NHL Fantasy 3 Stars: Week 6
November 19, 2008
Total Pro Sports - While last week belonged to the goaltenders, this week belonged to the Washington Capitals. Both Ovechkin and Backstrom finally woke up and had big weeks scoring a combined 18 points.
This week's honorable mention goes to Devin Setoguchi of the San Jose Sharks who put up 8 points (4 goals & 4 assists). Five of those points came on the powerplay and one of his goals was a game winner. He also had 21 shots on goal which is big if it's a category in your league.
Lets take a look at the NHL Fantasy 3 Stars for Week 6.
3rd Star - Niklas Backstrom (G), Minnesota Wild
While the Wild only played two games last week Backstrom played in both collecting 2 wins while posting a 0.96 GAA, .960 SAV% and a shutout. Niklas has been an underrated goaltender, especially fantasy wise, since he came into the league back in 2006 which I find very surprising. He's a top notch goaltender who plays behind a defensive minded team. If you're weak in goal and need an upgrade I'd suggest trying to trade for Backstrom. He'll come at a cheaper price than someone like Cam Ward and at the end of the season will probably get you more fantasy points.
NHL Fantasy 3 Stars: Week 5
November 13, 2008
Total Pro Sports - Week 5 definitely belonged to the goalies. I didn't want the players to feel left out so I do have a forward as the third star.
Therefore, this week's honourable mention goes to goaltender Steve Mason of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Mason went 3-0-0 while posting a 2.60 GAA and .907 SAV%. If his solid play continues it'll make things interesting when Leclaire returns from injury.
Lets take a look at the NHL Fantasy 3 Stars for Week 5.
3rd Star - Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames
This guy is turning out to be a fantasy stud yet again. Iggy had 7 points (4 goals & 3 assists) and 12 SOG in 4 games. Four of those points, all goals, came on the powerplay. I would not be surprised if Jarome ended up being a better fantasy player than Ovechkin this year, especially if you have PIM as a category in your league.
NHL Fantasy 3 Stars: Week 4
November 4, 2008
Total Pro Sports - Week 4 saw two players regain their form and one who doesn't even have one but can still keep the pucks out of the net. Even though he didn't make the list, honourable mention has to go out to Corey Perry who put up 9 points last week (2 goals & 7 assists). He sure helped out my fantasy team last week.
Lets take a look at the NHL Fantasy 3 Stars for Week 4.
3rd Star - Teemu Selanne, Anaheim Ducks
The Finnish Flash was anything put invisible last week, especially on the power play. Selanne put up 9 points (6 goals & 3 assists), 7 of which came on the power play. Despite his age Teemu is still putting up the points and is looking to have another 80+ point season. If you're in a keeper league and have one too many young keepers, Teemu would be worth while giving up some youth for.
2nd Star - Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks
To steal a phrase from The Rock, "Finally! Ryan Getzlaf has come back to Anaheim!" Frustrated Getzlaf fantasy owners were waiting patiently and wondering when Ryan would finally break out. Well that break out happened last week putting up 10 points (2 goals & 8 assists). As young players are prone to doing, Getzlaf might get on another cold streak. If he does that's when you will want to jump in and try to make a trade for him while his value is down.
1st Star - Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins
While I personally dislike Thomas and his style, you can't argue with the numbers and results. Thomas won 3 games while posting a 0.99 GAA and a .970 SV% while recording back-to-back shutouts over the Oilers and Canucks. You might want to consider trading Thomas while his value is high since Manny Fernandez is right behind Tim and Boston wont hesitate to bring him in if Thomas has a bad game or two.
Remember to check back in next week to see who the NHL Fantasy 3 Stars will be for Week 5.
Semin: What’s So Special About Sidney Crosby?
October 31, 2008
Total Pro Sports - After getting listed with a day to day injury, Alexander Semin of the Washington Capitals is now questioning "What's So Special About Sidney Crosby?" and if Sidney Crosby is truly the leagues next best thing?
Semin was interviewed by yahoo.com, this is what he had to say about "Sid The Kid"
"What's so special about Sidney Crosby? I don't see anything special there," Semin, who leads the NHL with 16 points. Yes, he does skate well, has a good head, good pass. But there's nothing else. Even if you compare him to Patrick Kane from the Chicago Blackhawks ... (Kane) is a much more interesting player. The way he moves, his deaking abilities, his thinking on the ice and his anticipation of the play is so superb."
Sidney Crosby, left Thursdays game against the Phoenix Coyotes after feeling some sort of discomfort. Crosby is off to a decent start early in the season, with 13 points in 11 games.
"Honestly, I don't even know what happened; I'd have to look at the tape," Crosby told Pittsburgh reporters following the game. "I just had some discomfort. I just decided in the third period I couldn't do much, so..."
For all you fantasy hockey owners out there don't worry Sidney will be back and will get your team 100 point this year guaranteed. That's "What's So Special About Sidney Crosby?"
