NHL News Break

The Montreal Canadiens’ best defenseman will return to action sometime this week.  Markov is a great player and should be on all fantasy teams and could be a great steal for some sleeping fantasy leagues where Markov is for some reason still available.  Markov will no doubt ease the load for Michael Cammalleri and Carey Price as Markov is a fantastic offensive contributor from the blue line.  Markov had 58 points two seasons ago and 64 points last season and is nothing to be slept upon, especially if you are in need of assists.  Great news for Markov and the Canadiens who originally believed Markov would be out for another few months at least.

The ladies of Montreal surely cannot wait for their top rated defenseman to return.

The best goaltender in the NHL this season has been Buffalo’s Ryan Miller.  While other Goalies have dominated for some periods of the season, Miller has for the most part been the most consistent.  Miller has a 1.83 goal against average which leads the NHL.  Miller is among the goalies in the NHL who are workhorses.

Other workhorse types include Evgeni Nabokov, Henrik Lundquist, Craig Anderson, Miikka Kiprusoff, Jon Quick, Ilya Bryzgalov, and Martin Brodeur.  Ilya Brzgalov has been superb for Phoenix this season and Bryz is certainly the envy of most fantasy owners.  Meanwhile, Colorado’s Craig Anderson has the most saves made in the NHL.  Even though Anderson’s goals against have been getting progressively not so good as the year has progressed, Anderson should be fine, especially with Peter Budaj getting some playing time and showing that he can compete.  While Anderson’s neck injury he recently suffered was unfortunate, maybe the added playing time to Budaj is a blessing in disguise to give Anderson the energy he needs to maintain his dominance throughout the entire NHL season, which is something Anderson has yet to prove in the NHL.  The team that is showing how to use two goalies is certainly the Boston Bruins.  While Tim Thomas has been good, his counterpart Tuukka Rask has become the great backup that Manny Fernandez provided for the team last season.  Bryzgalov and Miller are currently tied for the lead in the NHL for shutouts with four.

Alex Ovechkin, Zach Parise, Dany Heatley, Patrick Marleau, Rick Nash, Michael Cammalleri, Ilya Kovalchuk.  The Seven Players listed are all great left wingers in the National Hockey League, yet left off the list is someone you may not have heard of yet.  Dustin Penner is the name of the player who has had 45 and 47 point seasons in his five-year career with the last three in Edmonton.  This season Penner already has 36 points in 32 games and at this pace Penner is on he could see 70 points by season’s end, dare I say 80.

With 18 goals to match Penner’s 18 assists, Penner has been asked by the Canadian Olympic Team to try out for the team after being snubbed by Team Canada last summer.  One thing can be said for sure, Penner is a sharp-shooter.  He is not taking a tremendous amount of shots, although he probably should be considering the game he shot the puck 11 times October 22nd versus Columbus produced 2 goals, 3 assists, 5 points, a plus-3 rating, and last but not least 2 penalty minutes (yes we count them as good things: e.g., you come out of the penalty box and you take over and score, thus momentum shifts are why PIMs are important).  Penner is blazing hot with goals in his last three games, to match the 3 assists that matched his goal last night in the Edmonton victory at St. Louis.  Fact: Edmonton is 5-0 thus far in December.  If the playoffs began today, Edmonton would be out, but the standings in the West are close and Edmonton is right in the thick of the playoff race.  Thus, the NewsBreak’s recommendation for DP, shoot the heck out of the puck, especially with Ales Hemsky gone for the season.

The young 2009-2010 season is fun and crazy.  The fact remains that trying to call who will be successful in making it into the playoffs is difficult.  Not one team is definitely yet out of the playoffs.  The worst are the Carolina Hurricanes in the East and the Anaheim Ducks in the West.  The Canes welcomed back the return of Goaltender Cam Ward yesterday and guess what?  Eric Staal is heating up putting together some nice strings of assists.  The Canes lost 13 in a row, three of which were overtime losses, and really it can’t get worse than last in the East, so they have only up to go.  In the West, Anaheim is 7 points behind eighth place Detroit.  Although starter Jonas Hiller has struggled, veteran Jean-Sebastian Giguere has begun to find his old self and should be poised to take over as starter for the season.  Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf have been great, but the West is tough and they will need consistent play from defenders like Ryan Whitney, Joffrey Lupul (4 goals in last 3 games and heating up), and continued great play by Winger Bobby Ryan.  I believe the Ducks have the fight to make it to the playoffs.

Getzlaf and Thornton Last Year in Playoffs

Maybe you are struggling at this point in your fantasy league or you are dominating.  It is time to assess talent for the remainder of the season so get geared up!

