I’ve been pondering who will make my list of biggest busts for the 2011-2012 fantasy hockey season and Matt Duchene is one guy who immediately comes to mind. It looked like this Duche was ready to establish himself as a legit #2 fantasy Center. The pedigree was there (3rd overall pick in 2009), the improving offensive numbers were there (24G/31A/180SOG 2 years ago; 27G/40A/208SOG last season) and his wholesome, pasty white Canadian-ness was off the charts… BUTT, things went awry and now the only team I want him on is my opponents. For those of you who hung on this long, or recently picked him up hoping for a turnaround, feel free to drop him like he’s hot (or something)…
Sidney Crosby – C (Pit): YAAAAYYYYY! He’s cleared for full contact again! Too bad it means absolutely nothing to the majority of his owners who are already DOA in their leagues.. But for those of you who are sitting pretty and somehow withstood his absence (or swooped in and grabbed him after a disgruntled owner dumped him) the timing of this announcement couldn’t be any better. He might play as soon as Sunday and I’d bet he’s back playing 20+ minutes a night when your fantasy playoffs start in a couple weeks…
Marty Turco – G (Bos): With Tuuka Who (from Whoville) sidelined for the rest of the regular season somebody has to take the 1st backseat to the immortal Tim Thomas – enter the very mortal Marty Turco. The good news though is I don’t care if it’s Marty McSorley backing up TT, Boston’s defense is in the elite of the elite of the NHL and that means the backup Goalie has value. Add accordingly if your Goaltending shituation needs a shot in the arm…
Pascal Dupuis – RW/LW (Pit): Is it just me or does this guy’s name seem like it belongs in 18th century France? Coincidentally, the 18th Century is the last time Dupuis had a better season than the one he is currently having. After Wednesday’s 3 point game he has 40 points on the season. Better than any season of his career except for 2002-2003 when he was with Minnesota. (And on a personal note, the fact that 2002 was a decade ago makes me feel like telling the neighbor kids to get off my lawn!)…
Ilya Kovalchuk – LW/RW (NJ): And the Hat Trick as the Russian Sniper continues to snipe my dead corpse. YES I traded you, but I’m already dead!
Ilya Bryzgalov – G (Phi): And the Shutout for the other NHILYA. I’ll tell you what I’ve seen how hot Breezy can get 1st hand, and believe me it was a magic hand. He’s one of those Goalies (who’s having one of those seasons) where he’ll carry a 5 seed to the Championship..
