DAILY PRIME NOVEMBER 13, 2013: OEL ON THE RISE; ROLSTON BUFFALOED primepucks.com Wed 11/13/13 6:09 AM
UPDATE: The Buffalo Sabres have fired Head Coach Ron Rolston and brought back none other than former Sabres coach, Ted Nolan. Along with bringing back Nolan, Buffalo announced that Pat LaFontaine will be joining the franchise as President of Hockey Operations. I had mentioned a few weeks ago in my Sunday Morning Coffee that coaching changes were needed again in Buffalo. Good luck to the new staff.
In last night's contest between two of the "Best In The West", Oliver-Ekman Larsson scored the overtime game-winner for the Phoenix Coyotes in their 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues. The 22-year old is making plenty of fantasy noise in his fourth season, as he looks to be breaking out in a big way. With a goal and an assist, the rising Swede now has 15 points in 19 games, "knocking on the door" of the fantasy elite defenseman in the NHL. Last season, he scored at a .50 point-per-game clip with 24 points in 48 games, but he seems to have taken his game to a higher level in the early stages of the '13-14 season so far. His rise to stardom looks eerily similar to the path taken by fellow countryman Erik Karlsson, who wasn't exactly surrounded by elite starpower either. Forget about the fact that Ekman-Larsson plays for a presumed defensive-minded team, the Coyotes actually resemble a very competent offensive squad this year, so look for him to make a strong push for top-five defensemen scoring honors.
Anyone Better Than "AO"? Russian superstar Alex Ovechkin ended the game in grand style, scoring the OT game-winner in Washington's come-from-behind 4-3 victory over Columbus. With Steven Stamkos out indefinitely after breaking his tibia, "Ovie" should coast toward winning the Maurice Richard Trophy for most goals in the season. He has replicated his '13 Hart Trophy form so far, collecting 14 goals and 24 points in 17 games. With the possible exception of Sidney Crosby, he is the elite fantasy forward to own.
Anderson Or Lehner? Despite Robin Lehner leading the Ottawa Senators to four straight wins and capturing Player Of The Week honors, Craig Anderson was back in the net to face the Philadelphia Flyers. The results were less favorable to say the least, as he gave up 5 goals on 31 shots in the 5-0 blowout loss. Anderson is 4-5-0 on the season with a 3.30 GAA and .906 SP. Meanwhile, Lehner posted a 3-0 record last week with a 1.33 GAA and .958 SP. The youngster has allowed two or fewer goals in six of eight starts, so he has been the far better option in goal ...
DAILY PRIME TODAY: OEL ON THE RISE; ROLSTON BUFFALOED primepucks.com Wed 11/13/13 6:09 AM
UPDATE: The Buffalo Sabres have fired Head Coach Ron Rolston and brought back none other than former Sabres coach, Ted Nolan. Along with bringing back Nolan, Buffalo announced that Pat LaFontaine will be joining the franchise as President of Hockey Operations. I had mentioned a few weeks ago in my Sunday Morning Coffee that coaching changes were needed again in Buffalo. Good luck to the new staff.
In last night's contest between two of the "Best In The West", Oliver-Ekman Larsson scored the overtime game-winner for the Phoenix Coyotes in their 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues. The 22-year old is making plenty of fantasy noise in his fourth season, as he looks to be breaking out in a big way. With a goal and an assist, the rising Swede now has 15 points in 19 games, "knocking on the door" of the fantasy elite defenseman in the NHL. Last season, he scored at a .50 point-per-game clip with 24 points in 48 games, but he seems to have taken his game to a higher level in the early stages of the '13-14 season so far. His rise to stardom looks eerily similar to the path taken by fellow countryman Erik Karlsson, who wasn't exactly surrounded by elite starpower either. Forget about the fact that Ekman-Larsson plays for a presumed defensive-minded team, the Coyotes actually resemble a very competent offensive squad this year, so look for him to make a strong push for top-five defensemen scoring honors.
