Fantasy Hockey

NHL Busts of the Week (4/5)

BillyS — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 01:50:00 GMT

This is the final NHL Busts of the Week for the year. There were some new additions to the list, but mainly some old favorites. This week Lubomir Visnovsky, Dan Boyle, and Manny Legace make the list, again. They seem to be the local residents of the list, but with good reason. Each player listed below has failed to live up to potential, but the three singled out have been inconsistent all year long, except when it comes to making this list. This segment is a tool to help inform fantasy owners about who is not performing at the level they should be performing. However, just because a player is on this list does not mean they should not be avoided in next year's draft. Many players listed before are extremely valuable fantasy hockey players; only avoid Visnovsky, Boyle, and Legace unless you have no other options. So without further ado, I present the final installment of the NHL Busts of the Week.

Forwards:

1.) Paul Stastny (Center - Colorado Avalanche) - Stastny's week last two weeks are complete opposites. His eight-game points streak ended this week. He tallied 12 points during the hot streak, so this week was very disappointing for owners who were hoping for a few more points while making a late fantasy run. Stastny failed to deliver. His stat line on the week is as follows: 0 goals, 0 assists, +/- rating of 0, 0 PIM, 0 power play points, and 2 shots on goal. He's a tremendous young player, however he played below average hockey this week. He averaged more than a point per game, built onto his rookie year, and has all the talent to be a 100-point fixture in the league. He had a rocky week, but consider him in next year's draft.

2.) Scott Gomez (Center - New York Rangers) - The Devils proved that they didn't need Scott Gomez in order to compete. Gomez is a great playmaker, however he doesn't always mesh well with the playing style of the Rangers. Gomez didn't have an awful week, yet the Rangers needed him to be phenomenal and he just wasn't that. Like the Rangers, fantasy owners needed Gomez to produce in order to win. His stats for the week are as follows: 0 goals, 1 assists, +/- rating of -3, 8 PIM, 1 power play point, and 6 shots on goal. The PIM and power play point where nice, yet his +/- rating killed some teams. Gomez is still a terrific playmaker, but his draft value will depend on how well he's able to connect with those around him.

3.) Rick Nash (Left Wing - Columbus Blue Jackets) - Nash is a terrific goal scorer on a team with little supporting cast. If he were surrounded by playmakers then he could easily be an 85-95 point winger. He just doesn't seem to have anyone around him who can feed him the puck. Therefore, Nash seems to have to do everything by himself. This week was a good example of him trying to do everything himself. His numbers leave a lot to be desired. They are as follows: 0 goals, 1 assist, +/- rating of -2, 4 PIM, 1 power play point, and 11 shots on goal. He's great for scoring goals, but he needs a better secondary. He'll be a solid guy to draft if your team lacks goals, yet he shouldn't be drafted too high because he doesn't have an all around great game due to his teammates.

Defensemen:

1.) Lubomir Visnovsky (Defense - Los Angeles Kings) - Visnovsky makes the list again. What a surprise! Actually, Visnovsky hasn't been playing that badly at all. His overall numbers are still putrid compared to his numbers in previous years, but they have been up lately. He's done as an elite defender; the Kings are going nowhere and that means a fantasy nightmare. If Visnovsky could somehow wind up on another team then he could get his second wind, but don't expect him to do much more than he's done this season in the future if he remains on the Kings. His numbers this week are as follows: 0 goals, 0 assists, +/- rating of 0, 0 PIM, 0 power play points, and 8 shots on goal. He was once a terrific defensemen; he is well past his prime now.

2.) Andrei Markov (Defense - Montreal Canadiens) - Markov has been great this season. He set careers highs in goals, power play goals, and points. On top of that he's matched highs in other areas and it could be argued that his improvement was the key reason for the Canadiens playing so well this season. Markov has been a fantasy stud, especially for where he was drafted by many. He was expected to be solid, yet nobody really thought he'd be this good. He isn't exactly an elite player, but it could be argued that he's on the fringe of elite fantasy defensemen. He's good, but just not as good as some of the others. However, this week he was extremely quiet and unproductive. His offensive categories were empty nearly all around, and he left fantasy owners waiting for something. His stat line for the week is as follows: 0 goals, 0 assists, +/- rating of 0, 5 PIM, 0 power play points, and 3 shots on goal. He's been solid this season, but owners really needed one last solid performance from him and he didn't deliver.

3.) Dan Boyle (Defense - Tampa Bay Lightning) - Boyle has been an enigma this season. He was hurt a lot to start the year. He then produced well when he came back. However, he became streaky and would score in bulks, then go into slumps. This is an example of the latter. He's put up some nice numbers in the time he's played, but this week he hurt more owners then he helped, unless he was a defensemen on your opponent's team this week. His stat line for the week is as follows: 0 goals, 1 assist, +/- rating of -4, 0 PIM, 1 power play point, and 7 shots on goal. Boyle's +/- rating was horrendous. The silver lining would be the lone power play assist, but everything else left fantasy owners sulking. He's a good player, but he's very inconsistent. He's always prone to slumps and injuries; do not reach for him with a draft pick.

Goaltenders:

1.) Vesa Toskala (Goalie - Toronto Maple Leafs) - Toskala had a great season and tried very hard to get the Maple Leafs into the playoffs. However, Toronto failed to clinch their spot and Toskala didn't help all too much. He did wind up with a win but his other numbers are very poor. The Leafs needed him to bring his ‘A-game' and he just couldn't answer. He did have a great season, but sports are all about "what have you done for me lately." In this case, Toskala didn't do much lately, except hurt both Toronto fans and fantasy owners. His numbers are as follows: 1 win, .836 SV%, and a GAA of 5.00. His numbers were bad and he didn't play up to his potential. Toskala has put up some fantastic numbers for the Leafs this year; he didn't play up to those numbers this week.

2.) Chris Osgood (Goalie - Detroit Red Wings) - The Red Wings have been the best team in the league this season and Osgood has been absolutely terrific. He had 27 wins and a GAA of only 2.09. Both of those are very solid, especially if you keep in mind that he only start 40 games. He won 27 times out of 40, and produced a low GAA and SV%, plus a good amount of shutouts. He was definitely a pleasant surprise for fantasy owners. However, he also surprised them by putting up numbers much higher than his seasonal average. His stat line for the week is as follows: 0 wins, .864 SV%, and a GAA of 3.46. He didn't help owners who were hoping for a few more solid numbers to finish their seasons off with.. Osgood should be a good pick next year, but he is definitely better suited when he gets to share starting duties with another goalie. He played terrific when getting adequate rest.

