Buy/Sell for Week of Nov. 16
November 14, 2009 carp
Hit or miss across the Buy/Sell board from last week, let’s see if we can’t get you some help for this coming week’s action…
BUY
Jason Demers (San Jose) – Once again looking at the stockpile of talent in San Jose, Demers has been consistent most of this season. Most owners would notice the big goose egg sitting in the goal column at the moment, but it’s not for lack of effort. He’s got 10 assists so far and is seeing ice time ranging anywhere from 13 to 18 minutes a night depending on how Todd McClellan is playing the matchups. If you need some helpers, don’t hesitate to look his way. (34% ownership in Yahoo! leagues)
David Perron (St. Louis) - I’m still reluctant to go anywhere near the Blues after my Keith Tkachuk experiment went horribly wrong after their stint in Sweden, but owners may as well ride the hot hand while it’s out there. All but one of the games where he’s recorded at least a point have been multiple-point outings, so they seem to come in spurts. Even more encouraging is that he’s getting some goals on the power play (two of his last 4 have been with the man advantage). (36% owned)
Marek Zidlicky (Minnesota) - Now that the Wild have things pointing closer to the right direction, their players become more feasible fantasy options. Obviously, Koivu and Brunette are the big names that would be the best options, but Marek Zidlicky is gaining momentum as well. 5 points in his last 4 games (2 G, 3 A) to go along with 13 PIM makes him worthy of an “add” in most leagues, especially since he get’s 22+ minutes of ice time a night. (69% owned)
Keep an eye on…
Niclas Bergfors (New Jersey) – Has put up very good numbers in sort of a role position so far (10 points in his last 10 games). Be cautious of jumping right after his as Patrick Elias has returned from the IR and Bergfors’ playing time might be in jeopardy. (9% owned)
Ryan Clowe (San Jose) - You’re probably tired of seeing all these Sharks, but it’s hard to ignore with as many goals as they score. Anyone who is on the same line as Patrick Marleau right now has some sort of value in my mind. Clowe has 33 PIM to-date as well. (46% owned)
Jimmy Howard (Detroit) - For those in need of goaltending help, take a look at the other Detroit net-minder. He’s gotten the start in both of the Wings’ last two games and came up with wins both nights. He’s sporting a 1.00 GAA and a .966 SV% in those games. If Osgood comes up lame in his next outing, Howard may see significantly more time. (6% owned)
SELL
The Carolina Hurricanes – Don’t look around and try to question what I’m getting at here, but the ‘Canes have been dreadful all season. It started with a rush of injuries and hasn’t gotten better even with some key players returning (i.e. Ray Whitney, Eric Cole). Consider that five of their “go-to” guys are pretty much in the cellar of the plus/minus category: Matt Cullen, -8/Joe Corvo, -9/ Joni Pitkanen, -10/ Aaron Ward, -12/ Rod Brind’Amour, -13. There is just no offensive production from the only team in the NHL to average less that 2 goals a game (1.94).
Milan Michalek (Ottawa) – For a guy getting almost 20 minutes of playing time per game, he’s not producing like the Senators would like. He’s got only 6 points in his last 10 games and only one multi-point game this year, and that was a freakish three goal outburst. He’s a -2 on the season and the team around him isn’t getting much better, so if you have better options, look to deal him before he’s worthless.
Mattias Ohlund (Tampa Bay) – While I’m a big fan of the offensive core that Tampa has built with Stamkos, Malone, Lecavalier, and St. Louis, the defense doesn’t get into the scoring as much as fantasy owners would like. Ohlund is currently owned in 40% of Yahoo! leagues, which is awfully high for a guy who has just 6 points in 16 games. He took a lot of money to come here and isn’t producing enough to justify it as of yet. If you’re in bad enough shape to have a Tampa Bay defensive player in your starting lineup, you need to look elsewhere quickly before the serviceable players are taken.
Use caution with these guys…
Bill Guerin (Pittsburgh) – The Pens are scoring at the moment, and a lot of that has to with Malkin still being out of the lineup. They’ve had to shuffle lines constantly to try and find something that works, but without success so far. Just 1 point and a -6 in his last seven games isn’t what owners like to see after the surprising start he had.
Michael Frolik (Florida) – Even for a guy who was drafted in the late rounds, owners are still upset with his lack of production. The re-emergence on Steve Reinprecht and others has really diminished some of his value. Still getting quality playing time isn’t the issue, getting on the scorer’s sheet is: he has just 1 point in his last 9 games.)
Ilya Bryzgalov (Phoenix) – After maybe the most surprising start of the young NHL season, the big goaltender has faltered as of late, but I think you should consider the team he plays for. After 18 games this year, the Coyotes are averaging 2.50 goal per game. They are allowing 2.39 goals per game. These numbers are far too close for Phoenix to be a long-term fantasy goldmine. Either hope for the goal for to go up (way up) or hope that Bryzzy stops more of the shots that come at him (he only sees 27.3/game… 4th fewest in the NHL).
Filed under: Buy & Sell