NHL Fantasy 3 Stars: Week 3
October 28, 2008
Total Pro Sports - In what will become a weekly event just like the Power Rankings, we'll be taking a look at the top 3 performers from the week. Not only were these players big fantasy hockey performers, they helped their own team win on the ice.
Lets take a look at the NHL 3 Stars for Week 3.
3rd Star - Marian Hossa, Detroit Red Wings
If you own Marian Hossa in your fantasy hockey league you breathed a sy of relief last week. After getting off to a slow start Hossa managed 6 points in Detroit's 3 games. Three of those points came against his former...former team the Thrashers scoring 2 goals and adding 1 assist. Seems like he's starting to get used to playing with his new teammates and things should only go up from here.
2nd Star - Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames
If you're a fantasy hockey owner that managed to buy low and get Kiprusoff via trade then you were laughing last week. Kipper won all 3 of his games while posting a 1.67 GAA and making 88 saves for a .946 SAV%. Hopefully this is a sign that the Veznia winning version of Kiprusoff is back. Only time will tell.
1st Star - Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames
What better way to top off the week for the Flames than by having Jarome Iginla as the league's best player for Week 3 of the 2008-09 NHL season with 7 points in 3 games. As I'm sure you've seen in the Week 3 Power Rankings the Flames had a big week and Iggy was a big reason why. Iginla scored a hat-trick against the Predators and followed that up with another 3 point night (1 goal & 2 assists) against the Coyotes.
Remember to check back in next week to see who the NHL 3 Stars will be for Week 4.
Johan Franzen Out A Month
October 26, 2008
Total Pro Sports - Johan “The Mule” Franzen, will be out of action for 3-4 weeks with a left knee sprain. Johan Franzen injured his knee this past Saturday after a knee-on-knee collision with Chicago Blackhawks Brent Sopel. It was nothing to severe, the two players just ran into each other. Sopel was skating off the ice and Franzen was skating into the play.
"We're disappointed Johan will be out for a period of time, but it could have been a lot worse," general manager Ken Holland said.
On Sunday Johan Franzen was taken for an MRI, it revealed no ligament tear or damage, but did show a Grade 2 sprain. This is the second consecutive season that Johan Franzen is out with an injury, last season he again suffered an early season knee injury. Keeping him off the ice for again 3-4 weeks.
Johan Franzen was off to a great start this season for the Detroit Red Wings scoring 5 goals in 8 games, on pace for 51 goals this season.
"It's disappointing for Johan," Holland said. "He was off to such a good start."
Well just have to wait and see when he comes back if he continues on this torrid pace. If you have Johan Franzen on your fantasy hockey team, don't be scared to bench him or place him on the IR if you have that option available in your fantasy hockey league. Do not waive Johan Franzen!!!! When he comes back he will be sure to be a big contributor to your fantasy hockey team.
Daniel Briere Out A Month
October 25, 2008
Philadelphia Flyers center Daniel Briere will be sidelined up to a month because of a torn abdominal muscle.
"It's definitely tough to take but what can you do," Briere said Friday in a telephone conversation with a Philadelphia pool reporter. "I'm not going to sit around and sulk or pout about it. I have to focus on getting better and picking up where I left off."
Briere, who signed with the Flyers as a free agent last year, is scheduled to have surgery Saturday at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia.
Briere felt something amiss in his groin during a game Wednesday against San Jose. He scored the tying goal late in the third period. The Sharks won 7-6 in a shootout, handing Philadelphia its sixth straight loss to open the season.
"I had an MRI done and the person looking at it said it was fine," Briere said. "I had it checked again today and they found a little tear."
Briere said he had the same surgery done a few years ago when he was in Buffalo. It has never caused him a problem.
Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said that Briere will be sidelined three to four weeks.
"It doesn't help when you lose a guy like Briere," Holmgren said. "We're at a time where everybody needs to play their best. I didn't see the last game, so I can't comment on that. Obviously, six games in we haven't played our best hockey where we've had everybody going for the entire game. We need that at this time.
Briere had three goals and four assists this season. The 31-year-old had 31 goals and 41 assists in helping the Flyers reach the Eastern Conference finals last season.
"I am surprised by the turn of events that happened today," Briere said. "I hate missing time but by being aggressive I will be back soon."
Source: FoxSports.com
Pavol Demitra Out A Month
October 24, 2008
Total Pro Sports - What do you get when you include 2 hockey players in a math equation?
Mats Sundin - Pavol Demitra (Getting Injured)
= Mats Sundin playing for the Vancouver Canucks, at 2 years $20 million we have no clue why he did not jump on this when it was first offered.
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On the same day Mats Sundin's training regimen for a possible return to the NHL was announced, the rehab regimen for Pavol Demitra was also revealed.
How is that for irony?
Demitra will be sidelined indefinitely after an MRI on Wednesday revealed rib damage he suffered Sunday in Chicago could sideline the Vancouver Canucks centre for at least a month.
