward as the season is only 16 days away. Until then, enjoy the banter floating from it seems everywhere.
