Category: NHL

Steve Mason Becoming Relevant Again

Steve Mason allowed one goal on thirty-three shots Tuesday night against the Penguins. Mason is 5-2 his last seven games with a shutout and is starting to heat up at the right time.

Analysis: Steve Mason is available in about 60 percent of fantasy leagues and may be able to supply that extra late season push we all need in fantasy hockey. Mason has only allowed four goals his last three games and in that stretch has three wins with a .956 save percentage. With guys like Kari Lehtonen and Ondrej Pavelec struggling mightily these last few weeks one must give Steve Mason some serious consideration going forward.

Projection: He’s been a very average goaltender this year but he’s starting to heat up at the right time. We know what Mason is capable of, just look at his 2008-09 season for proof. Expect a 2.5-2.7 GAA with a save percentage just over 90 while being more reliable than Ondrej Pavelec the rest of the year.

Replace Marc Savard With Peter Forsberg

Marc Savard will miss the remainder of the season with ongoing issues from concussions. While his season has been a disappointment he was still worth a roster spot up until now. Enter Peter Forsberg and his career 1.25 points per game average.

Analysis: Yes, Peter Forsberg is thirty-seven years old but he put up 30 points in just 23 SEL games last year, he’s still a beast. There is no denying his offensive talent or his love for Colorado who are in a dogfight for a playoff berth in the Western Conference. He’s available in 85% of fantasy leagues and his pickup is a no-brainer. While it is still undecided what line the Avs will insert him in, one thing is for sure… he will produce.

Projection: The Avs have thirty games remaining on their schedule and “Foppa” will get them in the playoffs. Expect 8-12 goals with 18-23 assists the rest of the season if Forsberg can get his visa situation taken care of soon.

Evgeni Malkin Out, Who’s In?

Evgeni Malkin has a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee. The injury was suffered Friday night after crashing into the boards on a Tyler Myers hit. This leaves a huge hole at forward on every fantasy roster who owns Evgeni Malkin, so the question is- what’s next?

Analysis: This season ending injury isn’t one to be taken lightly as Malkin is a top five to seven fantasy forward. You may want to consider turning to Tampa Bay winger Teddy Purcell. Purcell has recorded 4 goals, 5 assists, 13 SOG and is plus 5 in his last five games. Obviously he cannot sustain this pace but I don’t see him falling off the fantasy hockey planet either. New Jersey winger Brian Rolston has tallied 5 goals, 8 assists, 28 SOG and is a plus 7 in his last 11 contests. Finally, San Jose winger Devin Setoguchi has been on fire his last five games with 4 goals, 3 assists and 22 SOG.

Projection: If you’re in need in the goal department I would put my faith in Devin Sotoguchi to supply a goal at least every third game. From an assists and especially a plus/minus perspective I would pick up Brian Rolston, the Devils are 7-1-2 in thier last ten games. The wildcard here is Teddy Purcell. Tampa’s offense is scary and Purcell should continue to benefit from the attention Stamkos and St. Louis demand. Purcell is fully capable of averaging almost a point per game from here on out.