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 Posted - 02/05/2008 : 11:14:08
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By Fantasy Fanatics
www.FantasyFanatics.com
The second half/stretch run of the NHL and fantasy hockey season is now underway. As usual at this time of the season, there are many injuries that cripple fantasy owners. This season alone has seen the loss of Dany Heatley, Daniel Alfreddson and the beloved Sidney Crosby for extended periods of time. However, in the second half the season, sleepers tend to emerge into fantasy forces and it is much easier to gauge who will have a consistent impact on your squad through the months of February and March. Here are some players to take a look at that are most likely on the waiver wire in your league.
Andrei Kostitsyn (RW, Montreal): Montreal fans love Andrei and his brother Sergei, who are both currently playing for the Canadiens. He has been extremely consistent for Montreal this season with 15G and 16A and is definitely worth a look as an injury replacement. His brother, Sergei, does not get the same playing time and is not really worth a look yet unless you are in a keeper league. Andrei’s a good pick if you need a replacement for an injured right wing.
Dennis Wideman (D, Boston): Wideman should be available in about half of the fantasy leagues out there, and if he is, he is probably the best defenseman available. Beyond saving the Bruins defense by emerging as a #2 defenseman this season, Wideman has also showed some offensive touch. He has a decent shot, which has allowed him to net 7G this season. He also has been very responsible in the defensive end posting a plus-11. Wideman could be used as #3 or #4 fantasy defenseman now but is a must-have if you have lost a defenseman to injury.
Marek Svatos (RW, Colorado): Svatos may arguably have the strangest stats in the NHL this season. While his 22G would seem to make him a must-have fantasy forward, Svatos only has 5 assists! However, despite the lackluster amount of assists, you can obviously count on Svatos to get you some goals. I also like Svatos in keeper leagues as you would have to assume that he will be able to make his game a little bit more complete in future years.
Wojtek Wolski (LW, Colorado): Speaking of Avalanche wingers, Wolski could also be a nice addition to your fantasy squad as the season rolls along. He is on pace to score over 50 points and is getting more and more play time due to the plethora of injuries in Colorado. In fact, he could soon be promoted to first line duty in Colorado as they are in dire need of offensive help.
Tom Gilbert (D, Edmonton): Gilbert is a big time defensive prospect with a lot of offensive upside. He is on pace for around 30 points in his first full year of playing time. Clearly he is a must have as a keeper, but is definitely usable as a #3 or #4 defenseman as well. It will be interesting to see if Edmonton is able to resign Gilbert as he will be an extremely sought after Restricted Free Agent in this upcoming off season.
Mikko Koivu (C, Minnesota): Koivu was considered one of the biggest sleepers in the NHL this preseason. He started hot but has been struggling with an injury for a while now. He is now starting to heat up again as he has 5 points in his past 6 games. If he lives up to his potential for the rest of the season, Koivu could be a great addition to the forwards on your fantasy squad. Moreover, Koivu was the 6th overall pick in the 2001 draft so he is obviously a big time keeper candidate.
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What the Puck? February 5, 2008 
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