Yes Anton Volchenkov has more goals than Scott Gomez. We know that was bad but Volchenkov was actually relevant in not just a hits and blocks sense yesterday. Sundays can bring about unexpected fantasy surprises. That is the nature of the beast in what was a very long Week 16 because of the All Star Break. It is time to take a quick look back at that Sunday in fantasy hockey.
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A LOOK BACK:
Ilya Kovalchuk, LW, New Jersey Devils — Kovalchuk had another solid game with three points including a goal and two assists (his setup of Volchenkov was particularly top notch). This effort brought Kovalchuk up to 50 points in 47 games on the season. Remember only 18 NHL players are averaging over a point a game this season. So a Fantasy Top 20 spot is not too bad for the forward is not unreasonable to suggest. In Week 17, he is going to have to be even more of a threat as his second half surge must continue.
Tim Thomas, G, Boston Bruins — So “Thomas Goes To Washington” was a lot more detrimental to the Caps the second time around as Thomas actually played and played well. His 35 saves keyed a huge 4-1 Boston win that may just start another little “fantasy run” for Tim Thomas. It always seems these signature wins springboard a run for Thomas and while the run he had (akin to Pekka Rinne) was amazing, mini runs are more likely as the season comes to a close (both up and down).
Marian Gaborik, RW, New York Rangers — Gaborik is just that type of player that can snipe from anywhere and it was his goal that truly gave the Rangers life up 2-1 heading into the third and his primary assist on Michael Del Zotto’s goal that gave the Rangers a lead they would never give up. When Gaborik plays at his best, he is setting up players and his own opportunities as well. He is a must start headed into Week 17 ladies and gentlemen.
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SCHEDULE TIME:
Monday, February 6, 2012 |
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| Teams | Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edmonton | at | Toronto | 7:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Detroit | at | Phoenix | 8:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Calgary | at | Anaheim | 10:00 PM | Gameday | ||
The light schedule is not short of potential intrigue as it will be interesting what Sam Gagner does tonight in Toronto. Something tells me the Edmonton forward’s show stops for a bit as Mikhail Grabovski and company steal the spotlight away. Detroit travels to Phoenix as Jimmy Howard continues to recover from his broken pinky that will keep him out almost another two weeks, maybe more. If the Red Wings have to go without Howard for any more time than that, they are going to have to look for a backup. Honestly, we all know Joey MacDonald, Ty Conklin, and whatever stooge from Grand Rapids is not the answer. Their road record is well doncumented and the Wings offense which is one of the most dangerous in the league has to answer the bell tonight.
Do not sleep on Calgary and Anaheim ladies and gentlemen. Anaheim has to start mounting some wins together again if it wants to entertain any hope of making the playoffs. Jonas Hiller has to pick up his game a bit and we all know Teemu Selanne does not want it to end this way. Calgary will need Jarome Iginla and yes Jay Bouwmeester’s continued scoring. Bouwmeester is finally starting to play like the defenseman everyone expected when he signed as a UFA (Florida). Calgary has a better chance to make the playoffs and needs to steal two points. It makes for some very fantasy quandries and a late gmae to truly keep an eye on.
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Good luck everyone on this first night of the week and thanks again for reading. We will be live tweeting updates and news as always.
