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| Pronger gets a point and ten penalty minutes in loss | Sunday 10/12, 11:56 PM CT |
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Chris Pronger recorded an assist and 10 penalty minutes in Sunday's 2-4 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes. The defenseman received a game misconduct.
Our View: Pronger racked up a career high 128 PIM last season but saw his points dip to just 43. The Ducks have more firepower this season which should bring about a boost to his production. |
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| Giguere stil looking to regain last season's form | Sunday 10/12, 11:44 PM CT |
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Jean-Sebastien Giguere allowed four goals on 24 shots as the Ducks lost their home opener to the Phoenix Coyotes on Sunday 4-2.
Our View: Giguere was one of the best fantasy performers in the game last season but has begun this campaign 0-2 with a 4.00 GAA. Expect him to pick up his goaltending soon. |
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| Boedker scores first NHL goal | Sunday 10/12, 11:11 PM CT |
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Rookie Mikkel Boedker scored his first NHl goal as Phoenix defeated the Anaheim Ducks 4-2 on Sunday.
Our View: The left winger is playing on the top line alongside Olli Jokinen and Peter Mueller which puts him in a very favorable position to post quality numbers in his first season. |
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| Kaspar scores lone goal | Sunday 10/12, 10:56 PM CT |
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Lukas Kaspar scored his first NHL goal in his fifth game and it was a critical goal. The marker was the only in a 1-0 San Jose victory over Los Angeles.
Our View: Kaspar does not project to make a big impact this season. This is his first point in three games. |
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| Boucher shuts out Los Angeles | Sunday 10/12, 10:53 PM CT |
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Goaltender Brian Boucher got his first start of the season on Sunday night and shut out the Kings on the road. San Jose needed each of his 21 saves as the Sharks won 1-0.
Our View: Boucher was critical down the stretch for San Jose last year while posting a 1.76 GAA in his five appearances. He started three times and won all three games. However, he is more of a veteran presence behind superstar goalie Evgeni Nabokov than a fantasy worthy keeper. He is only worth owning if you also have the guy starting ahead of him. |
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| Bryzgalov improves to 2-0 | Sunday 10/12, 10:22 PM CT |
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Ilya Bryzgalov picked up his second win in his second game as Phoenix beat Anaheim 4-2 on Sunday. He turned away 33 of 35 shots from his former team.
Our View: Bryzgalov had 28 wins in 62 games while playing for both Anaheim and Phoenix. He is off to a good start for 2008-09. |
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| Hejduk scores in defeat | Sunday 10/12, 10:08 PM CT |
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Milan Hejduk fired off seven shots but scored just one goal as the Avalanche lost 2-3 to the Oilers on Sunday.
Our View: Hejduk now has 14 shots and two goals to start the season. He is playing as aggressively as any forward in the league right now. |
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| Grebeshkov points twice in victory | Sunday 10/12, 10:05 PM CT |
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Defenseman Denis Grebeshkov notched two assists as the Oilers triumphed over Avalanche 3-2 on Sunday.
Our View: Grebeshkov is the Oilers best defender but he is not fantasy worthy except for in deep leagues. |
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| Penner scores twice in victory | Sunday 10/12, 10:01 PM CT |
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Dustin Penner scored twice against the Avalanche as the Oilers won their home opener 3-2.
Our View: The young left winger should be able to top his 23 goals from a season ago. |
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| Garon earns win against Colorado | Sunday 10/12, 9:58 PM CT |
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Mathieu Garon stopped 31 of 33 shots on Sunday as Edmonton beat Colorado 3-2 at home.
Our View: Garon will be a solid second goalie in fantasy leagues. He is one of the better up-and-coming goalies in the NHL. |
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| Sakic scores first of the season | Sunday 10/12, 9:55 PM CT |
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Joe Sakic scored his first goal of the season as the Avalanche fell 3-2 to Edmonton.
Our View: He's still getting it done. He now has two points and two games. As long as Joe stays healthy, he is a productive fantasy player. |
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| Reinprecht registers to helpers | Sunday 10/12, 9:53 PM CT |
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Steve Reinprecht recorded two assists in Phoenix's 4-2 win in Anaheim on Sunday. He finished the game with a plus-3.
