Just Fantasy Hockey: Week 9 Forecaster

Nov 23rd-29th

We enter week 9 slowly approaching the halfway point in most fantasy leagues. This week is the busiest week of the NHL schedule with more teams playing 4 games then 3. Moreover, most of the action occurs Monday through Saturday which means most of your guys will be playing on the same night. So playing your match ups this week is the key to success.

Let’s check out the week ahead.

4 Game Week: Anaheim, Boston, Calgary, Carolina, Colorado, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Edmonton, Florida, Nashville, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Ottawa, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, St. Louis.

3 Game Week: Atlanta, Buffalo, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minnesota, Montreal, New Jersey, San Jose, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Vancouver, Washington.

Teams to Watch:

Anaheim: Calgary, Carolina, Chicago, Phoenix

The Ducks are the only team playing all 4 games at home. While that is a good thing for the Ducks offense it is quite the opposite for their defence. Anaheim sits dead last in GAA at home with a GAA of 3.50

Fantasy Spin: Hiller is struggling and will be pressed on home ice. There are better fantasy options in net this week. Getzlaf, Perry and Ryan are solid plays in any fantasy format.

Colorado: Philadelphia, Nashville, @Minnesota, Minnesota

Daily leagues are all about maximizing your match ups and here is your best chance. Great week for your Avs as Philadelphia is in the midst of a 5 game road trip, Nashville has the worst offence in the NHL, and they finish off the week with a home and home series against the League's 5^th worst offence.

Fantasy Spin: Anderson should get 3 of the four starts and is a must play this week.

New York Islanders: @Toronto, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, @ New Jersey

The Islanders surprisingly have a favourable match up defensively and could offer some solid numbers this week. The Isle’s enter the week as the 4^th best defensive team at home allowing just over 2 goals against in their 9 games so far this season. With two homes games against Toronto and New Jersey, who are both in the bottom half of league scoring, the Islanders could put up strong numbers.

Fantasy Spin: Look for Roloson and Biron to split the starts in the upcoming week.

Pittsburgh: @Florida, Montreal, @New York Islanders, New York Rangers.

Be careful playing your Penguins this week because they are facing some pretty hot teams. In addition, the Penguins surprisingly have the 13^th ranked offense and have been struggling of late. Finally, the Pittsburgh blue line is banged up right now with Letang and Goligoski out, while Orpik and Gonchar just got back into the line up.

Fantasy Spin: Fleury has just 2 wins in his last 6 starts with a GAA and SV% of 3.32 and .885 respectively. There are better options in a busy week. Crosby and Malkin are good but not as strong plays when looking at the choices owners have in the up coming week.

Brian

Just Fantasy Hockey - Week 4 Goalie Report

Hot

Tim Thomas: After allowing 6 goals against the Ducks and sitting the next two games, he came back and shut out the Stars in Dallas. Posting a very respectable 2.00 GAA and .935 SV% and 1 shut out over the last 7 days gives Thomas a nod on the hot list this week.

Pascal Leclaire: With two starts and two wins later, we are seeing what a healthy Leclair can do in a good week. Allowing just one goal in each of his contests against the Habs and Lightning, and posting a stellar .956 SV%, a healthy Leclaire remains a must start in any fantasy format.

Marc-Andre Fleury: The hottest team and the hottest goalie go hand in hand. Fleury keeps on rolling with strong performances last week, making big saves when he was called upon. Winning both his starts and posting a 1.00 and .957 GAA and SV% respectively makes Fleury the top net minder this week.

Cold

Dwayne Roloson: It’s hard to fault anyone playing between the pipes for the Islanders this year. Getting pulled halfway through a game after allowing 4 goals on 12 shots deserves to be on the cold side. Roloson will get a few wins since the Islanders are an improving team, but should suffer in the GAA and SV% categories. Avoid him if you can.

Jonas Hiller: Although he played well in his last outing, stopping 34 of the 37 shots, Hiller struggled by allowing 3 goals on 12 shots. With a 4.26 GAA and .878 SV%, he finished the week with no wins on 2 stars. Look for Hiller to continue to get starts as J.S Giguere is currently out due to injury and Hiller will still get time in net to correct his course.

Carey Price: After allowing 3 goals against the Avalanche on 23 shots and 3 goals against the offensively challenged Senators, Halak got the call to start. He played tremendously allowing just a single goal. Price’s cold week could have triggered a tandem situation in Montreal, keep Price on a short leash for now.

