In the 4-2 victory over the previously undefeated Colorado Avalanche last night, the vast array of firepower on the Detroit Red Wings was on full display, led by two-goal efforts by both both Pavel Datsyuk (who else?) and Johan Franzen. Daniel Alfredsson chipped in with three big helpers, including two with the man advantage. In particular, the 40-year old "Alfie" was a bit of a question mark for fantasy owners joining Detroit now during his twilight years and having never played for another team other than his beloved Ottawa Senators. However, the seasoned Swede has fit in nicely as a complimentary scorer, albeit in a more expanded role given the big minutes he gets on their explosive power play. With one goal and 8 assists in eight games, Alfredsson is definitely worth a look as a depth forward on your fantasy squads.. Niklas Kronwall sustained a concussion early in the first period after a hit by Colorado's Cody McLeod, and did not return. Early reports point to him missing some time, but he needs to be re-evaluated by team doctors. In the interim, Jakub Kindl will be the main beneficiary in his absence, as he gobbled up all the top power-play time (5:00) and also picked up an assist. Kronwall owners should scoop him up ASAP...Goalie Jonas Gustavsson was spectacular in the crease, thwarting away 38 of 40 Colorado shots. In relief of the injured Jimmy Howard, he has gone 3-0 with 1.67 GAA and a .953 SP. Other Fantasy Notes: Remember the hot start by Patrick Marleau last season? The Shark forward is back to his "old tricks", scoring a goal in his fourth straight game and now has nine points in seven games. Just know that he will slow down big-time at some point. However, he is more than capable of 30-goal, 70-point production even in his waning years.. In the 2-1 SO win for the Kings over the Predators, the goaltending duel between Jonathan Quick and Pekka Rinne is a clear example why both belong in the fantasy top-five year-in, year-out... Ottawa's Jason Spezza is on fire, recording his second straight three-point game. When healthy, the Sen's captain is fantasy gold. Coming off an injury-plagued season, a huge comeback is coming.. Promising defensemen Dougie Hamilton scored his first goal of the season for Boston. The youngster has taken a backseat to Torey Krug on the "B's" power play, but is too talented to ignore. Expect him to make his mark later in the year, as he continues to learn from his growing pains during his sophomore season.. Marian ...

In the 4-2 victory over the previously undefeated Colorado Avalanche last night, the vast array of firepower on the Detroit Red Wings was on full display, led by two-goal efforts by both both Pavel Datsyuk (who else?) and Johan Franzen. Daniel Alfredsson chipped in with three big helpers, including two with the man advantage. In particular, the 40-year old "Alfie" was a bit of a question mark for fantasy owners joining Detroit now during his twilight years and having never played for another team other than his beloved Ottawa Senators. However, the seasoned Swede has fit in nicely as a complimentary scorer, albeit in a more expanded role given the big minutes he gets on their explosive power play. With one goal and 8 assists in eight games, Alfredsson is definitely worth a look as a depth forward on your fantasy squads.. Niklas Kronwall sustained a concussion early in the first period after a hit by Colorado's Cody McLeod, and did not return. Early reports point to him missing some time, but he needs to be re-evaluated by team doctors. In the interim, Jakub Kindl will be the main beneficiary in his absence, as he gobbled up all the top power-play time (5:00) and also picked up an assist. Kronwall owners should scoop him up ASAP...Goalie Jonas Gustavsson was spectacular in the crease, thwarting away 38 of 40 Colorado shots. In relief of the injured Jimmy Howard, he has gone 3-0 with 1.67 GAA and a .953 SP. Other Fantasy Notes: Remember the hot start by Patrick Marleau last season? The Shark forward is back to his "old tricks", scoring a goal in his fourth straight game and now has nine points in seven games. Just know that he will slow down big-time at some point. However, he is more than capable of 30-goal, 70-point production even in his waning years.. In the 2-1 SO win for the Kings over the Predators, the goaltending duel between Jonathan Quick and Pekka Rinne is a clear example why both belong in the fantasy top-five year-in, year-out... Ottawa's Jason Spezza is on fire, recording his second straight three-point game. When healthy, the Sen's captain is fantasy gold. Coming off an injury-plagued season, a huge comeback is coming.. Promising defensemen Dougie Hamilton scored his first goal of the season for Boston. The youngster has taken a backseat to Torey Krug on the "B's" power play, but is too talented to ignore. Expect him to make his mark later in the year, as he continues to learn from his growing pains during his sophomore season.. Marian ...

