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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
 Posted - 09/29/2008 : 08:31:54
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Every year, there is a player (or two, or three) that surprises everyone and exceeds expectations. Heck, every poolie out there spends hours trying to figure out who that may be! Last year there was Mike Green, maybe Patrick Kane as well. The year before that it was Jordan Staal . . .
My question is simple: who will have the break-out season in the 08/09 season? It could be a rookie or someone who has already played for a few years . . . but who will be the big surprise?
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
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99pickles
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
671 Posts |
Posted - 09/29/2008 : 08:59:42
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Stephen Weiss in Fla. will finally put himself on the map for a lot of people...he could get 80 points
Jason Williams and Colby Armstrong stand to have surprisingly good seasons except for +/- of course.
Brian Lee and Alex Goligoski should do very well, statistically, on their respective teams. I am certain that they will last to the very last round of any draft. Lee is getting the opportunity in Ottawa and Goligoski will surely put up good points in Pittsburgh with Whitney and Gonchar out.
Ville Koistenen isn't on anyone's radar - which I am surprised about. I had him on my roster for the second half of the season last year. Good +/- too.
Derek Brassard is rumoured to be stealing the top line centre job from Umberger.
And why am I the only person that wouldn't take Kyle Okposo? He has been taken in most of my leagues.
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 09/29/2008 : 09:17:32
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Goligoski of Pittsburgh wouldl be my sleeper pick (and clearly 99pickles has done his research with all the names mentioned there!). I have a good feeling about him, what with the injuries to their defence already, and the big names and points waiting for him if they ever put him on the powerplay.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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99pickles
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
671 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2008 : 12:33:34
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thanks for the kind words slozo
there's so many more too...
like:
Did you know that Adam Burish is not only a solid PIM's guy, but he won over 100 faceoffs last year? And with Lang gone, Burish could be taking even more faceoffs! Unless of course, Chicago does end up getting Nylander as they plan. I wonder who is going to snag Khabiboulin on re-entry waivers - just like last year with Bryzgalov, some GM in the league had to have contacted Tallon about Nikolai.
Here's a reversal: Dan Carcillo is going to get way less PIM's this year. They picked up McGratton to do the job and asked Carcillo to spend less time in the box this year since he also has offensive capabilities.
Another reversal: Jussi Jokkinen in Tampa Bay got bumped further down the depth chart. With Prospal, Malone, Roberts and Tarnasky all on the port side, I smiled every time someone selected Jussi in my fantasy drafts!
Anyone who was injured a significant amount of time last year will obviously be much improved this year: Nylander, Jere Lehtinen, Spacek, Pitkanen, Bergeron, Gagne...etc etc... |
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Komisaurus
Top Prospect
Canada
57 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2008 : 12:54:32
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I see Vrbata, Malone, Sharp and Boyes not having as good of a year as they had last year, I didnt touch them i seen better potential in other players...I see Joe Pavelski, Nathan Horton, Brooks Laich, Martin Hanzal, Guillame Latendresse, David Perron, Dustin Boyd & Robert Nillson having breakout years...
I see Alex Pietrangelo, Alex Goligoski, Kris Letang, Johnny Oduya, Matt Niskanen, Cam Barker & Keith Yandle breaking out this season...Pietrangelo im not too sure yet cause he seems too young to carry the whole back end for st. Louis on the P.P but its a possibility with Johnson gone for the season & Woywitka Injured for a month he could have a chance to shine...Niskanen im sure will put up good points especially with Bouchers injury history and lets face it Zubov is gettin old and injury prone...One player you should keep an eye on, if not this year but next year is Yannick Weber for the Habs, Rocket of a shot and great offensive instincts...heard it here first.... |
Edited by - Komisaurus on 09/30/2008 12:59:34 |
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pensfan17
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
330 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2008 : 16:30:27
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| I disagree with you Komisaurus, on Patrick Sharp, considering that he will most likely still be playing with Kane and Toews. Also I am not too big on Latendresse. Other than that I like your predictions. |
Edited by - pensfan17 on 09/30/2008 16:35:06 |
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Komisaurus
Top Prospect
Canada
57 Posts |
Posted - 10/01/2008 : 05:10:45
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| PensFan, Im not big on Latendresse either but with the right linemates this year, i think he can put up decent numbers and i can see that happening with lang and Sergei Kostitsyn, if he does his job and gets those dirty goals in the crease, hell pass the 20 goal mark, if he cant i think hes gone this year, its his contract year, Id like to see Max Pacioretty on the Bulldogs for this year to develop and take Lats place next year... |
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 10/01/2008 : 06:41:36
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Latendresse - no way, IMO. Overrated french Canadian in Montreal . . .
