A bit of a slow night yesterday in the NHL with only 5 games played. The Penguins beat the Islanders 4-3 on a late goal by forward Sidney Crosby. Crosby, also, had an assist and he has 30 points on the season. We still expect him to win the NHL scoring title this season. His linemate Chris Kunitz had 2 PPGs and an assist. As long as he plays with Crosby, Kunitz is fantasy gold, as he has 11 goals and 21 points on the season. Thomas Vanek had 2 goals for New York, but at 14 points on the season you have to believe that his trade for Matt Moulson has been a disappointment. Islander goalie Kevin Poulin allowed 4 goals on 34 shots, and while this is his opportunity to take over the starting job with Nabokov hurt, so far he is not doing it.
Desharnais is on his way:
The Canadiens beat the Capitals last night 3-2, and Montreal forward David Desharnais scored his first goal of the season. We used to have high hopes for Desharnais, but he has been a big bust this year. He is back playing on a line with Max Pacioretty, and the two of them have demonstrated some chemistry together in the past. He may be turning the corner. Alexander Ovechkin had 2 more goals, and with Stamkos out he is the reigning NHL goal scoring machine. More interesting Capitals defenseman young John Carlson had 2 assists, and with 11 points on the year he is a real up and coming d-man.
Other fantasy notes:
Calgary beat Florida in a shootout 4-3. The only fantasy worthy note of the game was the goal by Flames forward Sean Monahan. The youngster has 8 goals on the season and 14 points so far. We think he is going to be a good one, and you should grab him if you can...The Sedin twins demonstrated once again that they are fantasy relevant as Henrik had 2 goals last night and his brother Daniel had a goal and 2 assists. At this point they are both point per game players. Sergei Bobrovsky continues to make everyone forget about last season in goal for Columbus as he allowed 6 goals on 35 shots. His 2.95 goals against and .904 save percentage are not Vezina worthy...the Ducks have a bit of a log jam in net with Jonas Hiller, Viktor Fasth and youngster Frederick Andersen all in the mix. But we are believers in Hiller who had a great second half last season. Last night he came through with a 1-0 shutout over Tampa Bay with 31 saves. Hiller has 8 wins on the season, and while his save percentage is only .903, we think he will be the starter going forward.
DAILY PRIME TODAY: KUNITZ IS STRONG, OVECHKIN TOO, THE SEDINS CAN S... primepucks.comSat 11/23/13 12:15 PM