So HE returns……..
So now we know that Sidney Crosby is coming back tonight against the New York Islanders. The Pittsburgh Penguins Center has missed basically what amounts to nearly a 1/4 of the season with post concussion syndrome. Remember he has been out for some 10 1/2 months but who is counting, especially in Pittsburgh and in fantasy circles.
While it will be tough to really gauge Crosby’s impact, keep in mind that he will be eased into the lineup or that is the impression we received from the Dan Bylsma press conference. His ice time tonight is expected to be around 12-14 minute and no one would be shocked if a good chunk of it came on the man advantage. Some are questioning the return tonght but gee its on Versus, its now on HNIC, it will probably be broadcast throughout the world. ESPN will probably even cover it in detail (gasp I said ESPN!).
As to who his linemates will be, please watch the first game to get an idea of who he is mostly playing with. Do not go by press conferences, interviews, and such. Just watch. It is the best advice I can give to any fantasy player out there.
Now trying to predict what he will do tonight is anyone’s guess. We have all seen the greats come back and do some unbelievable things after long layoffs. Humbly, this is a wait and see. Enjoy the game and most importantly be thankful you can put #87 back in your lineup at last.
SCHEDULE TIME……
Monday, November 21, 2011 |
|||||
| Teams | Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina | at | Philadelphia | 7:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| NY Islanders | at | Pittsburgh | 7:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Phoenix | at | Washington | 7:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Calgary | at | Columbus | 7:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Boston | at | Montreal | 7:30 PM | Gameday | ||
| New Jersey | at | Florida | 7:30 PM | Gameday | ||
| Edmonton | at | Dallas | 8:30 PM | Gameday | ||
Yes there are six other games besides the Sidney Crosby game tonight. We are going to see if Carolina can build on last night’s game against Toronto where Eric Staal started to look like Staal. Washington will try to stop the fantasy bleeding against Phoenix (and literal too). Montreal entertains Boston in a game that’s thunder has been stolen a bit. Finally, we will see if Dallas can finally get off the mat as Alex Goligoski’s injury has really left their blueline at a loss (0-4 since injury). It really does shape up to be a rather hectic night in the NHL for a Monday.
KEEP AN EYE ON………
Martin Brodeur, G, New Jersey Devils — It is time for Brodeur to absolutely steal a game and this would be it. The second leg in the Florida road trip has always been a bit of a letdown for New Jersey and Florida is no easy opponent this year. New Jersey’s biggest problem is the third period this season as opposed to the second last year. Brodeur has to play a bit better in the third period but the team around him has to step up the intensity and not let the foot off the pedal. The third period is likely to be key tonight, especially for Brodeur and fantasy owners too.
Carey Price and Tim Thomas (Montreal Vs. Boston) — Are we going to get a shootout or a rout or a hotly contested 2-1 contest? The answer is probably who knows. However, these are two of the best in the game right now and this rivalry always brings out a little bit of the weird and bizarre. Honestly, it seems both goalies will be on their game tonight and the result should be close. A 3-2 or 4-3 contest with some amazing saves is probably likely but do not quote us on this. Watch the first 20 and especially the intensity level to see which way this one will go.
As always welcome to Week 7, good luck in your fantasy league. You can follow us on twitter via @TheProgramBTR. Thanks again.
