|
Fantasy Hockey for Beginners
|
|
Written by Chris Wassel
|
|
Wednesday, 03 March 2010 10:17 |
Today is March 3rd and for you fantasy owners, it is a day that you should keep as active an eye on as you can. There will be no pictures today or fancy links.
Tomas Vokoun (G) - Florida Panthers
Probably the one guy that will have a significant impact. His 6 million dollar cap hit next year may scare some but his .931 save percentage and 7 shutouts is too enticing for the one or two teams that could use him right now. By the way Chicago almost seemed a little too needy for him last night. We will see what happens later today.
|
|
Fantasy Hockey for Beginners
|
|
Written by Chris Wassel
|
|
Friday, 12 March 2010 00:00 |
.jpg) Today we decided to do something different...very different. We humbly apologize but this one is important as the fantasy hockey regular seasons are coming to an end for the most part this week.
This year well we wanted to do something a hair different BUT due to the recession...we will dull out the usual skinny, some info, and a smile. We are sorry we did not blow out the budget but at any rate enjoy our list then debate away.
#1: Roberto Luongo (Vancouver Canucks)
Why: With all due respect to Tim Thomas who's stats were a hair better. Luongo over a 70 start season or more just produces more points in leagues where wins and shutouts are essential. The last two full years of Luongo produced a 2.31 GAA and a .920 save percentage with 11 shutouts and 82 wins. Then in just 54 starts last year he had 9 shutouts and 33 wins. Project those numbers over a 72 start season and you have 44 wins and 12 shutouts....that is nasty!
Skinny: For this year...Luongo may not quite get 12 shutouts. I am thinking somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 shutouts and 44 wins with a 2.29 GAA and a .923 save percentage. He is going to be pretty well automatic this year as far as fantasy goalies.
|
|
Fantasy Hockey for Beginners
|
|
Written by Chris Wassel
|
|
Tuesday, 09 February 2010 15:46 |
|
Olympic Break coming....really!
Good afternoon and yes there are only several more days until the Olympic Break. It is finally here. The Opening Ceremonies start Friday Night. The fantasy hockey calendar at least for the NHL ends Sunday Night. It is almost like a finishing line of sorts. The problem is the break actually throws a real wrench into any fantasy hockey player but especially ones on the bubble. Be thankful this happens every four years. There is a simple list of things not to do during the Olympic Break. They include the following.....
- Not watching the men's Ice Hockey.
- Do not look at your team at all.
- Not looking at injuries....
- Not paying attention to detail.
- Not forumating a plan the week the NHL gets back.
The last one is important. Yes the other ones are too but if you are a Bubble Team especially, you need to get a jump on the vets anyway you can. Figure out how many wins it will take you to make the playoffs first then figure out if you could possibly even move up to avoid the bubble spots entirely. Then start looking at your injury siutation. For example, Johan Franzen and Mike Ribeiro were back in their lineups last night. See if they looked like they were at full strength or not. If they were, go full tilt and trying to either put them in or trade for them. They are the type of player that can push your team over the top when you need that offensive boost.
Pay attention to details. There is nothing more frustrating than missing out on the playoffs because you forgot one week to set your roster for a few days. Even if you have to do it in advance....do it! That little bit makes a huge difference. Sometimes you get the inactive team and winning 9-2 is better than winning 6-5. Always keep your head up and never let it slump downward. Its a nice way of saying do not fall asleep at the wheel and GET THAT ROSTER SET and the IR guys on the IR.
Watch out for all injuries and not just ones that happen to your team. If you are in a league with a late trade deadline, take advantage of it. Sure it may seem unethical but you are dealing in a position of strength if someone has injuries and needs to fill holes for their own playoff push. This is where you can usually get above market value for a player or a better return. This is especially important in keeper leagues where you can stock up for next year while sometimes ending up primed for a run this year. It does occur. Just take a look at yesterday. Ryan Getzlaf (ankle), Cam Ward (back), and Marc Andre-Bergeron (knee) all out and yes Bergeron is out 6-8 weeks for Montreal. Those are the type of things you have to keep vigilant about.