Our View: The veteran center had 30 assists and 46 points last season with Phoenix. He has never registered more than 51 points, which he did in 2002-03. |
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| Turris points twice in win | Sunday 10/12, 9:50 PM CT |
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Kyle Turris scored and notched an assist as Phoenix defeated Anaheim 4-2 on Sunday. He now has three points in the Coyotes' first two games.
Our View: Turris played just three games last season but is clearly in the rotation for Phoenix now that they have embraced their youth movement. |
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| Doan scores twice in Phoenix win | Sunday 10/12, 9:45 PM CT |
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Shane Doan scored twice on two shots and collected two penalty minutes as the Coyotes defeated the Ducks 4-2 on Sunday. His second goal, on the power play, was the eventual game-winner.
Our View: Doan scored 28 times in 80 games last season while skating with Phoenix. |
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| Niedermayer leaves game with injury | Sunday 10/12, 9:31 PM CT |
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Center Rob Niedermayer left Sunday’s game against the Phoenix Coyotes in the first period with an undisclosed injury, according to the AP.
Our View: He is not expected to return. We will update you as more facts about his situation are known. |
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| Avery skating on thin ice | Sunday 10/12, 9:09 PM CT |
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The Dallas Morning News reports that Sean Avery received two game misconducts Saturday night against Nashville. Avery received an automatic game misconduct penalty for participating in a "second altercation" – a fight away from a fight that had already started. He then received a second game misconduct penalty for arguing with referees. Avery's next game misconduct penalty will result in a suspension.
Our View: In addition, any subsequent game misconduct penalties will result in additional suspensions. He has 27 PIM through two games this season. |
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| Williams off to fast start with new team | Sunday 10/12, 6:17 PM CT |
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Free-agent acquisition Jason Williams has two points through two games with the Atlanta Thrashers.
Our View: The veteran right-winger had 36 points in 43 games last season with Chicago. Assuming good health, he should be a quality fantasy player while anchoring Atlanta's top line. |
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| Hainsey is paying off | Sunday 10/12, 5:47 PM CT |
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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the Thrashers appear to be getting their money’s worth out of defenseman Ron Hainsey , who signed a five-year, $22.5 million free-agent contract over the summer. Hainsey has played more minutes than any other Thrasher in each of their two games. He has a goal and two assists, the second of which came on the overtime-forcing goal Saturday at Florida.
Our View: He’s a key member of both the power play and the penalty kill units, and he’s been so strong when the teams are at even strength that he and defensive partner Garnet Exelby lead the Thrashers in plus-minus, at plus-three. He had 32 points in 78 games last season and appears to have a larger role in Atlanta this season.
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| Little makes move to wing | Sunday 10/12, 5:42 PM CT |
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Lifetime center Bryan Little has appeared on the right wing in the Thrashers’ two games this season, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He scored two goals and assisted on another in the 7-4 opening-night victory over Washington. “It’s something I’m not uncomfortable with,” Little said of the position. “I don’t mind playing it. If anything, it’s a little bit easier in our own end because I have less responsibility.”
Our View: Little is entering his second year and appears ready to jump his production from a year ago when he had just 16 points in 48 games. Atlanta does not offer much in terms of fantasy achievers, but Little could emerge as a player worth watching this season. |
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| Satan scores in third game | Sunday 10/12, 4:47 PM CT |
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It took Miroslav Satan three games to notch his first goal as a Penguin. He scored on the power play in the first period against New Jersey on Saturday.
Our View: Satan has managed just three shots in three games with his new team. He had over 200 shots in his first six seasons before falling to 171 last season. If the trend continues, expect his goals to stay around 20 or so per season. |
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| Sykora skates with teammates | Sunday 10/12, 4:28 PM CT |
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The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Petr Sykora took part in the team's morning skate on Sunday. "I feel better, but I didn't feel like I was in any kind of shape," said Sykora, who dealt with a respiratory illness followed by a groin injury. Sykora hopes to be ready to play Tuesday when the Penguins play host to Philadelphia, but coach Michel Therrien said the team will be careful to not risk a recurrence.