I like the Pavelski pick - he played occasionally with big Joe last year as the Cheechoo train was spluttering, who knows if he gets the chance again. But even if he only plays second line, you have to know Marleau will have a better year, and Pavelski really started to come into his own as the season progressed. I've added him to my personal list!
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Komisaurus
Top Prospect
Canada
57 Posts |
Posted - 10/01/2008 : 12:29:46
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Me too I took Pavelski and Dubinsky as my sleepers in my playoff pool last year and it really paid off...As for Lats being over-rated in Montreal...The kid is bashed SO much by us fans nowadays, its as if he is almost hated, trust me everyone is growing impatient with him...
Pens fan, As for patrick Sharp, If he gets dropped to the second line as a center or even with other players, I do not see him reaching the 36 goal mark that he reached last year...I see him posssibly doing it with Kane & Toews as linemates but even then im skeptical about it...Well see... |
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Axey
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
877 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2008 : 15:44:27
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If Pacioretty makes the line up, even with all the talent on that team, I could see him getting some points.
Chicago Blackhawks GM
Jesus didn't tap. |
Edited by - Axey on 10/02/2008 22:44:02 |
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99pickles
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
671 Posts |
Posted - 10/03/2008 : 12:20:08
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quote:
Originally posted by Komisaurus
I see Alex Pietrangelo, Alex Goligoski, Kris Letang, Johnny Oduya, Matt Niskanen, Cam Barker & Keith Yandle breaking out this season...Pietrangelo im not too sure yet cause he seems too young to carry the whole back end for st. Louis on the P.P but its a possibility with Johnson gone for the season & Woywitka Injured for a month he could have a chance to shine.....heard it here first....
Well, Stempniak is going to play the point in St.Louis, so it is now much less likely that Pietrangelo will have much QB'ing to do. |
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99pickles
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
671 Posts |
Posted - 10/03/2008 : 12:23:14
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| I forgot to include Pat Eaves on the 'surprise' list. He's going to spend a lot of time playing with Staal and Samsonov. Somehow I think he will be available in the last round of any draft, no matter how deep - he didn't get drafted in all of my leagues I believe. |
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Komisaurus
Top Prospect
Canada
57 Posts |
Posted - 10/03/2008 : 13:26:05
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| Who will be on the other point for st. louis?? |
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Guest2399
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Posted - 10/03/2008 : 14:09:16
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kariya will be the other point
they are going with 5 forwards |
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hockster
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
437 Posts |
Posted - 10/04/2008 : 08:57:11
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I think nigel dawes is a sleeper in NY
I don't bring the controversey it comes to me.
Iginla for 2010 team captain!!! |
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Guest0979
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Posted - 10/04/2008 : 20:15:56
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quote:
Originally posted by 99pickles
I forgot to include Pat Eaves on the 'surprise' list. He's going to spend a lot of time playing with Staal and Samsonov. Somehow I think he will be available in the last round of any draft, no matter how deep - he didn't get drafted in all of my leagues I believe.
Umm no. Whitney is the usual wing with Staal with Williams on the other wing. Williams is hurt so either Samsonov or Eaves moves up, not both. |
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99pickles
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
671 Posts |
Posted - 10/04/2008 : 21:15:39
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quote:
Originally posted by Guest0979
quote:
Originally posted by 99pickles
I forgot to include Pat Eaves on the 'surprise' list. He's going to spend a lot of time playing with Staal and Samsonov. Somehow I think he will be available in the last round of any draft, no matter how deep - he didn't get drafted in all of my leagues I believe.