Anyone Better Than "AO"? Russian superstar Alex Ovechkin ended the game in grand style, scoring the OT game-winner in Washington's come-from-behind 4-3 victory over Columbus. With Steven Stamkos out indefinitely after breaking his tibia, "Ovie" should coast toward winning the Maurice Richard Trophy for most goals in the season. He has replicated his '13 Hart Trophy form so far, collecting 14 goals and 24 points in 17 games. With the possible exception of Sidney Crosby, he is the elite fantasy forward to own.
Anderson Or Lehner? Despite Robin Lehner leading the Ottawa Senators to four straight wins and capturing Player Of The Week honors, Craig Anderson was back in the net to face the Philadelphia Flyers. The results were less favorable to say the least, as he gave up 5 goals on 31 shots in the 5-0 blowout loss. Anderson is 4-5-0 on the season with a 3.30 GAA and .906 SP. Meanwhile, Lehner posted a 3-0 record last week with a 1.33 GAA and .958 SP. The youngster has allowed two or fewer goals in six of eight starts, so he has been the far better option in goal ...
DAILY PRIME TODAY: OEL ON THE RISE primepucks.com Wed 11/13/13 6:09 AM
In last night's contest between two of the "Best In The West", Oliver-Ekman Larsson scored the overtime game-winner for the Phoenix Coyotes in their 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues. The 22-year old is making plenty of fantasy noise in his fourth season, as he looks to be breaking out in a big way. With a goal and an assist, the rising Swede now has 15 points in 19 games, "knocking on the door" of the fantasy elite defenseman in the NHL. Last season, he scored at a .50 point-per-game clip with 24 points in 48 games, but he seems to have taken his game to a higher level in the early stages of the '13-14 season so far. His rise to stardom looks eerily similar to the path taken by fellow countryman Erik Karlsson, who wasn't exactly surrounded by elite starpower either. Forget about the fact that Ekman-Larsson plays for a presumed defensive-minded team, the Coyotes actually resemble a very competent offensive squad this year, so look for him to make a strong push for top-five defensemen scoring honors.
Anyone Better Than "AO"? Russian superstar Alex Ovechkin ended the game in grand style, scoring the OT game-winner in Washington's come-from-behind 4-3 victory over Columbus. With Steven Stamkos out indefinitely after breaking his tibia, "Ovie" should coast toward winning the Maurice Richard Trophy for most goals in the season. He has replicated his '13 Hart Trophy form so far, collecting 14 goals and 24 points in 17 games. With the possible exception of Sidney Crosby, he is the elite fantasy forward to own.
Anderson Or Lehner? Despite Robin Lehner leading the Ottawa Senators to four straight wins and capturing Player Of The Week honors, Craig Anderson was back in the net to face the Philadelphia Flyers. The results were less favorable to say the least, as he gave up 5 goals on 31 shots in the 5-0 blowout loss. Anderson is 4-5-0 on the season with a 3.30 GAA and .906 SP. Meanwhile, Lehner posted a 3-0 record last week with a 1.33 GAA and .958 SP. The youngster has allowed two or fewer goals in six of eight starts, so he has been the far better option in goal for the Sens thus far. Anderson owners need to snag Lehner ASAP if he is still available, because he will make a strong play for the permanent starting job very soon- if not already.
More Fantasy Game Notes: Ryan Miller was a world-beater in the crease last night for the Buffalo Sabres, turning away 43 of 45 shots in the Sabres 3-2 SO win over the Los Angeles Kings. Man, when he eventually gets traded...
