A LITTLE REFLECTION..... SLEEPERS & DARK HORSES was one of the new features in our 2013-2014 PrimePucks™ Fantasy Hockey Guide. This feature was to provide the fantasy hockey poolie with some players who may get an opportunity to make an impact on their respective NHL clubs.  Some were hits and some were disappointments.    We always like to think that our predictions will always be "spot on" as we have so much faith in these players like they were our own children, but sometimes they just need a little more time to grow, a little more time to mature and blossom into their full potential. Some of the players that have met or exceeded our potential were the likes of Anaheim's Nick Bonino and Detroit's Gustav Nyquist. In the case of Bonino, he was given an opportunity on the top line with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry who were on fire to start the season and Bonino reaped the benefits of playing alongside those two superstars.  In the PrimePucks™ Guide we had forecast Bonino to get 45 points and Nyquist 42.  In 74 games so far, Bonino has 47 while Nyquist also has 47 points but in just 54 games played where we predicted 42 points on the season.  Nyquist's opportunity was more the result of the Red Wings two superstars, Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg, being out for large chunks of the season due to injury. So, one benefited from playing with two superstars while the other played without them.  Everyone has been waiting for the arrival of Nyquist and it seems his time has finally arrived. Some of the big disappointments were Marcus Johansson of the Washington Capitals and Sean Couturier of the Philadelphia Flyers. The way Johansson had closed out the Lockout season playing with Alexander Ovechkin, we thought for sure that MJ would clearly blow past his career high season in points of 46 in 2011-2012 but it looks like he will just about equal that total with just 3 games left on the schedule.  We had MJ pegged for 76 points, so a big disappointment.  Johansson collided with a woozy Troy Brouwer (hit from behind at the end boards) and was shaken up in last night's game, so his season might be over anyway. Couturier and the Flyers started the season just 3-8-0 in the month of October but have forged their way back into a playoff spot.  Couturier never got his game going but still has 37 points in 79 games played so far, a far cry from the 64 we had predicted from the young talent.  He will always be in the shadow of playing behind Captain Claude Giroux, but...

As the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics draw to a close over the next few days, that can only mean one thing. The return of NHL hockey.  With 20+ games remaining on the schedule, fantasy leagues, as well as the NHL, will be in the home stretch.  Some fantasy leagues are already sewn up perhaps, while most of the others are in heated races with the outcome far from conclusive.  It all makes for good fun and one of the reasons why we play this sport.  For those who like to keep an eye on next year regardless of their current fantasy league status, it's always good to get a head start.  PrimePucks™would like to give those non-PRIME+PLUS subscribers a peek at one oft he features of our subscription-based product. Below you will find a STOCKY HOCKEY 101 article from January 17, 2014 that focuses on next season. We hope you enjoy! STOCKY HOCKEY 101 - CAN'T WAIT 'TIL NEXT YEAR! JANUARY 17, 2014 It's about that point in the fantasy hockey season where you take a good, hard look at your team. Does your team have what it takes to go all the way in its current makeup?  Do you have the horses to finish in the top 3?  Or, should you be looking to prepare for next season?  Today we will take a look at potential breakout players for the 2014 season you should probably target now. Please take note that these players all were part of an NHL club during the Lockout season, which should be taken into account in your own analysis of players as it didn't constitute a full 82-game season. For forwards, a typical breakout year is usually in year 3 or 4 depending on the amount of games the player has played in those prior years along with the responsibilities and opportunities that were given or can arise. So, some of these players fall right, smack-dab in the middle of those prime breakout years. For the most part, high draft picks usually get the opportunity for more responsibility because of time and money invested in these draft selections.  They're usually of high pedigree so you can probably bank on them to at least get a considerate amount of opportunity.  In the case of the players we are about to discuss, if the team they play for moves players or let's others walk via free agency without dipping into that pool; you know that they have a more-than-reasonable chance to breakout. One player that comes to mind who has been given ample playing time with room to grow and has the offensive talent to jump up another level is Philadelphia flyer Sean Couturier. Since being ...

