Five Fantasy Hockey Stars

Written by Dr Furious on September 16, 2005

Back at you like a magician on the block, Furious brings the masses some hockey knowledge this morning. Preseason begins today, and the Rotogod fantasy draft is next Sunday. Hockey is indeed right around the corner, and we are full service here at Rotogods.com. So sit back, get the coffee brewing, and take a gander at what Furious has to offer. For those of you who do not give a rat’s ass, I will try my hardest to keep it entertaining.

Left Wing

Ilya Kovalchuk Atlanta Thrashers

Kovalchuk get’s a nice big asterisk next to his name. He has yet to reach a deal with Atlanta, and his agent has said that he may just stay in Russia if a deal is not reached. If he does return to the NHL, there really is not anyone better at Left Wing position. Kovalchuk tied for the league lead in goals scored (41) and tied for second in overall points scored (87). Kovalchuk also had more shoots on goal than anybody the last full season and added 33 power play points. Kovalchuk is tremendous in any league that includes those categories, but can hurt in the plus/minus category. The only other Left Winger that I would consider taking over Kovalchuk would be Patrik Elias, but dude has a slight case of Hepatitis A. Someone obviously did not tell Elias to leave the magicians alone. If a contract can be worked out and Kovachuk can escape from Russia, he is a Top 5 draft pick.

Center

Joe Sakic Colorado Avalanche

The best all around Center in the game, Sakic does everything well. He tied for second in overall points (87) scored and tied for third in assists (54). Plus/Minus is decent at +11 and Sakic scored 37 power play points in 2003. Sakic also has the luxury of playing with Milan Hejduk, who make a very nice 1-2 scoring combination. The shots on goal could be a little higher, but you cannot complain with the other numbers that Sakic brings to the table.

Right Wing

Martin St. Louis Tampa Bay Lightning

Is it possible for Martin to replicate the numbers he produced in 2003? The obvious answer is: of course it’s possible. It is Furious’ contention that he will not do so, but I have been wrong before. St. Louis led all Forwards in points with 97 and tied for first in assist (56). St. Louis also added 8 shorthanded goals and 3 shorthanded assists. In any league that includes any of the shorthanded categories, Martin officially becomes a beast. Add the fact that St. Louis also tied for first in plus/minus (+35), and it is easy to see why he was the best Right Winger in the game. If you think that 2003 can be duplicated, then St. Louis should be your number one overall pick.

Defense

Scott Niedermayer Anaheim Mighty Ducks

That’s right, Furious did not put Sergi Gonchar here. Gonchar did score more overall points and registered more assists. I gave Niedermayer the nod for a couple of reasons. His plus/minus is much better than at +20 compared to Gonchar’s -14. Niedermayer also gives his owners a boost by adding 3 shorthanded assists. If shorthanded assists or points are included in your league, then any points from defenders are huge. Niedermayer is on a very good Anaheim team, and playing in front of the best goalie. Gonchar is also on a talented Penguins squad, and will post huge numbers also. Niedermayer becomes valuable for the reasons mentioned, and besides, I have to give you hockey fans something to yell at me about.

Goalie

Martin Brodeur

He put up the best numbers in 2003, but Jean-Sebastian Giguere is better.

Alright people, that will do it for this morning. I hope you were entertained. Furious is off to class. Follow my example and keep it hate-free this weekend. Watch out for the street magicians. They make things disappear (like your money) and leave you with parting gifts (like Hepatitis). They can be a lot of fun though.

Spew some hate (or love) in doc’s direction via email at docfury@rotogods.com

-- Written by Dr Furious on September 16, 2005