Cogliano: Under The Radar

By |2015-07-24T10:18:57-04:00April 24th, 2011|Eastern Edge|

Cogs

 

In the final season before the NHL lockout, 2003-04, the worst three teams in the league were the Pittsburgh Penguins with 58 points, and the Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals with 59 points each.  Seven short years later and two of the franchises have already added a Stanley Cup. Despite their leading scorer failing to score even 60 points, in that 2003-04 season the Edmonton Oilers finished with 89 points, yet still failed to qualify for postseason activity. They would go on to not only lose the Sidney Crosby sweepstakes, but in one of the strangest drafts of all time, they were awarded the 25th overall pick.

 

Determined to make the most of their situation, they were excited to select the 18-year-old Cogliano, who had just compiled 102 points in 49 games in the OPJHL, good enough to be crowned top scorer in the league. In the limited time he had played internationally, Cogliano scored five goals and seven assists in only six games to lead a team that also featured players such as Steve Downie, Bryan Little, Marc Staal, Ryan Parent, Ryan Wilson, and Cal Clutterbuck. Needless to say, Canada won the gold that year.

 

April 24, 2011

By |2011-04-24T06:34:22-04:00April 24th, 2011|Hockey Rambling|

  Happy Easter! My daughter, now two years, four months, gets to enjoy the chocolates/egg hunt for the first time. Lookin forward to it.   Jason Pominville will miss Game 6 with a leg injury.   The story of the night was Jonathan Quick stopping 51 of 52 shots – the Kings were outshot 19-6 [...]

Top 10 Keeper League Left Wingers

By |2015-07-24T10:18:54-04:00April 24th, 2011|z-Archives (other articles)|

Ryan

Three new players crack the top 10.

 

The first edition of this list was put together last year, and it is something I am going to update at least once each season. I have a few general rules when it comes to building a team in a fantasy hockey keeper league. One of the more important ones is to not plan beyond a two or three year window. You are not building a real NHL club, and too often I see poolies place too much of an emphasis on youth and prospects instead of trying to add players who could help them win now. Using this rule, take a look at your team(s). Can you realistically say you will have a shot at winning the league at some point within the next two or three seasons? If not, time to scrap the rebuild and start adding proven NHL talent.

 

April 25, 2011

By |2011-04-25T12:42:00-04:00April 25th, 2011|Hockey Rambling|

  Brent Seabrook played 23 minutes in his return to the lineup. Chris Pronger played just 4:33 - all on the power play - in his return.   Kris Versteeg, as a depth player, is still managing to show playoff clutch. He has four points and is plus-5 in six games. The first four games [...]

The Current State of Blackhawks Goaltending

By |2015-07-24T10:18:51-04:00April 25th, 2011|z-Archives (other articles)|

Craw

 

For the second straight season, Chicago’s backup goaltender exceeded all expectations, took advantage of ample opportunities and played their way right into a starter’s role for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

 

Back in October, Corey Crawford was considered as nothing more than a serviceable backup. He thrived as a minor-leaguer after traveling the long-winding journey from Moncton (QMJHL) to Norfolk and then Rockford of the AHL. He had also played more than enough AHL games in order to develop the mental toughness, poise and skills needed to succeed at the NHL level…he just needed the chance.

 

April 26, 2011

By |2011-04-26T11:31:29-04:00April 26th, 2011|Hockey Rambling|

  Goldie Says: Now that LA has been eliminated, I can publish a scouting report on Jon Quick that I provided to the Sharks prior to Game 1. Pay attention to Quick's play in the second period. It is his Achilles heel. Regardless, JQ is going to be an elite goalie sooner rather than later - he can still get better.   [...]

April 27, 2011

By |2011-04-27T12:29:10-04:00April 27th, 2011|Hockey Rambling|

  This week - hopefully today, perhaps as late as Friday -  I will put the Fantasy Prospects Report, the Keeper League Pack and the Ultimate Pack C up for sale in the shop and rev up the hype machine for that work of art. Stay tuned for that. Not yet - I will post [...]

Thomas Vanek vs. Michael Cammalleri

By |2015-07-24T10:18:46-04:00April 27th, 2011|Roos Lets Loose|

Cammy

 

Left wing is arguably the most difficult position to fill in the game of fantasy hockey. I have experimented with all the different strategies to deal with the scarcity at the left wing position. Name a strategy, and I guarantee I have tried it. The conclusion I've come to is that no strategy is foolproof. The only way scratch out the best left wingers (and best team for that matter) is to make very smart decisions when stuck between two players. The position is too scarce to waste a pick. That brings me to this week's cage match.

 

April 28, 2011

By |2015-07-24T10:18:43-04:00April 28th, 2011|Hockey Rambling|

  Dobber: My picks on Puck Daddy can be found here.   Quick breakdown of my series predictions:   WSH in 4 - Tampa Bay has a great goaltender, but their defense is too slow to contain Washington's deep attack. The Bolts barely survived against a decimated Penguins squad.   BOS in 7 - I [...]

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