Our View: Sykora will be brought along slowly but once he returns, the right winger will likely skate with Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal on Pittsbirgh's No. 2 line. |
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| Pitkanen impresses through two games | Sunday 10/12, 4:06 PM CT |
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Joni Pitkanen had two assists and finished at plus-1 during Saturday's game against the Lightning. He took seven shots and now has three points in his first two games with Carolina.
Our View: Pitkanen came over in the offseason from Edmonton and the 25-year-old has clearly been given the green light. He has nine shots and a plus-4 rating through his first two games and should find his way onto fantasy rosters soon if he has not already. |
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| Nycholat to miss another 7-10 days | Sunday 10/12, 3:09 PM CT |
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Lawrence Nycholat began the season on the injured reserve, and is expected to miss another 7-10 days after aggravating his back injury, according to the Vancouver Sun.
Our View: The 29-year-old defenseman will hold no fantasy value with Vancouver this season when he is ready to come back. |
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| Sedin leading NHL in scoring | Sunday 10/12, 2:11 PM CT |
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Daniel Sedin is leading the NHL in scoring over the first two games of the season with two goals and three assists.
Our View: The impending free agent is off to a great start while playing for a lucrative new contract. He looks to challenge his career-best mark in points, which is 84 (2006 with Vancouver). |
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| Booth tied for league lead | Sunday 10/12, 2:06 PM CT |
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David Booth is tied for the NHL lead in goals (3) and is second in points (4) over the first two games of the regular season with Florida.
Our View: The third-year forward looks to be headed for a breakout campaign, and should be scooped up if still available on the waiver wire. |
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| Downie to return Monday | Sunday 10/12, 1:31 PM CT |
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Steve Downie missed Saturday night's opener against the Rangers due to a strained left knee, but is expected to return Monday against Montreal, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.
Our View: Downie is the Flyers' fourth-line center, and holds little fantasy value in standard leagues. |
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| Hossa yet to light lamp with Detroit | Sunday 10/12, 12:14 PM CT |
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Marian Hossa has one assist with Detroit, but is yet to score a goal over seven shots, according to the Detroit News.
Our View: Hossa needs one more goal for the 300th of his career. He should continue to get plenty of scoring chances per night, and there is no need to worry about his early 0-for-7 slump. |
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| Conklin to start Monday | Sunday 10/12, 12:06 PM CT |
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Coach Mike Babcock indicated that Ty Conklin will start between the pipes for the Red Wings Monday against Carolina, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Our View: Conklin is a solid netminder while supporting Chris Osgood, and is worth consideration for Monday's start. He held a 2.51 goals-against-average over 33 contests with Pittsburgh last season. |
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| Ranger close to returning | Sunday 10/12, 10:50 AM CT |
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Paul Ranger is back on the ice and is close to making his 2008 debut with the Lightning, according to the Tampa Tribune. He is recovering from shoulder surgery.
Our View: If healthy, Ranger would hold value in deeper leagues as a defenseman, as he registered 31 points (10 goals) and 56 penalty minutes over 72 games in 2007. |
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| Novotny should be fine | Sunday 10/12, 10:02 AM CT |
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Jiri Novotny took a brutal hit (elbow to the head) by the Coyotes' Shane Doan late in the third period Saturday, had trouble getting up, but returned to play another shift, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
Our View: He appeared to be fine following the game, and shouldn't miss any ice time. He already registered one assist over the first two games of the season. |
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| Brunnstrom could make debut Wed. | Sunday 10/12, 9:55 AM CT |
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Stars' coach Dave Tippett commented that Fabian Brunnstrom could make his NHL debut Wednesday, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: Dallas is 0-1-1 in the early going, and Tippett is looking for players who can get the job done. Brunnstrom racked up strong numbers while playing in Sweden (posted 37 goals over 41 games with Boras HC in 2006-07) , and could be worthy of a flier in deeper leagues if he earns favorable ice time. |
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| Dorsett makes NHL debut | Sunday 10/12, 9:48 AM CT |
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Derek Dorsett made his NHL debut with the Blue Jackets Saturday, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
Our View: He spent nine minutes in the sin bin and nine minutes, 39 seconds on the ice. The source noted that he performed well, and could be worth a look as a flier in deeper leagues that award points for penalty minutes. |
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| Koistinen was scratched | Sunday 10/12, 9:42 AM CT |
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Ville Koistinen was scratched from Saturday's lineup, according to the Tennessean.
