|
| Sulzer signs deal | Thursday 1/8, 6:37 PM CT |
|
Alexander Sulzer agreed to terms on a 2-year, !.3 million deal with the Predators, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Sulzer, a 6-1, 196 lbs blue liner, has seven goals and 22 assists in 35 games for the AHL Admirals this season. |
|
|
| Santorelli called up | Thursday 1/8, 6:34 PM CT |
|
Mike Santorelli was called up from the AHL on Thursday, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Santorelli, a 2004 sixth round draft choice, has yet to skate in an NHL game, but he has racked up 13 goals and a team leading 41 points for the Admirals of the AHL. |
|
|
| Hansen recalled | Thursday 1/8, 6:05 PM CT |
|
Jannik Hansen was recalled on Thursday just a couple of days after he was sent down, according to the Associated Press. Alexandre Bolduc was demoted to make room on the roster.
Our View: Hansen, a 22 year old from Denmark, has 17 points in 37 games this season, numbers that certainly do not lead one to think he will be much of a fantasy option moving forward. |
|
|
| Backlund recalled | Thursday 1/8, 5:59 PM CT |
|
As expected, Mikael Backlund was called up on Thursday to take the roster spot of Todd Bertuzzi (back), according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Backlund, fresh off helping Sweden to the silver medal 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship, was named one of the three stars for the tournament thanks to his special play that included five goals and two assists in six games. |
|
|
| Kessel left off team | Thursday 1/8, 5:12 PM CT |
|
Phil Kessel did not make the Eastern Conference All-Star team despite scoring 24 goals and 40 points in 40 games, and as a result he will not pick up a $212,500 bonus in his contract, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Yet another player who rightfully should have been named to the squad but wasn't. Given the tight parameters of the makeup of the club, this happens every year. Too bad it cost him the money to put down a huge down payment on a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. |
|
|
| Huselius back at practice | Thursday 1/8, 5:09 PM CT |
|
Updating an earlier report, Kristian Huselius (concussion) returned to practice on Thursday and responded well leading the team to believe that he might be able to play this weekend, according to the Columbus Post Dispatch.
Our View: Huselius has been a bit of a disappointment this season with 12 goals and 25 points in 38 games, but the club desperately needs him back in the lineup given their lack of offensive depth. |
|
|
| AO given honor | Thursday 1/8, 5:06 PM CT |
|
Alexander Ovechkin may not have been chosen a starter by the fans, but he was still selected to be part of the NHL Eastern Conference All-Star squad, according to TSN.
Our View: Ovechkin is tied for the NHL lead with 27 goals, and with 53 points, a +12 and 19 power-play points, there are only a handful of options that can legitimately challenge him for NHL first half fantasy MVP honors. |
|
|
| Heatley honored | Thursday 1/8, 5:04 PM CT |
|
Dany Heatley was named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team on Thursday, according to TSN.
Our View: Heatley was a bit of a surprise selection given his unusually uneven play (-2), and just 36 points in 38 games for the struggling Senators. He does have eight power-play goals, and 16 points with the man-advantage, but more was expected from this uber-stud. |
|
|
| Richards shunned | Thursday 1/8, 4:56 PM CT |
|
Mike Richards was left off the Eastern Conference All-Star team to stunned amazement amongst his organization, according to the Philadelphia Enquirer.
Our View: Richards, the team's captain and heart and soul, has 15 goals, 42 points and a +16 rating this year, but that wasn't enough to find his way on the team, at least in part because of the ballot stuffing ways of the Canadiens fans who helped put Alexei Kovalev on the squad. |
|
|
| Carter an All-Star | Thursday 1/8, 4:53 PM CT |
|
Jeff Carter was named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team on Thursday on the strength of his massive offensive efforts thus far, according to the Philadelphia Enquirer.
