So ol’ Geno is ailing. Shocker. I can’t say I’m surprised but it is disappointing after I hyped him in the preseason. The Pen’s are acting all weird about the injury and even went so far as to sit Geno the entire game yesterday only to bring him out for a power play in the 3rd Period. Really strange and at the very least it’s not a good sign for Malkin owners. I wouldn’t panic yet, but just don’t be surprised if he’s held out of tomorrow’s game against Florida and shortly after that we’re hearing about an MRI on his surgically repaired knee. Still though, Geno should be thanking his lucky stars he doesn’t do this for a living (BTW I’ve been waiting for the first “reality TV” death and if I had to put money on one show to come through it’s IRT Deadliest Roads)…
Tomas Plekanec – C (Mon): Went all crazy yesterday and had a Goal and 2 Assists (1 PPP). The Goal was a thing of beauty too. I’ve been a fan of Plekanec since I picked him up off waivers 2 years ago and he helped me take 2nd in a league. It’s no fluke either, Plekanec has established himself as a legit #2 fantasy Center.
Carey Price – G (Mon): Just wanted to remind everyone that Carey Price is very, very, very, very good.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – C (Edm): Okay so it’s official RNH is cemented on the top line with Taylor Hall and Ales Hemsky. Yes, please, and thank you… I’m liking all 3 of those guys more and more so cross your fingers (if you own them) that they start to produce and the Coach doesn’t get happy feet and split them up in a week..
Steve Sullivan – LW (Pit): Had a Power Play Assist yesterday which is a good sign. Keep an eye on this guy because more than likely he’s on your Waiver Wire and when he scores points he scores ’em in bunches.
Ryan-Perry-Getzlaf (Ana): So far these three have combined for as many points as me and you. The R-P-G line has been DOA so far this year. But it’s only 2 games, so if you can find a really impatient owner trade for one of these guys ASAP.
Brad Richards – C (NYR): Yes it’s only 2 games but Richards is on pace for an 80 Point season and I think he will get there (assuming health). Hopefully him and Gaborik start to click…
Michael Del Zotto – D (NYR): Granted he didn’t have any points in Europe but he is getting top line Power Play minutes which means if he starts to produce, you’ve got a #2 D. Defenseman like this are the guys I preach about when I say good D-men can be had for nothing during the season. He’s not there yet though so just keep an eye on him for now (if he’s on your Waiver Wire).
Tyler Seguin – C (Bos): Another 2 Assists on Saturday with over 4 minutes on the Power Play. I’m starting to have unnatural feelings about this guy and if you have a problem with that well then T.S.
Brad Marchand – C (Bos): Also had 2 Assists on Saturday and is also seeing major Power Play minutes in Beantown. I don’t like him as much as Seguin, but it’s close.
Martin St. Louis – RW (TB): 2 Goals and an Assist over the weekend and is looking as good as ever. Maybe I won’t regret ranking him 7th overall..
Phil Kessel – RW (Tor): According to Toronto fans, Kessel did exactly what he’s supposed to do on Saturday – had a hat trick. If there’s one thing we know about Kessel it’s that he’s not shy about shooting the puck. And when you do that it automatically gives you more Goal scoring opportunities. If he catches some breaks 40 Goals is not out of the question.
Ilya Kovalchuk – LW/RW (NJ): Was an awesome -3 in Jersey’s only game of the weekend. I’m not worried yet but lets just hope IK doesn’t repeat the horrawful October/November/December that he experienced last year.
Erik Karlsson – D (Ott): Had 4 Assists over the weekend and more importantly, 3 of them were on the Power Play. I was worried about Gonchar stealing his PP minutes but it looks like those claims were unfounded. And that’s what you want him for. If you’re looking for a good +/- guy then look elsewhere.
Danny Cleary – RW (Det): 2 Assists on Saturday and is getting alot of Power Play minutes. Bottom line if you’re on the Top 6 in Detroit points will just automatically happen (see Jiri Hudler, Tomas Holmstrom).
Jeff Skinner – C (Car): Full disclosure: I have Skinner as one of my “busts” for this season. I surmised that he wouldn’t top his 31Goal, 32 Assist ROY performance from last year but after seeing him play like a maniac with 4 Points in 2 games those numbers seem tiny. Still I like to root against my busts, so the voodoo doll will be in full force Skinner!
Vinny Prospal – C/LW (CBJ): It’s my first mention of the V.P. and I have to admit I didn’t think it would come this soon. I’ve never been a fan but I have to admit when he’s healthy he will produce. Plus he’s playing on the top line with Carter and Nash. If you have room pick him up while the gettin’ is good.
Ryan Suter – D (Nsh): He’s a Suter so you can’t call him an unknown, but he is no doubt overshadowed by Shea Weber. And that’s unfortunate because Suter is great in his own right and will give you borderline #2 Defenseman stats over a full season.
Jack Johnson – D (LA): Had a PP Goal and a PP Assist and I’m getting more and more pissed for not drafting this guy in any of my leagues. He supplanted Drew Doughty as the King’s top Defenseman on the Power Play last year (28PPP’s for Johnson versus just 15 for Doughty) and nothing has changed this season. Get JJ if you can…
Alex Goligoski – D (Dal): Well on his way to 60 Points, and that’s my prediction for the day!
David Legwand – C (Nsh): Been going crazy so far this year but don’t view him as nothing more than WWF (Waiver Wire Fodder). As long as he’s producing though he’s worthy of a short term pick up.
Joffrey Lupul – LW/RW (Tor): What I just wrote about Legwand, yeah, same thing applies to this schmohawk.
Milan Michalek – LW/RW (Ott): Ditto…