It's about that point in the fantasy hockey season where you take a good, hard look at your team. Does your team have what it takes to go all the way in it's current makeup?  Do you have the horses to finish in the top 3?  Or, should you be looking to prepare for next season?  Today we will take a look at potential breakout players for the 2014 season you should probably target now. Please take note that these players all were part of an NHL club during the Lockout season, which should be taken into account in your own analysis of players as it didn't constitute a full 82-game season.  For forwards, a typical breakout year is usually in year 3 or 4 depending on the amount of games the player has played in those prior years along with the responsibilities and opportunities that were given or can arise. So, some of these players fall right, smack-dab in the middle of those prime breakout years.  For the most part, high draft picks usually get the opportunity for more responsibility because of time and money invested in these draft selections.  They're usually of high pedigree so you can probably bank on them to at least get a considerate amount of opportunity.  In the case of the players we are about to discuss, if the team they play for moves players or let's others walk via free agency without dipping into that pool; you know that they have a more-than-reasonable chance to breakout. One player that comes to mind who has been given ample playing time with room to grow and has the offensive talent to jump up another level is Philadelphia flyer Sean Couturier. Since being selected with the eighth overall selection in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, he has stuck with the team and seemed to fit right in playing in 77 games and notching 27 points while learning the defensive aspects of NHL life.  His second year in the league was a letdown as he played in 46 games of the Lockout season and only scoring 15 points. Players usually slump in their sophomore year, the dreaded ‘sophomore jinx'.  He has more responsibility in his third season and has 21 points in 48 games played so far, but could see a jump in points for the second half, especially since the team had to overcome such a horrendous start to the season.  Next season will be his 3rd full season, or 3 ½ counting the Lockout season. Prime breakout potential in the 60-65 point range but may be limited by the forward s above him on the depth chart will probably still be on the team, but love his potential. ...

It was a busy day in the NHL yesterday with 11 games played. Dallas and Philadelphia kicked it off with a matinee, and it was no contest as the Stars won easily 5-1. Tyler Seguin had a big game for Dallas with 3 goals and an assist. 18 year old Star forward Valeri Nichushkin had a 4 point game as well with a goal and 3 assists. He has 15 points now on the season, and he will be a good fantasy player in a few years.  I watched the whole game, and in my opinion the best player on the ice was Dallas' Jamie Benn. He only had 1 assist, but he was all over the ice.  Flyers goalie Steve Mason deserved a better fate than allowing 4 goals, as he had some tremendous saves, but Philadelphia just did not show up. If he wants to make Team Canada's Olympic team, Claude Giroux is going to have to play a lot better than he did yesterday. He was invisible.  The Flyers line that has been getting so much attention Steve Downie, Matt Read and Sean Couturier did nothing...Nice win by Boston over Pittsburgh who is still without Evgeni Malkin. Bruin d-man Zdeno Chara got the game winner, but he is not the same player he used to be with only 12 points on the season. Boston forward Loui Eriksson left the game with an apparent concussion. 19 year old Alex Galchenyuk scored a goal for Montreal against hapless Buffalo. He has 20 points on the season, and he is going to be a good one. Nice keeper for next year. Anderson struggles continue:  Ottawa goaltender Craig Anderson continued his dismal year with a 4-3 loss to Toronto. He has won only 7 games and his goals against is a terrible 3.38 while his save percentage is .897.  Look for Robin Lehner to get a lot more starts in goal for the Senators. James van Riemsdyk had a goal and 2 assists for Toronto. He is having a solid year with 25 points on the season. Superdeau Huberdeau: Jonathan Huberdeau scored the game winning goal in Florida's 2-1 win over Detroit. While Huberdeau has been a disappointment this year with only 14 points so far, we still like him and think he will have a good second half of the season. Jonas Gustavsson suffered his first regulation loss of the season in goal for Detroit, but it was hardly his fault as he had 35 saves. We still think Gustavsson may take over Jimmy Howard's starting position. Grab Grabovski?:  Washington forward Mikhail Grabovski had 2 assists in the Capitals victory over Nashville. With 24 points on the year he is having a career season.  Be a little wary because at 29 years old one ...