Our View: The second-year defenseman is expected to play a key role on the power play this season, making him a worthy backup for fantasy teams. |
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| Cole to work on top line | Sunday 10/12, 9:36 AM CT |
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Erik Cole will work on the Oilers' top line (at left wing) with Shawn Horcoff and Ales Hemsky, according to the Calgary Herald.
Our View: Edmonton will open their 2008 campaign tonight against the Avalanche. If healthy over a full season, Cole could top 30 goals. |
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| Parros misses practice | Sunday 10/12, 9:20 AM CT |
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George Parros sat out Saturday's practice to recover from general soreness, according to the LA Times.
Our View: The team did not state whether he will play in Sunday night's game against Phoenix. |
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| McIver practices | Sunday 10/12, 9:17 AM CT |
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Nathan McIver practiced with the Ducks for the first time Saturday since being claimed off waivers from the Kings, according to the LA Times.
Our View: The 23-year-old defenseman can be a physical force, but is a stay-at-home defender, and will not likely be fantasy worthy with Anaheim. |
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| Bailey to miss 2-4 weeks | Sunday 10/12, 9:02 AM CT |
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Josh Bailey is expected to miss 2-4 weeks with his yet to be disclosed lower body injury, according to Newsday.
Our View: Bailey could be returned to the minors before playing in 10 NHL games. |
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| Hjalmarsson misses game | Sunday 10/12, 8:52 AM CT |
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Niklas Hjalmarsson missed Saturday's game with bruised ribs, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Our View: The rookie defenseman is day-to-day, and was replaced by veteran Matt Walker. |
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| Stars hopeful regarding Lehtinen | Sunday 10/12, 8:24 AM CT |
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Stars' coach Dave Tippett is hopeful Jere Lehtinen will be ready to return to the lineup for Wednesday's game, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: He has missed the first two games of the season due to a groin injury. If healthy, he could challenge 25 games this season. |
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| Roy wants to leave Edmonton | Sunday 10/12, 8:05 AM CT |
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Mathieu Roy wants to leave the Oilers' organization after being demoted to the minors, according to the Edmonton Sun. He said, "I'm totally disappointed, but there's not much I can do. I've been hoping to get picked every time I've been put on waivers. I've been hoping to get a chance to play and stay healthy."
Our View: He was placed on waivers for the purpose of being assigned to AHL Springfield, and is hoping another team claims him. |
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| Tkachuk moves up list | Sunday 10/12, 7:21 AM CT |
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Keith Tkachuk passed Red Berenson into sixth place on the Blues' career goal-scoring list with 163 after netting a goal Saturday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Tkachuk said, "Obviously Red's a legend in St. Louis. It's just nice to be put in that category."
Our View: Tkachuk is off to a strong start with three goals over two games. He is worth a look if dangling on the waiver wire. |
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| Sedin scores twice | Sunday 10/12, 12:57 AM CT |
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Forward Daniel Sedin scored two goals in the Canucks win over the Flames on Saturday night.
Our View: Sedin had three assist in the opener, and he is off to a flying start. That's what we expect out of a high-end fantasy talent. |
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| Solid night for Cammalleri | Sunday 10/12, 12:56 AM CT |
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Forward Mike Cammalleri notched a goal and an assist in Saturday's loss to the Canucks.
Our View: Cammalleri is in a contract year and is likely eager to get back to his 2006-07 level of nearly one point per game. Fantasy owners should love that he's on a line with Jerome Iginla. |
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| Demitra scores game-winner | Sunday 10/12, 12:54 AM CT |
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Center Pavol Demitra knocked in an overtime game-winner on Saturday against the Flames. The Canucks won 5-4.
Our View: The Canucks are off to a good start at 2-0, and it's good to see Demitra contribute after a quiet opener. He remains a good bet for 55-60 points this year. |
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| Excellent debut for Jokinen | Sunday 10/12, 12:50 AM CT |
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Center Olli Jokinen posted a goal and an assist in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Blue Jackets.
Our View: That's a nice way to make a good impression with your new team, huh? Jokinen managed a career-high 91 points last season, and he is a very solid fantasy player. |
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