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03 Feb 2010 |
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 Good afternoon and time for another Fantasy Hockey For Beginners. As promised, this week we take a look at maybe two bubble teams from an ESPN Fantasy Hockey League. This is a head to head format with 11 scoring categories (G,A,+/-, PPG, PIM, ATOI, SOG, W, SO, GAA, Save %). We have been graciously given permission by all of our teams in our league to print their rosters on here for the benefit of all fantasy hockey players.First up, it is time to take a look at our 8th seed (Ruff Edges). He is literally just 3 over .500 in a very tough part of the league as far as schedule. This is what his current roster looks like up to the minute.
For the sake of debate, Ruff Edges has several considerable issues. One thing that is a detriment is the schedule which sees him play two playoff teams in the last 4 matchups. He does get an easy time of it in the Olympic Break against a cellar dweller but also has to play another team that has playoff aspirations. Then there is his goaltending which is hurting in more ways than one. Right now Tim Thomas is starting to play more games than Tuukka Rask and Semyon Varlamov still has not come back from his knee and groin issues. Ty Conklin does not exactly play all that much anymore and let's face it Martin Brodeur is on a team sinking faster than the Titanic. Goaltending may only count for 4 categories in this league but those are 4 critical wins you do not want to lose this time of year. If Ruff Edges can get two solid #1's to play consistently, that may be enough to get into the playoffs. However, a trade may be necessary to get that done. Underrated players like Wolski and Samuelsson may be enough of a package to get a decent #1 goalie that at least plays. So real quick let's go over the strengths and weaknesses here....... STRENGTHS: Offensive thrust (Stamkos and Kane), consistency WEAKNESSES: Defensive scoring, Goaltending Ruff Edges will definitely have its work cut out for it but if the team makes the playoffs then they truly deserve it. The bubble teams in this league are almost like the Eastern Conference of the NHL. If one gets hot, they can easily make it. If not, it just becomes a battle royale to the finish. The prognosis is tough with several teams close to the 8th spot but I think this team has a shot if the goaltending just starts playing more and gets a little luck along the way. Now for the studio audience it is time to take a look at team number two. This is the 9th seed and just barely out of the playoffs. The team name is Number 4 Bobby Orr. They are just two over .500 but literally smack dab in the bubble hunt for the final 8th seed that gets you in the dance. This roster may be a little more obvious to spot the glaring weakness. Note in my humble opinion, goaltending makes or breaks you as the playoffs get closer.
With Khabibulin pretty much done for the season and well Edmonton was toast anyway, Number 4 only has Dwayne Roloson to fall back on. That just will not work. You can get away with it some weeks but Rolo and the Isles are falling backwards. This team has good consisentcy as far as the offensive categories week in and week out but really needs a second goalie to give it some kind of hope to rise up the standings. Other teams behind have two goalies and you really cannot win on just one...especially with the Islander goaltending situation (Mr. 15 year lifer anyone?). Again the strengths and weaknesses: STRENGTHS: Consistent production, solid depth WEAKNESSES: GOALTENDING, a secondary defensive scorer Like I said oh my. This team is on the precipice of not only making the playoffs but upsetting someone in the first round but one positional deficiency can really kill you. It probably would take just one trade to get a second #1. Maybe package a Zajac and a Bourque for someone and to also clean up those IR slots to get some active point producing players on the roster. The key at this point may just be to keep the roster active and that second #1 goalie. Once that is done, Number 4 may just consider himself in the playoffs. Next week we take a look at what you should not do with a team and then during the break, we will start spotlighting players that you should maybe pickup after an Olympic "boost". Until then you can email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and see you next week for more Fantasy Hockey For Beginners.
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