Our View: Carter has been huge all year with an NHL leading 27 goals, eight of which have come on the power-play, four of which are short-handed, and five of which have been game winners. Yeah, he deserves this honor. |
|
|
| Vokoun in on Thursday | Thursday 1/8, 4:51 PM CT |
|
Tomas Vokoun will start in net for the Panthers on Thursday night when they take on the Hurricanes, according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: The goalie carousel continues in Florida as the team searches for some consistency in net as Vokoun and Craig Anderson have both struggled of late. If either gets the hot hand, they could seize the starting role. |
|
|
| Florida blue liner named to All-Stars | Thursday 1/8, 4:49 PM CT |
|
Jay Bouwmeester was named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team on Thursday, according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: Boumeester was a deserving selection as he has six goals, 15 assists and 48 PIM, but more was expected out of the free agent to be who has basically just mirrored his production from the past two season through the first half of this campaign. |
|
|
| MacDonald to play on Thursday | Thursday 1/8, 4:40 PM CT |
|
Updating an earlier report, it now appears that Rick DiPietro will not start on Thursday night, according to Newsday. The decision to sit DiPietro was made because of some swelling in his surgically repaired knee. Joey MacDonald will start tonight with Yann Danis being called up to serve as the backup.
Our View: It's more of the same with DiPietro who has basically been day-to-day for the majority of time since since his mammoth 15-year deal to become king of the world. This isn't how anyone involved hoped it would work out. Keep him reserved for now. |
|
|
| Luongo practices | Thursday 1/8, 4:35 PM CT |
|
Roberto Luongo skated with the Canucks on Thursday as he practiced for 25 minutes, according to TSN.
Our View: That's all the report says, other than he left practice early. At this point we don't know if that means he suffered yet another setback or if he just left when he had gotten in his work. Stay tuned. |
|
|
| Green snubbed | Thursday 1/8, 4:30 PM CT |
|
Mike Green said it didn't matter, but that doesn't mean that everyone in Washington was satisfied with the fact that Green was left off the All-Star team this season, according to TSN. "There are some stars but it's not all the stars," goalie Jose Theodore said. "The league should really review the system."
Our View: Though Green has missed time because of an injured shoulder, he has an impressive 10 goals and 16 assists in just 28 games, and eight of those goals have come on the power-play. He should have been voted onto the team, we agree. |
|
|
| Bertuzzi to sit? | Thursday 1/8, 4:24 PM CT |
|
Todd Bertuzzi's back is giving him trouble, and as a result he likely will not be in the lineup for the Flames on Thursday night, according to the Calgary Herald. In his place, the team will likely dress Swedish star Mikael Backlund.
Our View: Bertuzzi has scored 11 times with 31 points in 40 games on the season, and with 13 points on the power-play, he has been a nice option off the wing. It was foolish to expect him to stay healthy all year given his track record of late, so hopefully this is only a day-to-day thing. |
|
|
| Kaberle to leave town? | Thursday 1/8, 4:19 PM CT |
|
Tomas Kaberle said he wouldn't be against a move out of Toronto if the team wanted to trade him, according to TSN. "I haven"t talked to the GM and my agent didn"t talk to him. Let's leave it at that for now."
Our View: Kaberle could certainly bring a nice bounty if the club decided to move him given his offensive ways. This season has been a bit of a downer at times, he has only two goals on the year, but he has 16 points on the power-play and 25 points overall. |
|
|
| Martinek looks healthy | Thursday 1/8, 4:15 PM CT |
|
Radek Martinek skated in practice on Thursday, and after missing 17 games since suffering a right shoulder injury, he appears extremely close to returning to game action, according to Newsday.
Our View: With Freddy Meyer still hobbled, the club could certainly use Martinek back on the blue line. Still, he has failed to record a point in 10 games this season, and certainly shouldn't be rostered at this point. |
|
|
| Meyer sidelined | Thursday 1/8, 4:13 PM CT |
|
Freddy Meyer missed practice on Thursday due to a groin injury, and at this point there is no established timetable for his return to the ice, according to Newsday.
Our View: Meyer is a deplorable (-19) on the year in just 27 games of action, a fact that certainly isn't forgivable given his meager point total (4g, 5a). |
|
|
| DiPietro still an uncertainty | Thursday 1/8, 4:11 PM CT |
|
Rick DiPietro continues to be in an out of the lineup due to a groin injury, and at this point the decision on whether or not he will play is being left up to him, according to Newsday. "I want him to feel comfortable, and we're not going to put him in a situation where he's not," Islanders coach Scott Gordon said.
