While Evgeni Malkin, Alexander Ovechkin and Pavel Datsyuk are the three Hart Trophy finalists, Washington's Mike Green was the NHL's best player in terms of the RealGM Ice Impact Counter.
“It isn’t tennis, I can tell you that much!” xxclaimed one local observer who, out of embarrassment, wished to remain anonymous. “They both just kinda…push the ball over the net, you know?"
RealGM Search
By Michael Sonday
Late round picks in fantasy hockey are just as important as early picks. While looking for production from your late round selections you must find a player that has the opportunity to succeed. Who the player’s line-mates will be and if they are on their teams’ top power play unit should be taken into consideration while drafting. The following players are not household names but should help your fantasy team succeed due to playing on teams that will give them favorable opportunities.
Kristopher Letang’s stock is at an all-time high due to Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Whitney’s injuries. Letang will be given a chance to log valuable minutes on the Penguins’ top power play with superstars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Projection: 13 goals, 38 assists, 53 points.
9. Peter Mueller, Phoenix Coyotes- Center
Wayne Gretzky has slotted Mueller on a line featuring Shane Doan and Olli Jokinen. If this line sticks, Mueller and his fantasy owners will be cashing in. Although Mueller is a bit of a reach to be called a sleeper, he should be available about 90 picks into most fantasy drafts. Projection: 33 goals, 39 assists, 72 points.
8. Mikko Koivu, Minnesota Wild- Center
Koivu will be given more power play time and a chance to lineup with Marian Gaborik now that Pavol Demitra and Brian Rolston have departed. Koivu will have more offensive responsibilities and will be counted on to produce for a Wild team that will be in desperate need of scoring. Projection: 21 goals 45 assists 66 points.
7. Dustin Byfuglien, Chicago Blackhawks. Left Wing
Check to see if your league allows Byfuglien as a defenseman; if so, he is sure to be a steal. The Blackhawks made Byfuglien a forward last year, and he should see action on their second line this season. Projection: 17 goals, 34 assists, 51 points.
6. Dan Carcillo, Phoenix Coyotes- Left Wing
Carcillo is a must have in leagues that are penalty minute friendly. Carcillo accumulated 324 penalty minutes last season, 98 more than anyone else in the NHL. Carcillo also has an offensive upside, scoring 13 goals last season in just 57 games. Projection: 18 goals, 19 assists, 37 points, 290 pim.
5. Brian Lee, Ottawa Senators- Defenseman
Lee will see his share of time with the Senators’ top power play unit thanks to the departure of Wade Redden and Andrej Meszaros. Lee has played in just six NHL games, making him a risk but still worth a late round gamble. Projection: 9 goals, 35 assists, 44 points.
4. Kyle Okposo, New York Islanders- Right Wing
Okposo is the future of the franchise; other than him, there is little to be desired on the Island except when Hillary Duff is in town to see her beau Mike Comrie. Look for Okposo to be a major offensive factor for the Islanders this season but expect some growing pains. Projection: 21 goals, 31 assists, 52 points.
3. Steve Bernier, Vancouver Canucks- Right Wing
Bernier is a sleeper for one reason, he will play on a line with Daniel and Henrik Sedin. I could skate beside the Sedin Twins and put up respectable NHL numbers. Projection: 24 goals, 34 assists, 58 points.
Look for Liles to produce more than the 32 points he scored last season. Liles is sure to improve on his 3.7 shooting percentage and should be a valuable asset to any fantasy team. Look for stats similar to his 06-07 season (14-30-44). Projection: 12 goals, 33 assists, 49 points.
1. Dan Boyle, San Jose Sharks- Defenseman
Boyle had a lousy season last year playing on a terrible Tampa Bay Lightning team. This season he heads to San Jose and will take Brian Campbell’s power play position. Boyle is just as capable as Campbell who scored 30 points in 31 games with the Sharks. Projection: 14 goals, 45 assists, 59 points.
