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Beyond Ovechkin—Stockpiling Capitals A Fantasy Bonanza

March 16, 2010 By John Leave a Comment

Consider the Vancouver Canucks, San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks rank second, third, and fourth respectively among NHL teams with 225, 218, and 217 goals scored this season. Each of these teams have several offensive fantasy studs—Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley, Patrick Marleau and Dan Boyle in San Jose, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa and Duncan Keith in Chicago, and Daniel and Henrik Sedin in Vancouver.

The Washington Capitals rank first in the NHL with 266 goals scored, 41 more than the Canucks, and 108 more than the 30th ranked Boston Bruins!

Generally speaking, you can’t go wrong picking any player from a scoring line on the Washington Capitals, because they are bound to contribute offensively.

While points are the obvious indicator of a fantasy stud, plus-minus can be a more subtle teller of where the value lies. Let’s take a look at the points and plus-minus totals of the Capitals’ top 10 fantasy-relevant skaters, all of whom should be considered on draft day next season.

1. Alexander Ovechkin, LW—96 Pts, +41

Step aside Sid and Geno—Ovie is the consensus number one in fantasy from here on out. He ranks second in the NHL in goals (44), sixth in assists (52), first in points (96), first in plus-minus (+41), first in power play points (33), and fourteenth in game winning goals (5). He also has a robust 81 minutes in penalties, and he’s accomplished all this despite missing eight games due to injury and suspension. Yup, Ovechkin’s in a class of his own.

2. Mike Green, D—69 Pts, +31

The Canadian Olympic snubbing hasn’t even remotely fazed Green. He’s accumulated nine points in seven games since the break, and is just five points away from breaking his single-season record (73) set last year. Green’s 142 points in the last two seasons alone put him miles ahead of the next three offensive defensemen, Duncan Keith (105), Dan Boyle (104) and Nicklas Lidstrom (102). You could make a legitimate case for Green being the number two fantasy pick next year after Ovechkin. In fantasy hockey, no one consistently dominates their positions like Ovechkin and Green.

3. Nicklas Backstrom, C—83 Pts, +31

Now that he’s shooting more, Backstrom’s a true fantasy stud, and the chemistry he’s formed with Ovechkin is downright scary. If you’ve seen a Capitals power play you’ve undoubtedly witnessed the duo toying with opposing penalty kill units. It’s just simply not fair. He’s a restricted free agent this summer, so expect the Caps to give him a hefty pay increase from his entry level deal, and likely something long-term. Backstrom will probably go late first or early second round in most drafts next year. Imagine snagging the first overall pick to get Ovechkin and then grabbing Backstrom with your second round pick? Win-win.

4. Alexander Semin, RW—68 Pts, +26

Frustratingly inconsistent at times (three points in his last seven games after posting seven points in his previous three contests), there’s no denying Semin’s tremendous skill. The Russian sniper has slick hands and a unique ability to bulge the twine. Semin could go anywhere from the first to third round in fantasy pools next year, depending on whether your pool is broken down into all three forward positions (left wing, center and right wing), or just simply “forwards”. Wingers are harder to come by than centers, so draft accordingly.

5. Brooks Laich—51 Pts, +11

Laich’s not as flashy as the previous four, but he has an admirable work ethic and benefits from receiving occasional ice-time with some of the NHL’s best players. He might not be as skilled as a Rick Nash or an Eric Staal, but his current numbers are comparable to theirs. In fantasy, it doesn’t matter how you get points. Laich is deserving of a mid-round pick in drafts next season.

6. Tomas Fleischmann—47 Pts, +6

Like Backstrom, Fleischmann’s a RFA this summer but there have been no reports that the Caps intend to let him go. While his plus-minus isn’t as spectacular as some of his teammates, he’s been a top-tier secondary scoring option for the offensive-juggernaut Capitals. If he stays healthy next season, he could make a run at 70 points. He’s another mid-rounder.