Whom are fantasy owners salivating over right now?  You guessed it correctly if you chose Sidney Crosby.  Over the last month Cros has got eleven goals to match ten assists, with five power play points, and a plus-four rating.  No one else has been able match Crosby’s balance in scoring.

Michael Cammalleri has ten goals over the last month, and to note the big west centers Joe Thornton and Ryan Getzlaf have 15 and 16 assists respectively over the last month.

To note, for those brave fantasy owners that chose Defenseman Mike Green with high draft picks have not been disappointed since Green has come through with nine power play points, 14 assists, and a plus-eight rating over the last month.

Minnesota Center Mikko Koivu has been spectacular over the last month as the most well balanced player in the league so kudos to those owners that picked him in a later round.

Coming back from injuries, Left Winger from Atlanta Ilya Kovulchuk has bounced back nicely with seven goals and ten assists over the last month.  In addition, Toronto Right Wing Phil Kessel has been great since coming back from shoulder surgery with nine goals in the last month, yet only one power play point.  Good job to those fantasy owners able to pull of a deal to get Kessel while he was on the injured reserve.  Also, Corey Perry has played extremely well this season and has not disappointed in any way.

Some other notable surprises for fantasy owners that were able to get some great deals in a later round include:

- Steven Stamkos, C, TB

- Dustin Penner, LW, EDM

- Anze Kopitar, C, LA

- Matt Moulson, LW, NYI

Unfortunately Edmonton Right Wing Ales Hemsky was lost for the season after starting off sizzling hot.

Keep Posted for more NHL updates!

The NHL Season is approximately one-third over and with that in mind NHL NB will now look at the playoff picture for the rest of the season.

#1. SAN JOSE SHARKS, 43 Points,

The Sharks have scored the most points in the league with 97. They have given up 59 points which is the fourth best in the NHL this season. Currently San Jose is undefeated at home (13-0-1) while posting an impressive 9-3 road record. The 97 goals means alot of scoring is going on with seven Sharks having at least 20 points. Two of the seven are not LW Milan Michalek and RW Jonathan Cheechoo which is even scarier to think of. WATCH OUT FOR: RW Devin Setoguchi (plus+14) who is on an absolute tear over the last month, averaging 0.5 goal per game, 0.8 assists per game, 0.8 plus (versus minus) per game, 0.5 power play points per game. Linemate C Joe Thornton has one more point than Setoguchi with 30 for the season thus far and 26 penalty minutes to go along. Coming right third in points is LW Patrick Marleau (plus+14) with 28. These guys can flat out score, but in leagues where penalty minutes are important WATCH OUT for RW Ryane Clowe (25 penalty minutes). Clowe recently strung together a stretch of 9 goals in 10 games, and has recently gone assist streaking with six assists in the last four games. C Joe Pavelski is on fire right now with four goals and six points in the last three games. Finally, the Shark defense of Dany Boyle, Christian Erhoff, and Rob Blake have been outstanding leading the offensive charge combining for 43 assists. Goaltender Brian Boucher has been another bright part of the San Jose equation as the Evgeni Nabokov/Boucher Monster has combined to allow a 2.30 goals against average. (See the NB’s Early Season Prediction About these Bloodthirsty Savage Sharks).

#2. DETROIT RED WINGS [DEFENDING STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS], 36 Points

First of all Marian Hossa is doing what the preseason hype believed Hossa would do as he had done against his former foe now team Red Wings. Meanwhile Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg have 24 points each with nine and twelve power play power respectively. The Wings’ depth and offensive prowess (84 goals) have padded G Chris Osgood’s 10-1 record and masked his 3.05 GAA. Backup G Ty Conklin has been strong posting a 0.905 save percentage in nine games played. Not that he is sneaking up on anybody this season but WATCH OUT for Johan Franzen if you can get the Machine for a good bargain. ROAD RECORD: 10-2-2

#3. VANCOUVER CANUCKS, 30 Points,

Aside from his injury, the best goaltender in the league is Roberto Luongo with five shutouts this season in 19 games played. Luongo has never had more than seven shutouts in a season which would lead one to think that this could be Luongo’s best campaign yet.

#4. Anaheim Ducks, 31 Points,

Man these guys are too good for the defense to be so bad. C Getzlaf and RW Corey Perry have been shining stars for the Ducks and fantasy owners are thanking them. These guys are the all around total package with plus 30 points and penalty minutes. RW Teemu Selanne is proving his worth with 24 points (see Teemu Selanne Story Below). G Jonas Hiller has outplayed G Jean Sebastian-Giguere thus far and Hiller is making a stand for number one with his 0.934 save percentage.

