Fantasy Hockey Special: Forwards

We're at the end of October the suprises thus far in the Hockey world are abundant. Patrick Sharp leads the league in goals, the Michael Liles has 11 assists, and Tim Thomas has an UNREAL 6-0 record stopping 182 of 185 shots. Every one of these guys will be fantasy mainstays this season, though none are likely to keep up that pace. Let's take a look at some forwards that are worth noting thus far.

Buy Low

Ilya Kovalchuk, NJD - For those of you who used a first round pick on this Russian sniper, my sympathy. Ilya has posted an abominal 3 goals, 3 assists, a -5 rating and only 1 powerplay point. The New Jersey Devils are struggling as a whole and Kovalchuk is suffering the consquences. With Parise missing time due to injury, however, this might give Kovy a chance to be given a little more freedom on the PP and the top line to excel. Regardless of Parise's situation, however, Kovalchuk is simply to good to not pass up. Buy low if you can.

Rick Nash, CBJ - Nash is perrenially over-rated for fantasy purposes and I'll tell you why. He's typically a good source for goals, shots, and a decent amount of PIM. But on this Columbus team, he's a point-per-game player at best, (usually much less). He usually has a dreadful +/- as well, and yet he's drafted as an elite winger. Why? Well his dual-eligibility can be useful, and goals are held at a premium. But he's inconsistent and on a terrible offensive team. That said, he's not this bad. With 3 goals, 2 assists, and a -8, he makes for a good buy-low option. He's gonna turn it on eventually and be a viable source for goals. Just don't expect him to carry your fantasy team.

Sell High

Patrick Sharp, CHI - Patrick Sharp is good. But he's not 70 goals, 90 points good. At 29, he's in his prime but there's no reason to believe he can stay at the top of the pack. Last year he set his own scoring record, but that was only at 66 points. Chicago has plenty of offensive options and once they start heating up, they'll be taking opportunities away from Sharp. I'd shop him around and see what owner are willing to overpay for him.

Teemu Selanne, ANH - The Finish Flash boasts 12 points in 12 games, leaving others wondering if he'll re-live his glory days of old. Selanne is a good source of Powerplay goals and shots but he won't continue at this pace. His name still has value, but I'd ship him off to another owner to deal with when Selanne hits a wall.

Worth a Look

Who leads the Flyers in points? Is it Briere, Carter, Richards? Nope. Youngster Claude Giroux has 12 points and good peripheral numbers. Giroux is one of the leagues most talented young players and his breakout has been highly anticipated. He should be owned in every league and might be undervalued by some owners. He could be had for cheap via trade and will continue to produce at the thin Right Wing position.

Remember, send in all emails to theultimateboston@gmail.com with your fantasy hockey questions and I'll post them and answer them in my next blog.

Until next week!