Fantasy Hockey Analysis

Fantasy Hockey Scouts: The Fantasy Five – Week #5

#1 Give 'em a Look

Some line shuffling a little while back in Ottawa has resulted in Mike Fisher being dealt two pretty decent wingers (Alfredsson & Kovalev) and he's been taking advantage with 2+4=6 and a plus-4 in his last four games. This is essentially Ottawa's #1 line and Fisher's been seeing a lot of minutes at even strength and on the PP. He's typically good for around 60 PIMs and 200 shots as well so he'll help out in a few categories, you just need to watch out as he's been a little fragile during his career... but definitely worth a look.

Others worth a look: James Neal (Dal - W), Tomas Plekanec (Mtl - C), Kyle Okposo (NYI – W), Derek Morris (Bos – D) and Anyone named Schneider in Vancouver

Florida is 2nd from the bottom in the NHL standings right now, losers of eight or their last nine games and despite having scored the fewest goals in the league, it's really their defense that's letting them down. They were worst in the league in shots allowed last year by giving up 34.7 per game and, amazingly, they've regressed as they're giving up 36.6 per game so far this year. All that to say that you don't really want the goalie that's playing behind that defense and Tomas Vokoun is that guy, so we'd suggest you drop him if you can find a better option. Despite playing behind these clowns, TV managed the 2nd best save percentage in the league last year but he's too risky a start when you know he's going to get shell-shocked every night.

Others worth a boot: Shawn Horcoff (Edm – C), Todd White (Atl – C), Petr Sykora (Min – W), Pavol Demitra (Van – W) and Keith Ballard (Fla – D)

Ilya Kovalchuk is out for around a month with a broken foot... he's irreplaceable so don't even try, just do your best to weather the storm until he comes back. The 18-year old Evander Kane will probably eat up some of Kovy's ice-time and while he's been impressive so far, he shouldn't be the injury replacement on your fantasy team.

Simon Gagne is collecting opinions on his latest groin injury but it's sounding like he could be out for a long while. Philly's got a lot of depth to replace him and look for the rookie James Van Reimsdyk to see some additional ice-time.

Another scare on Wednesday as it was revealed that Roberto Luongo has a fractured rib but the word right now is that he may only miss a week... so breath a little easier Louie owners. Andrew Raycroft (yikes) and Cory Schneider (watch him) will attempt to fill in while he's out.

The Red Wings' Chris Osgood has one win, two yankings and a 4+ gaa in his last five starts and this has opened the door for Jimmy Howard to step in and steal some net-time. Howard's looked decent in back-to-back games (40 saves on 44 shots in total) and is expected to get the start on Thursday in Edmonton. Coach Babcock will always go back to Osgood in the long-run, as he did last year, but Howard could give his coach a nice option if he wants to give Osgood some time to get his act together.

Check out this Fantasy Hockey Trade Analyzer that we stumbled upon recently... we wouldn't really use it to analyze any trades as it recommended that we deal Bobby Ryan for Rob Niedermayer (what is Mike Milbury the brains behind this tool?) but its not a bad way to waste a few minutes while your toast is burning.