Good morning hockey fans. Happy Thanksgiving! I guess I have to start with Tomas Hertl. What an amazing start by the Shark rookie.  Do you think the Alex Edler hit was a message for the disrespect show to Ranger goaltender Marty Biron?  Remember, Tortorella was Biron's coach the past few seasons. San Jose, Colorado and St, Louis are undefeated as is Calgary but they have 2 OTL. Who woulda thunk it about Colorado and especially Calgary?  I know, it's early. The NY Rangers and the Edmonton Oilers have given up the most goals so far this season; 25. I thought the Blueshirts defense was better than that.  I'm sure they will turn it around, don't you? New Jersey doesn't have a win yet? I know they miss Kovalchuk but this is ridiculous.  I thought they had tremendous goaltending? I would like to extend a warm welcome to the newest NHL franchise, the Columbus Blue Jackets. They are finally playing alike an NHL club. And, they are fun to watch. The first game for Hockey Night In Canada last night paired two up and coming exciting teams, the Oilers and Maple Leafs. And they didn't disappoint with a 6-5 overtime doozy. The Detroit Red Wings seem to like playing in the Eastern Conference. I'm sure the Boston Bruins are happy that Loui Eriksson finally got on the board last night; but not as happy as the Dallas Stars are with budding Superstar Tyler Seguin's 4-point night against the Jets on Friday. Yakupov being scratched from the Oiler lineup against the Leafs really messed with their defense, lol. Pavel Datsyuk is just amazing. I think Sidney Crosby had enough of this Hertl frenzy, so he went out and scored a hat trick. Patrick Roy and the Colorado Avalanche are another feel-good story early on. Semyon Varlamov is playing like Patrick Roy. Or maybe, he IS Patrick Roy in net? The Sabres lost again last night and have no wins but don't blame G Ryan Miller. His numbers are actually really good.  2.29 GAA and A .941 SP....not too shabby. The Rangers were STEEN-rolled in St. Louis last night. I'll give them 20 games, just like it took the Washington Capitals a little while to get adjusted to Adam Oates game plan. The Nashville Predators finally played their type of game, limiting the NY Islanders to 16 shots on goal. Rookie defenseman scored his first NHL goal, on the power play.  Congrats! Dan Ellis is no Kari LEhtonen. Whatever happened to promising defenseman named Alex Goligoski? Boy, he certainly went south in the scoring department. Zach Parise had 7 SOG last...

The 2013-2014 PrimePucks Fantasy Hockey Draft Guide has been updated as of October 3rd, 9:10 pm.  The Guide is revised with all the latest developments so that you can be prepared for your fantasy hockey draft.  As we near the start of the season, the Guide is updated more frequently so that you can be assured you have the most current and relevant information at your hands.  Just access the updated Guide through the FILES link in "My Account".  Get it now and WOW your fantasy opponents! UPDATE: Minnesota signed RW Jason Pominville to a 5-year contract extension. If I were playing on a line with Mikko Koivu and Zach Parise, I'd sign on the dotted line too. After seeing his former team, the Buffalo Sabres, play last night against Detroit, he may be happier than ever with a new contract....Boston signs solid D-man Dennis Seidenberg to a 4-year extension....ALL UPDATED IN THE GUIDE ALREADY!!! THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED--With the Detroit Red Wings moving into the Eastern Conference, people have been saying how the competition is tougher in the East. I say that the perennial powerhouse Red Wings will benefit from not having to travel across multiple time zones so many times across a full NHL season just to play a game. All that travel takes its toll on one's body and mental toughness.  You could reasonably expect better than average numbers from the Detroit players this season because of this factor, and you will probably notice the difference in their level of play as the season progresses. Detroit finished in the middle of the pack last season in terms of Power Play ranking.  By the looks of last night's game, they are gunning for the top spot  in that category as they sported a 1st power play unit of Daniel Alfredsson and Niklas Kronwall at the points with Johan Franzen, Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk rounding out the unit. Although they were held off the board in last night's game, this group looks lethal. More Game Notes: NEW SEASON, NEW PLAYERS, NEW BEGINNINGS--New acquisition G Jonathan Bernier looked very solid in net for the Toronto Maple Leafs as he turned away 31 of 32 shots on goal to earn the road victory against Steve Mason and the Philadelphia Flyers. Bernier has stepped out from behind Jonathan Quick's shadow in Los Angeles and now battles James Reimer for playing time in TO. Bernier raised the bar with last night's solid effort.  Mason, who was acquired at the trade deadline last season, and Bernier are trying to prove to their teams that ...

