Hopefully everyone has recovered from New Years by now and ready to watch some hockey today. If you are in head to head pools Sunday is always a big day; it’s the end of the week for your matchup and sometimes just one point can be big enough to win you the week or an ever so important point towards your fantasy playoff run. After all, that is the main goal; getting into the playoffs and trying to win. Having fun is not an option, it’s a guarantee! Just a few games away from the half way point of the season and certainly not too late to make a huge comeback in the second half of the season. Consider making a trade or two if you are struggling, don’t wait too long to make the trade because sometimes it’s too late.
The World Junior's have been excellent...Is Canada now the certain favorite? Or do you think Sweden or Russia?
There are seven games lined up for today and we start as early as 1:00 PM, so don’t forget to set your roster accordingly. (bold is starting)
(BOS) Rask/Svedberg VS (CAR) Khudobin
The Boston Bruins came are coming off a 3-2 overtime loss to the Senators from just yesterday. Khudobin on the other hand is confirmed to play and will be making the start for the Hurricanes who are coming off a 2-1 victory over the Flyers on Friday. Carolina has a ways to go yet before they are a playoff team but they have looked better since Jordan Staal returned to the lineup. Anton Khudobin has not won a game at home yet this season and the Canes have only won 3 games in their last 11, I’d give the Bruins the win today as Rask looks to man the fort.
(FLA) Luongo VS (WSH) Holtby
The Florida Panthers will be in Washington tonight to face off with the Capitals. The red hot Roberto Luongo will look to stop all the rubber fired at him as he has been dynamite over the last stretch of 10 games putting up 1.93 goals against average and a .929 save percent. He’s coming off a 30 save shutout over the Sabres Friday night. Floriday has a game in hand on Washington but trails them just 2 points for the 8th spot in the playoff race. Both Washington and Florida have been playing good hockey lately, I expect this to be a tight low scoring game. Washington is 8-5-4 at home this season and I predict they win this game by a goal.
(TBL) Bishop VS (OTT) Lehner
With Robin Lehner confirmed to start tonight’s game the Senators prepare to host the Tampa Bay Lightning. On Friday night Tampa Bay got gobbled up by the Penguins and Bishop was yanked from the net after letting in 3 goals on 10 shots. Look for him to get the start tonight and be hungry for a win, he’s going to want a bounce back game and will certainly be mentally prepared for tonight’s hockey game. Tampa Bay sits 2 points back from the Habs in first place in the East; mind you after today’s game they will have played 2 more games as well. The Senators on the other hand are 6 points back of a playoff spot in the East but have a couple games in hand after tonight’s game. Ottawa has been playing better hockey since a coaching change just a handful of games ago. But if I had to pick; I’m taking Tampa in tonight’s matchup.
(DAL) Lehtonen VS (CHI) Crawford
Two high octane teams set off for battle tonight and this game should be a dandy. Dallas has found some life after a slow start and has gone 8-2 in their last 10 games and just pounded Minnesota last night 7-1. This is more so the Dallas Stars team I expected to see earlier in the season; better now than later for their playoff push. They are 4 points back of San Jose but also have 2 games in hand…I really didn’t think they would be so close to a playoff spot. Kris Versteeg will be out for about a month with an injury to his hand. Chicago has been racking up a lot of goals just like Dallas; but due to overall depth I give Chicago the win in tonight’s game.
(CBJ) Bobrovsky VS (COL) Varlamov
Colorado will be hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight and each team is about 10 points back of a playoff spot in their respected Conferences. There is no doubt either team could improve their game immensely and fight for a wildcard spot. Plenty of time as we are not quite half way through the season, I’m quite surprised Colorado hasn’t snapped out of this funk they have been in for the first 38 games of the season where they sit at 15-15-8 and a -15 plus minus rating. Columbus has been playing great hockey as of late putting up a 7-2-1 record over their last 10 games. If it wasn’t for the mass amount of injuries to their roster so far this season, they would likely be in much better shape. I’m going to give Columbus the win in this game if I had to pick a team.
(NSH) Rinne/Hutton VS (ANA) Andersen
Nashville has been surging out this season with an improved roster overall. They we’re in a crazy game yesterday against the defending Stanley Cup Champions the Kings. The Final was 7-6 which is why I get this feeling that Nashville may be going with Carter Hutton in tonight’s game…unless of course they see this game as a big chance to put up a win against the number one team in the West; Anaheim Ducks. Personally I think Anaheim was crazy to have signed Bryzgalov, but what’s done is done...I don’t see him getting many starts. But what I do see is the Ducks starting Andersen tonight and taking this game at home where they have been rock solid over the past few seasons.
(NYI) Halak VS (EDM) Scrivens
As the Islanders continue to roll along at the top of the Metropolitan Division tied with the Penguins they should be confident going into this game versus Edmonton who are 1-5-4 in their last 10 games and are sitting in 30th place. The key for the Islanders is not to go into this game thinking they will crush Edmonton, whereas Edmonton needs to get off to a quick start and get some confidence up after making the Perron trade. The ball is rolling for Edmonton, let’s see if it picks up any momentum or bigger moves going forward.
Free Agents:
There are a few key players hurt right now and as you should know it’s important to have your eye on a few players at all times in case one of your players gets hurt. Here are a few players I’ve had my eye on over the last couple weeks who have been heating up.
Sam Gagner – 9 points Martin Hanzal – 8 points Mathieu Perreault – 6 points Mike Fisher – 5 points (D) Dan Boyle – 5 points Jordan Staal – 2 points in 2 games since returning to injury Steve Downie – if you need some points chip in with penalty minutes
Best of luck in today’s games and thanks for reading!
And for those of you watching the World Junior Championships...Go Canada Go!