Buy/Sell for Week of Nov. 9
BUY
Jerome Iginla (Calgary) – This probably comes as nor surprise to many of you, but consider the fact that his slow start may have made him available by his owners in some leagues. Last week he posted 4 goals (2 of them on the PP), 1 assist, and ended the week +1. This week, the Flames are on an east-coast trip with visits at Montreal, Buffalo, and Toronto. The Montreal and Toronto games look like good spots where Iggy might see quality even-strength and multiple PP chances.
Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles) – Last week’s leading point scorer netted 3 goals and 3 helpers. The surprising thing about those numbers is that none of his goals came on the PP (which by all accounts was his M.O. the majority of the season thus far). Again, Anze is probably owned in most leagues, but his owners have to be wondering just how long the Kings plan on maintaining their baffling start to the season.
Alex Tanguay (Tampa Bay) – At last check, he was only owned in about 40-50% of fantasy leagues. Following a 5 point week (2 goals, 3 assists) and looking ahead to a this week where the Lightning are at home for their only two meetings against Minnesota and Los Angeles. The Wild have seen their share of road struggles this season and the Kings will be playing the second game of a back-to-back schedule in the midst of a five game, 8 day road trip. In his career, Tanguay has 38 points in 43 games against the Wild to go with 23 points in 28 games against the Kings.
Take a flyer on…
Pavel Kubina (Atlanta) – Scored his first 3 goals of the season (2 on the PP) and added 8 PIM last week. Playing well at a good time with Peverly, Little, and Antropov scoring as well. Games @NYR, vLA, and vEDM.
Brendan Morrison (Washington) - Filled in nicely in a bigger role with some of the Caps’ star players injured. Only a 3 point week, but the bigger picture shows he’s getting more ice time and better scoring chances. Games vNYI, vMIN, and @NJ.
Jeff Tambellini (N.Y. Islanders) – The Isles hovering around .500 this far into the season is more surprising overall, but JT has been a huge part of that. Tavares, Moulson, and Okposo seem to be the big names, but Tambellini has 6 goals and 3 helpers thus far. Games @WAS, @CAR, and @FLA.
SELL
David Backes (St. Louis) – After what was a red hot start, the Blues have faded off, somewhat dramatically, and now find themselves at 5-6-4. Backes was expected to be one of their biggest contributors along with Brad Boyes, Paul Kariya, and a host of younger talent. Unfortunately, Backes has just 2 points in 15 games and more surprising for his fantasy value, only 15 PIM to date (a far cry from the 165 PIM he spent in the box last season). A tough stretch of games this week against Vancouver, Nashville, and San Jose doesn’t have me any more optimistic that things will change. Unload him via trade or drop.
Olli Jokinen (Calgary) – You may be asking yourself, how can he like Iginla but not Jokinen when they are back on the same line together? Well, having scored only 2 goals in 15 games this season has a lot to do with that. Granted, you’ll find your Calgary faithful out there who still feel that the Olli who had 15 points in 19 games at the end of last season with Calgary will eventually show up. Unfortunately, I’m not holding my breathe any longer. Sell him now if you can for a mid-level or second-liner and consider yourself lucky.
Ray Whitney (Carolina) – It goes without saying that Carolina is off to a horrific start, but Whitney, who was coming off of a 77 point campaign in 2008 was expected to lead this team. So far, he has only 4 goals and 4 assists in 14 games and is a -4. We can trace his woes this season back to the fact that he just isn’t getting the scoring chances like he was last season. With only 28 shots on goal, he is on pace for 164 this season compared to last year where he landed 219 on net. His ice time isn’t going down, and now the ‘Canes are without Cam Ward in net, so dumping Whitney seems like a great move.
Be very cautious…
Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg (Detroit) – For the moment, both are still “must starts” in almost all leagues. However, a recent run of injuries to the Red Wings will put significantly more pressure on the stars to perform. No Filppula, no Franzen, and now no Jason Williams, could make these two hard to start with any confidence. Games @CLS, vVAN, and vANH.
Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh) – Pointless in four straight games now, it is evident that the Pens miss Evgeni Malkin opposite of Crosby. During his scoreless streak, Sid is a -4 and has just 9 SOG. Malkin is at least one more week away from returning, but I still think Crosby gets in most starting lineups anyways. Games @BOS, vNJ, and vBOS.
Dennis Wideman (Boston) – A lot was expected out of Boston following their finish a year ago, but so far, they’ve fallen drastically short. Wideman is pointless in 10 straight games, and is a -1 to boot. The Bruins are obviously in an offensive funk at the moment, so until they bust out of it, use extreme caution with any Boston player. Games vPIT, vFLA, and @PIT.
1 Comment November 9, 2009
