Fantasy hockey update
With the second week of National Hockey League regular season play nearly behind us, it is important for any fantasy hockey players to take a look at their line-up and assess their needs. The first two weeks have provided the hockey fan with a number of
story lines, from injuries to break-out rookies. Below is a list of players affected by week two play.
Injuries
Johan Franzen – Forward
Detroit Red Wing forward Johan Franzen was forced out of his team’s 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars on Thursday 14 October with a head injury. Franzen called the injury a concussion after the game. However, the Swede was corrected by head coach Mike Babcock,
who said it was not as serious. Franzen was having a successful start to the season, scoring four points in as many games. The severity of the injury is not likely to keep the sniper out for too long. Nevertheless, it seem as though the star will not be placed
on the IR and is likely to burn a place on your bench.
Pascal Leclaire – Goalie
Ottawa Senators goaltender Pascal Leclaire was forced into leaving his team’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday 14 October with a leg injury. It is not clear how long Leclaire will be out of the line-up. However, the veteran has struggled
with injuries throughout his entire career, missing part of last season with a broken cheekbone. Although Leclaire’s numbers have not been stellar this year it is more a result of the poor play of his team, as the 27-year-old has been playing well. Nevertheless,
if Brian Elliot is able to come in and steal some games for the Senators it may make Leclaire disposable.
Jason Pominville – Forward
Pominville suffered a severe concussion in Buffalo’s game against Chicago on Monday 11 October when he was crunched into the boards by a blindside hit from defenceman Niklas Hjalmarsson. Pominville was removed from the ice on a stretcher and is likely to
miss some time. The 27-year-old was off to a slow start with zero points and a minus-three rating in three games. Pominville’s low production may be reason enough to drop him for another right winger.
Hot streak
Ryan Getzlaf – Forward
It was only a matter of time until Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Getzlaf got his game going. The Ducks’ captain started the year off slow, but managed to pot four points in a game against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday 13 October. The Ducks have struggled
out of the gate. However, the line of Corey Perry, Bobby Ryan and Getzlaf seems to have found their rhythm, perhaps making them the NHL’s most dangerous line.
Clarke MacArthur - Forward
The surprise thus far this season is the play of Toronto Maple Leaf forward Clarke MacArthur. The 25-year-old Alberta native is off to an impressive start with four goals in three games to lead the League. MacArthur is getting major minutes on the Leafs
second line and power play and could be worth a look if you are struggling for goals on the left wing.
Rookies
Cam Fowler – Defence
It looks more and more likely young Anaheim Ducks defenceman Cam Fowler will remain in the NHL for the rest of the season. The 18-year-old has not looked out of place on a weak Ducks blue line this season. Averaging over 25 minutes a night and with two assists,
Fowler is worth looking at if you are in a deep keeper league.
John Carlson – Defence
Washington Capitals defenceman John Carlson is off to a hot start in 2010-11. The 20-year-old currently leads all rookies with five points. The defender is getting plenty of ice time on a skilled Capitals team and has made the most of it with five points
in four games. Moreover, Carlson has also tallied 16 penalty minutes, making him worth picking up in a keeper league.
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