The 2013-2014 PrimePucks Fantasy Hockey Draft Guide has been updated as of October 3rd, 9:10 pm.  The Guide is revised with all the latest developments so that you can be prepared for your fantasy hockey draft.  As we near the start of the season, the Guide is updated more frequently so that you can be assured you have the most current and relevant information at your hands.  Just access the updated Guide through the FILES link in "My Account".  Get it now and WOW your fantasy opponents! UPDATE: Minnesota signed RW Jason Pominville to a 5-year contract extension. If I were playing on a line with Mikko Koivu and Zach Parise, I'd sign on the dotted line too. After seeing his former team, the Buffalo Sabres, play last night against Detroit, he may be happier than ever with a new contract....Boston signs solid D-man Dennis Seidenberg to a 4-year extension....ALL UPDATED IN THE GUIDE ALREADY!!! THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED--With the Detroit Red Wings moving into the Eastern Conference, people have been saying how the competition is tougher in the East. I say that the perennial powerhouse Red Wings will benefit from not having to travel across multiple time zones so many times across a full NHL season just to play a game. All that travel takes its toll on one's body and mental toughness.  You could reasonably expect better than average numbers from the Detroit players this season because of this factor, and you will probably notice the difference in their level of play as the season progresses. Detroit finished in the middle of the pack last season in terms of Power Play ranking.  By the looks of last night's game, they are gunning for the top spot  in that category as they sported a 1st power play unit of Daniel Alfredsson and Niklas Kronwall at the points with Johan Franzen, Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk rounding out the unit. Although they were held off the board in last night's game, this group looks lethal. More Game Notes: NEW SEASON, NEW PLAYERS, NEW BEGINNINGS--New acquisition G Jonathan Bernier looked very solid in net for the Toronto Maple Leafs as he turned away 31 of 32 shots on goal to earn the road victory against Steve Mason and the Philadelphia Flyers. Bernier has stepped out from behind Jonathan Quick's shadow in Los Angeles and now battles James Reimer for playing time in TO. Bernier raised the bar with last night's solid effort.  Mason, who was acquired at the trade deadline last season, and Bernier are trying to prove to their teams that ...

UPDATE: Minnesota signed RW Jason Pominville to a 5-year contract extension. If I were playing on a line with Mikko Koivu and Zach Parise, I'd sign on the dotted line too. After seeing his former team, the Buffalo Sabres, play last night against Detroit, he may be happier than ever with a new contract. THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED--With the Detroit Red Wings moving into the Eastern Conference, people have been saying how the competition is tougher in the East. I say that the perennial powerhouse Red Wings will benefit from not having to travel across multiple time zones so many times across a full NHL season just to play a game. All that travel takes its toll on one's body and mental toughness.  You could reasonably expect better than average numbers from the Detroit players this season because of this factor, and you will probably notice the difference in their level of play as the season progresses.  Detroit finished in the middle of the pack last season in terms of Power Play ranking.  By the looks of last night's game, they are gunning for the top spot  in that category as they sported a 1st power play unit of Daniel Alfredsson and Niklas Kronwall at the points with Johan Franzen, Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk rounding out the unit. Although they were held off the board in last night's game, this group looks lethal. More Game Notes: NEW SEASON, NEW PLAYERS, NEW BEGINNINGS--New acquisition G Jonathan Bernier looked very solid in net for the Toronto Maple Leafs as he turned away 31 of 32 shots on goal to earn the road victory against Steve Mason and the Philadelphia Flyers. Bernier has stepped out from behind Jonathan Quick's shadow in Los Angeles and now battles James Reimer for playing time in TO. Bernier raised the bar with last night's solid effort.  Mason, who was acquired at the trade deadline last season, and Bernier are trying to prove to their teams that they can handle the No. 1 job and last night was a good start for both even though Mason took the loss....Speaking of new acquisitions, Leafs C David Bolland scored twice and looked like he had no trouble fitting in with the new club just 2 games into the season. Along with the 2 goals, he took 3 SOG and had 2 Hits and 1 Blocked Shot.  In the opener against Montreal, he didn't get on the score sheet, but was involved throughout the game with 2 SOG, 1 BS and 4 Hits.  Solid 5-6 forward on your fantasy squad....New Head Coach Patrick Roy may be doing wonders for Colorado Avalanche G Semyon ...

