With just three games to start the week; the Leafs, Blackhawks and Canucks all won last night in regulation and each team secured two points. It was Toronto’s second win of the season and James Reimer stood on his head to steal the Leafs two points as the red hot Stars lost 4-1 and had a whopping 44 shots on goal. Jamie Benn scored his league leading tenth goal of the season and Joffrey Lupul scored his fourth and fifth goal of the season securing Toronto the win.
That’s Reimer’s second win of the season, and Bernier still doesn’t have a win under the belt. Something to note and keep an eye on as perhaps Reimer may get more starts going forward; of course don’t count on too many wins as the Leafs are still a bottom of the barrel team this season.
The Hawks took it to the Kings in Chicago last night, winning 4-2 and ending the Kings seven-game win streak. Kane and Toews as usual put on a clinic, each scoring a goal and an assist. Anisimov scored a short-handed goal in the dying minutes of the game which sealed the deal and sent the Kings home without a point.
Vancouver got out to a quick start last night as they hosted the Flyers, when Jannik Hansen scored just 1:08 into the first period. Giroux answered back with his fourth of the season at the start of the second period but the Flyers were unable to muscle their way back into the game as Horvat and Virtanen scored a goal and Bartkowski finished it off with an empty netter. That was Jake Virtanen’s first National Hockey League goal; someone I would look at picking up if you are in a dynasty/keeper league. Philadelphia has now lost three in a row and Vancouver continues to put up points with a 6-2-4 record.
Free Agents:
G - Mike Condon (Price hurt for a week (or so)). D - Jason Demers F – Torrey Mitchell F – Kris Versteeg F – Tomas Fleischmann F- Jason Zucker F – Adam Henrique F – Lee Stempniak F – Vincent Trocheck F – Teemu Pulkkinen F – Victor Rask F- Travis Zajac F – David Desharnais F – Leon Draisaitl
You will notice the influx of Canadiens and Devils. Many of which have been under the fantasy radar for quite some time. It seems this season they have started to produce at a higher level; be sure to do some research on the player before you select them. Quite often you get the most consistent production out of those who are in the top six forwards or top four defensemen and get some power play time. Remember, if they are a heavy penalty killer than can also pay off nicely if they chip in the odd short hander.
At the bottom of the list I have Leon Draisaitl. This kid looks to be ready to produce playing top six minutes with the Oilers and making it impossible for them to send him back down. After being called up he has five points in two games and laces them up tonight as the Oilers take on the Flyers. He could be a HUGE steal at this point in the season if someone is lacking production or you have an injury and need someone to fill the void.
As the starting goalies are updated throughout the day I will update as well.
Starting Goalies:
(DAL) Lehtonen VS (BOS) Rask (NJ) Schneider VS (NYI) Halak (WSH) Holtby VS (NYR) Lundqvist (OTT) Anderson VS (MON) Condon (TBL) Bishop VS (DET) Howard (LA) Enroth VS (STL) Allen (CLG) Ramo VS (COL) Varlamov (PHI) Neuvirth VS (EDM) Nilsson (CBJ) Bobrovsky VS (SJ) Jones
*bold is starting, italics is probable*
If you can think of any other free agents who would be worthy, or any young keeper players that may be worth targeting feel free to share in the comments section. It’s always good to hear other people’s opinions and strategy. Any thoughts about trades or dropping someone for a free agent, feel free to discuss in the comments section.
Thanks for reading and enjoy tonight’s games.