Mats Sundin Ready After Physical
October 23, 2008
Total Pro Sports - You think Mats Sundin was gonna sit in his luxurious house in Sweden with his beautiful wife and play poker all day at Poker Stars. Yes your right he did sign on with Poker Stars as an ambassador to the game. But there is no way he can make guaranteed minimum $8 million a year on the felt, unless he wins the World Series Of Poker.
Mats is coming back to the NHL very soon, we will just all have to wait and see who that will be with. Lips are sealed and nothings getting out. Hopefully he doesn't make the wrong the decison and come back to the Leafs. Go to a contender where you can end your career on a high note, the Habs, Red Wings, or the Rangers are his best bet to win the Stanley Cup.
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Mats Sundin has taken the first step toward a return to the NHL.
The 37-year-old free-agent centre underwent a physical exam at a Toronto hospital yesterday — necessary to begin a rigorous period of training to continue his hockey career.
Sundin, who spent the past 13 NHL seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, returned to the city last week and soon is expected to travel to Los Angeles to begin a two-week on-ice training stint.
It is believed that after those two weeks are up, he will begin talking to NHL teams to determine the best fit for him. Mats Sundin underwent a physical exam at a Toronto hospital yesterday – necessary to begin a rigorous period of training to continue his hockey career.
Sundin said last month he won't decide on where he wants to play until he figures out whether he wants to return for an 18th NHL season. He wants to play only one more season, but could change his mind.
At the earliest, Sundin could return next month. But the longer he waits, the more options he would have as his contract would be prorated and therefore less of a burden to teams that have to unload salary to make room for him.
His agent, J.P. Barry, said recently that he believes Sundin will play in 2008-09, but not likely return until December. Barry said yesterday he "cannot comment at this time" about the situation.
Maple Leafs general manager Cliff Fletcher said he hasn't talked with Sundin since Sept. 5, when the Swede was in Toronto to participate in a charity hockey game. Fletcher said yesterday's physical was not set up through the Leafs.
Even though Fletcher has salary-cap room and has left the door open for a possible return by Sundin, the talented centre has several options.
For Sundin, who has scored 555 goals and 766 assists in 1,305 regular-season games with Toronto and the Quebec Nordiques, it is not about the money.
Instead, he desires a situation he's comfortable with. Otherwise, he would have signed the lucrative $20-million (U.S.), two-year offer the Vancouver Canucks tossed his way on July 1, when he became an unrestricted free agent.
"I expect other teams to get involved to complicate the situation [for Toronto and Vancouver]," one NHL GM said. "But I don't see any teams with any money to spend [and stay under the salary cap]."
The Canucks, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens have admitted their interest in Sundin in recent months.
Read The Rest Of The Article: Globe Sports
Jason Blake Your Benched!
October 23, 2008
Total Pro Sports - Don't get me started on this guy, he has one good season with an Islanders. A team who were not qualified to play in the OHL, and the Leafs go out and give him $4 million a season over 5 years. I know players on my mens hockey team the "TotalProSports.com Eagles" who are better hockey players then he is.
It seems to be a trend in Toronto, sign a player and then bench him, Matt Stajan signed a new contract then benched, and now Jason Blake. Don't even get me started on Matt Stan, this guy shouldn't even be playing in Junior "A".
These guys gotta go, Toronto wants to rebuild and it's not gonna start with these 2 guys, and no we don't want them on our mens hockey team.
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He may be a former 40-goal scorer and armed with a fat five-year $20-million US contract, but all that buys Jason Blake tonight is a spot in the TD Banknorth Garden press box.
Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson did the expected after this morning’s skate and announced Blake will be a healthy scratch for tonight's contest against the Bruins. Blake will be replaced in the lineup by tough guy Ryan Hollweg, who is coming off a three-game suspension for decking St. Louis rookie Alex Pietreangelo from behind.
“I’m not going to compromise how I coach the team for the wrong reasons,” Wilson said this morning when explaining Blake’s benching. “He’s not scoring, he’s not back checking, he’s not doing this or not doing that (so) we’re going to keep him in the lineup until he catches a lucky break? That’s not how I coach.
“Everyone on the team has to understand that if you are not performing up to your ability, if you are not doing certain things that we as coaches expect everybody to do, you run the risk of not being in the lineup,” Wilson said.
“It’s not the end of the world. This is our seventh game. If you are going to get people on their toes, you might as well do it early in the season.”
Given his play of late, Wilson said benching Blake was “a fairly simple decision” and that it was important from an integrity standpoint to show the rest of the Leafs that no one on the team is immune to being held accountable.
“He hasn’t scored recently,” Wilson said of Blake’s reputation as one of the few goal scorers on the team even though he scored just 15 last season. “He scored one goal on a power play when the score was 4-0. We’ve got to get him going and we have to get everybody to buy into a set of principals.”
For his part, Blake is grudging in his acceptance of the demotion.
“I thought I played good, maybe not in the last game, but what do you do,” Blake said. “There’s not much you can do other than work hard and stay positive.”
Besides Blake, defenceman Carlo Colaiacovo was also getting the press box treatment, a healthy scratch for the second consecutive game.
Source: Toronto Sun
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