It was a busy day in the NHL yesterday with 11 games played. Dallas and Philadelphia kicked it off with a matinee, and it was no contest as the Stars won easily 5-1. Tyler Seguin had a big game for Dallas with 3 goals and an assist. 18 year old Star forward Valeri Nichushkin had a 4 point game as well with a goal and 3 assists. He has 15 points now on the season, and he will be a good fantasy player in a few years.  I watched the whole game, and in my opinion the best player on the ice was Dallas' Jamie Benn. He only had 1 assist, but he was all over the ice.  Flyers goalie Steve Mason deserved a better fate than allowing 4 goals, as he had some tremendous saves, but Philadelphia just did not show up. If he wants to make Team Canada's Olympic team, Claude Giroux is going to have to play a lot better than he did yesterday. He was invisible.  The Flyers line that has been getting so much attention Steve Downie, Matt Read and Sean Couturier did nothing...Nice win by Boston over Pittsburgh who is still without Evgeni Malkin. Bruin d-man Zdeno Chara got the game winner, but he is not the same player he used to be with only 12 points on the season. Boston forward Loui Eriksson left the game with an apparent concussion. 19 year old Alex Galchenyuk scored a goal for Montreal against hapless Buffalo. He has 20 points on the season, and he is going to be a good one. Nice keeper for next year.   Anderson struggles continue:  Ottawa goaltender Craig Anderson continued his dismal year with a 4-3 loss to Toronto. He has won only 7 games and his goals against is a terrible 3.38 while his save percentage is .897.  Look for Robin Lehner to get a lot more starts in goal for the Senators. James van Riemsdyk had a goal and 2 assists for Toronto. He is having a solid year with 25 points on the season. Superdeau Huberdeau: Jonathan Huberdeau scored the game winning goal in Florida's 2-1 win over Detroit. While Huberdeau has been a disappointment this year with only 14 points so far, we still like him and think he will have a good second half of the season. Jonas Gustavsson suffered his first regulation loss of the season in goal for Detroit, but it was hardly his fault as he had 35 saves. We still think Gustavsson may take over Jimmy Howard's starting position. Grab Grabovski?:  Washington forward Mikhail Grabovski had 2 assists in the Capitals victory over Nashville. With 24 points on the year he is having a career season.  Be a little wary because at 29 years old one ...

SURPRISE 1 SORTA: Well, the first game on the night wasn't much of a surprise as the Montreal Canadiens behind backup Peter Budaj earned the extra point in a shootout victory over the New Jersey Devils and goaltender Cory Schneider. It was Schneider's first loss after winning three in a row but the surprising thing about this match was that 5 of the 6 goals scored in regulation were scored in the 3rd period.  The Habs took both matches of a home-and-home series....David Desharnais has found the confidence since being reunited with Max Pacioretty. DD has points in six of the last 8 games helping the Canadiens win 7 of those 8 games.  It may be your last chance to grab Desharnais from a disgruntled owner but that may have been easier a week ago.  The streak has them in 3rd place of the Eastern Conference with Boston and Pittsburgh ahead of them. They have a chance to move into a tie for first place if they win tonight over the Bruins and the Penguins lose in regulation to the San Jose Sharks.....SURPRISE 2: The Detroit Red Wings, without the services of Pavel Datysuk and Henrik Zetterberg because of injuries, took a 3-1 lead late into the second period before Jimmy Howard let in 5 unanswered goals (4 of those in the 3rd period) by the Philadelphia Flyers, stunning the Joe Louis Arena crowd with the Flyers winning 6-3.  Howard's play has at best erratic this season as he has been counted on to carry this talented Red Wing team.  Backup Jonas Gustavsson has a better record and better numbers so far this season. If you need goaltending help, and want to take a chance that Howard will return to form, then this is your best shot at getting him on the cheap...Philly G Steve Mason continued his superb season by turning aside 32 of 35 SOG, raising his record to 10-8-2. He has been the beneficiary of the resurgent Flyers offense as he has kept them in games even when they started the season off horribly.  Continue to start Mason with extreme confidence.... C Sean Couturier was the offensive star of the game with 2 goals and 2 assists in the contest. With only 14 points in 28 games, he hasn't been what the team hoped he would be, but he does have 10 points in his last 9 games.  Might be worth a, pardon the pun, flier....Matt Read and Scott Hartnell both chipped in with a goal and 2 assists each. Keep an eye on these two as they could get more involved in the Flyer offense....SURPRISE 3: After Coyote D-man Keith Yandle scored early in the first period, it was all ...

