The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
November 24, 2003


Story by: Eric Theis

Admit it. No matter what your overall opinion of the NHL's exhibition this weekend was, some part of you enjoyed the spectacle put on at the Heritage Arena Saturday. Perhaps it was the cold weather, watching the Oiler alum shoveling snow off the ice, or seeing Grant Fuhr still making dynamic saves (for Fuhr, there is never such a thing as an "exhibition" - he would play the same way if his opponents were a group of neighbourhood children); it all took me back to a much simpler time. While watching the Edmonton-Montreal all-star game, I was able to project back to a time when for me, hockey was just a game. I recalled memories of my first hockey jersey (Edmonton), my first set of equipment (used of course), learning to skate backwards (which I could never really get the hang of - hence my decision to play goal), and it was great.

That feeling lasted right up to around 6:30. Then it was to hell with simplicity - I had a fantasy championship to win after all. So much for nostalgia. Good luck this week, and keep emailing me your fantasy hockey questions at fantasy@hockeylink.ca.

The Good

Martin Rucinsky 3 GP, 2 G, 4 A, + 5
LW - New York Rangers

Having Rucinsky on your fantasy roster, is akin to receiving a box of chocolates without the benefit of that nifty map in the box that lets you know which confection is what. As a result, it is a matter of luck and chance as to what you get when you reach into the box. When Rucinsky has been healthy (which he usually isn't) and in a game mentally (which he usually isn't), Rucinsky can be an offensive threat - Rucinsky has recorded four 20+ goal campaigns in his career. However that leaves 8 seasons where he did not: Rucinsky's inconsistencies have see him play on 5 different teams over his 12 years in the NHL, including 2 stints with the Rangers. It is interesting to note however, that two of his highest point-per-game totals ( 0.70 currently, and 0.87 in 01-02) came with the Rangers; with New York this year, Rucinsky has managed to play his way onto the top scoring line with Alexei Kovalev and Bobby Holik. The potential pay out for fantasy owners could be numbers that approach Rucinsky's career best, if he can stay healthy and focused.

Todd Bertuzzi 3 GP, 1 G, 5 A, 3 PPP, 4 PIM, +3
RW - Vancouver Canucks

I might as well etch Bertuzzi's name into this column permanently, as Bert does not show any signs of slowing down this season. If fact, if his history can be trusted, Todd is only going to get better. His current pace puts him at 102 points for the year; an improvement of 5 points from last season's total, while equaling his best numbers for power play points. In fact his current offensive projections have Bertuzzi finishing 1st in the NHL in points, something not entirely unreasonable if Bert can stay healthy.

Brett Hull 3 GP, 3 G, 2 A, 2 PPP, 1 GWG, +4
RW - Detroit Red Wings

Entering the season, age was a key question in predicting how the Red Wings would fair this year, and much of that line of inquiry was leveled at Brett Hull. While there is no doubting Hull's playmaking or goal scoring ability, he spent less time on the ice than of the Red Wings' other legitimate scoring forwards - clearly a product of advancing age. As well, Hull can change from hot to cold faster then he can swap citizenship, and while he had a good week, it is worth noting that he has had only one power play point over his last 6 games.

Marian Hossa 4 GP, 1 G, 5 A, 4 PPP, -3
RW - Ottawa Senators

In a season in which can so far be considered a write off, Hossa remains one of the few positives for the underachieving Senators. He maintained his point-per-game plus gait in spite of a foot ailment, to say nothing of the Senators dismal 1-2-1-1 performance over their last 4 games. His +/- has suffered as a result, but the exchange of poor +/-, for Hossa's achievement in other fantasy categories is a no-brainer.

Martin Brodeur 2 GP 2 W, 1.00 GAA, .951 SV%
G - New Jersey Devils

I will go out on a limb and suggest that Marty B. might soon make people rethink who is the all-time best NHL goaltender. The Devils owe Brodeur much of the credit for their current 10 game unbeaten streak: the Devils netminder has allowed more than 2 goals just once in those 10 games, while leading the NHL in goals-against-average and wins, and sitting within the top 10 in all other goaltender categories. Brodeur is to an NHL team, what an ace pitcher is to a baseball team: Brodeur, of his own accord can stop a loosing streak, or prolong a winning run. That is why he has 3 Stanley Cup rings. Those who drafted Brodeur over other, more highly touted backstops going into the season are enjoying the last laugh.