Umm no. Whitney is the usual wing with Staal with Williams on the other wing. Williams is hurt so either Samsonov or Eaves moves up, not both.
Ummm...yes. That's what they are saying, and doing, in Raleigh. Things change, things change. |
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99pickles
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
671 Posts |
Posted - 10/04/2008 : 21:19:38
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| Brindy is out too don't forget!! That's 2 forwards to move up. Thank you, come again... |
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99pickles
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
671 Posts |
Posted - 10/04/2008 : 22:29:11
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quote:
Originally posted by 99pickles
quote:
Originally posted by Komisaurus
I see Alex Pietrangelo, Alex Goligoski, Kris Letang, Johnny Oduya, Matt Niskanen, Cam Barker & Keith Yandle breaking out this season...Pietrangelo im not too sure yet cause he seems too young to carry the whole back end for st. Louis on the P.P but its a possibility with Johnson gone for the season & Woywitka Injured for a month he could have a chance to shine.....heard it here first....
Well, Stempniak is going to play the point in St.Louis, so it is now much less likely that Pietrangelo will have much QB'ing to do.
3 assists, 2 on the PP for Stempniak tonight...
He is definitely a player that no-one has very high on their list, he was not drafted in half of my leagues this year. |
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99pickles
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
671 Posts |
Posted - 10/05/2008 : 07:11:38
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| Goligoski did not play yesterday...might not be a very good sleeper pick after all. Hopefully they will realize that having Crosby and Malkin on the point together for PP is a waste of talent (I would prefer to have one of them either down low or half-way). Staal and Kennedy saw a LOT of PP time - significantly increasing their fantasy value! |
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Guest0979
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Posted - 10/05/2008 : 08:30:49
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quote:
Originally posted by 99pickles
Brindy is out too don't forget!! That's 2 forwards to move up. Thank you, come again...
Yes, 2 forwards move up, one to the 1st line and the other to centre the 2nd line. So what are you trying to say? You're welcome, I'll be back. |
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pensfan17
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
330 Posts |
Posted - 10/05/2008 : 14:24:55
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quote:
Originally posted by 99pickles
Goligoski did not play yesterday...might not be a very good sleeper pick after all. Hopefully they will realize that having Crosby and Malkin on the point together for PP is a waste of talent (I would prefer to have one of them either down low or half-way). Staal and Kennedy saw a LOT of PP time - significantly increasing their fantasy value!
He just scored a goal today. |
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99pickles
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
671 Posts |
Posted - 10/05/2008 : 14:44:51
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quote:
Originally posted by Guest0979
Yes, 2 forwards move up, one to the 1st line and the other to centre the 2nd line. So what are you trying to say? You're welcome, I'll be back.
So I should believe you over the coach's interview then?? I think not!! Directly from his mouth...this is not my personal speculation, this is fact which I either hear or read at various sources - if you wish to argue with coach, feel free. Don't be angry at me for informing you something you don't want to hear.
I still can't believe we are arguing over something so minute, but...
Let me put this to rest once and for all......
Look at how neatly Eaves' shifts line up with Staal's and Samsonov's ...