Well, the first game on the night wasn't much of a surprise as the Montreal Canadiens behind backup Peter Budaj earned the extra point in a shootout victory over the New Jersey Devils and goaltender Cory Schneider. It was Schneider's first loss after winning three in a row.  The Habs took both matches of a home-and-home series....David Desharnais has found the confidence since being reunited with Max Pacioretty. DD has points in six of the last 8 games helping the Canadiens win 7 of their past 8 games.  It may be your last chance to grab Desharnais from a disgruntled owner but that may have been easier a week ago.  The streak has them in 3rd place of the Eastern Conference with Boston and Pittsburgh ahead of them. They have a chance to move into a tie for first place if they win tonight over the Bruins and the Penguins lose in regulation to the San Jose Sharks.....The Detroit Red Wings, without the services of Pavel Datysuk and Henrik Zetterberg because of injuries, took a 3-1 lead late into the second period before Jimmy Howard let in 5 unanswered goals by the Philadelphia Flyers, stunning the Joe Louis Arena crowd with the Flyers winning 6-3. Howard's play has at best erratic this season as he has been counted on to carry this talented Red Wing team.  Backup Jonas Gustavsson has a better record and better numbers so far this season. If you need goaltending help, and want to take a chance that Howard will return to form, then this is your best shot at getting him on the cheap...Philly G Steve Mason continued his superb season by turning aside 32 of 35 SOG, raising his record to 10-8-2. He has been the beneficiary of the resurgent Flyers offense as he has kept them in games even when they started the season off horribly.  Continue to start Mason with extreme confidence.... C Sean Couturier was the offensive star of the game with 2 goals and 2 assists in the contest. With only 14 points in 28 games, he hasn't been what the team hoped he would be, but he does have 10 points in his last 9 games.  Might be worth a, pardon the pun, flier....Matt Read and Scott Hartnell both chipped in with a goal and 2 assists each. Keep an eye on these two as they could get more involved in the Flyer offense....After Coyote D-man Keith Yandle scored early in the first period, it was all Karri Ramo as he turned aside the other 29 SOG to earn his first victory after 4 straight losses. The surprising number is that Phoenix backup G Thomas Greiss let in 4 goals on only 18 SOG, ...