7. Mike Knuble—45 Pts, +21

At 37, age is becoming a factor, but playing in Washington, Knuble has at least one more year of fantasy-relevance. He contributes in all categories, and is incredibly consistent. This is his seventh straight year posting at least 20 goals and 45 points. Depending on the format of your pool (positions and statistic categories), Knuble’s worthy of a pick somewhere between rounds eight and 12.

8. Eric Fehr—33 Pts, +18

Fehr, 24, is another RFA who’ll be looking for a pay increase but it’s well deserved. He’s on pace to set career highs in nearly every stat category this season, and has performed admirably even though bouncing between the second and third lines for much of the season. He’s worth a late pick, especially if the Capitals are unable to resign Fleischmann.

9. Tom Poti, D—22 Pts, +19

The Capitals only have one true offensive defenseman, but Poti has the luck of being the next closest player to fit that description. Unfortunately for Poti, prospect John Carlson is fast approaching consistent NHL duty. If your pool values plus-minus, Poti’s worth a mid-round pick. Otherwise steal him late.

10. Brendan Morrison, C—36 Pts, +18

Morrison’s an unrestricted free agent this summer, and he may have earned some market value with strong play this year so he might not be donning Capital red next season. He’d be better off playing in Washington though, where he’s been an ideal fit as their second line pivot. If he returns to Washington, he’s worth a late-round pick. Otherwise steer clear.

Filed Under: Fantasy Hockey

Right Wing Rankings

September 14, 2009 By John Leave a Comment

With the big Dany Heatley–Milan Michalek–Jonathan Cheechoo trade, an update is due for the previous centre and left wing rankings. But first let’s roll out the right wing rankings. Here are the top 60 RW for your fantasy hockey draft.