Lastly, by all means watch the Olympics and look for that boost. Maybe there is a player still on the waiver wire that is having a great Olympics (playing in the NHL). If you can catch your competition napping, there is a potential for a great reward to be had. Players that surge in the Olympics usually last the rest of the regular Fantasy Hockey season at least. Sure it is a gamble but at this time of year, you do have to use a bit of risk-reward philosophy in order to get the best results. Those who snooze really do lose.
By showing you what to do and not to do...it does save a lot of headaches in the long run. You do not have to follow all 5 precepts here but it does help. I have used it for over 15 years and it works almost every time. Next week we take a bit of a departure and help spotlight some fantasy hockey Olympic leagues that you may be interested in at least exploring for the next go around. Until then you can email me at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. See you next week and have a Happy Valentine's Day.
|
|
Fantasy Hockey for Beginners
|
|
Written by Chris Wassel
|
|
Wednesday, 03 February 2010 10:11 |
 Good afternoon and time for another Fantasy Hockey For Beginners. As promised, this week we take a look at maybe two bubble teams from an ESPN Fantasy Hockey League. This is a head to head format with 11 scoring categories (G,A,+/-, PPG, PIM, ATOI, SOG, W, SO, GAA, Save %). We have been graciously given permission by all of our teams in our league to print their rosters on here for the benefit of all fantasy hockey players.
First up, it is time to take a look at our 8th seed (Ruff Edges). He is literally just 3 over .500 in a very tough part of the league as far as schedule. This is what his current roster looks like up to the minute.
|
|
Fantasy Hockey for Beginners
|
|
Written by Chris Wassel
|
|
Wednesday, 20 January 2010 13:43 |
|
Its a bit of a steep drop if not careful....
First off, good afternoon Fantasy Hockey fans. I do want to apologize for the late post. I know normally every Wednesday at Noon, you expect your Fantasy Hockey For Beginners and yes I have failed you. So it is a bit late today. Simply what we are going to do is let the reader take a deep breath and exhale.
Make sure to keep an eye on your fantasy hockey deadlines. Most regular fantasy seasons for hockey end right around March 14th or 21st. Please keep in mind that basically most week to week leagues have one matchup that lasts three weeks in head to head formats. That two weeks extra as everyone knows is the Olympic Break and right after is the trade deadline.
So with a little less than four weeks to go until the Break...what do you need to do? Start taking a look at your entire roster over the next several days. Take a really deep inspection and see where your major and minor weakpoints lie. If its a points league, that is a little different. Realistically there, you should have an idea of where you are and where you could end up. That would be your assessment period. For roto leagues, you have to keep an eye on what categories you can improve on so you can swing the standings your way.
Roto and points leagues do not involve a playoffs so the season ends on the second Sunday in April. Head 2 Head is the one format right now that really is just about "go" time if you really want to make that push to get into the playoffs. See where you are in the standings and if you are trying to protect a playoff spot....this is especially important too. Do not panic. Too many fantasy owners realize where they are and try to do too much. They get overwhelmed by the moment and though it does happened to some seasoned vets in higher stakes leagues, moer than 3/4 of the time it happens to the beginner with less than 5 years experience in fantasy hockey leagues.
Next week we are going to take a look at a team that is close to making the playoffs and maybe diagnose what needs or is not needed for them to advance into the playoff rounds. See you then and do not forget if you have a question at all...just email me at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. Good luck the rest of the week.
|
|
Fantasy Hockey for Beginners
|
|
Written by Chris Wassel
|
|
Wednesday, 13 January 2010 10:32 |
|
Guess who is back?
There are only 33 days until the Olympic Break which means your fantasy hockey season is going to have a short vacation of about two weeks or so. Why are we talking about this now? Basically it is to act as a constant reminder that it is coming. As always, here at Fantasypros911.com, we want the fantasy hockey player to be on the alert. February 15th starts the Olympic Break and the last game for most teams is February 13th. Keeping this in mind, it is time to take a look at some players who are playing like Olympians right now, even if they most certainly will not be in the Olympics.
|
|
Fantasy Hockey for Beginners
|
|
Written by Chris Wassel
|
|
Wednesday, 06 January 2010 10:44 |
Thanks to Matthew Manor from HHOF IHF Images
As I wiped my eyes last night from watching a long but satisfying hockey game, I realized that really now the next big thing to look forward to is the Olympics for most hockey fans. I also wanted to thank Kevin Orris, Ian Gooding, and Darryl Houston Smith among many others for the wonderful live blog we pulled off last night here at fantasypros911.com.