Our View: The signs point toward DiPietro possibly starting on Thursday night, though at this point you had better be prepared for him to sit out the game against the Flames in which case Joe MacDonald would get the start. |
|
|
| Hnidy is out | Thursday 1/8, 3:36 PM CT |
|
Shane Hnidy is out for tonight's home game against the Senators while dealing with an eye injury, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: The defenseman is not much of a scorer and only holds value with 34 penalty minutes over 36 outings. |
|
|
| Lucic ruled out | Thursday 1/8, 3:33 PM CT |
|
Milan Lucic has been ruled out for tonight's game against the Senators due to an undisclosed injury, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: The forward is considered day-to-day. He will be missed by the Bruins and fantasy teams tonight, as he chipped in 11 goals and 15 assists over 40 games, to go along with 84 penalty minutes. |
|
|
| Dupuis is questionable | Thursday 1/8, 2:51 PM CT |
|
Pascal Dupuis is questionable for tonight's game at Nashville due to an undisclosed injury, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: The club did not speculate whether he may play tonight. He has chipped in nine goals and three assists so far this season. |
|
|
| Price is doubtful | Thursday 1/8, 2:39 PM CT |
|
Carey Price is doubtful for tonight's game against the Maple Leafs due to his ailing groin, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Jaroslav Halak will likely make his fourth straight start in goal. Price is considered day-to-day. |
|
|
| Jovanovski is questionable | Thursday 1/8, 2:35 PM CT |
|
Ed Jovanovski is questionable for tonight's game against the Lightning after sustaining a cut above his eye during a fight with Chicago's Matt Walker Tuesday, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: Jovanovski has been productive this season with two goals, 18 assists and 39 penalty minutes over 41 games, but holds a poor -12 rating. |
|
|
| Kane will return tonight | Thursday 1/8, 2:22 PM CT |
|
The Chicago Tribune indicates star winger Patrick Kane will return to the ice tonight against Colorado. He has been dealing with a high-ankle sprain, which forced him to miss the last two games.
Our View: Kane is enjoying a strong sophomore campaign in the NHL with 16 goals and 25 assists (41 points) over 35 games, and is worth penciling back into fantasy lineups with a favorable match-up against the Avalanche. |
|
|
| Weight is questionable | Thursday 1/8, 2:17 PM CT |
|
Doug Weight is questionable for tonight's game at Calgary due to his lower-leg injury, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: He will be missed as a veteran leader for the Islanders tonight, and has been enjoying a productive campaign with seven goals and 25 assists over 37 battles. The club doesn't play again until next Tuesday against the Rangers, giving Weight more time to recover. |
|
|
| Asham expected to return tonight | Thursday 1/8, 2:09 PM CT |
|
Arron Asham is expected to return to the ice tonight against the Wild following his bout with a lower-body injury, according to the Sports Network.
Our View: The veteran forward isn't much of a scorer but is a solid source for penalty minutes as an enforcer with 88 over 36 games. |
|
|
| Lundqvist ruled out | Thursday 1/8, 2:05 PM CT |
|
Joel Lundqvist has been ruled out for tonight's game against Detroit due to his shoulder injury, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: He was hopeful of returning tonight, but will now have to try for Saturday at Phoenix. He is not productive enough to employ in fantasy leagues. |
|
|
| Versteeg leading all rookies | Thursday 1/8, 1:52 PM CT |
|
Kris Versteeg is leading all NHL rookies with 33 points (13 goals, 20 assists) over 36 games, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Our View: He has blasted a goal in three straight games and will have a good chance to extend his streak tonight in a favorable match-up against Colorado at the United Center. |
|
|
| Khabibulin set for Thursday | Thursday 1/8, 1:48 PM CT |
|
Nikolai Khabibulin is set to start in goal tonight at the United Center against the Avalanche, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Our View: Khabibulin has won five of his last seven starts and should be penciled into fantasy lineups with a favorable home match-up against Colorado. |
|
|
| Laperriere out for Thursday | Thursday 1/8, 1:44 PM CT |
|
Ian Laperriere is not ready to return to action tonight at Chicago while recovering from a sore back, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View: He is getting better, but remains day-to-day. The enforcer has been a solid source for penalty minutes with 84 over 39 games. |
|
|
| Nokelainen is questionable | Thursday 1/8, 1:38 PM CT |
|
Petteri Nokelainen is questionable for tonight's game against Ottawa due to his ailing shoulder, according to the Ottawa Sun.