Other mentionables: Craig Anderson and Ilya Bryzgalov continue on the upward rise. They continue to play at a high level each night and are rewarding their owners with amazing stats. Keep riding their streak until they shows signs of faultering.

Brian

Players to Watch - Week 4

Eric Belanger (C) – Minnesota
Increased responsibility playing on the top 2 lines in Minnesota.

Dustin Penner (RW) – Edmonton
Coach Quinn seems to have found the right mix for him to reach his potential.

Matt Moulson (LW) – NY Islanders
Playing on the top line and getting a lot of opportunities.

Clarke McArthur (LW) – Buffalo
Scoring important goals and playing on the top 2 lines.

Matt Carle (D) – Philadelphia

Paired with Pronger on the powerplay, will get points from the highflying Flyers.

Week 3 Results

Patric Hornqvist (RW) – Nashville – 0G – 2A – 2PTS
Jordan Staal (C) – Pittsburgh – 1G – 0A – 1PTS
Daniel Cleary (LW) – Detroit – 0G – 1A – 1PTS
Ryan Malone (LW) – Tampa – 2G – 0A – 2PTS

Steve Bernier (RW) – Vancouver – 0G – 1A – 1PTS

Mark

Just Fantasy Hockey - Week 2 Rookie Watch

Rookies play an integral part in any pool as well as the NHL. Some players are no brianers to produce in their first year of play, Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, but some take a while to get their feet wet and make an impact.

Each season fantasy owners take a stab at drafting a rookie that could help their team immediately or in the near future. Every Tuesday at Just Fantasy Hockey we will have our weekly Rookie Watch segment where we will breakdown the top rookies around the league and how they could impact your team.

Michael Del Zotto (D) – NYR – 3GP, 2G, 1A, 3PTS

Del Zotto is anchoring the Rangers powerplay at this point and should help your fantasy team in the short term. If he is available, pick him up.

James Van Riemsdyk (LW) – PHI – 2GP, 0G, 3A, 3 PTS

JVR is ready for the NHL and is primed to make an impact in his first year. He should be able to fill a depth role on your team and make a run for the Calder Trophy.

John Tavares (C) – NYI – 1GP, 1G, 1A, 2PTS

The number one pick made an impact in his first game. Facing Crosby and Malkin in your first game and walking away with an shootout loss is a big accomplishment. He should be taken in all drafts.

Matt Gilroy (D) - NYR – 3 GP, 1G, 0A, 1PTS

At 25, Gilroy has the poise of a veteran but is lacking the experience. Logging 18:09 minutes of ice-time a game, Gilroy will take time to develop into a fantasy option.

Nikita Filatov (LW) – CLB – 2 GP, 1G, 0A, 1PTS

Filatov is looking to make an impact and impress coach Hitchcock in his first season. With one goal in 2 games and logging a mere 8:29 minutes of ice-time a game, owners of Filatov should take the wait and see approach when dressing him.

Other mentionables: Benn Ferriero is playing on the top 2 lines in San Jose, Evander Kane assisted in his first game in Atlanta playing on the third line, Victor Hedman has one point and logged 26:27 minutes in his first NHL game.

Mark

Just Fantasy Hockey - Weekend Forecaster

Thursday October 1st

Washington at Boston
These two teams finished 1-2 in the East last year. While Boston lost only 6 games at home in 2008-2009, one of them was to the Capitals. The only other time these two teams met last year, Boston won in overtime. It will be an early test for both Thomas and Theodore/Varlamov, as both high-powered offences should come out swinging.

San Jose at Colorado
Colorado’s only highlight may be when Joe Sakic’s number is raised to the rafters. Look for San Jose to come out firing as they try to erase the memory of last year’s early playoff exit. San Jose won all four meetings vs Colorado last year. You might want to rest Budaj if you have him in your league.

Friday October 2nd

Philadelphia at Carolina
Ray Emery and Chris Pronger make their Flyers’ debut as Philadelphia tries to improve on last years’ 99 point season. Last season, three out of the four games between these two teams went to overtime, however the Flyers took both games at the RBC Center. Look for Pronger to make a statement in his first game with the Orange and Black.

Saturday October 3rd

Pittsburgh at New York Islanders
If you own an Islander goaltender, you should bench them for this game. Week 1 of most fantasy leagues will run for ten days instead of the typical 7 and you should have ample opportunities to get your starts in later in the week. Islanders had the third worst GAA last year, and when you factor in Malkin, Crosby and company, you have a perfect storm. Start all your Penguins as this could get ugly.