The retirement of legendary defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom prior to last season was supposed to signify the beginning of Detroit's rebuilding process, but the Red Wings made a huge splash in the '13 playoffs. After falling a game short of knocking off the eventual Stanley Cup champs Chicago Blackhawks in the second round, their resounding success based on the stellar goaltending of Jimmy Howard and the ascent of D Niklas Kronwall to premier status has revived serious hope for their winning ambitions. Offensive firepower was enhanced by the additions of Stephen Weiss and Daniel Alfredsson via free agency. These additions bolstered the team's scoring depth and potentially allow Coach Babcock to keep his two star forwards, Pavel Datsyuk and Hank Zetterberg together on same line. The question remains whether young defensemen Brendan Smith and Dan DeKeyser can fulfill their star potential and give the Wings a formidable blue-line for years to come. As for fantasy, there are a myriad of possibilities on this talent-laden roster, ranging from elite to deep sleepers. Goalies No Nicklas Lidstrom? No problem for Jimmy Howard, who despite losing his most coveted blue-liner, was stellar in the crease for the Red Wings in 12-13 with a 21-13-7 record, 2.13 GAA and .923 SP. There are still serious concerns amongst the Red Wing faithful whether Howard can lead them to Stanley Cup glory, but he has reached the fantasy elite club based on his regular season numbers. He offers the best bang for the buck in most drafts, considering he is never taken in the top 5-7, but is almost a lock for 35-40 wins with 5+ shutouts. Barring injuries, the American goaltender should be among the NHLs busiest goaltenders, playing close to 70 games and giving backup Jonas Gustavsson a few spot starts sprinkled in between. Defense The player who arguably made the most fantasy gains in the brief Post-Lidstrom era and establishing himself as a legit No. 1 guy was Niklas Kronwall. While his work in the defensive zone wasn't elite with a -5 rating, his offensive production took off, especially on the power-play. He was tied for fourth in NHL for points by a d-man with 29, making him a strong No.2 and borderline No. 1 fantasy defenseman. Don't hesitate to draft him when the top names are off the board. After signing a two-year/ $2.525 million extension with the Detroit Red Wings earlier this summer, young Brendan Smith could be primed for a decent fantasy jump in 2013-14. Even though he was sidelined...

Pavel Datsyuk seems to be on a mission and with the way he's been playing so far in the pre-season he could finish in the top ten in scoring this year. Perhaps being in the Eastern Conference and having less travel time will improve all the Red Wing's numbers....Another mission statement, this one by Ryan Miller, who is out to prove that he belongs among the top goaltenders in the league. Don't write him off as this team could be underestimated....Who is Brayden McNabb? Sabre fans will know but perhaps the rest of the fantasy world doesn't.  The 22 year old defenseman had a goal and two assists in last night's win over the Hurricanes.  He played well with LW Johan Larsson, who had 2 goals and an assist in the game, but don't expect them to be major contributors this year. Keep them in mind though for the future perhaps...Two names that won't be voted off the Island if they produce are RW Kyle Okposo and C Josh Bailey. The former had 2 assists last night and the latter had 2 short-handed goals.  These 2 paired up and have shown some chemistry.  Don't forget them on draft day as the Islanders will be a much improved team this year....With all eyes on this year's top draft pick Jonathan Drouin, it was Brett Connolly who posted 2 goals in last night's game. Don't forget about this 46-goal scorer in the WHL in 2010-2011 and who also scored 31 goals in the AHL last year...Toronto Maple Leaf Nazem Kadri is proving that he will continue with the work effort he displayed last season by potting his 2nd goal of the pre-season. Big Signing:The Edmonton Oilers continue to lock up their young talent to long-term contracts. This time they inked C Ryan Nugent-Hopkins with a 7-year extension meaning RNH joins taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle who have signed long-term contracts with the club. Now the young guns can concentrate on hockey for the next 6-7 years.  Nugent-Hopkins had a disappointing 24 points in 40 games last year but was hindered by a shoulder injury and is now rehabbing from off-season surgery on that shoulder. Don't miss out on the latest ROMIE HITS THE POST. Romie focuses on two intriguing situations unfolding in Florida and New Jersey.  Check it out here. ***ATTENTION FANTASY HOCKEY LEAGUE COMMISSIONERS*** If you are the commissioner of an upcoming fantasy hockey league and will be holding a draft soon,  PrimePucks has some goodies for you to distribute to your league members.  Look even better to your league members by giving them free stuff.  Who doesn't...

