This is a post from almost one year ago but has some interesting tidbits and proof that fantasy hockey can have a lot of the same storylines right around this time of year. Enjoy.
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There was a Mike Fisher sighting? Yes legend has it there was.
Thanks to Ian Gooding of Fantasyhockey.com once again for helping us out here. It has been a very busy last couple of weeks and we always appreciate every last ounce of help. Below is his “Pick Six” and then we are going to add a few things to the mix.
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Wednesday reverts to a light night of action with only five games on the schedule. Having said that, there are some matchups on this day that have significant real-life and fantasy implications.
Zach Parise, LW, NJ – sit
(Editor’s Note) — We will all have to wait for Zach Parise a bit longer and yes so will Travis Zajac, who is anxious admittedly to see his North Dakota pal on the ice in game action. He will not play on Friday either so since Parise did say he would start in one of the next three, that means the target date is now Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens. Please adjust your fantasy rosters accordingly but he will not play tonight (thanks to Rich Chere and Tom Gulitti). Also it will take him a game or two to get back to that “Lemaire shape” people often keep talking about. We did caution people of this as far back as March 2nd when Parise was cleared to skate.
Teemu Selanne, RW, ANA – start
My Captain Obvious pick of the day, but the 40-year-old Selanne is making those who thought he was washed up eat their words. Selanne must be sipping from the fountain of youth right now, as his 75 points (28g-47a) are his best total in five seasons. He has hit the twine seven times in the last five games, including a hat trick on Monday against Colorado. The playoff-desperate Flames will be a tougher test, but you have to sit back and admire the fact that he is on an amazing run right now. I’m just amazed at how dirt cheap I was able to sign him for in one auction league this season.
Ray Emery, G, ANA – start
I have absolutely nothing confirming that Emery will start this game, and knowing Randy Carlyle, there probably won’t be any information provided either. Still, Emery is playing lights-out goal and is yet available in only 22 percent of Yahoo leagues. In his only start since returning from vertigo, Jonas Hiller lasted all of 12 minutes, allowing three goals. His owners will argue that there is nothing wrong, but I’m beginning to wonder. Meanwhile, Emery has reeled off five consecutive wins, along with a stellar 1.88 GAA and .938 SV%. Even if Emery doesn’t start this game, we haven’t seen the last of him this season.
Joey MacDonald, G, DET – start
The Red Wings, who will make the playoffs for the 20th consecutive season, have absolutely no need to rushJimmy Howard back from his shoulder injury. With Chris Osgood out for the season and maybe forever, the spot originally reserved for Evgeni Nabokov is now being held by Joey Mac. Like Emery, Joey Mac is not a lock to start Wednesday’s game against a Blues team playing its second game in back-to-back nights. Even if he doesn’t start Wednesday, he’ll start at least one or two more games before the end of the season to keep Howard fresh for the playoffs.
Matt D’Agostini, RW, STL – start
Go ahead and blame me for lack of originality, since D’Agostini was also in yesterday’s Pick Six. But there he is again, and you’ve got a chance to pick him up for Wednesday if you didn’t on Tuesday. D’Agostini is one of those 20-goal scorers you’ve probably never heard of, and he is a point-per-game player this month (12 points in 13 games).
Matt Moulson, LW, NYI – bench
Matty Mo has repeated his unexpected 30-goal campaign last season with… another 30-goal campaign. However, March has not been so kind to him with just three goals in 13 games and no points in his last five games. Even if the Devils are all but out of the playoff hunt, they will likely provide a tough defensive test for Moulson and the Isles’ other young snipers. Moulson is also a much better player at home (20 goals) than on the road (10 goals), so don’t expect a whole lot.
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Our Three Fantasy Performers Of Last Night:
1. Tim Thomas (BOS) — 32 saves, shutout.
2. Ilya Bryzgalov (PHX) — 44 saves, 1 GA, WIN
3. Martin St. Louis (TAM) — 2 goals, GWG
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Fantasy Vezina Race:
1. Tim Thomas (BOS) — 13
2. Henrik Lundqvist (NYR) — 14
3. Pekka Rinne (NSH) — 16
4. Roberto Luongo (VAN) — 16.5
5. Carey Price (MTL) — 18.5
Hanging in: Ilya Bryzgalov (PHX) and Jon Quick (LA)
Coming soon will be out Hart updates we well so stay tuned and good luck tonight in your fantasy hockey leagues.
An oh by the way. Our “trackers” take a Top 5 list and compare their numbers strictly to each other hence the point totals. So if you disagree with them, by all means let us have it. Goalies are judged based on Games Started, Wins, GAA, Save %, and shutouts for example. By all means, comment away.
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