12 STAAL, ERIC
Shift # Per Start of Shift
Elapsed / Game End of Shift
Elapsed / Game Duration Event
G=Goal
P=Penalty
1 1 0:00 / 20:00 0:43 / 19:17 00:43
2 1 4:20 / 15:40 5:01 / 14:59 00:41
3 1 6:04 / 13:56 6:51 / 13:09 00:47
4 1 8:22 / 11:38 8:45 / 11:15 00:23
5 1 10:22 / 9:38 11:40 / 8:20 01:18
6 1 13:01 / 6:59 13:06 / 6:54 00:05
7 1 13:21 / 6:39 14:35 / 5:25 01:14
8 1 16:13 / 3:47 17:06 / 2:54 00:53
9 1 17:49 / 2:11 19:23 / 0:37 01:34
10 1 19:34 / 0:26 20:00 / 0:00 00:26
11 2 0:00 / 20:00 1:11 / 18:49 01:11 G
12 2 3:33 / 16:27 4:19 / 15:41 00:46
13 2 6:00 / 14:00 7:01 / 12:59 01:01
14 2 10:03 / 9:57 10:34 / 9:26 00:31
15 2 13:11 / 6:49 14:41 / 5:19 01:30
16 2 15:37 / 4:23 17:09 / 2:51 01:32 P
17 2 19:55 / 0:05 20:00 / 0:00 00:05
18 3 0:00 / 20:00 0:32 / 19:28 00:32
19 3 2:47 / 17:13 3:39 / 16:21 00:52
20 3 5:47 / 14:13 6:41 / 13:19 00:54
21 3 8:50 / 11:10 9:31 / 10:29 00:41
22 3 10:38 / 9:22 11:43 / 8:17 01:05
23 3 13:01 / 6:59 14:13 / 5:47 01:12
24 3 16:25 / 3:35 17:35 / 2:25 01:10
25 3 19:10 / 0:50 19:19 / 0:41 00:09 G
Per SHF AVG TOI EV TOT PP TOT SH TOT
1 10 00:48 08:04 04:50 03:14 00:00
2 7 00:56 06:36 04:44 01:52 00:00
3 8 00:49 06:35 05:42 00:00 00:53
TOT 25 00:51 21:15 15:16 05:06 00:53
14 SAMSONOV, SERGEI
Shift # Per Start of Shift
Elapsed / Game End of Shift
Elapsed / Game Duration Event
G=Goal
P=Penalty
1 1 0:00 / 20:00 0:43 / 19:17 00:43
2 1 4:20 / 15:40 5:01 / 14:59 00:41
3 1 6:11 / 13:49 6:51 / 13:09 00:40
4 1 8:04 / 11:56 8:45 / 11:15 00:41
5 1 10:37 / 9:23 11:13 / 8:47 00:36
6 1 13:01 / 6:59 13:06 / 6:54 00:05
7 1 13:21 / 6:39 14:35 / 5:25 01:14
8 1 16:13 / 3:47 17:06 / 2:54 00:53
9 1 17:49 / 2:11 18:53 / 1:07 01:04
10 1 19:34 / 0:26 20:00 / 0:00 00:26
11 2 3:33 / 16:27 4:19 / 15:41 00:46
12 2 6:00 / 14:00 7:19 / 12:41 01:19 G
13 2 10:03 / 9:57 11:07 / 8:53 01:04
14 2 13:11 / 6:49 14:25 / 5:35 01:14
15 2 16:28 / 3:32 17:13 / 2:47 00:45
16 2 18:59 / 1:01 19:55 / 0:05 00:56
17 3 0:00 / 20:00 1:10 / 18:50 01:10
18 3 2:47 / 17:13 3:39 / 16:21 00:52
19 3 5:47 / 14:13 6:41 / 13:19 00:54
20 3 10:57 / 9:03 11:35 / 8:25 00:38
21 3 13:01 / 6:59 14:13 / 5:47 01:12
22 3 16:25 / 3:35 17:35 / 2:25 01:10
23 3 19:10 / 0:50 19:19 / 0:41 00:09 G
Per SHF AVG TOI EV TOT PP TOT SH TOT
1 10 00:42 07:03 04:19 02:44 00:00
2 6 01:00 06:04 05:19 00:45 00:00
3 7 00:52 06:05 06:05 00:00 00:00
TOT 23 00:50 19:12 15:43 03:29
44 EAVES, PATRICK
Shift # Per Start of Shift
Elapsed / Game End of Shift
Elapsed / Game Duration Event
G=Goal
P=Penalty
1 1 0:00 / 20:00 0:43 / 19:17 00:43
2 1 4:20 / 15:40 5:01 / 14:59 00:41
3 1 6:11 / 13:49 6:51 / 13:09 00:40
4 1 8:04 / 11:56 8:45 / 11:15 00:41
5 1 10:37 / 9:23 11:06 / 8:54 00:29
6 1 13:01 / 6:59 13:06 / 6:54 00:05
7 1 13:56 / 6:04 14:35 / 5:25 00:39
8 1 16:09 / 3:51 17:06 / 2:54 00:57
9 1 17:49 / 2:11 18:48 / 1:12 00:59
10 2 0:00 / 20:00 1:11 / 18:49 01:11 G
11 2 3:33 / 16:27 4:19 / 15:41 00:46
12 2 6:00 / 14:00 7:19 / 12:41 01:19 G
13 2 9:57 / 10:03 10:46 / 9:14 00:49
14 2 13:11 / 6:49 14:17 / 5:43 01:06
15 2 15:37 / 4:23 17:13 / 2:47 01:36 P
16 2 18:59 / 1:01 19:55 / 0:05 00:56
17 3 0:00 / 20:00 0:32 / 19:28 00:32
18 3 2:47 / 17:13 3:39 / 16:21 00:52
19 3 5:47 / 14:13 6:41 / 13:19 00:54
20 3 8:50 / 11:10 9:31 / 10:29 00:41
21 3 10:38 / 9:22 10:57 / 9:03 00:19
Per SHF AVG TOI EV TOT PP TOT SH TOT
1 9 00:39 05:54 04:16 01:38 00:00
2 7 01:06 07:43 05:47 01:56 00:00
3 5 00:39 03:18 02:25 00:00 00:53
TOT 21 00:48 16:55 12:28 03:34 00:53