3.) Manny Legace (Goalie - St. Louis Blues) - Legace was a second half bust this season. He went into the All-Star break with terrific numbers. His first half was spectacular, but his second half definitely hurt fantasy owners. In fact, his first half was so good that his overall numbers still look quite appealing. If he played the entire season like he did in the second half, well, he probably wouldn't have a job next year. He has been a disappointment and was this week as well. His stat line for the week is as follows: 0 wins, .852 SV%, and a GAA of 3.05. There is still a small chance he could revert back to form, but don't hold your breath on it. He will be a good risk/reward candidate, but there are many more consistent goalies that could be drafted before him.

Ovechkin, Malkin, and Kane, OH MY!

hduckwall — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 16:11:00 GMT

It took until the last games of the 2008 regular NHL season to determine the final playoff spots and for 14 franchises, the message sent is ,"You are not good enough!" The NHL step-children left out of this year's version of the post-season tournament are ( in reverse order of their point standings to date) : Los Angeles ; Tampa Bay ; Atlanta ; St.Louis ; New York Islanders ; Columbus ; Phoenix ; Toronto ; Florida ; Buffalo ; Edmonton ; Vancouver ; Chicago ; and Carolina. It took 81 games for all of these franchises to find out that in the vernacular-" YOU SUCK! " Buffalo suffered the furthest fall from grace as last year they qualified as the NHL's team with the most points (President's Award) and this year came in tied for 18th, and have lost another future star before this year's free agency season even begins. Chicago, as last year's worst team ( who was able to draft Patrick Kane first overall in the process) improved this tear, climbing from 30th to tied for 18th with among other franchises, Buffalo. They, at least were on the way up, not in decline. At that rate, in another three years the Blackhawks will be on top!

For positive moments this season, how could any true hockey fan not have been absorbed into the development of Alex Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Carey Price, Patrick Kane and Niklas Backstrom and an assorted cast of stars? These young players made watching hockey fun again, as opposed to the big money free agents who seemed to disappear off the radar for long stretches of the season. Names such as Drury, Briere, Jagr, Spezza, Alfredsson, Forsberg, Heatly and Sundin were MIA for much of the season. Is there any comparison for Briere and Vanek and the $10 million the Flyers and Sabres are paying them this season, and Malkin's $ 984,000 and what he has meant to the Penguins franchise this year ?Does Chris Drury's $7 million plus match the value that Buffalo got from Jason Pominville and his $925,000 ? How do the NHL franchise front offices stay remain in their positions when the Peter Principle seems to reign supreme? Will NHL fans keep seeing incompetent front offices either wave goodbye to their star players on a yearly basis (Buffalo?) or keep incompetently including no trade clauses in contract negotiations ( Toronto and Sundin; Ottawa and Redden?) Will the Price (Carey) stay right in Montreal?

The fantasy owners that had the foresight ( or lost out not being able to draft Crosby) to pick Alex Ovechkin have had their season of fun and dreams to enjoy. To date, "O" has scored a league leading 65 goals and 112 overall points for the league scoring lead. Ovechkin also, by far. leads the league in enthusiastic celebrations every time he is on the ice for a Washington goal. This kids LOVES scoring! He has made it fun to watch.

Malkin, at the time when his franchise's All-World star, Sidney Crosby, was out for a long stretch, picked the Penguins up on his shoulder and skated them home to the Atlantic Division Championship, along with reserve goaltender Ty Conklin, who couldn't seem to get any ice time last season in Buffalo. Watching the Penguins mature from chicks(?) at the season start, to contention as one of the Eastern Conference's elite teams has been true entertainment. Seeing their New Year's Day celebration in one of the few bright spots in the Sabres season as the Penguins and Crosby won the AMP Energy Bowl (better known as the Ice Bowl) in Ralph Wilson Stadium in front of a record NHL crowd was one of my more enjoyable sporting event involvements of a lifetime.

Patrick Kane (Chicago) , Niklas Backstrom (Washington), Carey Price (Montreal), Peter Mueller (Phoenix), Sam Gagner (Edmonton), Tobias Entstrom ( Atlanta), Brandon Dubinsky (New York Rangers), Kris LeTang (Pittsburgh), and Milan Lucic (Boston) are only the tip of the iceberg for the roster of NHL rookie names that will become fixtures in NHL arenas in future seasons. The influx of youngblood has been a revelation to acknowledge that the NHL's pulse seems to be steady for future years. Fantasy owners and rosters will benefit from this list for many points in many drafts to come.

The Anaheim Ducks might be hard pressed to repeat their Stanley Cup Championship of a year ago. The San Jose Sharks are making their presence well known. Possibly, the kiddie corps out of Montreal might provide a good test, should they survive long enough to emerge out of the East. For me, the sternest test and most notable results that will emerge out of this year's Stanley Cup tournament will be the application of the NHL rules. Under Bettman's leadership again, will the rules in place, which have allowed development of an enjoyable product on the ice again, be enforced the way they are written, or will NHL on-ice officials again be guilty of swallowing their collective whistles and allowing the game to get slowed down to the point of the trap and death by boredom? Will Pittsburgh's style reign or will New Jersey be allowed to bore NHL fans to the point of again feeling like they are witnessing a WWE event, rather than a hockey game ? Will San Jose rise to the top in the West or be mugged into submission by a coalition from the Rockies, Calgary or Nashville? Can Hasek stay healthy for the run or will his mysterious groin choose a worst-case time to quit for Detroit?

It is the time of year when all becomes green again and all signifies the beginning of the second-round of the NHL season. May your city and team have a great run in the playoffs. If your franchise, as is the one I love to watch, is left on the outside looking in, my hopes for a change in the leadership of the front offices come your way. After all, you could have Bryan Murray as a coach AND General manager ! It always could get worse!

NHL Status Check (4/2)

LeafsFan — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:06:00 GMT

Four days. All that's left for you to win that prestigious fantasy league title that has been within your grasp all fall and winter. Will you win it? It's this type of report and the players in it that typically helps you understand why you did win it, or why you fell short. Here's one more weekly look at one of my favorite weekly columns.