Our View: The young forward holds no fantasy value as of yet with only one assist over 22 games. He is yet to net a goal over 20 shots. |
|
|
| Volchenkov is day-to-day | Thursday 1/8, 1:34 PM CT |
|
Anton Volchenkov is day-to-day while nursing a shoulder injury, according to the Ottawa Sun.
Our View: Volchenkov has racked up 22 penalty minutes over 31 games, but holds a terrible -13 rating and only scored two goals and one assist. |
|
|
| Gerber slated to start | Thursday 1/8, 1:31 PM CT |
|
Martin Gerber is slated for his 14th start in goal tonight at Boston, according to the Ottawa Sun.
Our View: Gerber has allowed 15 goals over his last five games, and is an unfavorable fantasy option with a tough road match-up against the Bruins. |
|
|
| Meszaros expected to play | Thursday 1/8, 12:51 PM CT |
|
Andrej Meszaros practiced Wednesday and is expected to play tonight at Phoenix, according to the Tampa Tribune.
Our View: The blueliner holds some value in deeper leagues with 10 assists and 24 penalty minutes, but is yet to net a goal over 66 shots. |
|
|
| Ramo could start Friday | Thursday 1/8, 12:47 PM CT |
|
Karri Ramo could start in goal Friday at Anaheim with Olie Kolzig still bothered by an upper-body injury, according to the Tampa Tribune.
Our View: Ramo would be making his first start of the season, and would not merit fantasy consideration. |
|
|
| Ranger set to return | Thursday 1/8, 12:36 PM CT |
|
Paul Ranger is set to return to the ice tonight against the Coyotes after missing three straight games with an upper-body injury, according to the Tampa Tribune.
Our View: He is among the Lightning's top defensemen, but only holds value in deeper fantasy leagues with two goals, 11 assists and 52 penalty minutes over 33 games. |
|
|
| http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3818763&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines | Thursday 1/8, 11:39 AM CT |
|
The Penguins and center Jordan Staal have agreed to a four-year extension worth $16 million, ESPN.com reports. The new deal will begin at the start of the 2009-10 season.
Our View: That seems like a lot of money for the current production, but the Penguins obviously think this 2006 first-round pick has much more upside. Staal is currently mired in an eight-game scoreless streak and is only mildly useful in fantasy leagues. |
|
|
| Briere may return Saturday | Thursday 1/8, 10:51 AM CT |
|
Daniel Briere said his strained groin is 90-95 percent healthy and has a shot to return to the ice Saturday at home against Toronto, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.
Our View: Briere is among the top centers in the NHL, and his return would provide a boost to the Flyers and fantasy owners. We will keep you posted on his status for Saturday. |
|
|
| Chimera undergoes another MRI | Thursday 1/8, 10:39 AM CT |
|
Jason Chimera underwent another MRI on his slowly recovering groin injury, according to the Columbus Dispatch. He said, "I don't feel it when I walk now, which is good. Only when I skate. When I take a full stride, I can really feel it."
Our View: This is his first groin injury and he isn't sure what to expect. He is hopeful of playing Friday at Washington, and has been productive for deeper fantasy leagues with seven goals, 11 assists and 31 penalty minutes over 31 contests. |
|
|
| Mason slated for Friday | Thursday 1/8, 10:34 AM CT |
|
Steve Mason is slated to start between the pipes Friday at Washington, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
Our View: Mason will have a tough road match-up against Alex Ovechkin and Co, but should remain penciled into fantasy lineups as he holds a .934 save percentage (currently NHL leader) and 1.82 goals-against average over 23 starts. |
|
|
| Huselius hopes to return Saturday | Thursday 1/8, 10:30 AM CT |
|
Kristian Huselius, who is recovering from a concussion, hopes to return to the ice Saturday against the Wild at Nationwide Arena, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
Our View: He will be tested today. He would provide a boost to the Blue Jackets and fantasy teams upon his return as he netted 12 goals and 13 assists over 38 games this season. |
|
|
| Hemsky still dealing with concussion | Thursday 1/8, 10:25 AM CT |
|
Ales Hemsky is still dealing with a concussion, according to the Edmonton Sun.
Our View: Hemsky, who is the Oilers' top offensive star, is still "foggy" and his recovery is taking longer than the club anticipated. It is uncertain when he may return and shall remain reserved until further notice. |
|
|
| Quick ready to return | Thursday 1/8, 9:31 AM CT |
|
Jonathan Quick is expected to start in goal tonight against the Ducks after missing one game with the flu, according to the LA Times.
