All the way back in 2011 (December 4 to be exact), I said this about David Krejci: “In a 12 team league he’s a legit #3 Center.” And even prior to that (November 30 to be exact) I said this: “Krejci is a key cog in Boston and an ideal #3 Center on your fantasy team.” And I feel exactly the same today. Yes he’s capable of awful stretches (just 2 Goals in his previous 13 games) but that’s why he’s not a #1 (or #2) Center in fantasy. Odds are if you own Krejci and are really high in the standings, then you’re forced to bench him from time to time. I just hope for your sake he wasn’t ridin’ pine last night…
Claude Giroux – C/RW (Phi): There will be a ton of new faces in the first 2 rounds next year, and Giroux will certainly be one of them. His 3 Assists last night gives him an impressive 75 Points and 90 on the season is within reach. Now if only Philly can find a Goalie so his +/- can improve…
Nicklas Backstrom – C (Wsh): It’s been a while since I updated the Backstrom concussion shituation so I’ll remind anyone who owns him: It’s over Johnny!
Niklas Backstrom – G (Min): And the one without the C is also out. He left yesterday’s game with (what their calling) a leg injury. But he did it while sprawling to make a save and it looked like he tweaked his groin. And I don’t mean the good kind…
Ryan Miller – G (Buf): As I write this Ryan Miller is 5 minutes away from 2 Shutouts in 24 hours. Not bad for a guy I left for dead a month ago. Oh and I’ll keep you posted on the Shutout…. WOW – What a badass… 39 Save Shutout in San Jose the night after a 43 Save Shutout in Anaheim. I am feeling hyperbolic right now, so lets just go ahead and say it: The greatest back-to-back performance ever by an Eastern Conference Goalie in California…
Matt Kassian – LW (Min): Okay I’m a little freaked out by this, but yesterday I said: “trading a potential #2 Center for a role player like Zack Kassian? It’s generally not good practice to make trades like that….” So then tonight a guy who I had no idea existed, with the same last name Kassian, scores the first 2 Goals of his NHL career. Whoa…. I won’t be leaving my house for a few days…
Martin Biron – G (NY): No King? No problem. Biron has been able to hold his own all season and it continued with a 3-2 Win last night. Now granted Biron is a good backup and Lundqvist is the King, but lb-4-lb the Rangers have the best defensive Defenseman in the NHL. Girardi, Del Zotto, McDonagh and (a healthy) Staal can flat-out shut down your teams offense… Yes even that offense…
Evander Kane – LW (Wpg): Another great game for Kane and he is quickly becomming a ‘streaking’ legend. The best part though is that he’s just 20 years old, so streaking at his age points to future greatness. I have a feeling Evander and I will become much closer as the 2012-2013 season approaches…
Ondrej Pavelec – G (Wpg): After 2 weeks I’m feeling okay about trading for Ondrej the Giant. And if he keeps up the Shutouts (like yesterday) I just might crack the Top 5 in my Yahoo! F & F League. Then there’s no way they don’t invite me back!!!
Steve Mason – G (CBJ): A Shutout? What the? Well if you’re feelin’ lucky….. punk……. then I guess you could grab him off the waiver wire. Just don’t blame me when he gets pulled in the next game and kills your week.
Mike Cammalleri – C/LW (Cgy): The Goal last night is going to be the start of a hot streak, of this I am sure. What I’m not sure of is why I continue to pimp this guy, because he’s been mediocre for about a season and a half now. I guess I just believe…
Roberto Luongo – G (Van): Snagged his 3rd Shutout of the season last night but so what? (Ummmm, this is fantasy hockey right?) Okay you have a point. But whatever, win a Cup Luongo.
Andrej Meszaros – D (Phi): A strong candidate for the title of “Toughest Name to Spell in the NHL” had a huge 3 Point night last night. But overall he hasn’t benefitted from the Pronger injury like I thought he would. 35 Points with a +9 (his current pace) is a far cry from the guy who had 39 Points (+24) when he was a 20 year old rookie in 2005!
Programming Note: Cactus League! Cactus League! Oi Oi Oi!
