Tag: Evgeni Malkin

Crosby/Malkin Fantasy Value

Sidney Crosby should not find himself anywhere near your fantasy roster this year. Considering it’s only “likely” that he’ll return this year and that the goal of his doctors is a Christmas return- it’s just not worth owning a guy that will have a bull’s eye on his head for the entire season. On the other hand you have Evgeni Malkin who has played the best hockey of his career with Crosby out of the Pittsburgh lineup. Geno is recovering from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee, so there are some question marks, but he if looks good in the preseason he is a top five fantasy pick.

It was only two to three years ago that Malkin lead the lead in points in the regular season and in the playoffs. He also won the Conn Smythe(playoffs MVP) while Crosby went without a point in games five, six and seven against the Wings. If Geno looks healthy in the preseason expect a top five fantasy performance from the Russian with the potential for much more. Crosby now has a built in excuse for his lack of heart. We already know about his disappearing act against the Wings but take the Vancouver Olympics for example- although he scored the gold medal winning goal with a shot he never saw… he was not the best player on Team Canada, not even top three. Jonathan Toews was by far the best forward for team Canada as he led the squad with eight points and a plus nine rating. I’m sure Crosby will play a few games and take a few off this year. Even if he doesn’t get targeted with some head shots he’s still not worth what his ADP will be.

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.