Lived Up To The Hype

RW Alex Kovalev - MTL: I suspect a lot of people are a tad red-faced over passing on him in September. Well, they had pretty good reason to, as he had not had a truly good offensive season since 2000-01. (95 pts) Since then, his best production has been 65 points with the Habs in 2005-06, which makes this year a real shocker. He's had 6 points in the last 4 games to push his season total to 83 points. Everyone knew he was this talented, they just never thought they'd see it again on full-time basis.

C Pavel Datsyuk - DET: Has there ever been a quieter #3 scorer in the NHL than this guy? He's had a remarkable run, with 10 points in his last 5 games, to push his season total to 94 points. To give you an idea how dominant his line is, he's also sitting at +41.

LW Henrik Zetterberg - DET: That linemate of Datsyuk has had an incredible season, and might have challenged for the Art Ross if he hadn't missed a handful of games. He's on a 7 game point streak, with 12 points through that stretch as he gets himself ready for a potentially deep playoff run.

Failed to Live Up To The Hype

C Mats Sundin - TOR: Well, his topsy-turvy season is ending with a whimper thanks to his creaky groin. He chalked up 78 points in 74 games, but has been limited recently due to the injury. He's likely to remain on the shelf for the team's last two meaningless games, which will mean he didn't his Mendoza line, or 80 points this year. Most Sundin owners won't be thrilled with that result.

C Olli Jokinen - FLA: Similar to Sundin, was subject to tons of trade rumors near the trade deadline, but nothing transpired. The Panthers' captain has had a rough stretch to end the season, with only 2 points in his last 5 games, which looks even worse considering the fact that the team was fighting for a playoff spot and needed him more than ever. The biggest question facing the team in the summer is who's left standing, him or Coach Jacques Martin?

NHL Waiver Wire (4/2)

LeafsFan — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:31:00 GMT

Boy, I woke up yesterday with a 103 fever and my first thought (other than wanting to sleep for 20 hours) was how could I deprive the SS reader of their waiver wire finale? Perish the thought! The regular season ends in few days, so if you do have one more shot at making any moves, here's some food for thought - I am for teams and player that have a ton to play for this week.

C Matthew Lombardi - CGY: You might be more familiar with him this week, mainly because he's scored two huge goals in must-have games for the Flames. He's got 4 points in his last 3 games and is giving the club a much needed boost from the 3rd line.

LW Matt Cooke - WSH: The type of sandpaper player that the Caps will desperately need to be at his best this week as the team tries to buck the odds and squeeze into the playoffs. Ovechkin can't do it alone and Cooke has been a solid contributor on past Canuck teams in the spring.

D Anton Stralman - TOR: OK, I lied on this one; I like a player from a team that's been knocked out. In most fantasy leagues, defensemen that can contribute offensively are gold, and Stralman's play (3 points in his last 2 games) over the last couple of weeks strongly suggests he has that potential. He's certainly worth a one week look.

D Dan Hamhuis - NSH: Has been one of the reasons why the Preds have managed to keep themselves in potential playoff position. While he hasn't been on the score sheet in the last 5 games, he's a +3 and does have 28 points on the season. One of the earlier first round picks ever made by the Preds, he appears to have finally blossomed into a 25 minute per game defenceman they envisioned when they drafted him 12th overall back in 2001.

NHL Start 'Em Sit 'Em (3/31)

Charlie Danoff — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 03:59:00 GMT

With the NHL regular season ending Sunday, the lineup decisions you make for your fantasy squad will have life or death implications. In an effort to aid you on your vision quest to glory, I have scoured the stars hoping for any faint glimmer of a sign of future events, and chosen to kindly share my findings with you my lucky, loyal readers. To start I have a couple of forwards you may not have heard of before, but whom you should never the less place absolute faith in over the next few days. To sit, I cruelly pick on a couple of helpless goalies.

It's not that I have anything personal against 'tenders (though God knows, they deserve all the scorn I can muster for making me look as bad as a high school defenseman), it is just much easier to determine bad play over a short period with netminders. Think about it, if a forward or defenseman goes a few games with no points, it's no big deal. But, if a goalie gives up 3+ goals a night, for any small period, it's a HUGE deal.

And with that, I bid you adieu and hope you break a leg (not good luck, because I like you).
Start 'Em:

Kyle Turris | C
Phoenix Coyotes

Although Kyle's college hockey career ended on a sour note Sunday, losing the draw that led to the game winning overtime goal by North Dakota, his future is bright.

The third overall pick of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Turris is a pure talent who has all the tools to excel on the next level. He has the holy trinity of hockey skills: he can pass, shoot and skate.

His passing was on full display Sunday night, when seconds after a second period powerplay expired, he noticed defenseman Jamie McBain out of the corner of his eye cutting to the net. Making a saucer pass so good it should be illegal in 48 states, the puck landed perfectly on McBain's tape to give the Badgers an early 1 - 0 lead.

His scoring was evident all year long, playing as an 18 year old in one of college hockey's toughest conferences, the WCHA, he posted 35 points in 36 games.

His skating ... well, I don't have a good way to quantify that, I guess you'll just have to take my word for it.

After signing Monday, he joins a stacked young Coyotes team, along with 2006 8th overall pick Peter Mueller and 2005 17th overall pick Matin Hanzal for this year's final three games to get experience, and start on the road of his long professional career.

If your fantasy squad needs help from above to stay alive, your angel has landed.

David Booth | LW
Florida Panthers

The collest group of guys on South Beach may be mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, but that does not mean players have nothing to play for. And no I am not talking about the indefinable, far too overused, while rarely understood noun "pride," here.

I'm talking about straight cash money.

Yes sir, every NHL game is an opportunity for players to showcase their talents not only for their own coaches and front offices, but those around the league. As such, every night counts for guys who are not lucky to have those 10+ year contracts that have been getting popped in like tic tacs around the NHL.

Case in point, David Booth of the Florida Panthers. Booth was once a high flying Michigan State Spartan, ranking second on the team in scoring as a freshman. Since then due to injury problems and probably spending too much time on his flowing blond locks, Booth has not lived up to his potential.

Prior to Saturday's loss to Washington, however, Booth was in the midst of his best four game stretch of the season, where he had a point each night. Four points in four games may not be Crosby level numbers, but for an owner looking for an unexpected late, late-season boost, or a writer desperately trying to finish a column, it is bliss.

Sit 'Em:

Dwayne Roloson | G
Edmonton Oilers

Roloson was playing well earlier this year, as seen in his November numbers, where he had a 2.94 GAA, and a .913 save percentage; but those days are long gone.

