Saturday brought a whole new set of choices to examine as we searched for the three biggest fantasy hockey impacts of the night. It was just a crazy night filled with firsts and some amazing performances to choose from. There was Columbus and their first win and a little of everything.
Choosing the three stars was the toughest of the playoffs so far but for fantasy hockey owners, we think we may have gotten this one right. It’s time to see who made the grade on your daily fantasy leagues and box pools.
Fantasy Hockey Three Stars
Third Star — Kevin Shattenkirk — St. Louis Blues
The defenseman had three points in the Blues 4-3 overtime win Saturday. That gave St. Louis a 2-0 lead over the Chicago Blackhawks. Additionally he played a pivotal role in the game with a goal and two assists. In those 27 minutes, Kevin Shattenkirk played with a confidence that everyone has seen all year but a level higher. That will be needed as St. Louis travels to Chicago likely without David Backes. Other players will have to step up and one of them who did on Saturday was the defenseman from the tri-state area. Shattenkirk is one of those players that feels comfortable on the road as he does at home. Chicago will not be an easy out and the Blues will need more offense from the blueline.
Second Star — Paul Stastny — Colorado Avalanche
The first and second stars were almost a tie. The line of Stastny with Gabriel Landeskog, and Nathan MacKinnon combined for ten points and yes Landeskog did get the game winner along with another goal but he just missed the cut narrowly. However, Stastny had four points including a goal and three assists. This trio has wreaked havoc on the Minnesota Wild as they really have found no answers to combat what they have done. Between the third period in Game 1 and the second period in Game 2, there was little to really say but wow just wow. That was until …
First Star — Nathan MacKinnon — Colorado Avalanche
He is only a teenager. That is right. Nathan MacKinnon has seven points now in two playoff games. What were you doing before the age of 19? Exactly! MacKinnon seems to unearth moves that would make Sidney Crosby blush. The even more scary prospect is that the young forward may be one of those rare players who upticks significantly in their second year. This playoff could be quite the coming out party. The MacKinnon bandwagon looks like this right now (thanks to Aaron Musick). Will Minnesota be able to stop this line when they go home for Game 3? Maybe the last line change will slow them down but the only thing that may stop Colorado’s onslaught is themselves. MacKinnon just has too many moves even for Ryan Suter and that is sobering news for any Wild fan but great for your fantasy hockey bottom line.
