Filed under: Buy & Sell
Some bigger names seem to be rounding in to form right now, and believe it or not, most of them are still available. Check out their status in your league if you need a flyer for the coming week…
BUY
Max Afinogenov (Atlanta)- There may be no one in the league hotter than Max right now. Over his last nine games he has just one scoreless outing and has amassed 6 goals and 7 assists over that span. This is a guy who sees a decent amount of powerplay ice time and is right around 20 minutes a night overall. Great value here and with Atlanta continuing to score quite a few goals, I like his outlook. (45% ownership in Yahoo! leagues)
Tomas Fleischmann (Washington)- Currently riding a nine game point streak, Fleischmann is a viable candidate at forward in almost every league. Most would argue that nearly all of this points this season came when Alex Ovechkin was out of the lineup. True, but even when #8 returned to face the Rangers on Tuesday, Fleischmann still netted an assist and landed over 19 minutes of ice time. Grab this hot hand while you can. (26% ownership)
J.P. Dumont (Nashville) – Having seen his share of time on the bench this season with a couple of injuries, owners were a bit frustrated with the Predator winger. Since coming back from his most recent injury though, Dumont has four points in four games (all assists) and has really sparked the Nashville offense in the process. Although he’s not a guy to really blow you away in ice time, he’s a remarkable passer and can land you the all important helper, especially in power play situations. (45% ownership)
Keep an eye on…
Radim Vrbata (Phoenix)- While the Coyote offense is nothing to bank on, Vrbata has been one of the bright spots thus far. He’s got five points in his last five games and has a pair of power play goals to go with a pair of game winning goals. Another good sign is he isn’t afraid to take the shot when the chance is there. Radim’s had seven games this year where he’s landed five or more shots on goal. (19% ownership)
Antero Niittymaki (Tampa Bay) – Still in a situation where he’s splitting time with Mike Smith, Niittymaki is making his case to be the #1 guy for the Lightning. With wins in three of his last five and overtime losses in the other two, he’s only given up three even strength goals in those games. The downside with him is that he faces a lot of shots night in and night out, so if he’s on, expect a good SV%, but if he’s off, you’ll be hurting. (50% ownership)
SELL
Stephane Robidas (Dallas) - While he has decent numbers for a defenseman, Robidas has only two points in his last eight games and is a -4 rating. Another huge concern is the amount of ice time he gets. Because he is averaging about 23 minutes a night, he’s more of a liability in the +/- column than anything. Also consider the fact that with the talent at forward the Stars have, their defensemen don’t land a ton of shots; Dallas defenders have a combined six goals this season.
Dustin Brown (Los Angeles)- The Ryan Smyth injury looks like it will hurt this team more than initially thought, Brown included. In the two and a half games since Smyth went down with an upper body injury, the Kings have looked disorganized and there has been a lot of line shuffling going on. Brown has just two points in his last six games. While he is fifth in the league in SOG, expect him to get fewer chances as defenses will be looking to stop him in Smyth’s absence.
Scott Gomez (Montreal) – Just two goals and nine assists this whole season have made the owners who drafted him furious. They expected a lot because of the Montreal acquisition of Brian Gionta, but with Gio sidelines with a broken foot, Gomez will be looked to to pick up the slack. The Canadiens really didn’t have a powerful scoring presence to begin with, but it looks like all visiting teams will have to do is shut down Mike Camalleri and Gomez in order to keep the Montreal offense in check.
Be very cautious…
Devin Setoguchi (San Jose) – By no means and I endorsing dropping Seto all together, but looking at possible trades wouldn’t be a bad idea. With the nagging injury he’s had so far this season, you might be able to round up a more reliable goal scorer from an owner chomping at the bit to get a big piece of the Shark offense (when he’s healthy).
Sheldon Souray (Edmonton) – It’s good to see the big Oiler defenseman back on the ice, but don’t be so fast to throw him in on a daily basis. He hasn’t really looked like himself in the six games he’s played this year, netting just two assists to date. He might be a bit hesitant to throw his weight around still, so the better option would be waiting for him to show signs before you plays him regularly.
November 21, 2009
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).
November 14, 2009
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.
November 9, 2009