San Jose at Anaheim
San Jose will love to get an early crack at Anaheim after the Ducks upset the President trophy winners last year in the first round of the playoffs. For those owners who have Nabakov this should be a good preview on what to expect. This should be a tight-checking game and a great goaltending battle between Hiller and Nabby.

Brian

Schremp: Voted on to the Island

The New York Islanders have claimed Robbie Schremp off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers.

Schremp, the former London Knight and Youtube legend, never seemed to fit into the Oilers plans. After tearing up the OHL in 2005-2006 with 145 points in just 57 games, Schremp couldn't crack the Oils roster the following year. He has registered three decent years in the AHL since then but his lack of a two-way game has kept him out of the big show. After failing to make the Oilers squad for the 4th straight season, Schremp had to be placed on waivers before being demoted to the AHL.

The Isles have taken a flyer on Schremp as his skillset is too good to pass up. Fielding only a few good young players, and a bunch of AHLers, the Isles had the roster space to give him a shot. The Isles will have to place him back on waivers if they intend to send him down so Schremp will get quality NHL minutes to prove he can play at this level. With few skilled wingers, Schremp could quickly be the Isles best option to play with rookie John Tavares. Follow this situation closely because the two could make some sweet magic together. Or Schremp could be on waivers by mid-October...

Chris

Training Camp Notes: September 21st

Curtis Glencross (LW), CGY – Once cast-away from Edmonton, Glencross has finally found a home in Calgary. He tallied 1 goal and 3 helpers while playing on the top line last night. At this point the left-wing position on the top line in Calgary is not set as Glencross, Bourque and Dawes fight to play with Iginla and Jokinen. Keep an eye out for the winner.

Martin Havlat (RW), MIN – Havlat played in his first game as a member of the Wild and it couldn’t have been sweeter. Playing against a weaker Blackhawks pre-seaoson team, Havlat still scored 2 goals and led his team to a shutout victory. Havlat still possesses magnificent skills and will average a point per game.


Jordan Eberle (C), EDM – The energetic 19 year old has been playing lights out since the beginning of training camp. His smallish size has made him a speedy offensive weapon that fits the Edmonton style of play. Held pointless, he has been arguably one of the top Oilers thus far in camp, out-playing some of the ‘skilled’ veterans.

Calvin De Haan (D), NYI – One of the surprises of June's draft, the Isles picked De Haan much higher then many scouts anticipated. So far in training camp, De Haan has looked poised but still green around the collar. The young d-man is an offensive threat and will one day be a top guy on the Islanders blueline. Keep an eye on him in long term keeper leagues as he would be the perfect compliment to Streit on that powerplay.

Mark

Training Camp Notes: September 18th

Training camp is in full swing, and here at Just Fantasy Hockey we're going to break down what you need to know. Every morning, we'll post a blog that highlights performances from intriguing fantasy players and any other relevant training camp news.

What a moment for Theo Fleury last night in Calgary. The dimunitive winger scored the shootout winner in front of the home crowd. It was an amazing moment for Fleury but it may be the peak of his comeback. Fleury looked a step behind and will struggle to make an impact this pre-season. He will likely get a ticket to Abbotsford and, like Claude Lemieux last year, will need to impress there to get a mid-season call-up. Stay away fantasy players.

The big news of the night was the impressive debut of former Boston College standout Colin Wilson. The Nashville centre had a goal and two assists in only 11:26 of ice-time. Wilson may break camp as the Predator's #2 centre and should challenge Cody Hodgson, John Tavares and Nikita Filatov for the rookie scoring title. Only thing holding him back is head coach Barry Trotz's tendency to slowly break in rookies. Draft early in keeper leagues and keep an eye on his progress and ice-time early on.

Maple Leafs fans are starting to get a taste of the future. Nazem Kadri scored his first pre-season goal last night and has not looked out of place in two games. That said, I still can't see Kadri making this team. Tyler Bozak has been one of the most dangerous players on the ice in both pre-season games and looks to be a lock on the roster. Former Vermont winger Viktor Stalberg has also been impressive with his unique blend of size and top-speed. The Leafs are crowded up-front with bottom 6 forwards so it's tough to see where these impressive rookies could fit in. Grab Bozak in the late rounds though, he could be a steal...a very smart player that reminds me of David Krejci. He should be able to match Krejci's rookie season of 27 points in 56 games.

