Editor's note: Our Ross Devonport and Michael Hurcomb read, write and
analyze everything Fantasy Hockey on a daily basis for CBSSports.com.
They agree and disagree on a variety of subjects on a weekly basis and
will share their opinions on Fantasy-relevant topics each week.
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Is it time to sell high on Anze Kopitar?
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Ross Devonport
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Michael Hurcomb
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Kopitar leads the NHL in points with 21 entering Monday, which is
pretty impressive for the only native of Slovenia in the league.
He was solid in his first three seasons over here, averaging 68
points, but has taken things to the next level so far in 2009-10.
For me, trading is something I only do if I really need to, which
in hockey leagues would be if my goalie situation was an absolute
mess. You could certainly expect to get a top-15 goalie for
Kopitar if you found the right trade partner, but don't get
desperate and give him up for nothing.
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Kopitar is on pace for 139 points. If you think he is going to
finish close to that -- keep dreaming. However, there is no reason
to think that Kopitar can't break 80 points for the first time in
his career. Last year, he initially struggled to adjust to Terry
Murray's defensive-oriented system. But by season's end he was
effective at both ends of the ice and the addition of Ryan Smyth has also been crucial in Kopitar's fast start this
season. Trade Kopitar if you are weak at another position, but not
because you think he will suffer a severe slump.
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Which injured goalie would you stash on your bench -- Vesa Toskala, Rick DiPietro
or Kari Lehtonen?
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Ross Devonport
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Michael Hurcomb
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Ugh. Talk about a trio that sends shivers down the spines of
Fantasy owners. While DiPietro is clearly the most talented of
this group when healthy, I would rather go with Lehtonen here,
simply because the Thrashers should be better than the Islanders
and wins are very important in a lot of Fantasy Hockey leagues.
Yes, Lehtonen will still have to beat out Johan Hedberg and Ondrej Pavelec
and his lingering back issue is a concern, but I have faith he can
be a useful option in deeper leagues at some point this season.
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It's clearly DiPietro. I know he has had his injury issues, but up
until last season, he had played in 50-plus games for four
straight campaigns. The duo of Martin Biron
and Dwayne Roloson haven't been
getting it done in net for New York, so it's not like the
Islanders won't be ready to play DiPietro once he is back on the
ice. He has the potential to be a solid No. 2 Fantasy goalie,
whereas there are still a lot of uncertain circumstances
surrounding Lehtonen and Toskala.
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Which young defenseman will finish with more Fantasy points -- Michael Del Zotto or Alex Goligoski?
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Ross Devonport
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Michael Hurcomb
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As much as Del Zotto has got off to a superb start in his rookie
season, he's currently seeing five minutes less ice time than
Goligoski and is surrounded by a little less talent than the
24-year-old from Minnesota. Both are contributing on the power
play, but Goligoski is playing alongside Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby
with the extra man, and should continue to help out even once Sergei Gonchar returns. Del Zotto should remain a solid Fantasy
option all season though, and I don't think the point differential
will be huge between the two by any means.
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I have a big rooting interest in Del Zotto since I have him on
many Fantasy teams, but I'm taking Goligoski in this debate. Del
Zotto has been great making the jump from junior hockey to the
NHL, but I still worry about him hitting a rookie wall. Usually,
rookie blueliners don't have a lot of offensive success in their
first year. Goligoski is still green too as far as NHL
inexperience as well, but he already has 31 points in 59 games and
has spent some time as a pro in the minors. I think that
experience gives him the edge over Del Zotto.
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Which player flying under the radar should Fantasy owners start
scooping up?
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Ross Devonport
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Michael Hurcomb
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Man, there's so many breakthrough candidates off to great starts
this season, but I really like what Rene Bourque has done so far in Calgary. The 28-year-old is
thriving on the third line alongside Daymond Langkow and Nigel Dawes
and is well on his way to destroying his previous season high of
40 points. He's also seeing a lot more time on the power play and
while he's unlikely to be a factor in all leagues this season,
he's definitely worth grabbing in deeper formats while he's hot.
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I had Flyers rookie James van Riemsdyk
as my top Calder candidate heading into the season, but even I
didn't think he would be this good to start his career. He has
seven points in his first six games and hasn't even let a
concussion take him out of rhythm. The Flyers waited patiently for
van Riemsdyk after taking him second overall in 2007. He was
really able to develop the last two seasons in college and that
has allowed him to hit the ground running. The best part is that
he is already getting top-six time on one of the highest-scoring
teams in the NHL.
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Do you agree with Ross or Michael? Send your thoughts to DMFantasyPucks@cbs.com
and we'll post the best responses. Be sure to put Attn: Fantasy
Faceoff in the subject field. Include your full name, hometown and
state.