Our View: Quick should be penciled into lineups as the young phenom holds a .943 save percentage and 1.59 goals-against average over seven games (six starts). |
|
|
| Lydman expected to play Friday | Thursday 1/8, 9:19 AM CT |
|
Toni Lydman is expected to play Friday against the Rangers after sitting out one game with the flu, according to the Buffalo News.
Our View: Lydman provides toughness on the blueline, but is only useful in the deepest of fantasy leagues with only one goal and nine assists over 39 games. |
|
|
| Connolly set to return Friday | Thursday 1/8, 9:14 AM CT |
|
Tim Connolly is set to return to the ice Friday against the Rangers at the HSBC Arena following his recovery from a rib injury, according to the Buffalo News.
Our View: Connolly has potential to be a strong sniper for the Sabres, if he could just stay healthy. He is worth acquiring if available on the waiver wire. |
|
|
| Porter sent down by Coyotes | Thursday 1/8, 8:53 AM CT |
|
Kevin Porter has been sent down to the AHL by the Coyotes, according to the Arizona Republic.
Our View: He has solid potential as a Hobey Baker Award winner, and he notched five goals and five assists over 33 games with Phoenix this season, but should benefit from more ice time in the minors to sharpen his skills. |
|
|
| Murray recalled by Coyotes | Thursday 1/8, 8:49 AM CT |
|
Garth Murray has been recalled by the Coyotes from AHL San Antonio, according to the Arizona Republic. The club sent down Kevin Porter as the adjoining move.
Our View: Murray failed to score any points over eight games with Phoenix this season, and is not expected to register a blip on the fantasy radar in his latest stint. |
|
|
| Bryzgalov slated for Thursday | Thursday 1/8, 8:47 AM CT |
|
Ilya Bryzgalov is slated for his 31st start in goal tonight at home against the Lightning, according to the Arizona Republic.
Our View: He only allowed two goals in each of his last two starts and is worth a look for tonight in a favorable match-up at home. |
|
|
| Stuart receives stitches | Thursday 1/8, 8:33 AM CT |
|
Brad Stuart received six stitches to his bottom lip after getting struck in the face with a stick during battle with the Blue Jackets Tuesday, according to the Detroit News.
Our View: The blueliner should be able to play tonight against the Stars, but holds little to no fantasy value right now with only one goal and five assists over 38 outings. |
|
|
| Filppula expected to play | Thursday 1/8, 8:29 AM CT |
|
Valtteri Filppula is nursing a hip ailment, but is still expected to play tonight against the Stars, according to the Detroit News.
Our View: This is favorable news for Filppula, but he does not merit fantasy consideration as he only contributed one assist over his last seven games. |
|
|
| Ward expected to return tonight | Thursday 1/8, 8:13 AM CT |
|
Aaron Ward is expected to return to the ice tonight at home against the Senators following his recovery from a charley horse, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Ward provides solid veteran leadership to the Bruins' blueline, but is not productive enough to employ in fantasy leagues. |
|
|
| Talbot is cold | Thursday 1/8, 7:45 AM CT |
|
Maxime Talbot is cold as he only contributed one assist over his last 24 games, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: Talbot should be held out of lineups, even in the deepest of leagues. |
|
Crushing hits. Explosive separation. Hail Mary bombs to streaking receivers. For that and fantasy analysis for all things football turn to Owners Edge NFL every week on your way to the championship.
A 95 mph heater. A perfectly executed hit and run. A blast into the sky. At Owners Edge MLB, we break down every conceivable fantasy angle from the simple to the complex to quench your fantasy thirst.
Outlet passes. Jumpers from downtown. Alley-oops leading to thunderous jams that bring the crowd to their feet are all part of the NBA experience leading to our analysis of the hardwood at Owners Edge NBA.
The hush at the tee box is followed by the sweat sound of metal on ball as someone in the gallery yells out 'you da man!' At Owners Edge PGA we bring refinement, analysis and passion to the sport of golf.
The smell of burning rubber. The thrill of unmitigated speed coming out of the turn. The visceral exhilaration of a pile up. At Owners Edge NASCAR we make the pit stop so you don't have to on race day.