The next thing people are going to ask is the obvious. Well what impact does this have in the fantasy hockey world? Right now it would seem not that much but give it time. Some of the players you probably saw last night will be lacing it up in the pros either sooner or later. John Carlson, who is in the Washington Capitals organization, scored 2 goals last night including the game winner in OT for Team USA. He is a rugged, smooth skating defenseman with an above average slap shot. He is up with the AHL's Hershey Bears and more than likely will crack the big club at some point during the season. Carlson has excelled at all stops (USHL, OHL, AHL). The next logical step is the NHL of course. Yes he will make an impact there.
Also from Team USA is Danny Kristo. Literally he may be one of the fastest skaters out there in the prospect world...next to maybe Tyler Johnson, a teammate. Kristo was a rising star in the U.S. Developmental Program and currently plays for the University of North Dakota. He is a 2008 2nd round draft pick of the Montreal Canadiens and has a good instinct for the game. His 31 points in 47 games at the U-18 level translates well to the college game and maybe eventually the pro game. He is another guy to look out for in the coming years but not right away. Definitely a good thing for beginners to start taking a look at.
Time to get into some more of the higher ranked Team USA prospects real quick. Chris Kreider is another natural talent. He was the 19th pick of the 2009 draft, Kreider has played well at Boston College as a freshman. Yes he only has 5 points in 14 games during his freshman season so far, but gradually his playing time has increased. With the WJHC result, I am sure Kreider's impact will grow on Boston College and that New York Rangers brass has definitely noticed.
Another big time prospect is Jordan Schroeder who fell somewhat surpisingingly to the 22nd pick of the 1st round where the Vancouver Canucks were glad to scoop him up. A dangerous scorer to say the least, Schroeder has the WJHC record for points all by his lonesome for an American. Add in his 45 points last year for the University of Minnesota and his strong start this year and many are thinking Schroeder will not only be in the AHL soon but be in Vancouver in short time. He has good wheels and a very quick release which is key to success in the NHL. Schroeder also tends not to get hit a lot despite his smaller stature. Did I mention he is only 19? I guess now I did. Look out for him in a year or two.
Let's not forget the captain of the squad, Derek Stephan. Stephan was picked by the New York Rangers as the 51st pick in the second round at the 2008 draft and currently plays for the University of Wisconsin. He was enjoying a nice early part of the season with 22 points in just 18 games after a strong 33 point showing last year as a freshman. His leadership was a key reason why the US won gold in Sasketchewan. Now I know he is 6 foot and only 176 pounds but he plays bigger than his size which he will need at the next level. Derek had a goal and an assist in the gold medal game against Canada and is another player that I would not be surprised if he made the jump in the next year or two and did well.
Yes I do understand there are many other fine prospects and by all means go check out USA Hockey. It is something that every fantasy hockey player should take a quick glance at. Let's face it. More and more star hockey players are coming from the States. These players may not make an impact now but if you are in keeper or dynasty leagues, they may be a look down the road.
Next week we will take a look ahead to the Olympics and some NHL players that are tearing it up for your fantasy team or could be if you pick them up. In the meantime, you can always email me any of your questions at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. See you next Wednesday.
|
|
Fantasy Hockey for Beginners
|
|
Written by Chris Wassel
|
|
Wednesday, 30 December 2009 11:32 |
|
Happy New Year!!!!!
Well this is it. 2009 is just about over at last. By the time the Winter Classic is played on Friday, hockey will really begin to take center stage. Think about it. The World Junior Championships go on until January 5th and the Olympics are in February with the trade deadline coming the first week in March. There is a ton going on between now and then including that pesky Olympic Break. It is actually enough to make most heads spin but first let's take a quick look back at what has been a very interesting 2009 in the fantasy hockey world.
|
|
Fantasy Hockey for Beginners
|
|
Written by Chris Wassel
|
|
Wednesday, 23 December 2009 10:11 |
Our conclusion to the two part Christmas WIsh List takes a look at five more things that hopefully will happen in the last several months of the fantasy hockey season. One thing that I want to do is congratulate Martin Brodeur on his 104th shutout. It is truly amazing to be able to see such a great player on a night in and night out basis. I have talked to Marty on many occasions and well I have to say he is a down to earth guy and one big fantasy stud when it comes to fantasy hockey.