With the pressure going up by the second and his team needing him more than ever, Roloson's been mailing it in. Over his last six starts, his GAA has sky rocketed to 4.00. With tough, crucial games coming up against Calgary and Vancouver to close out the season, it is not going to get any easier for Dwayne.

If he is still on your squad, find him a nice, warm and comfortable seat on the pine for the season's remainder.

Ryan Miller | G
Buffalo Sabres

Speaking of goalies (gasp, gasp, I can't breathe) under the pressure, Buffalo's Ryan Miller also has been doing his darndest to keep the Sabres out of the playoffs. On the season, Miller's 2.63 GAA is actually better than last year's when the Sabres won the President's Trophy 2.73.

But, that has nothing to do with recent reality, where his GAA has been a quite poor 3.5, and his save percentage an even more embarrassing .858 over his last six starts. Those are both far below acceptable levels for a playoff-caliber starting goalie.

As a result, his club will more than likely miss the playoffs and if he's on your team, you're probably out of it by now too. If by some strange twist of fate you still have a chance at a championship, cut your losses and find someone else to start between the pipes.

NHL Weekly Fantasy Minute (3/31)

hduckwall — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:09:00 GMT

As this is the final NHL Fantasy Minute for this season, I wish to thank any and all that have read and used the information offered in past weeks for this post. Any suggestions as to improvements or information that might be more useful to fantasy owners would be welcomed. Usually, I have focused on late developing fantasy impacts that happened on either Saturday or Sunday of a given week that might have been missed or not occurred when other posts were printed. With those caveats, onward and forward!

Andrej Sekera (Buffalo Sabres - Defense): Sekera, as one of two rookie defensemen called up by the parent club from Rochester to fill needs due to injury (or just plain lousy inept play?), has been paired together with the other rookie Mike Webber into Buffalo's most productive defensive pair through the last two weeks. Sekera kept the Sabres on temporary life-support as he scored the game winner in overtime against the Bruins Sunday night to leave Sabres fans and Sabre fantasy owners one more game and two moiré nights staying alive for their playoff lives. At he :39 second mark of the overtime period, Webber made the defensive hit that freed the puck coming up ice, and then was picked up by Thomas Vanek as part of a three on two rush into the Boston zone. A perfect pass to Sekera allowed him to fire the rocket that beat Boston goalie Alex Auld for the game-winner, allowing Buffalo to stay in the mix for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference along with Boston, the New York Rangers, Philadelphia, Washington, and Carolina. Sekera's second goal of the season and his second NHL goal scored means, to put it simply, that Buffalo has to win out their remaining three games against Toronto, Montreal, and Boston, all in regulation, and have a miracle of help from other teams. The Sabres do keep hanging around for the chance to qualify, at least until Tuesday night's results.

Trevor Linden (Vancouver Canucks-Center): Linden gave hope to the Canucks fading playoff hopes by scoring two goals against the Calgary Flames, including the game-winner. The goals were only his sixth and seventh scored in 56 games he played in this season, but they were at the most opportune time for Vancouver's hopes to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs 2008 version.

Dominik Hasek (Detroit Red Wings - Goal): Playing in a game that he had been announced doubtful for, after missing two games with the flu, Hasek recorded his 81st career shutout with a 1-0 overtime win over Nashville Sunday night. Hasek will enter the p[layoffs as Detroit's starting goaltender, pushing Chris Osgood back to the bench, at least for the start of the first series in this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs. For the season to date, Hasek's record is 25-9-3 in 38 games played, with five shutouts recorded. On March 22nd, he passed Mike Vernon on the All-Time NHL wins list for 10th place with 386 victories in his career.

Mathieu Schneider (Anaheim Ducks- Defense): Schneider scored two goals, the fifteenth multi-point game in his career, to help keep hold of Anaheim's Stanley Cup Playoff Championship defense with home-ice advantage, at least for the first round this season. In 63 games played this year, Schneider has recorded 12 goals with 27 assists for 39 total points scored. He is tied for 12th in NHL defensmen for goals scored.

For interest’s sake, the following is the list of the 20 most dropped and added fantasy league players from this week's Espn.com list:

Most added

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.

J. Halpern, TB
P. Dupuis, Pit
F. Kuba, TB
J. Hiller, Ana
D. Cleary, Det
J. Hecht, Buf
J. Ruutu, Pit
M. Straka, NYR
D. Ellis, Nas
M. Recchi, Atl
S. Zubov, Dal
J. Jokinen, TB
S. Kozlov, Atl
C. Schubert, Ott
T. Gilbert, Edm
A. Kostitsyn, Mon
J. Staal, Pit
C. Backman, NYR
S. Salo, Van
P. Forsberg, Col

Most Dropped

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.

M. Samuelsson, Det
S. Samsonov, Car
J. Williams, Chi
M. Garon, Edm
B. Berard, NYI
C. Andersson, Fla
S. Upshall, Phi
M. Comrie, NYI
J. Cheechoo, SJ
M. Satan, NYI
B. Sopel, Chi
T. Hunter, NYI
R. Cote, Phi
S. Walker, Car
W. Redden, Ott
M. Savard, Bos
B. Jackman, StL
S. Hartnell, Phi
A. McDonald, StL
E. Brewer, StL

In closing, I wish you enjoyment of you respective playoffs, good health and welfare , and look forward to next season's results and prognostications.

NHL Busts of the Week (3/30)

BillyS — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:05:00 GMT

There were several big names added to the Busts of the Week list, namely in the category of goaltenders. Some of the bigger named goaltenders managed to make the list after having sub-par weeks. There were also several names that have been on the list before, such as Martin St. Louis and Jaromir Jagr. This list is made up of players who did not perform to expectations, therefore hurting fantasy owners. This is the home stretch in fantasy hockey and owners need their players to be at the top of their games. The players mentioned below did not help owners out, unless they were on a rival's team and helped you surpass them due to their poor performances.

Forwards:

1.) Olli Jokinen (Center - Florida Panthers): Jokinen hasn't had a very good year. His numbers aren't terribly bad, but they aren't very good for a player of his caliber. He just hasn't had much luck this season. He was involved in the play that seriously injured teammate Richard Zednik, and that may have stuck with him and been a key reason for his poor play. He has noticeably been bad the last 19 games. His minus-eight rating proves what a rough second half it's been for him. His stat line for the week is as follows: 0 goals, 0 assists, +/- rating of -5, 2 PIM, 0 power play points, and 12 shots on goal. He's a very nice player, however, he has been absolutely brutal for fantasy owners in his last 20 games.

