The season is only a few weeks old and yet teams are already hitting the panic button. We've seen our first coaching change already as the Thrashers have decided to part ways with Bob Hartley, while the Kings can't seem to find an answer in goal. This week poses a challenge for fantasy GMs as fantasy sweetheart Ottawa plays only one game this week, while the Oilers, Hurricanes, and Canucks have four games each. With that being said, it's time to breakdown another exciting week in the NHL.
Four Games: Carolina, Edmonton and Vancouver
Out of these three teams Carolina seem to have the easiest schedule. The Canes have home games against Vancouver, Buffalo, and Montreal as well as an away game at Long Island. Carolina is led by Justin Williams who has gotten off to an impressive start recording 11 points in eight games. Look for Williams, Eric Staal and Cory Stillman to put up solid fantasy numbers.
Three Games: Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Calgary, Chicago, Colorado, Columbus, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minnesota, Montreal, Nashville, New York Rangers, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh. San Jose, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Toronto and Washington
Pittsburgh appears to have a very favourable schedule this week playing against the Rangers, Canadians, and Leafs all at home. The Penguins have owned the Leafs as of late and should dine on a Leaf team that seems to be a step slower then the Pens. The Rangers are 0-3-1 on the road, and may have problems stopping Sidney Crosby and company.
Atlanta could be a sleeper fantasy pick this week. They play all three of their games away, but face two struggling teams in Toronto and Nashville. I’m not sold on Chicago just yet, so this could be the perfect opportunity for Ilya Kovalchuk and Marian Hossa to breakout of their early season slumps. Hossa in particular is struggling after spending some time on the injured list, scoring only one goal and being a minus-3 so far this season.
Two Games: Dallas, Florida, New Jersey and Phoenix
Although Dallas plays both of their games on the road this week, they are facing two awful teams in Los Angeles and Phoenix. Dallas is led by the surprising Niklas Hagman who leads the team with seven points in eight games. Marty Turco has been outstanding registering a 1.99 GAA in five games. Los Angles and Phoenix are starting J.S Aubin and Mikael Tellqvist, so that should negate any feelings of doubt whether to bank on the Stars.
One Game: Ottawa and NY Islanders
Although Ottawa is playing in New Jersey this week, I prefer this matchup over the Islanders entertaining the Hurricanes at home. Martin Brodeur is off to a terrible start, while the Senators seem to be unstoppable on offence. The Dany Heatley-Daniel Alfredsson-Jason Spezza line is giving opposing coaches nightmares, and should give the Devils defence a rough time especially without the services of Colin White, who is out with a eye injury.
Best Games
Friday, October 26th, 2007
San Jose Sharks at Detroit Red Wings
In what could be a preview of the Western Conference final, The Sharks travel to Detroit looking to avenge an earlier 4-2 home defeat. All eyes will be on two of the league’s best as Henrik Zetterberg and Joe Thornton go head to head in what should be an outstanding game. Zetterberg is off to a blazing start scoring 17 points in his first nine games, while Thornton has recorded a steady nine points in eight games.
Tuesday, October 23rd, 2007
Atlanta Thrashers at Toronto Maple Leafs
If you are a fan of scoring, then this is the game for you as these two teams have given up a combined 73 goals in just 17 games. Toronto and Atlanta have an under-rated rivalry in my opinion so you could see a few tussles to go along with what is sure to be an offensive explosion. The Leafs should be getting Kyle Wellwood back, who has been out with a sports hernia. Ilya Kovalchuk seems to feast on the Leafs, who are yet again one of the league’s worst penalty-killing teams.
Top Players This Week
Center
Sidney Crosby
Eric Staal
Pavel Datsyuk
Anze Kopitar
Left Wing
Henrik Zetterberg
Mike Cammalleri
Ilya Kovalchuk
Cory Stillman
Right Wing
Justin Williams
Jarome Iginla
Marian Hossa
Ales Hemsky
Defence
Nicklas Lidstrom
Sergei Gonchar
Dion Phaneuf
Tomas Kaberle
Chris Pronger
Goaltenders
Miikka Kiprusoff
Martin Biron
Ryan Miller
Cam Ward
Sleepers
C- Bryan Little
RW- Brad Boyes
G- Manny Legace
RW- Sam Gagner
D- Ryan Suter
D- Francois Beauchemin
Greg's hockey obsession started at a young age as he had dreams of playing in the NHL. Blessed with the skating ability of Mick Vukota, the offensive instincts of Brad Marsh, and the toughness of Mats Naslund, Greg was somehow overlooked by scouts and decided to apply himself to writing about the game that he loves. Greg is a die hard Leaf fan and is currently a senior at the University of Windsor where he is studying Social Work. 