Interesting side note: Unfortunately for Samsonov, he didn't take the opening shift of the second period ...a shift that ended with a goal - Matt Cullen took that shift. He didn't receive a point, though, or a + (it was on the PP).
Eaves' last shift of the second had Sutter on the ice in place of Staal because the latter had just finished playing the first half of the PP in the preceding shift (the first time he was on the ice without Eaves all game!)
Outside of those two shifts, Eaves was never on the ice without both of the others on with him.
Also, when 2 of your top 6 forwards are out (and one for an extremely long time, while the other is older and more injury-prone) there will certainly be line-juggling and increased ice-time for certain non-top six forwards...especially those that primarily play a position that is the same as one of the injured.Like, RW for example..
Any further discussion about this is a waste of time...
Edited to say: Eaves actually played 2 shifts in the third w/out Samsonov out there, Staal was though.
Further edit: those 2 shifts w/out Samsonov were PK...guess they didn't exactly trust Samsonov out there on the PK in a 3-2 game! |
Edited by - 99pickles on 10/05/2008 14:49:52 |
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99pickles
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
671 Posts |
Posted - 10/05/2008 : 14:46:00
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quote:
Originally posted by pensfan17
quote:
Originally posted by 99pickles
Goligoski did not play yesterday...might not be a very good sleeper pick after all. Hopefully they will realize that having Crosby and Malkin on the point together for PP is a waste of talent (I would prefer to have one of them either down low or half-way). Staal and Kennedy saw a LOT of PP time - significantly increasing their fantasy value!
He just scored a goal today.
I saw that - I am hopeful they keep playing him, as I took him as a last rounder in some leagues...could be a great payoff!! *fingers crossed* |
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OILINONTARIO
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
816 Posts |
Posted - 10/05/2008 : 15:03:35
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Note to self:
Never get into an argument about linemates with 99pickles.
Ouch! Talk about overkill! You slamdunked that poor guy!
The Oil WILL make the playoffs in 2009. |
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99pickles
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
671 Posts |
Posted - 10/05/2008 : 15:16:36
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quote:
Originally posted by OILINONTARIO
Note to self:
Never get into an argument about linemates with 99pickles.
Ouch! Talk about overkill! You slamdunked that poor guy!
The Oil WILL make the playoffs in 2009.
Sometimes I come off as a little rude, but when I post something, anything, it is based entirely on either direct information from the source, or it is entirely stat/fact based. It doesn't make sense to me to post misleading or speculative info as fact in an effort to seem like an insider, or like a genious or something (or whatever reason people do that).
I'm not saying that this guest was doing that, I'm saying that he/she was implying that I was blowing smoke out my ass.
I could care less about the precise line-ups for the Hurricanes, but when the coach was interviewed (yesterday, was it?) he said exactly what I posted...which is the topic of this thread, right?
