Monday, October 26, 2009

Just Fantasy Hockey - Week 5 Forecaster


Week 5 is one of the busier weeks in fantasy hockey this year. So many games owners have lots of good choices in players to play on their rosters.

4 Game week
Islanders, Rangers, Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Capitals, Avalanche, Wild, Canucks and Coyotes.

3 Game week
Devils, Penguins, Bruins, Sabres, Senators, Hurricanes, Panthers, Blackhawks, Blue Jackets, Red Wings, Predators, Blues, Oilers, Ducks, Stars and Sharks.

2 Game week
Flyers, Thrashers, Lightning, Flames and Kings.

Washington: Philadelphia, @ Atlanta, New York Islanders, Columbus.
Look for a great offensive week from Ovechkin and company this week. It should be a high scoring affair against Philly to start off the week followed by three weaker opponents in the Thrashers, Isles and Jackets.
Fantasy spin: Theodore will likely see at least one game this week as the Capitals have no need to rush him back. Varlamov should be benched against Philly since they have shown they could hit the twine against any team. Play all your offensive Caps with confidence.

Toronto: @Anaheim, @ Dallas, @ Buffalo, @Montreal.
The forecast does not look good for the Maple Leafs. Maybe some time away from the pressure pot at the ACC and some time to gel as a team is what the doctor ordered for the struggling Leafs.
Fantasy spin: Owners should choose quality over quantity for leagues having weekly roster changes. With so many teams playing 4 games there are better options.

NY Rangers: Phoenix, @New York Islanders, @Minnesota, Boston.
Surprisingly, the Rangers rank 3rd overall in goals per game and should have no trouble continuing their hot start. The week starts off hard against the number 1 defense in the league but ends with games with teams in the bottom third of Goals Against. Although the offence should have a very solid week, it is Lundqvist who might be the biggest play of the week. With all four teams the Rangers face having difficulty finding the net the Ranger net minder is set for a huge fantasy week.
Fantasy spin: Look for Gaborik and Prospal to continue scoring and Lundqvist to have a very solid week.

Montreal: New York Islanders, @Pittsburgh, @Chicago, Toronto
The most impactful fantasy story coming out of Montreal this week will be the goaltending situation. No question with Price’s poor play of late that Halak is the primary goaltender for now. The question is whether Price can play his way back into the net with Halak playing so well.
Fantasy spin: With two easy games at home and two tough ones away from the Bell Centre, look for the goaltending saga to continue after this week. Halak and Price should split time in net with the better of the two holding the edge on who will start the following week.

Colorado: @Edmonton, @Calgary, @San Jose, @Vancouver.
Not a favourable forecast for the up and coming Av’s, with four difficult games against conference rivals on the road. Anderson has played extremely well for Colorado, but this week should be a good indication on whether if he can take the next step.
Fantasy spin: Currently Edmonton, Calgary and San Jose sit first, second, or eighth in Goals per game respectively, so no one will blame you for sitting Anderson this week.

Nashville: @Minnesota, Chicago, Dallas
Not much going on for the Predators offensively as they sit dead last in goals scored, but the goaltending scenario seems to be finding its way here. Look for Ellis to start against Minnesota and Dallas and Rinne, who played just horrid against the Senators last week, to start against the offensive Blackhawks.
Fantasy spin: Ellis has a chance to distance himself against Rinne. If Ellis has a strong week, he definitely has the upper hand.

Brian

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