NHL: Fantasy Hockey
Well when I selected Alex Ovechkin in the first round of my fantasy hockey league I never thought that the idea of putting him on my bench would ever enter my mind. Well it has. As I sit here contemplating my starting line-up for next week I am wondering if I should start him or sit him. What should I do? And why am I asking myself this question.
Alex Ovechkin is normally a fantasy hockey guarantee, but not so much lately. In the last five games Ovechkin has posted 0 goals, 1 assist, a -3 +/-, and only 18 shots. The scary part is 13 shots came in the last two games. That means he only had 5 shots in the previous three games. That is way off the six or seven shots he normally has.
The Washington Capitals have played a total of ten games, and Ovechkin has been a non-factor the last five. In the first five he posted 5 goals, 1 assist, a +1 +/- and 26 shots. After looking at these numbers it is easy to see that the last five games have been a huge struggle.
Well now the question is will Ovechkin turn things around, or should I sit him? Although his point totals have not improved in the last two games his shot totals have. That is a good sign. The Capitals also play three games this week (Home vs Calgary on Tuesday, in Chicago on Friday, and at home versus Carolina on Saturday).
Based on the upturn in shots over the past two games, and three games this week, I am going to keep him in the line-up. I am betting on trends and history. Both of those are working in the favor of an up-turn.
Fantasy Hockey Injury Report:
Taylor Hall – Edmonton Oilers – 2-4 weeks – lower body (knee)
Ryan McDonagh – New York Rangers – 4-6 weeks – upper body (shoulder)
Mikael Backlund – Calgary Flames – day to day – upper body (abdominal)
Matt Stajan – Calgary Flames – 6-8 weeks – lower body (knee)
Brad Burud the owner/editor of the Inside Edge Hockey News. I am a huge fan of hockey, from youth hockey, to junior hockey, and of course professional hockey. I have played, coached, worked as statistician, and watched hockey all of my life. Hockey is not just a game, it is a lifestyle and family. The game of hockey is great! It can bring you nights of great enjoyment. It also brings nights where you feel like your team will never win. I am proud to be a journalist for the greatest game in the world. I have a degree in Business Administration, Psychology from Minot State University. I also have a Hockey General Manager and Scouting, and Sports Communications/Journalism degree from Sports Management Worldwide. I am also a member of the Sports Executives Association. Most of all I am a fan. Hockey is a huge part of my life and my families life.