BRIAN ROLSTON? Really? Yes. Last night was one of those strange fantasy night where there was a little of everything crazy. When you see the crooked numbers like what Boston and Buffalo put up combined with that wild game between San Jose and Anaheim, there is a reason why we call it “Manic Monday”. Then there was the Josh Harding shutout of the Vancouver Canucks, who had looked like were waking up (Sedin Twins). It all goes to show you that just when you have it figured out somewhat, there is that twist just waiting to put everything back into a state of total flux.
We did not even mention the two goal night of Alex Ovechkin until now. There was fight night at Madison Square Garden and just craziness even after the game. Who on Earth could take home the Fantasy POTN after a night like this? Yes we now have that answer.
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FANTASY POTN:
Brian Rolston, LW/RW, Boston Bruins — It was a close one but Rolston took it on a night of many things bizarre. His one goal three assist performance (plus a +4) was done only in 14:06 of ice time which is pretty efficient and he only had two shots on goal. This included a three point second period where he accounted for all of the scoring in one way or another with a PP assist, EV assist, and EV goal too. Those two assists were primaries also. One night outbursts can happen this time of year but Boston probably wishes they played Toronto at least a few more times. They did go 6-0 against them this year after all with a healthy scoring margin.
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QUICK LOOK BACK:
Josh Harding, G, Minnesota Wild — Harding was a shot in the dark against a Vancouver team that looked like it was waking up and then of course a 33 save shutout happens. These are the type of unexpected performances that one can expect in the final weeks because inevitably eggs are layed by teams looking to secure positions. However, you have to give credit to Harding who made ten crucial stops in the third period to preserve the bagel. If you are deep and desperate and Minnesota ponders riding a warm hand, then Harding may be worth a shot in the dark at least. One could do worse, like Tampa Bay goaltending right? Exactly!
Drew Stafford, W, Buffalo Sabres — This Stafford-Ennis-Foligno lines continues to shine with seven combined points last night against Tampa (3 G 4 A). Stafford had three points in all and honestly his goal and two assists probably could have been even more if Lindy Ruff had not called off the dogs somewhat in the third period. It was that kind of night where everything seemed to work and this “second line” for Buffalo is continuing to play like a first line. We warned people that if Tyler Ennis could stay healthy that Drew Stafford could be a major beneficiary. No one really expected this however. Ride the hot wave while you can but Stafford and Ennis are major plays for the rest of the campaign.
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SCHEDULE TIME:
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 |
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| Teams | Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NY Islanders | at | Toronto | 7:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Florida | at | Philadelphia | 7:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Winnipeg | at | Pittsburgh | 7:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Chicago | at | Columbus | 7:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| New Jersey | at | Ottawa | 7:30 PM | Gameday | ||
| Edmonton | at | Nashville | 8:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Phoenix | at | Dallas | 8:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| Calgary | at | Colorado | 9:00 PM | Gameday | ||
| San Jose | at | Los Angeles | 10:30 PM | Gameday | ||
So there is a nine game schedule tonight and we bring in the big guns before the Weekly Slapshot show at 9:30pm ET tonight. Ian Gooding gives us his Pick Six as he holds nothing back at all.
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PICK SIX:
Monday night’s NHL action featured a Rangers-Devils opening-faceoff bloodbath, a fading Leafs team getting their lunch handed to them to the tune of 8-0 by the Bruins, and a similar result in the Sabres-Lightning game. (And I had to tune into the Wild-Canucks snoozefest.)
What could be in store on Tuesday? Probably nothing nearly as exciting. But the fantasy playoffs are finally upon us in most head-to-head formats, so there’s no need to create any more drama than there already is. Here are six players who could attract some attention on Tuesday, hopefully for the right reasons.
Semyon Varlamov, G, COL – start
Let’s start with a goalie today. Varlamov is scheduled to start Tuesday’s Northwest Division showdown with the Flames (Adrian Dater). He hasn’t played his best hockey of the season against the Flames (allowed four goals on 20 shots on November 12); however, Varly has won four in a row and six of his last seven games. As of this writing, the Avalanche are holding the eighth seed in the tight Western Conference, while the Flames are two points behind with a game in hand. Talk about a meaningful game on both a real and a fantasy level.
Ben Bishop, G, OTT – add/start
To use the exact words of one of my friends, Bishop is a monster. I know I’ve mentioned his name more than once in this article, but Bishop will start against the Devils on Tuesday (Yahoo Sports). Since joining the Sens, Bishop has a solid 2.15 GAA and .915 SV% in six games. The Devils will no doubt bring the nasty following their bitter battle with the Rangers on Monday, but they could be a tired group playing on consecutive nights.
Dustin Brown, RW, LA – start
After being the subject of trade rumors at the deadline, Brown has demonstrated to the Kings why a trade wouldn’t have been a good idea. Brown recently had a ten-game point streak snapped – a point streak that was started with a hat trick against the Blackhawks on February 25. Brown and the Kings face another team playing the second of back-to-backs – the San Jose Sharks. He has been shut out against the Sharks this season, but there’s no reason for Brown to be on your bench at this time.
Curtis Glencross, LW, CGY – add/start
Could Curtis Glencross really score 30 goals this season? Well, he’s already at 25. Glencross is on a four-game goal drought after scoring seven in a row earlier this month, the longest such streak this season. The Flames play one of those four-pointers on Tuesday against the Avs, a team that Glencross has owned this season (three goals in three games). Surprisingly, Glencross is still available in two-thirds of Yahoo leagues.
Matt Cooke, LW, PIT – add
Yes, I’m talking about that Matt Cooke – the one you don’t like. But winning in fantasy hockey isn’t all about how much you like a player. If you believe in Sidney Crosby, then maybe you can make room for Cooke. Believe it or not, his 16 goals this season is a new career high for the 33-year old. In addition, Cooker has four goals in his last three games – his last two goals assisted by Crosby himself. Want to see an even more surprising stat? Cooke has only 30 penalty minutes this season.
Alexander Radulov, RW, NSH – watch
The Alexander Radulov watch is on in all leagues. Assuming he returns to the Predators, Radulov should instantly become the most naturally talented player on his new (old) team. His presence could immediately provide the Preds with the shot in the arm that they need to truly contend for the Stanley Cup. He will probably need a game or two to get his North American legs back to speed, so don’t expect the world right away. In addition, he isn’t the best option to reach for in your keeper league, as he could very well decide to return to Mother Russia next season after finally fulfilling the final year of his NHL contract.
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Good luck once again on the first busy fantasy night of the week. Listen in to the Weekly Slapshot tonight at 9:30pm ET where we take rapid fire questions and bring you the answers your fantasy team needs. Thanks again for reading.