Colorado rookie Matt Duchene played in his first pre-season game last night and went pointless in 12:38 of ice-time. He did receive a team high 2:38 on the powerplay though, showing you that the Avalanche are going to give him every opportunity to make this team. I expect Duchene will make the Avs and have a decent rookie year. Think 35-40 points. Keeper leagues, draft early.

Buyer beware on Kyle Okposo. The promising young Isles winger got absolutely drilled by Dion Phaneuf in last night's game. Phaneuf hasn't thrown a hit like that in a year and a half. Okposo was carried off in a stretcher and has suffered a "mild" concussion. He could be out for a while so keep tabs on his recovery and hope for the best if you already drafted him. Okposo was set for a breakout season.

Chris

Pre-Season Rookie Watch

Toronto - Tyler Bozak (C) – The 23 year old played his first game for the blue and white and used every opportunity to make his point to coach Wilson to stay with the big club. With 17:28 minutes of ice-time, Bozak tallied a short-handed goal and had two other shots on net. He was involved in many offensive opportunities and looked like a seasoned sniper.

Philadelphia – James Van Reimsdyk (LW) – Another older rookie has looked quite impressive in his two games so far this pre-season. Van Reimsdyk scored the lone goal against Detroit, with 2 shots on goal and 14:36 minutes of icetime and lit the lamp in the Taverse City rookie tournament. Keep an eye on him as he should be on the Flyers opening night roster.

NY Islanders – John Tavares (C) – The #1 overall draft choice took to the ice for his pre-season action against the Oilers. Finishing a -1 on the night, Tavares skated for a whopping 22:50 minutes and was second on the team in total ice-time.

Pittsburgh – Eric Tangradi (C) – Playing in his first NHL tilt, the rookie got to play shotgun with Sidney Crosby. In 14:31 minutes of ice-time, Tangradi had 2 shots on net and assisted twice on goals by Crosby. Keep an eye on Tangradi, if he is able to make the team he may find himself of a line with Crosby or Malkin, he is that skilled.

Ottawa – Erik Karlsson (D) – The highly touted prospect has finally made his way to the NHL. Playing in his first game, Karlsson had 7 shots on net and 20:44 minutes of ice-time. Not bad for his first game and defiantly worth taking a look at in deeper leagues.

Phoenix – Kevin Porter (C) – The unknown Porter has been on fire in his first two pre-season games for the Coyotes. Porter netted 3 assists against a split-squad Kings team and skated for 21:15 minutes and assisted on the Coyotes lone goal against Anaheim with 21:26 minutes of ice-time. Keep an eye on him as he could fall into sleep category soon.

Mark

Atlantic Division Sleepers

New Jersey – Travis Zajac (C) – The time has come for the 31 year old to take his game to the next level. Zajac has the ability to play as the top pivot in New Jersey and playing with Parise will help anyone’s stats. With 62 points in 82 games last season, Zajac may have hit a ceiling with his point total as coach Lemaire likes to play a defense first style of play.

FEARLESS FORECAST – 82 GP – 20 G – 45 A – 65 PTS

NY Islanders – Josh Bailey (C) – The speedy playmaker came into the league and had a period of adjustment to the tempo of the game. At 19 years old, Bailey should quickly become a fan favourite in Long Island and definitely improve on his 25 points in 68 games.

FEARLESS FORCAST – 73 GP – 16 G – 25 A – 41 PTS

NY Rangers – Ryan Callahan (RW) – With his signature on a new contract, Callahan will once again be called upon to play a big role in New York. A favourite down the stretch for coach Tortarella, Callahan saw time on the top lines and created space for his teammates. Callahan should improve on his 40 points in 81 from last season.

FEARLESS FORECAST – 82 GP – 25 G – 21 A – 46 PTS

Philadelphia – Claude Giroux (RW) – The playoffs were a coming out party for young Giroux. Arguably the best player for the Flyers last spring, Giroux has risen up the depth charts with the loss of Knuble and Lupul. With 27 points in 42 games, Giroux offers the ability to play wing and center, making him useful in all situations. Giroux is poised to double his stats from last season on a very good Flyers team.

FEARLESS FORECAST – 80 GP – 30 G – 35 A – 65 PTS

Pittsburgh – Kris Letang (D) – After winning the Stanley Cup, the Penguins were unable to re-sign some of their depth defensemen. Letang is a young d-man that has produced at every level and will now be looked at for a more offensive role from the back-end. Letang scored 33 points in 74 games and should have no problem adding some more points to that this season.

FEARLESS FORECAST – 76 GP – 12 G – 24 A – 36 PTS

Mark