While you are eating your turkey, this week’s post will concentrate on those fantasy hockey players you should be thankful for.
Fantasy Hockey Tidings
Mark Giordano — D — Calgary Flames
Over and over again, I heard Mark Giordano’s name in fantasy circles the middle of last year and I had to watch a game or two. His ability to play both offensively and defensively was quite nice. What was more amazing was his net presence on both sides of the ice. His point a game pace was a surprise to most but during a 82 game span over the last two seasons, Giordano had 68 points. This type of pretty sustained outburst is not far fetched.
This season it seems that 70 points is just about a given. Giordano is becoming more and more of a household name. Between him and T.J. Brodie, they have one scary first pairing and they are only getting better.
From Sportsnet: “He’s got to be the leading candidate for the Norris right now” @DougMacLean on Mark Giordano. Listen live -> http://bit.ly/1qUBxpp
That is a fact which is undoubtedly 100 percent true. At this moment, could you find one player who is better at the defensive position? Exactly.
Jori Lehtera And Vladimir Tarasenko — St. Louis Blues
Never underestimate the chemistry from players who played in the KHL. Two of the top three scorers in St. Louis are naturally Joni Lehtera and Vladimir Tarasenko. They both have over 20 points and are greater than a +10. Tarasenko, the right winger, has 12 goals in 22 games. Lehtera, the pivot, has 13 assists and a hat trick just like his teammate. They are a joy to watch and have so far shown very little sign of major regression.
In a season where no one expected any Blues player to get north of 60 points, there is a possibility of seeing several players hitting that mark. That is, of course, led by the first line of St. Louis that also includes Jaden Schwartz. On a Ken Hitchcock team, this really is speaking volumes!
Filip Forsberg — C — Nashville Predators
No one expected a huge start from Filip Forsberg but the Swede had other ideas as he would be paired with Mike Ribeiro and James Neal. Neal is a high volume shooter who may be firing on hockey nets as we speak. Ribeiro is a nice player in his own right. What has resulted is a chemistry that just works oh so well.
At any rate, Forsberg has 22 points in 21 games with a +18. While he has come down to Earth a bit (2 points in last five games), the early season start was one that was truly special. The 20 year old has truly been the player to be thankful for this holiday season.
Thanks for reading and enjoy the holiday!