I don't appreciate being attacked as the messenger...I only bear gifts of knowledge!!
That being said, keep in mind that Eaves was being tried out on the big line in Ottawa last pre-season, and there was speculation that he would have a big year then, too. We all know that didn't happen!! But of course this whole topic can only be speculative since none of us either works for an NHL team, or has a relative/best friend that does.... that we know of anyways!!
And, yes, I know that shift chart is dry and boring
Here's a better look:
http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20082009/TV010080.HTM |
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Guest6722
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Posted - 10/06/2008 : 15:42:26
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| i no its not really a sleeper but i see gomez getting 100points this year to pick up the slack of jagar being gone another actual sleeper i think is maxium afignenov or however u spell it i forgot to draft him but ended up taking kariya because he was left in last round he is playing for a contract this year and everyone does good the year they have 2 haha |
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Canucks Man
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1547 Posts |
Posted - 10/06/2008 : 18:33:07
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quote:
Originally posted by Guest6722
i no its not really a sleeper but i see gomez getting 100points this year to pick up the slack of jagar being gone another actual sleeper i think is maxium afignenov or however u spell it i forgot to draft him but ended up taking kariya because he was left in last round he is playing for a contract this year and everyone does good the year they have 2 haha
Kariya went in the last round? thats nuts i no he only had 65 points last year but I think he still has alot to offer and would have jumped at the chance to get him a couple rounds into my team if I was in a draft.
CANUCKS RULE!!!
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Guest9900
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Posted - 10/06/2008 : 19:57:42
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quote:
[
Sometimes I come off as a little rude, but when I post something, anything, it is based entirely on either direct information from the source, or it is entirely stat/fact based. It doesn't make sense to me to post misleading or speculative info as fact in an effort to seem like an insider, or like a genious or something (or whatever reason people do that).
I'm not saying that this guest was doing that, I'm saying that he/she was implying that I was blowing smoke out my ass.
I could care less about the precise line-ups for the Hurricanes, but when the coach was interviewed (yesterday, was it?) he said exactly what I posted...which is the topic of this thread, right?
I don't appreciate being attacked as the messenger...I only bear gifts of knowledge!!
And, yes, I know that shift chart is dry and boring
I did mean that as a complement. You shut the door and nailed it. Good stuff. |
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OILINONTARIO
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
816 Posts |
Posted - 10/06/2008 : 20:11:49
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That were me.
The Oil WILL make the playoffs in 2009. |
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99pickles
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
671 Posts |
Posted - 10/07/2008 : 00:57:14
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quote:
Originally posted by OILINONTARIO
I did mean that as a complement. You shut the door and nailed it. Good stuff.
That were me.
The Oil WILL make the playoffs in 2009.
I totally took it that way, thank you for the kind words!!
On a side note: Last night Eaves totally played with Whitney and Stall because BrindAmour came back to the tune of 15 min's playing time...which I hope is a good sign that he will be mostly healthy this year since I need his FW's for half of my leagues!! Either way Eaves is Top 6 there, and should have his best season to date.
More "suprise/breakthrough" news:
- Brassard isn't stealing the #1 centre job from Umberger, methinks. Umberger should have a fantastic year!
- Pavelski is on the perfect 3 year path, keep your eye on him...if he starts off pretty good, pick him up if he's available in your fantasy league...do not hesitate!
- Brian Lee is no sleeper, no surprise performance coming here.
- Goligoski I hope is going to be prominent for the first 3+ months of the season at least
- Matt Carle (of T Bay) went +2 in the two losses to NYR (in which his own team was outscored 4-2!), he also played 30 min's and 25 min's. respectively, with over 4 min's PP time in each game. Bottom line: I think he is going to have a solid season.