Jarome Iginla

Jarome Iginla

Corey Perry

Corey Perry

Alexander Semin

Alexander Semin

  1. Jarome Iginla, CGY – The veteran still leads all RW fantasy-wise, but a class of young, flashy twenty year olds are quickly gaining ground.
  2. Corey Perry, ANA – Perry’s one of the few true snipers in the league, and finished the season with 8 goals in 9 games.
  3. Alexander Semin, WAS – There are not one, but two spectacular Alexanders in Washington. Had Semin played all 82 games last season he may have battled for the Art Ross. He scores from every possible angle.
  4. Bobby Ryan, ANA – Listed as a RW, the Ducks often play him on the left side of a dominant first line which features Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. This could very well be the top line in the NHL this season.
  5. Martin St. Louis, TB – He’s 34 and, though his skills are probably on the decline, St. Louis’ a consistent producer.
  6. Patrick Kane, CHI – Hopefully his off-ice issues harassing a cab driver this past offseason won’t affect his on-ice play this year.
  7. Martin Havlat, MIN – The oft-injured Havlat heads to Minnesota to team up with Mikko Koivu on the Wild’s top line.
  8. Marian Gaborik, NYR – Gaborik’s a huge risk with his injury troubles. He’s only played more than 65 games once in the past five years. But he’s a legit threat to score 50 goals if he can stay healthy.
  9. Johan Franzen, DET – You can’t go wrong with Franzen. The guy’s a sniper and will be largely relied upon to make up for the goals lost with Marian Hossa and Jiri Hudler leaving.
  10. Devin Setoguchi, SJ – The 22 year old Setoguchi broke out last year for 65 points. He’s got a great set of wheels and with Joe Thornton feeding him passes, he’s bound to have another big year.
  11. David Backes, STL – Backes is particularly valuable in PIM leagues. He also scored at will over the last couple months of the 2008-09 season.
  12. Daniel Alfredsson, OTT – The Swede’s 36 now and no longer a fantasy stud, but if he’s available in the mid-rounds, don’t hesitate to scoop him up.
  13. Ales Hemsky, EDM – Although the days where we waited for Hemsky to bust out for 90 points might be over, he’s still a fluid skater with great hands and shouldn’t be ignored in the mid-rounds.
  14. Jason Pominville, BUF – Pominville might not be as flashy as some of the players ranked near him, but he hasn’t missed a game since 2006 and he’s averaged 71.3 points per season since then. He’s a safe option.
  15. Shane Doan, PHO – The lone bright spot for Phoenix last season, Doan will have to play his best hockey to continue to get top line minutes on a team full of aspiring young guns.
  16. Claude Giroux, PHI – Whatever you do, make sure you draft Giroux this year. You’ll thank me in April.
  17. Brad Boyes, STL – Boyes plays absolutely no defense and his -23 rating last year is a clear indication of this. But he scores and puts up points and if that’s all that matters in your pool, he’s a solid option.
  18. Alexei Kovalev, OTT – Perhaps known more now for inconsistent play than highlight reel goals, Kovalev should take over for Dany Heatley as Jason Spezza‘s triggerman on Ottawa’s top line.
  19. Dustin Brown, LA – Brown had a bit of an off-year in 2008-09 for the Kings, and only had one goal in his last 22 games of the season. He’s a likely candidate to rebound this season, especially with the wealth of young, offensive talent that surrounds him.
  20. Kyle Okposo, NYI – Okposo could be a great steal, as he finished the season with 16 points in 14 games. He’ll also likely play with this year’s first overall pick, wunderkind John Tavares.
  21. Milan Hejduk, COL – Though he’s become a bit of a defensive liability at 33, he rarely misses a game and is capable of tallying 30 goals a season.
  22. Bryan Little, ATL – The former 12th overall pick is coming off a breakout season where he tallied 31 goals.
  23. J.P. Dumont, NAS – Dumont is as consistent as they come. In three seasons with the Predators, he’s always scored between 65 and 72 points.
  24. Michael Ryder, BOS – He was a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs and could take over for Phil Kessel as the leading goal scorer for the Bruins.
  25. Nik Antropov, ATL – Antropov’s 9th NHL season was his best statistically as he scored 28 goals and registered 59 points. He’s listed as a RW, but the Thrashers plan to use him at centre on the top line with Ilya Kovalchuk, which could mean a boost to his assist totals.
  26. Martin Erat, NAS – A consistent 50-55 point producer, but not a ton of upside here.
  27. Phil Kessel, BOS – Will miss the first month of the season recovering from shoulder surgery, and it’s highly unlikely that he’ll be playing for the Bruins with their lack of cap space. How will he perform without Marc Savard teeing them up for him?
  28. Drew Stafford, BUF – Here’s another RFA who could be on the move. The Sabres would love to get the 23 year old under contract before the start of the season. He’s got a great set of hands.
  29. Joffrey Lupul, ANA – At only 25, Lupul begins his second stint with the Ducks. He’ll be playing on one of the league’s stronger second lines, along with Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne.