ATTENTION EXCEL STAT SHEET SUBSCRIBERS-The 3-Year Excel Spreadsheet has been updated. Go to "MY ACCOUNT" and click on the FILES tab to access the updated Excel spreadsheet IN STEVE'S DEFENSE talks about some Western Conference sleepers in this week's edition. A must read! PRE-SEASON FANTASY BITS: For those wondering how Jarome Iginla was going to fit into the Boston lineup, we think he answered that question for us last night as he scored twice on a line with Milan Lucic and Dave Krejci. They have shown instant chemistry together with Lucic grabbing 3 assists in the B's 6-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens... Looking for a sleeper defenseman? 22 year-old Rookie Torey Krug has parlayed last year's playoff experience into a 3 assist performance last night against the Habs. If he continues like this, he should remain a staple on the Bruin's power play....Keep your eye on this combination as the signing of C Danny Briere might pay immediate dividends for the Canadiens as they lined the veteran up with Max Pacioretty and David Desharnais, who displayed the chemistry they had two seasons ago, and scored on some beautiful passing on the power play. Time will be needed for this trio but the signs are already there for some big things to come out of this Montreal threesome...More known for his brawn than offensive prowess, Florida D Erik Gudbranson potted 2 goals and added an assist in the game against the Nashville Predators yesterday. He did score 34 points in 44 games one year in the OHL...Detroit's C Pavel Datsyuk seems to be in mid-season form already as he had a goal and an assist in their 4-1 victory over the Penguins. D Brendan Smith added 2 assists. Is this a sign of things to come?...Rangers LW Rick Nash got better as the game went on...Flyers C Sean Couturier showed signs of chemistry with Jakub Voracek in the absence of Claude Giroux from the lineup. Couturier is one of our sleeper pick in the PrimePucks™ Fantasy Hockey Draft Guide for the upcoming season....Sharks D Matt Irwin was on the power play point in last night's game. Look for more of this as camp goes on.  One of our Dark Horses in the Draft Guide and also mentioned in today's IN STEVE'S DEFENSE as well...Vancouver's young talent was on display last night and they didn't disappoint with Brendan Gaunce and Hunter Shinkaruk both scoring goals in their loss to the Sharks. They will be big contributors for the Canucks in years to come. ***ATTENTION FANTASY HOCKEY LEAGUE COMMISSIONERS*** If you ...

ATTENTION EXCEL STAT SHEET SUBSCRIBERS-The 3-Year Excel Spreadsheet has been updated. Go to "MY ACCOUNT" and click on the FILES tab to access the updated Excel spreadsheet PRE-SEASON FANTASY BITS: For those wondering how Jarome Iginla was going to fit into the Boston lineup, we think he answered that question for us last night as he scored twice on a line with Milan Lucic and Dave Krejci. They have shown instant chemistry together with Lucic grabbing 3 assists in the B's 6-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens.  Looking for a sleeper defenseman? 22 year-old Rookie Torey Krug has parlayed last year's playoff experience into a 3 assist performance last night against the Habs. If he continues like this, he should remain a staple on the Bruin's power play....Keep your eye on this combination as the signing of C Danny Briere might pay immediate dividends for the Canadiens as they lined the veteran up with Max Pacioretty and David Desharnais, who displayed the chemistry they had two seasons ago, and scored on some beautiful passing on the power play. Time will be needed for this trio but the signs are already there for some big things to come out of this Montreal threesome...More known for his brawn than offensive prowess, Florida D Erik Gudbranson potted 2 goals and added an assist in the game against the Nashville Predators yesterday. He did score 34 points in 44 games one year in the OHL...Detroit's C Pavel Datsyuk seems to be in mid-season form already as he had a goal and an assist in their 4-1 victory over the Penguins. D Brendan Smith added 2 assists. Is this a sign of things to come?...Rangers LW Rick Nash got better as the game went on...Flyers C Sean Couturier showed signs of chemistry with Jakub Voracek in the adsence of Claude Giroux from the lineup. Couturier is one of our sleepers pick in the PrimePucks™ Fantasy Hockey Draft Guide for the upcoming season....Sharks D Matt Irwin was on the power play point in last night's game. Look for more of this as camp goes on.  One of our Dark Horses in the Draft Guide and also mentioned in today's IN STEVE'S DEFENSE as well...Vancouver's young talent was on display last night and they didn't disappoint with Brendan Gaunce and Hunter Shinkaruk both scoring goals in their loss to the Sharks. They will be big contributors for the Canucks in years to come. ***ATTENTION FANTASY HOCKEY LEAGUE COMMISSIONERS*** If you are the commissioner of an upcoming fantasy hockey league and will be holding a draft soon,  ...

The 20-year-old had four goals and 15 points in 46 games last season, his second with the Flyers, while averaging 15:53 of ice time. He appeared in 31 games with the Flyers' American Hockey League affiliate, the Adirondack Phantoms, prior to the start of the Flyers' season in January. He scored 10 goals and had 28 points with the Phantoms.