2.) Martin St. Louis (Right Wing - Tampa Bay Lightning): St. Louis has been quite a big second half disappointment. He's only had four points in his last 25 games and has been scoreless in his last three games. He's a fantastic player, but he hasn't been playing like one since the early half of the season. His stat line for the week is as follows: 0 goals, 0 assists, -1 rating, 2 PIM, 0 power play points, and 9 shots on goal. There isn't much time left for him to breakout, therefore one shouldn't expect his numbers to look much better than they currently are. His stock is at an all-time low and will cause him to fall in next year's draft. He may be worth drafting if you can get him later than usual due to his poor season.

3.) Jaromir Jagr (Right Wing - New York Rangers): Jagr has been pathetic this year. His numbers have only been lower in his rookie season. On top of his poor play, and the chance that the Rangers may not miss the playoffs, there is also a chance that Jagr decides to play in Russia next season. He's a phenomenal player when on a hot streak, yet it seems like he is so moody that he refuses to play well unless it's with people he want. The Rangers are loaded with talent and Jagr seems to be the one slowing them down. His numbers for the week are as follows: 1 goal, 0 assists, +/- rating of 0, 0 PIM, 0 power play points, and 6 shots on goal. He's a good player, but don't expect him to hit the 100-point plateau again anytime soon.

Defensemen:

1.) Jay Bouwmeester (Defense - Florida Panthers): The Panthers are struggling and do not look like a good team in any way, shape, or form. Their goalie is playing bad, their forwards are playing bad, and their defense is playing bad. Bouwmeester has played exceptionally bad, as the following numbers indicate: 0 wins, 0 assists, +/- rating of -6, 2 PIM, 0 power play points, and 2 shots on goal. His numbers are brutal and he doesn't seem to be a very good fantasy option unless you're in a deep league.

2.) Mathieu Schneider (Defense - Anaheim Ducks): It seems like Schneider has been playing forever. He is no longer the 50 point, +30 defensemen that he was once capable of producing. Injuries and age are taking their toll and Schneider's career is winding down. He had a very rough week, but there is a silver-lining. Schneider scored his 700^th point of his impressive career. His stat line for the week is as follows: 0 goals, 1 assist, -2 rating, 2 PIM, 1 power play point, and 5 shots on goal. He can still produce at an average level, yet he seems to always have some kind of injury that plagues his production.

3.) Nicklas Lidstrom (Defense - Detroit Red Wings): Lidstrom is the best defensemen in the game, therefore he's only added on here because of his high draft value and lack of production for the week. Lidstrom has had a tremendous season and will walk away with the Norris Trophy. However, this week definitely wasn't his best and left fantasy owners wanting more. His stat line for the week is as follows: 0 goals, 1 assist, +/- rating of 0, 0 PIM, 1 power play point, and 6 shots on goal. Don't let this one week deter you from making him the first defensemen in next year's draft.

Goaltenders:

1.) Roberto Luongo (Goalie - Vancouver Canucks): Luongo has been quite a consistent goalie this season. Sadly, his wins didn't live up to what he produced last year, yet his other numbers were right in line. It's safe to say that Luongo did all he could to keep his team alive, except for this week, and that his supporting cast hasn't exactly been stepping up to help. He has given up nine goals in his last two games, yet it could because his mind was fixed on his wife giving birth to a daughter. Either way, Luongo's weekly numbers weren't very good. His numbers are as follows: 0 wins, .857 SV%, and a GAA of 5.83. He's one of the best goaltenders in the league, but he didn't perform too well this week.

2.) Martin Gerber (Goalie - Ottawa Senators): Gerber has been very streaky as of late. The Senators lost four of their last five games, all of which Gerber was in goal. The Senators are gunning for a playoff spot and Gerber deserves huge praise based on the great season he's had. However, this last week or so has just been a bit tough on him and his numbers haven't been all that good. His stat line for the week is as follows: 1 win, .889 SV%, and a GAA of 3.81. He's a great goalie, but this week really hurt fantasy owners.

3.) Evgeni Nabokov (Goalie - San Jose Sharks): Nabokov is one of the best goalies this season. He racked up wins, racked up a nice amount of shutouts, and had a stellar GAA. Nabokov wasn't considerably bad this week, yet he was pulled and it caused his GAA to become inflated. On top of that he also missed out on another win. His numbers for the week are as follows: 1 win, .882 SV%, and a GAA of 3.37. He's a great goalie and this week was just an anomaly. Expect him to be a fantasy force next year as well. He's deserved to have a bad week during his terrific season.

NHL Weekly Sleepers (3/30)

Charlie Danoff — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:23:00 GMT

With just over a week left in the regular season, this is officially (sniffle) my last sleepers column of the 2007-08 season. In an effort to leave on a high note, I have sacrificed life, limb and sleep itself to find you three guys who'll lead you to fantasy glory, and thus in the process, help you sleep sounder at night.

David Krejci | C
Boston Bruins

Upcoming Schedule
4/2 - @ Devils
4/4 - @ Ottawa
4/5 - vs. Sabres

The rookie from the Czech Republic had been having a quiet first NHL season. Then on Mach 25th, the metaphorical levy blocking his offensive output officially shattered.

Including that day's game against the Maple Leafs, Krejci has seven points in his last three contests. Those performances caught the eye of Coach Claude Julien, as Kevin Dupont of the Globe reports,

"He's really stepped it up ... He just keeps impressing more and more every game - and his timing couldn't be better."

Dupont puts his deft analytical prose on full display when analyzing Krecji's third period goal against the Senators Saturday,

"he flashed [his hands] a third time when he took a return pass from Murray, dipsy-doodled in front of the net, and finished with a backhand lift to the top left corner that beat goalie Martin Gerber to the stick side. There was a little bit of Peter Stastny-like touch to that one."

A pessimist might say David's recent productivity is luck and unlikely to continue, but they would be wrong. For, this type of output is far more normal for Krejci than the offensive drought he'd been in for much of the season. His last two years in the minors, he averaged a combined 1.25 points per game.

If you're a fantasy owner, pick up David if you need an offensive stretch for the playoffs; and if you're a Bruins fan, be happy your team's chances for playoff glory got a much needed shot in the arm.

