Neutral Zone Wrap: Week 7
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From all reports, the Penguins locker room must look like a triage site. Their top-five defensemen and three key forwards are out of the lineup. Four consecutive defeats really hurt their momentum, but the last two victories have turned the tide. You might think having Martin Skoula(notes) (three points) and Mark Eaton(notes) (the best available/reliable power-play option) at the top of the depth chart would expose Pittsburgh on the back end. Rookie D Ben Lovejoy(notes) may offer an offensive boost (two points in three) and fellow AHL-teammate Deryk Engelland(notes) is gaining a reputation for his grittiness (seven PIM in four), but neither will be there for an extended period. Hey, as long as the defending champs can score five a game and rely on their star talent up front, then it really doesn’t matter who mans the blueline.
For two clubs struggling to consistently hit the mark, The Battle of Ontario on Tuesday night proved to produce a rather exciting contest. Ottawa prevailed on both the scoreboard and the aggression meter, pushing around the Leafs on several occasions. The Sens have had trouble scoring this season, but at least one candidate has shown promise. Mike Fisher(notes) could have qualified for this week’s list (see below), but is exempt for wowing everyone with his newfound knack for capitalizing on opportunities (nine goals, including five on the man-advantage). Filip Kuba(notes) is logging significant minutes (around 25 a night), but doesn’t have much to show since he returned at the end of last month (three in nine). Alex Kovalev(notes) isn’t catching many breaks (four goals in 18), while Jason Spezza(notes) hasn’t done much of late (scoreless in five) and his overall production (11 points in 16) is starting to worry a few owners.
And yes, we’re deep enough into the regular season to have our first list. “Now, the making of a good compilation is a subtle art.” You have to balance statistics, objectivity and common sense while producing something that is fantasy-relevant and coherent. So without further filler, may I present the …
Top 6 Fantasy Players Who Surely Can’t Keep Up This Pace
Through the first 20-or-so games, a few fantasy surprises have made their mark. Most of them are obvious, based on their on-ice output and media attention. Some have made an immediate impact, while others have resurrected their careers … for the umpteenth time. The following list consists of players who are Yahoo!-ranked in the top 200-250, but are also being monitored with respect to their expiration date. Expect a couple to drop a little; others will plunge further than that. For fun, try to guess which ones are which:
Matt Carle(notes), D, Philadelphia
The Alaskan’s early days were highlighted by instant production and loads of promise. After his debut in San Jose (11 goals, 31 assists in 2006-07), Carle’s weaknesses were exposed and his playing time was severely cut. He was shipped in the summer of 2008 to Tampa, where he lasted all of 12 contests before being sent to Philadelphia. Now again a regular on the top power-play unit, Carle has once again discovered his touch (10 assists in 17) but more importantly has improved his defensive coverage (a mighty plus-17). However, when you suit up alongside Chris Pronger(notes), Kimmo Timonen(notes) and Braydon Coburn(notes), there’s the chance you’re a slip-up away from tumbling all the way down the ladder.
Jason Demers(notes), D, San Jose
On a squad with Dan Boyle(notes), Rob Blake(notes) and Marc-Edouard Vlasic(notes), one wouldn’t figure another blueliner could enhance the Sharks’ attack. In steps Demers, who broke out late in his junior career and caught the eyes of the big club last season while in the AHL (31 assists in 78). With the veteran Blake sidelined indefinitely, the 21-year old could immediately reap the benefits. He has surprised so far (one goal, 11 assists), but try to temper your projections for Demers. Remember this is only his second year in the professional ranks and first in the NHL.
Antero Niittymaki(notes), G, Tampa Bay
Since emerging onto the NHL scene after the lockout, the Finnish Flush did enough to stay in Philly for four full seasons but never really took hold of the No. 1 job. Niittymaki ended up performing at a mediocre level and was subsequently replaced by other netminders. He’s now in Tampa, where most expected incumbent Mike Smith(notes) to come back motivated after missing most of last year with concussion symptoms. Smith ended up faltering a couple times in October (giving up six and seven goals in separate starts), opening the door for Niittymaki. The Finn has definitely impressed, as he currently sits second in the league in GAA (1.93), first in SV% (.939), and has allowed more than two goals in just three of 10 appearances. With the Bolts’ inexperienced defense, Smith’s talent and Niittymaki’s track record, don’t expect these stats to continue.
Dustin Penner(notes), F, Edmonton
Most hockey observers are waiting for the 6-foot-4, 245-pound winger to slow down, but it hasn’t quite happened yet. His point totals are slipping a bit (four in the last eight), but Penner is still top of the team in scoring (23 points, including 12 goals). He’s obviously in better shape, as the minutes are plentiful and the fatigue seems to be minimal. The latter could catch up to the big guy, which would eventually lead to injury and/or poor performance. Penner is on pace for an 85-point season, but the reality is he probably won’t top 65.
Tomas Plekanec(notes), F, Montreal
What a difference one season makes. In 2007-08, Plekanec notched 69 points and was the toast of Montreal. A year later, and the Czech struggled to a 39-point campaign and was regularly booed by the Bell Centre faithful. Fast forward to the present, where Plekanec (19) surprisingly outpoints the likes of Michael Cammalleri(notes) (16), Scott Gomez(notes) (11), and Brian Gionta(notes) (13). In Montreal’s radically revamped roster, the opportunities aren’t overflowing to the point where one player can dominate. The Habs can roll out so many different scoring options that Plekanec will eventually be lost in the shuffle and could only produce a modest offensive total. Expect more from the three aforementioned forwards of superior skill.
Vaclav Prospal(notes)/Ales Kotalik, F, NY Rangers
Prospal’s stats (including his 16 assists) are tied too closely to Marian Gaborik(notes), whereas Kotalik’s figures rely too much on his power-play production (13 of his 17 points). Most of the Rangers’ future success will depend on Gaborik’s health, which hasn’t served as a promising prospect the last few seasons. Youngsters like Brandon Dubinsky(notes) (10), Enver Lisin(notes) (eight), and Artem Anisimov(notes) (eight) are maturing quickly and will invariably steal chances from the Czech duo.
(Honorable mention: Maxim Afinogenov(notes)/Nik Antropov, F, Atlanta; Craig Anderson(notes), G, Colorado; Rene Bourque(notes), F, Calgary; Derek Morris(notes), D, Boston; Steven Reinprecht(notes), F, Florida; Jarret Stoll(notes), F, LA; Keith Yandle(notes), D, Phoenix)
Evan Berofsky enjoys writing. Seriously. When he’s not trying to shove hockey miscellany down your throat, he gets his kicks playing tournament Scrabbleä . If you have anything to say about Evan’s work (or need any hot word tips), feel free to contact him at eberofsky@yahoo.com.