Pavel Datsyuk seems to be on a mission and with the way he's been playing so far in the pre-season he could finish in the top ten in scoring this year. Perhaps being in the Eastern Conference and having less travel time will improve all the Red Wing's numbers....Another mission statement, this one by Ryan Miller, who is out to prove that he belongs among the top goaltenders in the league. Don't write him off as this team could be underestimated....Who is Brayden McNabb? Sabre fans will know but perhaps the rest of the fantasy world doesn't.  The 22 year old defenseman had a goal and two assists in last night's win over the Hurricanes.  He played well with LW Johan Larsson, who had 2 goals and an assist in the game, but don't expect them to be major contributors this year. Keep them in mind though for the future perhaps...Two names that won't be voted off the Island if they produce are RW Kyle Okposo and C Josh Bailey. The former had 2 assists last night and the latter had 2 short-handed goals.  These 2 paired up and have shown some chemistry.  Don't forget them on draft day as the Islanders will be a much improved team this year....With all eyes on this year's top draft pick Jonathan Drouin, it was Brett Connolly who posted 2 goals in last night's game. Don't forget about this 46-goal scorer in the WHL in 2010-2011 and who also scored 31 goals in the AHL last year...Toronto Maple Leaf Nazem Kadri is proving that he will continue with the work effort he displayed last season by potting his 2nd goal of the pre-season. Big Signing:The Edmonton Oilers continue to lock up their young talent to long-term contracts. This time they inked C Ryan Nugent-Hopkins with a 7-year extension meaning RNH joins taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle who have signed long-term contracts with the club. Now the young guns can concentrate on hockey for the next 6-7 years.  Nugent-Hopkins had a disappointing 24 points in 40 games last year but was hindered by a shoulder injury and is now rehabbing from off-season surgery on that shoulder. Don't miss out on the latest ROMIE HITS THE POST. Romie focuses on two intriguing situations unfolding in Florida and New Jersey.  Check it out here. ***ATTENTION FANTASY HOCKEY LEAGUE COMMISSIONERS*** If you are the commissioner of an upcoming fantasy hockey league and will be holding a draft soon,  PrimePucks has some goodies for you to distribute to your league members.  Look even better to your league members by giving them free stuff.  Who doesn't...

Pre-season Bits: Pavel Datsyuk seems to be on a mission and with the way he's been playing so far in the pre-season he could finish in the top ten in scoring this year. Perhaps being in the Eastern Conference and having less travel time will improve all the Red Wing's numbers....Another mission statement, this one by Ryan Miller, who is out to prove that he belongs among the top goaltenders in the league. Don't write him off as this team could be underestimated....Who is Brayden McNabb? Sabre fans will know but perhaps the rest of the fantasy world doesn't.  The 22 year old had a goal and two assists in last night's win over the Hurricanes.  He played well with LW Johan Larsson, who had 2 goals and an assist in the game, but don't expect them to be major contributors this year. Keep them in mind...Two names that won't be voted off the Island if they produce are RW Kyle Okposo and C Josh Bailey. The Former had 2 assists last night and the latter had 2 short-handed goals.  These 2 paired up and have shown some chemistry.  Don't forget them on draft day as the Islanders will be a much improved team this year....With all eyes on this year's top draft pick Jonathan Drouin, it was Brett Connolly who posted 2 goals in last night's game. Don't forget about this 46-goal scorer in the WHL in 2010-2011 who also scored 31 goals in the AHL last year...Toronto Maple Leaf Nazem Kadri is proving that he will continue with the work effort he displayed last season by potting his 2nd goal of the pre-season. Don't miss out on the latest ROMIE HITS THE POST. Romie focuses on two intriguing situations unfolding in Florida and New Jersey.  Check it out here. ***ATTENTION FANTASY HOCKEY LEAGUE COMMISSIONERS*** If you are the commissioner of an upcoming fantasy hockey league and will be holding a draft soon,  PrimePucks has some goodies for you to distribute to your league members.  Look even better to your league members by giving them free stuff.  Who doesn't like free stuff?  Contact cj@primepucks.com to find out more. PrimePucks™ continues to bring you the NHL IN 30 every day in the month of September, bringing you in-depth team analysis for the upcoming season. Today's featured team: Nashville Predators!  Don't forget to check back each and every day for the latest featured team!