Nikolai Khabibulin | G
Chicago Blackhawks

Upcoming Schedule:
4/2 - vs. Red Wings
4/4 - vs. Predators
4/6 - @ Red Wings

For the duration of his Hawk tenure, the Bulin Wall has been more like the Berlin Wall that inspired the nickname post 1989. For those of you ignoramuses who don't know your history, that's after it fell.

Thankfully for Chicago fans, since coming back from a recent injury, Nikolai has drawn on his Soviet roots and played like the pre-'89 Wall that proudly divided East and West for most of the 20th century.

Over his last ten starts, he's been 6-1-2 with two shutouts and a 1.69 goals-against average in his last 10 appearances. With their playoff lives at stake, count on "Khabi" continuing to play like his former Stanley Cup winning self.

Pascal Dupuis | LW
Pittsburgh Penguins

Upcoming Schedule:
3/31 - @ Rangers
4/2 - vs. Flyers
4/6 - @ Flyers

The throw in name in arguably the biggest deal of the NHL's Trade Deadline: the Penguins acquiring Marian Hossa, has been playing like anything but an afterthought recently for the Pens.

Prior to Thursday's tilt against the Islanders where he was held pointless, Dupuis was on a six game point streak, with nine points over the stretch. Of course, it always helps the stat sheet to play on a line with Hossa and Sidney Crosby.

That said, though, Dupuis has still been getting it done, and is someone you absolutely need to consider, especially after he got back on the point wagon with an assist in Sunday afternoon's win over the Rangers.

As a final note, going outside the all-important realm of fantasy sports for just a split second, Dupuis recently became the proud father of a baby girl. The hockey player in him came out in his analysis,

"Hat trick," Dupuis said. "We're on the PK right now. We're two pair of arms for three kids. We'll see how that goes."

NHL Buy 'n Sell (3/30)

hduckwall — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:19:00 GMT

This will be the last installment of NHL Buy 'n Sell this season. For those of you that have read and used the information offered here each week, thank you! This installment will be aimed for those that are in leagues that continue on in fantasy competition after the regular NHL season is done and over with.

Buy

Wayne Dubielewicz (New York Islanders - Goal): Replacing a franchise goaltender at the end of a season is not an enviable position to be in, but Dubielewicz seems to have been in the right place at the right time as the Islanders had to find a replacement for Rick Dipietro for the rest of this season. In 18 games played to date this season, Dubielewicz is at 8-8-1. This past week, he was 1-1-1, but will gain most of the ice-time left this season. This buy will only represent a stop-gap until the regular season is done, so if a fantasy owner is going beyond that time, a different solution in goal might be warranted.

Dan Cleary (Detroit Red Wings - Right Wing): Cleary returned to the ice on 3/25 after missing 19 games with a broken jaw. His team obviously is expected to carry deep into the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, so his results will last fantasy owners probably as long as they remain in competition. Even with his injuries, he is listed at tied for 86th in the NHL for goals scored.

Mike Green (Washington Capitals - Defense): As the Capitals make their rise towards qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs this year, Green has been a steady influence on their defense. In their last five games, he scored one goal with three assists. Green is currently tied for first in NHL defensemen for goals scored (18) and ninth for overall points scored (51). He has four game-winning goals and has amassed 62 minutes in penalty.

Andrei Kostitsyn (Montreal Canadiens - Left Wing): In Montreal's last five games, the elder Kostitsyn brother for Montreal recorded four goals along with two assists as the Canadiens kept pace with the Conference leaders in the East. Now, for the season, he has 25 goals with 27 assists for 52 points scored. He ranks at 4 and is tied for 52nd in the NHL for forwards goals scored. The Canadiens are expected to make a run deep into this year's playoffs, and if so, Kostitsyn will have to be a contributing factor for them to be successful.

Sell

Jochen Hecht (Buffalo Sabres): Most probably, the Sabres will be eliminated from playoff consideration officially Sunday night against the Boston Bruins. If not there, the road for the Sabres to qualify remains road blocked by inefficiencies through this last month of the regular season. Hecht, who usually draws the most offensively talented line of opponents, has not produced as many stats as in the past, and with the failing playoff run, this would be the time to sell. For this season, he has 22 goals and 26 assists for 48 points in 71 games played. He is tied for 108th in the NHL in total points scored.

Chuck Kobasew (Boston Bruins - Right Wing): Kobasew is out indefinitely with a fractured tibia suffered last Tuesday against Toronto. It is not sure how long he will be out and it is not expected that Boston will make a run deep into the playoffs if in fact they do make it.

Patrick Eaves (Carolina Hurricane - Right Wing): Eaves underwent shoulder surgery Friday and will be out of action a minimum of two-three weeks with the operation. It does not look as if he would be a contributing force for Carolina's playoff hopes.

In closing, I would say that I would consider unloading any members of the following teams that were on my roster:

New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, Atlanta Thrashers; Tampa Bay Lightning, Columbus Blue Jackets, St. Louis Blues and the Los Angeles Kings

May you enjoy your playoffs and good health and welfare until next year!

NHL Top Weekly Performances - Goaltenders

BillyS — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:40:00 GMT

Some of the best performers in the league this week were goaltenders. To say they had a good week would be an understatement. These goaltenders all played their hearts out in order to attempt to claim a remaining playoff spot. Dan Ellis completely ran away with the top goaltender award this week. However, each of the performers listed below had remarkable weeks and deserve high praise.

Gold

1.) Dan Ellis (Goaltender - Nashville Predators): Ellis has been the hottest goaltender this week, and it couldn't have come at a better time. The Predators are fighting for a final playoff spot and Ellis has been playing with a passion. For the month he's 7-4-0, with a GAA of 1.83. That proves that even in losses he wasn't bad at all. He also set a Predators record by having over 170 shutout minutes. He is playing with a passion and this week has been spectacular. His numbers for the week are as follows: 2 wins, 1.000 SV%, 0.00 GAA, and 2 shutouts. He is playing great hockey. You should feel lucky if you have him in your starting lineup to end the year.

Silver

2.) Tim Thomas (Goaltender - Boston Bruins): Thomas has been a hot or cold fantasy goalie all season long. There seems to be no middle ground with him. He'll either give you great stats or he'll hurt your numbers for an entire week. Luckily for fantasy owners he was fantastic this week. He was able to put up wins, a shutout, and other solid numbers across the board. Those numbers are as follows: 3 wins, .958 SV%, a GAA of 1.33, and 1 shutout. He is playing his best hockey at the most important time, hopefully he won't disappoint owners.