THE GOALIE EDGE: 11/12/2013 primepucks.com Tue 11/12/13 2:28 PM
ALL GOALIES CONFIRMED UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED AT TIME OF PRINT
The NHL's top team rolls into sunny Florida, as the Anaheim Ducks will face a Panthers squad who are losers of their last 8 games. Frederik Andersen, the Great Dane Goaltender, has been stellar while Tim Thomas has not been at his best since returning from a leg injury. In those two starts for Florida, he posted a 3.56 GAA and .881 SP. OUCH! Andersen continues his magical season... After having his three-game winning streak snapped at the hands of Colorado, Braden Holtby and the Washington Caps take the show home to face the struggling Columbus Blue Jackets. Alex Ovechkin and company should be stoked to get back in the winning column. Edge to Holtby...Jonathan Quick has won 5 of the last 6 starts for the Kings, while Ryan Miller was pulled in his last start after two periods in Buffalo's lop-sided loss to Anaheim. The Sabre's defense has been very porous, leaving Miller to hang out and dry on many occasions. The Kings should have their way tonight. Go Quick.... The Isles have been playing it smart by giving Kevin Poulin a bunch of starts in place of the struggling Evgeni Nabokov. Marek Mazanec gets his first career start after relieving Hutton in the last game. We love Poulin tonight against the invisible Nashville offense.... Niemi gets the night off as Alex Stalock will be getting just his second career start. Stalock and San Jose are looking to stop their 5-game winless streak. They are bound to win a game, right? Their opponent Calgary has fallen off after a good start, so expect a big bounce-back game from the Sharks... The matchup between the Devils and Rangers pit the best of all-time (Martin Brodeur), against the best right now (Henrik Lundqvist). This could be a mild shocker, as the proud Brodeur continues to roll, even against a surging Blueshirts squad....What could turn into another goaltending duel is Mike Smith and the Phoenix Coyotes against Jaroslav Halak and the St. Louis Blues. Phoenix is having a good start to the season behind Smith, whose metrics haven't been great, whereas Halak has solidified his hold on the No.1 spot for the Notes. Notes over Yotes.....Even without the loss of Superstar Steven Stamkos, it was going to be a tough night against Carey Price (LIKELY) and the Montreal Canadiens. The Bolts may still be in shock over what happened yesterday, and now must find ways to replace the missing offense. Ben Bishop (LIKELY) has been stellar so far this season and ...
Goalie Start: Anderson (neck) is healthy and will start Tuesday vs.... dailyfaceoff.com Mon 11/11/13 2:56 PM
Anderson missed the last three games with a neck injury, but will be back in the cage on Tuesday after allowed three goals on 36 shots in a loss to Dallas in his last start (Nov 3). He has not won since October 23, but a matchup with the putrid Flyers offence should get him back on track.
THE GOALIE EDGE: 11/9/2013 primepucks.com Sat 11/9/13 11:17 AM
ALL GOALIES CONFIRMED UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED AT TIME OF PRINT
Steve Mason is back in the nets for the Philadelphia Flyers who are taking on the Edmonton Oilers, who just signed Ilya Bryzgalov this morning. It's too soon for Bryzgalov to get the start so look for Devan Dubnyk (LIKELY) to get the call. Dubnyk has been erratic in his play this year, therefore the goalie signing. Mason was skipped over in the last game as Emery got rewarded for his prior shutout of the Devils. Look for Mason to continue his stellar play and the Flyers to begin their resurgence....Robin Lehner gets the call again as starter Craig Anderson gets a little more time to recover. The Senators are taking on the newly Head Coached Florida Panthers who have been struggling this season. Tim Thomas (LIKELY) is back in the nets for the Cats but will need to shake off some rust. Look for a better contested affair from the Panthers but Lehner has been playing too well and the Sens have the home-ice advantage....In a must-see matchup, The Lightning travel to Detroit to take on Jimmy Howard and the Red Wings. Tampa Bay has been splendid behind starter Ben Bishop (LIKELY) who has won 10 of his 12 starts. This will be a true test for both teams as Howard has been far from his normal, steady self. After his last outing where the Wings let the Stars tie the game late and then subsequently lost in the shootout, Howard will look to correct that. The Wings always rise to these occasions and being the home team helps. Howard in a great battle....Another great matchup to watch tonight is the Toronto Maple Leafs against the Boston Bruins. The Leafs are coming off a shootout win versus the Devils in last night's game after having a few days off. It will take a little time for the Maple Leafs to get rolling again and facing Tuukka Rask is no easy task. James Reimer (LIKELY) will get the start but the Bruins and T-Rask will be too much for the Leafs to handle on the back end of back-to-back nights....The Chicago Blackhawks travel to BIG D to take on the Stars who are coming off a very successful mini road trip where they beat Ottawa, Boston and Detroit. Home cooking is usually the answer but the Stars, behind Kari Lehtonen (LIKELY), will find their hands full against Corey Crawford and the Blackhawks. The Hawks will be the ultimate in uninvited guests....The Islanders are in need of a win, having lost 6 of their last 9. The Columbus Blue Jackets are in need of a win, having lost 5 in a row and ...