- Holy Shots-on-net Batman!! Looks like Tampa's tandem is going to see more rubber this season than a Times Square whore!! This means Kolzig and Smith should have very solid SV% and Save totals |
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Guest4910
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Posted - 10/07/2008 : 15:05:22
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| I think David Perron should crack the first line in St-Louis and do decent. Mikko Koivu might have a real good season as first center in Minni. Alexander Edler seems not too bad with Vancouver. David Booth should play all year with Horton and Weiss. Ryan Suter has been improving every year, so he might get 40 to 50 points this year. Expectations are high with Brunnstrom in Dallas and he'll be playing with Richards probably. I like a lot Kuba in Ottawa simply because there is nobody else on the blue line in PP. |
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Guest9004
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Posted - 10/07/2008 : 15:11:25
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| Hey guys, I was just looking at the usatoday stats page and saw mikhail Grabovski with 8 pts and 5 goals in 8 games. I haven't heard of him before really but i guess he is on the first line in toronto... something to think about. I figure if he doesn't get hurt there are better chances of him getting a decent (50 pts+) season at least , whereas a "sleeper" might easily choke. Not that anyone is a sure bet but s 1st line player is better (at least ice time wise) than a 3rd line player. |
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99pickles
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
671 Posts |
Posted - 10/08/2008 : 05:55:43
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quote:
Originally posted by Guest9004
Hey guys, I was just looking at the usatoday stats page and saw mikhail Grabovski with 8 pts and 5 goals in 8 games. I haven't heard of him before really but i guess he is on the first line in toronto... something to think about. I figure if he doesn't get hurt there are better chances of him getting a decent (50 pts+) season at least , whereas a "sleeper" might easily choke. Not that anyone is a sure bet but s 1st line player is better (at least ice time wise) than a 3rd line player.
Wow, I hadn't realized that Grabovski was doing that well. Someone's going to get 60 pts in Toronto... |
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deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 10/08/2008 : 06:49:13
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Was just about to post about Grabovski, then saw that someone mentioned him . . .
I went to the last pre-season home game in Toronto, they played Columbus. Best players on the ice that night for Toronto were Grabovski, followed closely by Schenn. Everyone is talking about the young defenceman Schenn, who is probably not on the radar for poolies due to the fact that his plus/minus will take a beating on this team. No one is talking about the real story, in my mind - Grabovski.
This kid flies, has excellent puck control skills, very good manoueverablility, and has a good, quick wrister. For you Toronto fans, he looks exactly like a young Sergei Berezin, except with better passing and skating skills. He finished with a goal and two assists in the game I saw, and impressed the hell out of me. Yeah, it was just one game, but he gave me hope that someone might score 30 goals on this team.
Grab him as your last pick in a deep pool, or if you have to pick rookies. He will get a ton of ice time on the first line on this team, and someone has to get the points, even on a bottom-feeder.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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99pickles
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
671 Posts |
Posted - 10/09/2008 : 01:46:17
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quote:
Originally posted by slozo
For you Toronto fans, he looks exactly like a young Sergei Berezin
Ohhh Noooooo!!! Not again!!
All kidding aside, I'm starting to believe in this kid...am I crazy?? |
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4809 Posts |
Posted - 10/09/2008 : 05:04:17
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Well, the only knock on Grabovski is his size, and the fact that Montreal let him go . . . which right now doesn't mean much to me. The new NHL is full of small speedy players who have been very successful, and Montreal is deep with those kinds of finesse/skilled small forwards.
Let's face it - overall, Toronto is an above average team in size/toughness, and they are really low on skill. It is a perfect fit, and if Grabovski stays with Antropov (playing on the top line all pre-season), he won't get pushed around too much (plus, he has good eyes/hockey sense from what I saw). Add to this, there is little pressure on a nobody from Russia to perform, even in this hockey-mad town, as all eyes will be on Antropov to repeat his last year's numbers, Toskala, the young guns of Stajan and Steen and Poni, and of course Schenn and potentially Pogge later.
Maybe I am putting all my hopes on a potential dud - who knows what Montreal saw that I didn't. But right now to me, he looks like a guy who will vault me into the hockey pool stratosphere! 
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Guest5921
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Posted - 10/09/2008 : 13:09:25
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| How about Brunette? He's top like material with Gaborik and a nice rebound to the stats from 06-07 is not out of the question. |
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Topic |
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Breakthrough/Surprise Performance of 08/09 