Bronze

3.) Cristobal Huet (Goaltender - Washington Capitals): At the trade deadline nobody really gave the Huet to Washington trade much thought. Owners are taking notice now. On the 26^th of February the Capitals acquired Huet. Since then he's posted a record of 8-2-0, a GAA of 1.83, and a shutout. This week has been huge for the Capitals and Huet. They need to win desperately and Huet is helping them make their push for the playoffs. His stat line for the week is as follows: 3 wins, .941 SV%, 1.60 GAA, and a shutout. He posted great numbers across the board and is going to be a big reason for the Capitals making the playoffs.

Goalies | Right Wing | Left Wing | Center | Defensemen

NHL Top Weekly Performances - Defensemen

BillyS — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:39:00 GMT

Fantasy defense seemed slow this week. The bigger names didn't produce well, there were no real big fantasy numbers overall, and the best weeks were produced by some people that owners may never heard of. These may have just found themselves on the radar due to performance and ability this week. Each player deserves credit for their performances this week and one would be smart to keep an eye on them in next year's draft.

Gold

1.) Stephane Robidas (Defense - Dallas Stars): Robidas did all of his damage in a single game blowout against the Los Angeles Kings. However, it was obviously good enough to earn him the gold medal for top defenseman of the week. He's had a very solid second half of the season. He may never be an elite fantasy player, but he was very productive this week. His stat line is as follows: 1 goal, 2 assists, +/- rating of +2, 2 PIM, 2 power play points, and 8 shots on goal. He outperformed several big name players this week and deserves recognition for his great play.

Silver

2.) Joe Corvo (Defense - Carolina Hurricanes): Corvo has been pretty much on fire since being traded to Carolina. He's averaged just under a point per game and has a positive +/- rating. On top of that he's also scored a career high in points and goals. Six of his 14 goals have come in the last 11 games. He's quietly creeping up the list of fantasy defensemen and could be a huge pickup for someone to scoop up in next year's draft. His stat line for the week reads as follows: 1 goal, 2 assists, +/- rating of -1, 0 PIM, 3 power play points, and 10 shots on goal. He paid dividends for people who risked starting him this week.

Bronze

3.) Brent Burns (Defense - Minnesota Wild): Top performances isn't all about who scores the most points. Burns is a great example of that. He's a solid offensive player, however, this week his numbers were far from impressive, except for his PIM. His penalty minutes may have helped owners single-handedly win the PIM category. His stat line for the week is as follows: 1 goal, 0 assists, -1 rating, 21 PIM, 1 power play point, and 5 shots on goal. He's a 40+ point producer; therefore he has shown he can score. However, the PIM is an added benefit, especially when his offensive game is slow. He's extremely young so he has all the time in the world to breakout and become an elite defenseman in the league.

Goalies | Right Wing | Left Wing | Center | Defensemen

NHL Top Weekly Performances - Left Wings

LeafsFan — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:38:00 GMT

"Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in," said Michael Corleone in an unnamed movie that I will never watch again.

Just when I thought I was done with this weekly update, my editor kindly reminded me that fantasy leagues are still accepting roster changes, especially in his own Yahoo league. So, this is also my final look at the left wingers for the season. I'm enforcing a no-Ovechkin rule this week as well, to give some other players a chance to share his stage.

Gold

Henrik Zetterberg - DET: The Swede has forged ahead with a fantastic last furlong, recording 5 goals and 4 assists in his last 5 games, including a hat trick against Columbus. He now sits with 41 goals and 48 assists, and surely would have challenged for the Art Ross Trophy if he hadn't missed a handful of games earlier this season.

Silver

Daniel Sedin - VCR: While he has picked up the pace after a prolonged mid-season slump with 5 points in his last 5 games, he better have a heck of a finish. His club is in a life and death struggle to make the playoffs, and they'll need him and his brother to be at their finest in the Canucks' last few games.

Bronze

Vaclav Prospal - PHI: The Czech has quietly proven to have been one of the better deadline week moves made by any club. He has found a nice home playing alongside C Daniel Briere, and the winger has lit it up recently, to the tune of 3 goals and 4 assists in their last 5 games. The Flyers are another team fighting for their playoff lives, so they'll need more of the same from Prospal this week.

Honorable Mention(s)

Thomas Vanek - BUF: Has there been a more disappointing 30 goal scorer in the NHL this year? That's what a ridiculously lucrative high profile contract does to a guy - fantasy owners expect a ton, just as his team does. Vanek has had a strong second half of the season, augmented by a good week - 6 points including a hat trick against the lowly Lightning, but his prolonged first half scoring slump is what fantasy GMs will remember.

Marco Sturm - BOS: Wanna know why the Bruins have managed to stave off several teams and most likely clinch a playoff spot? Role players like Sturm have stepped up, especially when star forward Marc Savard went down to injury a week ago. In must-win games against the Leafs and Sens, Marco came up huge, scoring a goal in each game and chipping in two assists. He's set personal highs for himself in assists and points, as well as tying his career best in goals with 27. One of the better sleeper picks of the season.

Andrei Kostitsyn - MTL: Throw away yesterday's debacle against the Leafs, and this rookie has had a hell of a week. He had 6 points in his previous 4 games and was a stunning +7. He's now totaled 25 goals and 27 assists in his 'unofficial' 'rookie campaign. The future is indeed bright for the Habs.

Goalies | Right Wing | Left Wing | Center | Defensemen

NHL Top Weekly Performances - Centers

hduckwall — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:34:00 GMT

This week's Best NHL Center Performers is offered for consideration by fantasy hockey owners and players.

Gold

Joe Thornton (San Jose Sharks): Thornton and the Sharks (sounds like a song?) have been on a tear since the trade deadline with the NHL's best won-loss record. Thornton has been one of the major factors in the rise of the Sharks to winning the Pacific Division title. In this last week, Thornton scored five goals and added an assist in San Jose's three games for two points-a-game average. One of his two goals against Dallas was also the game-winning goal, his fourth of the season. On the season, Thornton has racked up 26 goals and 65 assists for 91 points in 78 games played, and is ranked at a plus 18. Thornton leads the NHL currently in assists recorded and stands at fifth overall in total points scored.