#5 MINNESOTA WILD, 29 Points,

Marian Gaborik has been out for the year and is not going to be rushing things. Niklas Backstrom has logged 21 games and his 610 saves gives him 59 less than Calgary G Miikka Kiprusoff who has played in three more games than Backstrom. C Mikko Koivu shines for the Wild with 27 points and 26 penalty minutes.

#6 CALGARY FLAMES, 29 Points, G Kiprusoff has played in 24 games this season but the Flames are 5-6 on the road. The team is a combined negative-51. RW Jarome Iginla is on a 36 goal pace while he scored 50 last season.

#7 CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS, 26 Points,

Patrick Sharp began the season very well and continues with plus 20 points and PIMs. Sharp has two game winning goals and WATCH OUT: Patrick Kane has 28 points and 11 power play points. The team is combined Plus-35.

#8 NASHVILLE PREDATORS, 26 Points, [see picture for example of Predators and Blackhawks fighting for the last two playoff spots]. WATCH OUT: D Shea Weber with 10 goals, 23 points and 33 PIMs.

Currently not in the playoffs, WATCH the Great One Wayne Gretzky in Phoenix to make some moves and score some more goals (only 59) while continuing to play good defense. The Kings are another team that could be in this playoff hunt if they can too start getting more goal production(62 goals).

COLUMBUS, COLORADO, PHOENIX [see Shane Doan on a mission/Olli Jokinen on the IR], LOS ANGELES [WATCH OUT G Erik Ersberg], ST. LOUIS, EDMONTON, DALLAS

EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF OUTLOOK

#1. BOSTON BRUINS, 36 Points

“Da Bears” of Hockey are on a complete tear this season.  Amazing Offense?  Check.  Stellar Defense?  Check.  The Bruins have scored a ton while giving up very little thanks to Tim Thomas and Manny Fernandez.  Thomas’ 1.88 Goal Against Average is spelled with Fernandez who in nine starts this season has lost two times (one in regulation, one in OT).

WATCH FOR:  RW Phil Kessel (plus-8) (see photo and remember the name), C Marc Savard (plus-13), D Dennis Wideman (plus-13), LW Milan Lucic (plus-10), BREAKOUT ALERT: D Matt Hunwick (plus-10).  If Matt Hunwick is available in your fantasy league, what the heck are you waiting for?  GO NOW!

#2. NY RANGERS, 36 Points, Solid Offense, Solid Defense. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist is the man. 

#3. WASHINGTON, 29 Points, Ovechkin, Ovechkin, Ovechkin!  Defense???  Scored 80 Goals, Given up 80 goals.  Home Record 9-1-1, Away Record 4-8-2

#4. MONTREAL, 32 Points, Similar to the Rangers, but what rock did Alexei Kovalev crawl under?  In Montreal, Goaltender Carey Price is Right!

#5. PITTSBURGH, 31 Points, The Real Challenger to Boston in the Playoffs are the Pens.  You must think ”now they have playoff experience” when you think of the Best Young Duo in hockey, Sidney Crosby-Evgeni Malkin.  Remember how you absolutely despised Marc-Andre Fleury around this time last season?  The season is still early enough to despise him and adore him, just like last season.  Backup Dany Sabourin is solid and stable enough to allow Fleury to get banged up, then come back and average a shutout per game.  That is half-joke, because Fleury has the ability to shut out any team, any time.

#6. PHILADELPHIA, 29 points, staying true to their name, the Philly Flyers can “fly”.  They are fast, young, and tough, which means trouble for opposing playoff teams behind solid goaltending.  WATCH FOR: Captain C Mike Richards (26 points, 13-plus) and the NHL Co-leader in goals this season C Jeff Carter (18 goals scored tied with BUF C Thomas Vanek).  Last 10 Games: 7 wins 1, 1 loss, 2 ties

#7. NEW JERSEY, 26 points, Should have the return of Goal Scoring Center Brian Rolston soon.  If you can trade for Rolston now, you should.  The Devils are 7-6 without G Martin Brodeur.

#8. CAROLINA, 26 points, Coach Peter Laviolette is out in Carolina, and so does the hope of holding onto this final playoff spot.  With that in mind, NHL NewsBreak is looking for the FLORIDA PANTHERS and OTTAWA SENS to make the playoffs.  The Panthers have great goaltending with Tomas Vokoun and Craig “I Should Start Every Game Because I Win” Anderson.  See flying LW David Booth, RW Nathan Horton, and the vet Cory Stillman.

Ottawa has a good anchor with G Alex Auld and they play great defense.  The problem has been they’ve scored even less than the tiny amount of goals they’ve given up (56).  This will not last and while the offense gets going, the defense shines with two former Lightning Bolts/Beasts traded for Andrej Meszaros, Alexandre Picard and Filip Kuba (15 assists).

