For those of you who stacked up their daily fantasy line-ups last night with the high-powered Chicago Blackhawks, you were in for a rude awakening as Calgary's Jonas Hiller had other plans. The 32-year old netminder stifled Patrick Kane and company by turning aside 49 of 50 shots, many of which were of the tough variety. While I am sure a few fantasy owners will be scouring the waiver wire for his availability, don't overreact after one incredible performance. The Flames offense will provide minimal support for the Calgary goaltenders as their top-six forwards are big on potential, but still too unseasoned to make a huge impact this season. As for Hiller, he has never collected north of 30 wins in his 7 previous seasons for a solid Anaheim team and has been very injury-prone in recent years. He might end up being a solid low-tier no.2 fantasy goalie, but don't bet the farm on it.
Mikkel Boedker turned in his first career "hat trick" in Arizona's 7-4 drubbing of the punchless Edmonton Oilers. As he builds off a career 51-point season, he needs to be owned in all fantasy formats as he represents the Coyotes premier offensive threat. Inconsistency has been his largest drawback but starting the season with a 3-game point streak is quite encouraging. Watch him...
The change of the guard is underway in Detroit as Gustav Nyquist is quietly becoming the premier scoring Red Wing on the roster with his third goal in as many games. After taking off last season with 48 points in 57 games, many doubted if he had reached the level of legitimate impact winger. However, he has amassed top-line minutes with Pavel Datsyuk out and has made the most of his opportunity. I suspect that the return of the great Russian will have little adverse effect on Nyquist's offensive production as he has become one of the key cogs of Detroit's scoring attack..
A fine effort for Tuukka Rask as he stopped 18 of 20 shots for a 3-2 win in Detroit and an end to Boston's three game losing streak. A more firm test is awaiting tonight as he will be facing the arch-rival Montreal Canadiens, the same team that bounced the B's out of last year's playoffs. Look for a spirited effort by both teams, but steer clear of either goalie in daily fantasy formats.. The return of David Krejci should improve a listless Bruin's offense, but way more was expected from their defensive scorers early on. Not much from Zdeno Chara, Torey Krug, and Dougie Hamilton just yet. "Buy low" if you can as their numbers should marketedly go up by the quarter mark..
DAILY PRIME- OCTOBER 16, 2014: 49 FOR HILLER primepucks.comThu 10/16/14 8:32 AM