Injury: Anderson (neck) will not dress tonight. dailyfaceoff.com Thu 11/7/13 2:56 PM
Anderson practiced this morning, but Robin Lehner will start and Anderson will not dress as his back-up. His next chance start will be Saturday vs. Florida.
Injury: Anderson (neck) is on ice for the Senators morning skate. dailyfaceoff.com Thu 11/7/13 2:56 PM
After being stretchered off of this ice on Sunday, this is great news for Anderson and the Senators. He probably won't start tonight with the way Robin Lehner has been playing, but we will have to wait and see what coach Paul MacLean does.
THE GOALIE EDGE: 11/7/2013 primepucks.com Thu 11/7/13 2:14 PM
ALL GOALIES CONFIRMED UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED AT TIME OF PRINT
The King gets the night off as Cam Talbot gets the nod against Sergei Bobrovsky and the Columbus Blue Jackets. This game has letdown written all over it as the Rangers played and beat the Pittsburgh Penguins last night. Expect some of the ex-Rangers on Columbus to have some extra zip in their step tonight knowing the Rangers played last night. Blue Jackets over Blueshirts...Kevin Poulin in net for the Islanders on the road against Justin Peters and the Carolina Hurricanes. Poulin actually has the better numbers so expect the young net minder to get some more starts over the next few games, especially if he wins tonight. Peters and the Canes did manage to end their 5-game losing streak, but it was against the somehow, inept Philadelphia Flyers. Lightning won't strike twice in Carolina. Pullin' for Poulin....Josh Harding gets another start on way to possibly solidifying the No. 1 spot in Minnesota. He's got a tough assignment against the powerhouse Washington Capitals and Braden Holtby, but The Wild's defense and Harding's goaltending will make it difficult for the Caps after having played the Islanders, Panthers and Flyers. Harding....Robin Lehner gets the call for Ottawa as starter Craig Anderson gets another night to recover. The Sens have struggled lately, winning only twice in past 8 games, and are facing Carey Price and the Montreal Canadiens, who are having some troubles of their own, losing 3 in a row. Look for Price and the Habs to rebound after a tough loss to St. Louis last time out. This has the makings of a nail-biter as the two Canadian clubs are desperate for a win. Edge to Price.....Can the Dallas Stars make it a 3-game road sweep? Not if Jimmy Howard and the Detroit Red Wings have any say, and I think they will have plenty. Kari Lehtonen played lights out in Ottawa and in Boston, stealing the extra point in the shootout in both games. Don't see that happening again. Go with Howard....The Edmonton Oilers will be facing red-hot Tampa Bay Goalie, Ben Bishop, and will have the services of Taylor Hall back in their lineup. Devan Dubnyk (LIKELY) is not having the kind of start the Oilers had been banking on, and even though he did get the win last game out versus Florida, he will have a much tougher time on the West Coast of Florida. Bishop has been too solid, go with the Bolts...This will be St. Louis backup goalie Brian Elliott's third start of the season and it will be ...
Injury: Anderson (neck) skated with Senators this morning. dailyfaceoff.com Wed 11/6/13 7:56 PM
It was the first time Anderson skated with the team since suffering a neck injury on Sunday. Consider him questionable for tomorrow (vs. Habs) but monitor his status after Montreal's morning skate.