Stephen Weiss 3 GP, 2 G, 2A, 2 PPP, 1 GWG, -1
C - Florida Panthers

The small-framed center for Florida is starting to turn some heads this season. Not able to crack the Panthers lineup out of camp this fall, Weiss has record 8 points in the 9 games since he was recalled from San Antonio (AHL). It is unlikely that Weiss, in only his second full NHL season, will continue on a 70 point pace; while he has great speed and natural hockey instincts, he plays for a Panthers team that averages 2.16 goals per game (not helped by an anemic power play), while allowing almost half a goal more per game to the opposing team. Fifty points is not unreasonable for Weiss, and if your team can take the hit to +/- that owning a Florida player will contribute, have a look.

Honourable Mention:

Mark Recchi 3 GP, 3 G, 1 A, 3 PPP, 1 GWG, 2 PIM, +1
RW - Philadelphia Flyers

Bringing balanced scoring and depth to Philly from the forward position, Recchi is having something approaching a rebirth this season. While he is long past his 127 point season in 92-93, he will probably best last year's totals. Keep in mind that part of Recchi's offensive achievement comes as a result of his linemates, Tony Amonte and Jeremy Roenick; the latter of which is likely to miss several games this week and next with a back ailment.

John Grahame 1 GP, 1 W, 1.00 GA, .962 SV%
G - Tampa Bay Lightning

Neither Tampa Bay goalie has allowed the other to be declared the consensus starter; part of the reason Tampa Bay has done so well through 20 games. Grahame's numbers are better than his counterpart, Nikolai Khabibulin, and Grahame also enjoys the support of Lightning coach John Tortorella. If the "Bulin Wall" starts to crumble, Grahame is a sure thing to upstage the big Russian.

Frantisek Kaberle 3 GP, 0 G, 4 A, 3 PPP, 4 PIM, +4
D - Atlanta Thrashers

Bringing new meaning to the term "power play specialist," 8 of the elder Kaberle's 11 assists have come with the man advantage, good enough for 3rd amongst all NHL defensemen - and he is still +6.

Mats Sundin 3 GP, 2 G, 2 A, 1 PPP, 4 PIM, +1
C - Toronto Maple Leafs

Shaking off his early season troubles, Sundin is once again into a scoring groove for the Leafs. Now if only his wingers could:

1) stay healthy

Or

2) not suck

The Bad

Patrick Lalime 3 GP, 1 W, 2 L (1 OTL), 3.21 GAA, .859 SV%
G - Ottawa Senators

For a goalie that has become known for durability, focus and superb technique, Patrick Lalime has played like the antithesis of himself. He will recover, but will it be in time to stop Ottawa's downward spiral. There is more than enough time; the question is whether anyone on the team will be able to mentally regroup. If you own Lalime, there is no choice but to grit your teeth and bear it.

Alexei Yashin 3 GP, 0 G, 0 A, -1
C - New York Islanders

It wouldn't seem like winter if Yashin hadn't suddenly gone ice cold. Well, at least he has all that money to keep him warm.

Josef Vasicek 4 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 2 PIM, -3
C - Carolina

Vasicek had 8 points by October 30th, a point-a-game pace. Since then he has managed just 3 points over 12 games, including 1 lousy point over his last 9. Predictably, Vasicek has played himself off of Carolina's top line, and into fantasy obscurity.

The Ugly

Andy Delmore 3 GP, 0 G, 0 A, - 2
D - Buffalo Sabres

Brought over from Nashville in the off season to help kick start Buffalo's offense, Andy Delmore has won exclusive rights to the title of "Biggest Fantasy Bust" through the first quarter of the season. Delmore has exactly one point through 16 games, despite being given quarterbacking duties for the Sabres power play, and initially receiving good ice time. I say initially, because Delmore found himself watching 6 games from the press box, a healthy scratch from October 30th - November 8th, and again on the 19th. Delmore got an assist in his first game back, but then immediately reverted back to form, going pointless in every game since. For fun I ran Delmore's on-pace numbers for the season: 76 GP, 0 G, 5 A, - 4, 100 PIM - all this for the bargain price of $1,000,000 a season. Amazingly enough, 29.6% of fantasy hockey league teams still have Delmore on their rosters? If you are one of those 29.6%, give me a call. I have this bridge in Brooklyn I'm trying to get off my hands.

Questions or comments about this, or another fantasy article? fantasy@hockeylink.ca