What we have today and with no extra pictures or crap like that is the nuts and bolts of the Christmas Wish List. These are things that really could anchor or sink your fantasy hockey season (at least for some). Now it is time to finish this thing and in quick order. The family is coming in this afternoon and the Christmas preparations are well...still being prepared.
Christmas Wish List Part TWO!
1. Andrei Markov is in top form. Any Markov owner is in absolute glee right now especially after the 2 goals against the New York Islanders. Keep in mind, he is going to have some rust for the next several weeks as the schedule relaxes and then goes into a crazy frenzy that would make even the best coach lose his hair. Blame the Olympic Break or blame Gary Bettman...either way it will impact a player just coming back from a very serious injury. Obviously Markov must be in your lineup at all costs but if a guy like Andy Greene is still available, what are you waiting for? You need a handcuff here just in the slight case Markov is well "off" for a bit. Just to add in, with Roman Hamrlik injured, there will be more pressure on Markov to produce as well. Keep that in mind.
2. Direct TV, Dish, Versus, and Comcast Can All Get Along. We all want to see the hockey because fantasy hockey owners want to see all of their players if possible. This Versus dispute has altered that considerably and really no free Center Ice package can placate that desire to see all of your team's games. This is not rocket science and yet this mess has dragged out for months. Could it last the whole season and beyond? It is possibly only because of the year long lockout that wiped out an entire season. This does not exactly help fantasy hockey or hockey viewership for that matter. Hopefully something gets done soon.
3. The rise of fantasy hockey shows continue. I love it everytime I see a new podcast or radio show that concentrates on fantasy hockey or even hockey in general. When I first joined on Blog Talk Radio, for example, hockey was like a wasteland and now you can find your fantasy hockey information all over the world wide web in podcast or radio form. There are so many people who have an opinion to share or just something to get off their chest. It is truly amazing and something that I enjoy. It is a passion and love that I can bring information to the masses that they can interpret for themselves and make the best possible decision. I have heard that ESPN may be debuting a fantasy hockey podcast in early 2010 among other hockey sites. The wave is coming and you heard it here almost first. A special thanks to Darryl Houston Smith and Ian Gooding for where I am today as well on BTR.
4. A shootout win category for goalies? File this one under the not so much bin. I have heard a small clamoring for a category like this to be added in leagues but I will not bite. Yes I do not like the shootout and no I never will. However, a win is a win according to the National Hockey League and until something is done to go back to the old ways of a win, loss, and tie...this is what we have to deal with. My actual wish is that game winning goals that come from shootouts do not count in fantasy leagues. It is a gimmick and why reward someone whose team had to play 65 minutes and still could not settle the issue. I am just saying folks.
5. Lastly the following. I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. That all your fantasy hunches pay off and that you ride the wave of respectability and maybe shock a few seasoned owners along the way. That is the goal of any beginner after all. By all means, come listen to our podcast tonight at 8pm ET for two hours of hockey talk as well. I hope to see you there.
So from yours truly at Fantasypros911.com, I hope your Christmas and New Year are filled with much joy and of course good luck on your fantasy hockey leagues. I will see you next week with our best of 2009. Bye for now.
|
|
Fantasy Hockey for Beginners
|
|
Written by Chris Wassel
|
|
Wednesday, 16 December 2009 10:10 |
Everyone remembers Ralphie.......
All Ralphie from A Christmas Story wanted for Christmas was that Red Ryder B-B Gun. We all know what happened when he got it but imagine the wishes of every fantasy hockey GM out there for just a second. What is that one thing that if it came under your fantasy hockey tree; you would be happy for weeks and months? That really is a great question and one we are going to answer in Part 1 of our Christmas Wish List.
|
|
|
