Editor's note: Our Ross Devonport and Michael Hurcomb read, write and
analyze everything Fantasy Hockey on a daily basis for CBSSports.com.
They agree and disagree on a variety of subjects on a weekly basis and
will share their opinions on Fantasy-relevant topics each week.
|
Who is a stopgap option that Niklas Kronwall owners can add off waivers?
|
|
Ross Devonport
|
Michael Hurcomb
|
I know it might seem obvious, but I really like Kronwall's usual
defensive partner, Brad Stuart, in
this spot. Stuart is only four years removed from a 43-point
campaign and racked up 27 minutes of ice time and over five
minutes on the power play in a win last week over Montreal. He has
shown offensive talent with the extra man in the past and is only
owned in seven percent of leagues at the moment. If the Wings are
willing to give him a chance, then you should, too.
|
Anton Stralman is the first name that comes to mind, but
since I've been harping about him for weeks, I will give you
another name -- Ian White. Toronto
head coach Ron Wilson said he will not be moving White to forward
since he has been one of the team's best blueliners at both ends
of the ice. That's not such a bad thing since White doesn't have
to worry about altering his game to play two different positions.
White has good offensive skills, but his problem is inconsistency.
Still, he isn't a bad buy while Kronwall is out.
|
|
Which backup goalie has more Fantasy value -- Jimmy Howard, Johan Hedberg
or Tuukka Rask?
|
|
Ross Devonport
|
Michael Hurcomb
|
|
I think we have three very different situations here. Howard is
likely to get the most starts of this group, as the Wings know
they have to keep Chris Osgood
fresh for the playoffs. Rask, meanwhile, is stuck behind a guy
with a big contract and the Vezina Trophy in his back pocket, so I
can't see him getting a huge increase in action unless Tim Thomas gets banged up. Hedberg, meanwhile, is maybe a
short hot streak away from taking the No. 1 job in Atlanta away
from Ondrej Pavelec, who has an
awful 3.47 GAA in November. For that reason, I would rather have
Hedberg on my Fantasy squad, I think.
|
It's really a toss-up between Howard and Rask. But for me it boils
down to the wins. Boston plays stellar defense, but if the B's
early-season scoring woes continue, Rask is going to face a lot of
heartache. Detroit is battling injury problems, but they still
have enough talent to put points on the board. Also, I feel Chris Osgood is the bigger injury risk than Tim Thomas. Detroit wouldn't be upset if Howard gets close to
30 appearances, so Osgood is fresh for the playoffs. I take Howard
because he might end up with more wins and appearances than Rask.
|
|
Which former No. 1 overall pick is going to have a better career
-- John Tavares (2009), Steven Stamkos (2008) or Patrick Kane
(2007)?
|
|
Ross Devonport
|
Michael Hurcomb
|
|
What Tavares has done for the Islanders this season since coming
out of the Draft as one of the most highly-touted prospects since
Wayne Gretzky is just phenomenal. He has 19 points in 21 games,
despite playing on a line alongside relative unknown Matt Moulson and career 30-point guy Richard Park. Can you just imagine what Tavares would be doing if
he had some legitimate offensive threats on either side of him? I
see the youngster having his ups and downs during his rookie
campaign, but he'll be a stud for years to come.
|
The easy choice would be Tavares since he is having the best start
to his career out of the three, but I'm going with Stamkos. I've
been overly impressed with his attitude since his rookie season.
He faced a lot of criticism after his slow start, but instead of
folding, he got to work and you are seeing his tireless effort
paying off. Also, he has a great mentor in Vincent Lecavalier, another former first overall pick. I think
that is one area Tavares and Kane are lacking, and Stamkos
learning from Vinny will pay off in the long run.
|
|
What player or storyline has caught your attention in Fantasy?
|
|
Ross Devonport
|
Michael Hurcomb
|
|
Man, you have to love what Maxim Afinogenov
has done since being signed by the Thrashers right before the
season started. The Russian, who many owners left for dead in
Fantasy terms after two disastrous final years in Buffalo, has
exploded out of the gate for 20 points in his first 20 games this
season playing on a line with fellow countrymen Nik Antropov and Ilya Kovalchuk.
Just like last year with Rich Peverley,
the Thrashers have uncovered another gem here.
|
I'm still trying to make sense of what to expect from James Neal. Even now that he is popping up on opposing teams'
scouting reports, Neal has shown no signs of slowing down. He is
excelling playing on the Stars' most-productive line with Brad Richards and Loui Eriksson.
Defenders are getting physical with Neal, but he says he is used
to it dating back to his junior days. Even then, he never managed
30 goals in a season. He is on pace for 40 in 2009-10, and maybe
coach Marc Crawford just knows how to get the most out of Neal.
|
Do you agree with Ross or Michael? Send your thoughts to DMFantasyPucks@cbs.com
and we'll post the best responses. Be sure to put Attn: Fantasy
Faceoff in the subject field. Include your full name, hometown and
state.
