So now it is time to get this going and quickly. Before this computer explodes in almost certain doom, we will get on with the Fantasy Hockey ONE. Friday Night in the NHL will bring about some very interesting games including a traditional love fest in NYC. Though there are only six games in all, that does not mean there will be fantasy implications. Let’s break down what happened first with what happened last night in the NHl that impacted fantasy hockey leagues.
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Fantasy POTN:
Devan Dubnyk, G, Edmonton Oilers — Yes this was kind of a strange game but at the end of the night, Dubnyk had 35 saves in a 2-0 shutout over the Philadelphia Flyers. His hardest saves were probably in the third period but in reality, Dubnyk had one of the easier 35 save shutouts we have seen in some time. However, he is a goalie that could really have a shot in fantasy circles next year as the Oilers start to improve. At the very least he is a 3rd goaltending option for your fantasy leagues. It could be worse, you could have Craig Anderson of Ottawa who could miss several weeks now with an injury with a cut hand. Dubnyk is likely still on quite a few waiver wires and depending on the severity of that Anderson injury, well you fill in the blank.
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Raising Their Game…..
Patrick Marleau, F, San Jose Sharks — Marleau has plenty of versatility but tonight he came up huge against the Toronto Maple Leafs as his two goals were the difference in a 2-1 San Jose victory. In low scoring games like this, an effort like Marleau’s sometimes just stands out a lot more than one of those shootouts. That is just how it falls at times in fantasy hockey. Give the forward credit, he has battled all year. Yes he is only projected for around 65 points but his 23 goals include 7 GWG’s. That is pretty clutch.
Andrew Ladd, LW, Winnipeg Jets — It is that time of year where a guy like Andrew Ladd may just be very integral on your fantasy hockey team. What did he do tonight? He had a very elite effort with two goals, an assist, and eight shots on goal in a 4-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. This is the type of game that is almost needed from Ladd from here on out. Can he deliver that all the time? Probably not. However, if you get that every other game or even every three, your fantasy team can probably live with it.
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SCHEDULE TIME:
Friday, February 24, 2012 |
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| Teams | Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | at | New Jersey | 7:00 PM | Tickets | ||
| NY Rangers | at | NY Islanders | 7:00 PM | Tickets | ||
| Montreal | at | Washington | 7:00 PM | Tickets | ||
| Colorado | at | Columbus | 7:00 PM | Tickets | ||
| Boston | at | Buffalo | 7:30 PM | Tickets | ||
| Minnesota | at | Dallas | 8:30 PM | Tickets | ||
There are six games on the schedule tonight and the most intriguing one is actually the New York Rangers versus the New York Islanders because the Islanders have to absolutely win this one to have any chances in their quest for the eight seed but they have to stop the Rangers from being fantasy beasts against them once this year right? Maybe? Can the Islanders stop Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards? Also will they allow goalie Henrik Lundqvist to dominate them like he always seems to.
Yes there are reasons why the Rangers are where they are but this is a game that can be won by the boys from Long Island. P.A. Parenteau and John Tavares have to step up at all costs. Nothing can be left on the ice by the Islanders and we mean nothing! If Evgeni Nabokov is back in net, he has to play better than he has against the Rangers this year. Its simple. If the Islanders do not step up, the Rangers will skate right over the Islanders and the usual fantasy suspects will be the reason.
Tim Thomas and Ryan Miller are likely to face off in Buffalo and this is a key goalie matchup for fantasy owners. Thomas has looked shaky in the last month or so and Miller has kind of righted the ship about as well as he can right now. Buffalo has to make up ground and Ryan Miller has to be the reason why they do so. His goaltending has to buoy a team that has underperformed in a myriad of ways. This game will come down to which netminder best keeps their composure because goals will be scored. You have been warned!
Lastly, there is Montreal and Washington and all we have to say here is Alexander Ovechkin better play soon because that team is beyond a train wreck yet still has a shot to make the playoffs and win the Southeast. That is all we can really say about this one with a straight face.
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Good luck with the fantasy friday night in the NHL and we will keep everyone updated as we always do. There will be trade chatter and more and again thanks for reading!