  30. Jamie Langenbrunner, NJ – Miraculously, the 34 year old veteran had a career year in 2008-09. If he plays with Zach Parise and Travis Zajac again this year, he might be able to replicate this feat.
  31. Mike Knuble, WAS – Knuble’s production has slipped in recent years, but the high-scoring Capitals could help him put that trend to a halt. The 37 year old will likely play on the Caps’ second line, but could play with either of the Alexanders on the power play.
  32. Teemu Selanne, ANA – The Finnish Flash might not be the same Flash he was when he scored 76 goals back in 1992-93, but playing with fellow countryman Saku Koivu this year could spark some serious chemistry.
  33. Peter Mueller, PHO – Mueller was a colossal disappointment to drafters everywhere last season. As a result, he’ll slip in most drafts, and you’d be wise to take a late-round chance on him.
  34. Blake Wheeler, BOS – Though he disappeared in the playoffs (0 points in 8 games), Wheeler had a solid rookie season overall, with a tremendous +36 rating. He could take on a more prominent role for the Bruins this season, with Kessel on his way out the door.
  35. Ryan Callahan, NYR – Closed out the season with 15 points in his last 15 contests, but the acquisitions of Marian Gaborik and Ales Kotalik don’t help his cause.
  36. Marian Hossa, CHI – If it weren’t for the shoulder surgery, Hossa would be ranked the 2nd best RW. He could miss half the season so only draft him if you have a DL or a load of bench spots.
  37. Brian Gionta, MTL – The diminutive Gionta (5’7″) will line up alongside Scott Gomez (5’11”) and Mike Cammalleri (5’9″) to form the smallest top line in the NHL this season. We’ll see if the big contract has an effect on his play – if it does you, can be sure the Hab-faithful will let him hear about it.
  38. Bill Guerin, PIT – The aging vet isn’t quite ready to hang ‘em up just yet – he’s having too much fun playing on a line with Sidney Crosby. Can you blame him?
  39. David Moss, CGY – The big 25 year old is coming off his first 20 goal season in the NHL.
  40. Chuck Kobasew, BOS – The former Boston College star is coming off his best season to date.
  41. Jakub Voracek, CBJ – Had quite an encouraging rookie season last year as a 19 year old. He has more value in keeper pools as he oozes potential, but may take a few years to adjust to the NHL.
  42. Guillaume Latendresse, MTL – A decent scorer with a bit of a mean streak, the Canadiens are hoping Latendresse breaks out in 2009-10.
  43. Ryan Shannon, OTT – Shannon ended up being a solid acquisition for the Senators, finishing the season with 9 points in 12 games.
  44. Chris Stewart, COL – At just 21 years old, Stewart emerged as a power forward for the Avalanche last year. He could be worthy of a late round pick in PIM pools.
  45. Mark Recchi, BOS – Recchi had 10 goals in just 18 games for the Bruins last year after they acquired him from the Lightning, but don’t expect that pace to carry on into this season. He’s 41 and a major decline looms around the corner.
  46. David Clarkson, NJ – Typically viewed as nothing more than a goon, Clarkson’s capable of finding the net every once in a while, as he did 17 times in 2008-09.
  47. Dan Cleary, DET – Will probably play on one of the top two lines and will be working especially hard as the underdog tries to earn himself a spot on team Canada’s Olympic roster.
  48. Antti Miettinen, MIN – The Finn is usually good for a shorthanded goal or two each season.
  49. Jason Williams, DET – Williams is back in Detroit and will probably only get third line duty, barring injuries.
  50. Tomas Fleischmann, WAS – He’s a talented player but the Caps have a logjam of depth at RW.
  51. Matt D’Agostini, MTL – He’s a breakout candidate that could succeed if given enough time on a scoring line.
  52. Ales Kotalik, NYR – Kotalik’s been a streaky player his whole career, but the Rangers are hoping he stays hot more than cold in the Big Apple.
  53. Mikael Samuelsson, VAN – Samuelsson could complete a trio of Swedes playing alongside the Sedin twins on the Canucks top line.
  54. Colby Armstrong, ATL – Will provide a modest goal and PIMs boost.
  55. Joel Ward, NAS – Finished the season with 17 points in 22 games, and is a threat to score shorthanded.
  56. Scottie Upshall, PHO – Put up 13 points in 19 games after being traded to the Coyotes. He could be a deep sleeper pick this year.
  57. Owen Nolan, MIN – At 37, the 25 goals he scored last season were probably a bit of a fluke, and he’s not likely to have a repeat performance.
  58. Teddy Purcell, LA – Though he’s more of a playmaker, he has a soft set of hands and a decent shot.
  59. Jonathan Cheechoo, OTT – At only 29, Cheechoo’s nearly become fantasy-irrelevant, and has certainly made it difficult to believe he was a 56 goal scorer just four seasons ago.
  60. Dustin Byfuglien, CHI – The hulking defenseman-converted-winger is a pain to opposing goalies as he blocks their vision on the power play.

Filed Under: Fantasy Hockey

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