Silver

Mike Ribeiro (Dallas Stars): Ribeiro didn't score any goals this week for Dallas, but he sure set them up well. In Dallas' two games, Ribeiro totaled five assists on teammate's goals. He recorded two against the Sharks and three against the Kings. For the season, he stands at tied for seventh in assists (56) and added with his 27 goals, he is ranked at 11th overall for total points scored with 83.

Bronze

Derek Roy (Buffalo Sabres): As Buffalo falters down the stretch towards the final regular season games; Roy is not the reason why they will miss the playoffs. Roy, this past week, two goals and four assists in the three buffalo games played, for a two points per game average. On the season, he has scored 31 goals with 45 assists added to total 76 points in the 74 games he has played in. This week's moves him into tied for 21st in the NHL in both goals scored (31) and total points (76).

Goalies | Right Wing | Left Wing | Center | Defensemen

NHL Top Weekly Performances - Right Wings

hduckwall — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:32:00 GMT

It seems as if Right Wing goal production in the NHL dropped this week. The top NHL Right Wings Performers for this past week are listed for fantasy owner's consideration.

Gold

Brad Boyes (St.Louis Blues): Boyes averaged two points a game for this past week. He scored two goals and one assist against Detroit with one becoming the game-winning goal in the Motor city. Then, Boyes reversed the numbers at home against Chicago with one goal and two assists. For the season, he has 41 goals and 22 assists for 63 points in 78 games played. He is currently tied for fifth in the NHL for goals scored.

Silver

Daniel Alfredsson (Ottawa Senators): Ottawa had a bust week, with four games scheduled. Alfredsson started off the week hot and then tailed into a no-show for the last two games. Overall, he scored two goals with four assists in the four games. On the season, the Ottawa Captain has 40 goals with 47 assists for 87 points in the 68 games he has played in. He is tied for seventh in the NHL for goals scored and ranks in ninth for total points scored.

Bronze

Nik Antropov (Toronto Maple Leafs): Antropov returned from injury this past week and made his presence known in both Toronto games played. He set up one goal against the Boston Bruins, but then totaled three assists in the win over Montreal Saturday night. He had missed four games prior to these games. For the season, he ranks 68th in the NHL for total points on 26 goals and 30 assists for 56 points in72 games played.

Goalies | Right Wing | Left Wing | Center | Defensemen

NHL Sleaze Replaces Politics (Published)

hduckwall — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 14:18:00 GMT

This is the time of the season when a chapter of the NHL Sleaze Channel comes to light to liven things up. This should not have major impact for fantasy owners, as the players mentioned below will not have violated any NHL rules that will remove them from playing currently, as far as has been announced. Ignore the fact that playoff races are in full swing in both Conferences, with playoff berths changing slots with each night's game results. Ignore the fact that one of the NHL's outstanding young stars, Alex Ovechkin, is making a pronounced run at his own piece of NHL history. Ignore the glorious run that the San Jose Sharks have been on since trade deadline day, and their resultant locking up of the Pacific Division in the Western Conference. Instead, as we have been forced to witness of late in New York Politics, let's look at some sleaze, NHL style.

New York Rangers forward Sean Avery is the latest name to crop up in either government wiretaps, snitches reports, or prostitute Madame's little black books. Avery's opponents should have a field day with the release of this news and some of the sidelights (low lights) that accompany it. According to Saturday's New York Daily News,"

"Rangers hockey star Sean Avery's name and private cell phone number are in the little black book of Manhattan madam Kristin Davis.

Avery, 27, a trash-talking enforcer who has dated a string of models and actresses, is listed as a $500 client of brothel Maison de L'Amour."

Contacted Friday at the number in the records, the pretty boy known in the NHL as "The Animal" at first laughed when told where his name had turned up.

A more minor chapter of today's sleaze department swirls around Anaheim's Todd Bertuzzi, according to allegations in the Los Angeles Times, that part of the responsibility of his 2004 attack on Colorado's Steve Moore lay with his then-coach Marc Crawford sending players out after Moore. According to documents filed March 3 and obtained by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. on Friday, Bertuzzi also alleges that Crawford "failed to exercise control over and caution his players against physical aggression toward Moore when he knew or ought to have known that this was likely to result in injury to Moore." This was reported in the Los Angeles Times Saturday, and seems to be an ongoing Canadian Court Case surrounding the case.

Under the "It is a Business!" file, the situations regarding Marian Hossa and Mats Sundin for next year should be concerning their respective franchises greatly. Pittsburgh traded quite a package to obtain rights for Hossa at the trade deadline, for very little in return to date. He played a total of 10 minutes before succumbing to a knee injury that kept him out of the lineup through the penguins playoff stretch run. He is under no obligation contractually for next year, so it will be an interesting sideshow to see how Pittsburgh manages this situation, with the resultant salary issues they will have for Evgeni Malkin, to name one star.

Mats Sundin, after holding the Leafs hostage with his no trade clause at the deadline, remains a mystery for the Toronto front office. Refusing to be traded, so the Leafs could gain any wiggle room under the CBA and salary cap, Sundin basically ensured that the Leafs had to stick with the lineup they had throughout the year, when they couldn't win enough to move up in the standings. Knowing that he didn't have to waive his right to veto any trade, Sundin has now put a death lock on the Leafs moves for next year. Nobody knows what this guy is considering doing; playing elsewhere; retiring; making Toronto sweat blood to keep him. Of course, in his camp, this is viewed as simply exercising the options that got him to sign this expiring contract in the first place. A contract is a contract!

Under the "Oh MY!" file for this weekend is the news that The Don Cherry story will be coming to a screen near you in time for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, 2009 version. According to the Toronto Star,

There will be some loud jackets to fill when the CBC starts casting its latest made-for-TV movie: the Don Cherry story.

"We're trying to find out if Brad Pitt can play the leading role," jokes the movie's protagonist. "Maybe George Clooney could play me in the later years."

Pitt would actually be more appropriate since the two-part movie, written by Cherry's son Tim, deals mostly with the Coach's Corner star's early life in hockey's minor leagues. In fact, it will end when Cherry meets Ron MacLean, 24 years ago.

As Cherry has been prone to hint about non-Canadian hockey players in the past, especially Europeans, it might really be appropriate to find guy that is "a little light in the loafers" to play him, as a least some of the flamboyant outfits might be better toned down!