Buffalo, Toronto, Florida, NY Islanders, Ottawa, Tampa Bay, Atlanta

Detroit’s most formidable playoff opponent seems to be the Sharks here in the beginning of the 08-09 season.

San Jose looks sharp behind Nabokov and the new defensive strategy for San Jose to go on offense.  Whereas last season, San Jose looked to have all action stem from point-man Joe Thornton, now Defenseman like Christian Ehrhoff are getting into the shooting and scoring mix.  Similarly, Duck defenseman Rob Niedermeyer added a goal, and Francois Beauchemin had five shots.  Unfortunately, Beauchemin is not the offensive threat that Niedermeyer and Pronger are, so should pass more often.  There was a situation last night when Beuchemin got the puck, had an open shot, had a guy down low to Nabokov’s right, yet Beuchemin failed to pass, shot, and Nabokov ate it up.  The Sharks just dominated the Ducks and Ryan Getzlaf did not even shoot the puck once.  Anaheim may be the better team, just more rusty and need to get better adjusted with the addition of Teemu Selanne.  In addition, Chris Kunitz displayed his playmaker capabilities, however, San Jose’s defense was very good and seemed to bubble up any of Anaheim’s offensive attack.

The difference maker between these two teams on Thursday night was the respective goalies from San Jose, Evgeni Nabokov and Vancouver Roberto Luongo.  These two were exceptional while both teams interestingly rolled over Anaheim and Calgary.

Most notably, Vancouver rolled over Calgary 6 to ZERO.  Steve Bernier was fantastic playing with the Sedin twins and scored a goal.  Mattias Ohlund scored a goal and a vicious hit on Jerome Iginla that send his neck almost through the boards.  Alex Burrows payed tribute to his late teammate Luc Bourdon who tragically died in a motorcycle accident in the offseason, by scoring two goals.  The Canucks still have young talent that is fast, like Mason Raymond, Ryan Kessler, and Taylor Pyatt.  Vancouver displays great young energy and should be considered an early contender in the West.

FANTASY WATCH:  Canuck Teammate Pavol Demitra expressed his belief linemate speedster Mason Raymond will have at least 30-goals this season.  If you are like me and like 30-plus goal scorers than you may want to consider adding Mr. Raymond.

Also, you should add Steve Bernier to your team ASAP and Alex Burrows.  They look too good and problematic for opposing defenses.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to start Chris Kunitz.  This is Kunitz’s golden opportunity to be a great player at left-wing for the Ducks.  Kunitz is an offensive spark plug so he should inject some life into your fantasy team’s offense too.

Phoenix Coyotes Right-Winger Peter Mueller is primed to break out this season playing along with Shane Doan and newly acquired Olli Jokinen.  He is 20-years old, but Mueller proved his worth scoring a hat-trick against San Jose on Monday.  Mueller scored 54 points and 32 PIMs in his rookie campaign, and we are looking for Mueller to get at least 30-35 goals on one of the most exciting lines in all hockey.  Lastly, look for Mueller’s game winning goals to increase.  One of three game winners last season is in the picture to the left.

All of those who have already drafted Mr. Power Play Point Sergei Gonchar have a few decisions to make.  First, how long will Gonchar be out?  It looks like Sergei Gonchar will be out the next four to six months with a separated shoulder he received in the exhibition game versus Tampa Bay.  So now what do you do?  Plan A is to hold onto Gonchar, at least long enough to put him on the injured reserve.  Then you can pick up a free agent, but what if you have only one IR spot on your roster?  It is going to be a rough ride folks.  Ultimately Gonchar may need to be dropped if you have one IR spot.  For example, what if Evgeni Malkin goes down for three months?  Well, you are probably going to need to drop one of them, and it is not going to be Malkin.  So the deal is hold onto Gonchar unless you absolutely cannot wait to add a free agent on the board until the Penguins effectively place him on the injured reserve.  If you can wait long enough for him to go on the injured reserve, stick him there, and adjust accordingly if you must drop him in favor of a better player in a worst case scenario.  Finally, yes, it is worth holding onto Gonchar if you can.  It is possible that Gonchar could miss the whole regular season, however, if Gonchar heals quickly he would come back with two to three months in the season remaining.

Anaheim re-signed Superstar Teemu Selanne to a two-year deal that keeps Selanne happy and where he wanted to play while in great shape still.  Selanne played on the 28th versus Vancouver and scored two power play goals, while fellow right-wing Corey Perry added two goals as well.  If you are worried about Selannes 90-point potential because of starting right-wing Corey Perry, this is a great indicator to ease those fears.