Buried in an 82-game season, a player getting 20 points in 29 games for his new team may get lost in the shuffle. When said player gets two points in two playoff games and fires 16 shots at the opposition net, it tends to get people’s attention.
Sean Avery has been a fantasy asset for a few years now for his 30- to 40-point seasons combined with 200-plus penalty minutes. However, that value has only been in roto-style fantasy leagues that have PIMs as a category. In a points-only league, it would have to be a pretty deep one to value his offense.
Until now.
Avery’s 22 points in 31 games with the Rangers pro-rates to a 58-point season. The team loves him. The coach loves him. He’s logging over 20 minutes of ice time per game. All this points to a 55-to 60-point season next year for Avery, because he will be staying in New York.
The 27-year-old is a restricted free agent this summer, but there really is no question that the team will not only qualify him, but lock him up – likely for several years. His combination of 55 points and 180 penalty minutes next year makes him an elite pick in any rotisserie draft this summer. His newfound offense makes him a solid late-round pick in a points-only pool.
His playoff performance? That makes him a rewarding dark horse in your playoff pool. Pat yourself on the back for paying attention. The Rangers could go two rounds (or beyond, for that matter), which means 10 points for one of the NHL’s great agitators…
Meanwhile…
Sergei Zubov has 24 points in his last 24 postseason contests…
Fedor Tyutin has been the man on the blue line for the Blueshirts so far. With Karel Rachunek on the shelf, Tyutin has four assists in two contests…
Andy McDonald has just nine points in 18 postseason games these last two seasons. This despite having 163 points in his last 164 regular season games…
McDonald, Marian Hossa, Slava Kozlov, Derek Roy, Ales Kotalik, Philippe Boucher, Brian Rolston, Bill Guerin, Brendan Morrison and Kevin Bieksa are some notable names without a point in two postseason contests heading into Sunday…
**************************** **************************** Have an opinion on Dobber's article? Let us know. Just hit reply below and post your thoughts. Anything goes...but keep it clean. **************************** **************************** PickupHockey.com is your online hockey community. We're always looking for sharp volunteer writers. If you feel that you'd like to contribute please send us an email at admin@pickuphockey.com
2 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)
Saku Steen
Posted - 04/18/2007 : 03:58:23 Oh for sure, I have gained some respect for Avery now...
I've figured it out, the guys gotta play like girls!
PainTrain
Posted - 04/17/2007 : 16:49:16 Avery is a big reason the Rangers made the playoffs.
