So it was the ultimate Ticker Tease in Washington last night. 10 Goals were scored, and yet not a single point from Ovechkin, Stamkos, St. Louis, Backstrom, Lecavalier, Semin or Green. It’s the equivalent of World War 3 breaking out and the US, China, Israel, Iran and North Korea having absolutely nothing to do with it… I wouldn’t draw any conclusions from this game, other than it’s 1 of 82 and random shizz like this happens from time to time. The one guy who jumps out though is Teddy Purcell. A Goal and an Assist and he’s well on his way to another 50+ point, 20+PPP season. Now lets take a look at some games where star players actually produced:
Andy McDonald – C/LW (Stl): Had 2 Assists in yesterday’s matinee game against Calgary (do people call day hockey games a matinee?) Andy Mac is an easy guy to forget. He’s always battling some kind of injury and he’s the old man on an extremely young and talented Blues roster. But he gets points. Last year in an injury shortened season McDonald put up 50 points in just 58 games (17 on the Power Play) so while he’s healthy he’s a great bench guy in any size league.
Alex Pietrangelo – D (Stl): Scored a Goal and added an Assist while leading all Blue’s players in ice time (by a wiiiide margin). I had this guy pegged as a breakout candidate before the season (13th ranked Defenseman overall) and he’s quickly creeping his way up my man love chart. If you can get him go do it now. GO!
Al Montoya – G (NYI): Started again for the Islanders and hung on after the 1st period to get the W. And when I say hung on, I mean by the skin of his teeth. The Islander’s were outshot 19-5 in the last 2 Periods after jumping out to a 2-0 lead (5 Shots in 40 minutes Islanders? Me and the 4 guys who read this blog could have done better!) As far as Montoya is concerned, he could be worth a flyer in the short term but I’d be shocked if he ends up starting consistently over a healthy DiPietro.
P.A. Parenteau – RW (NYI): And so of course with all the young guns in Islander nation it’s the 28 year old journeyman forward who Assists on both Goals. In fact the Islander’s now have a grand total of 2 Goals in 2 games (and both Goals came in the 1st period yesterday). My bullishness for the Islander offense is quickly diminishing.
Semyon Varlamov – G (Col): Sonovabench! You know I really hate random day games in the NHL. Stupid Christopher Colombus and his stupid birthday. In fact it’s not even a real holiday because I still get mail and the stock market is open so bite me Colombus! You are nothing but a fraud!
Milan Hejduk – RW (Col): Scored the lone Goal in the snooze-fest that was this game. I haven’t talked about Hejduk at all and it’s because he’s the most boring player in NHL history. Plus he’s old. He might get you 50-60 Points but having Milan on your team is torture. The Avalanche (and your team) would be better off without him.
Shane Doan – RW (Phx): On the other hand here is an old guy I like. Doan just produces and if you are in a league that count’s Power Play Goals he’s even more valuable (11 last year). He’s the poor man’s Teemu Selanne…
Mike Smith – G (Phx): Had a real good game against Dallas and despite giving up 6 Goals to the Sharks in the season opener I’m still a believer in Smith as a #2 Goalie (assuming you took my advice and got your Anchor early!).
Steve Ott – C (Dal): Is getting big time minutes on the Power Play and my preseason hype of him is looking better and better the more I watch Dallas. 100+PIM’s and 20+Power Play Points is not out of the question.
Steve Mason – G (CBJ): I know he only gave up 3 Goals against Vancouver but I’m sticking to my guns with this fraud. He’s not an NHL starting Goalie and the sooner Columbus realizes that the better. And if you have him on your team try and trade him now while he still has a sliver of value.
Alex Burrows – LW (Van): With Kesler out Burrows is getting alot of time on the top Power Play unit with the twins. That’s a good thing. Just don’t get too excited because when Kesler comes back Burrows will lose the catbird seat.
