For whatever reason, Buffalo could be at the top of their game and as soon as they play Pittsburgh, everything goes awry.  Why?  Simply the reason was not Sidney Crosby, who scored above.  However, the Sabres just seem to not play quite as well against Pittsburgh and that is the difference between giving up one or two goals and five.  Crosby was close, real close to nabbing the Fantasy POTN but not quite.  The problem is in the grand scheme of things, getting that unexpected performance took a little more priority over even a nice “passing display”.

Last night, there were a lot of people surprised at the fight of Colorado and truthfully even I was hesitant of playing a few guys.  However, in the end, it somehow all paid off and resulted in that very Fantasy POTN.

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Fantasy POTN:

Semyon Varalmov, G, Colorado Avalanche — Yes this was a desperate game for both the Calgary Flames and Avalanche but it was a road game few saw Colorado winning.  So what happens of course?  Colorado comes out and converts their chances while Calgary did not.  Semyon Varlamov made 38 saves and all while Calgary piled up the scoring chances.  It was not a case of Calgary quitting in this game, it was a case of Varlamov being more fresh than his counterpart, Miikka Kiprusoff.  People forget that middle part of the season where the Colorado goalie just did not have it.  His goaltending over the last few weeks have been a bastion to fantasy owners who took the risk.  It was well worth it.

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QUICK LOOK BACK:

Sidney Crosby, C, Pittsburgh Penguins — Normally a four point effort gets you the top spot but it just seemed Crosby was mostly doing his usual passing fancy.  That sounds unfair but Crosby had two shots on goal and seems to lack the zip his shot had last year before all the concussion problems.  However he still has enough to cause fear in the eyes of Ryan Miller clearly.  His faceoffs were not so good last night (7 for 18) but again the goal and three assists offset that considerably.  What you have to like about Crosby is this.  He is playing smarter and not getting into those silly battles and scrums like in comeback number one.  We call that fantasy beneficial.

Michael Del Zotto, D, New York Rangers — Yes we did kill Del Zotto for about a 15-20 game stretch where he just looked kind of lost and well hurt out there.  Not only was he hurting his team but seemed to be hurting himself as well.  That has all changed now as he is 100% and played his best game since early in the season with a two goal, one assist effort against Montreal in a 4-1 win.  The most important aspect was Del Zotto let the game come to him and then picked the time to take it to the game.  Those two goals in the third period are exactly what the Rangers needed but were more of a boost to Del Zotto owners because disciplined creativity has no bounds.

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SCHEDULE TIME:

When the schedule is packed with 12 intense games, it tests the mettle of every fantasy hockey GM.  Get ready and buckle in for what promises to be one hell of a night.  Ian Gooding has us covered with a special Pick Six and here we go…….

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PICK SIX:

Nicklas Backstrom, C, Washington Capitals — Add/Start

Gee well this was a no brainer as Washington was a mere two games over .500 without him and looked like they were breaking out just before he got hurt in Game 38.  They play Montreal tonight who is just wasting away the season.  By the way Backstrom had 42 points in 38 games this year and was into a very good scoring stretch when the concussion happened.  It would not surprise anyone to see Backstrom notch a point or two tonight against a Habs team that cannot even kill penalties at this point anymore.

Martin Brodeur, G, New Jersey Devils — Bench

Something just seems to be in the water when Brodeur plays in Carolina.  This goes back a good decade now but for whatever reason, the goalie does not equal wins and just does not have any luck down in Raleigh to be honest.  The Devils could officially clinch a playoff berth tonight and perhaps they will but starting Brodeur is a bit of a risk as he let in four goals on 20 shots against Tampa.  Honestly two of those were goals that bounced like a pinball but if there are better options tonight (12 games) then go take that chance. 

Jason Spezza, C, Ottawa Senators — Start

Spezza and Ottawa travel to Philly for an afternoon game.  Please note that Philadelphia in home afternoon games this year has been so porous that if they played every game on a Saturday, they would never make the playoffs.  It really is that bad and Spezza is looking like that 85-90 point guy we all thought he was at the start of the year.  This could be a great game to pad his totals as the Flyers defense and goaltending is average at best and below average in this scenario.  If you have any of the major Sens players (except Craig Anderson), it might be a time to take a shot.

Marty Turco, G, Boston Bruins — Bench

The Islanders are making it tough for these playoff teams.  They just walloped Pittsburgh twice and get to play a banged up Boston team that could be short a couple defenseman.  Add in the fact that this is a 1pm game today and that Boston plays on national television against the New York Rangers tomorrow, it may just be wise to not start Turco.  Do not give in to the temptation here as Turco has looked pretty good at times but also has looked ugly.  Even if he wins today, he may give up three or more doing it.

Andy McDonald, C, St. Louis Blues — Start

The Blues are a different team when McDonald is in the lineup.  Players are allowed to go back to their own roles and yes St. Louis is healthy for the first time in nearly two years (160 games).  One has to almost feel sorry for Columbus here but the power play is a top unit when McDonald is on the ice to add insult to injury.  It does seem like he will get a point or two at least against a Columbus squad who is typically overmatched by a team like St. Louis.

Patrick Marleau/Joe Thornton, W/C, San Jose Sharks — Watch

This is a bit of an odd request but watch this duo tonight because they could be playing for their very careers over these last few games.  Should San Jose miss the playoffs, one or both of these players (who are very talented) could find their way out of town.  If you own one or both then you are going to insert them in the lineup because of ATOI but do they show up on the scoresheet tonight?  That is probably not as iffy tonight because Dallas is on a back end of a back to back but never say never.  San Jose has a habit and this duo particularly of making it harder than it has to be.  Watch and go yellow light with them.

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Good luck everyone and we will be following all the fantasy carnage today and tonight.  We have a big April Fools Day show planned tomorrow night and yes maybe with a few pranks too.  Thanks for reading.

Yes it is the last day of the month sadly.  Well maybe only for Corey Perry, who has 15 goals in his last 10 games.  However, April will bring new challenges as the closing days of your fantasy hockey season come and eventually go.  There are only 11 more days left.  That in of itself is pretty amazing.  So in about two to three weeks, we will have our awards out for the masses.  Yes they will cause much controversy but they are necessary for the fantasy hockey fan.

Submitted for fantasy approval or disapproval will be the ten events and people that caused fantasy busts among many other season ending columns and eventually the inevitable look ahead to the 2011-2012 season.  

March saw a lot of change and craziness and players rose from the fantasy dead.  Martin Brodeur, Ilya Kovalchuk, and Ryan Miller were amongst quite a few that posted solid months.  Teemu Selanne scored five points in one game.  Tim Thomas and Henrik Lundqvist continue to battle for the Vezina with Pekka Rinne and Roberto Luongo not too far behind.

The scoring race is crazy too with Corey Perry now leading in goals with 46.  Daniel Sedin still leads in points.  Even the Calder race has heated up mostly because Corey Crawford has entered the tournament with Michael Grabner of the Islanders still lurking along with Logan Couture and Jeff Skinner leading the race currently.

First off let us get to the Fantasy Player Of The Month.  March’s award winner would be Corey Perry who had 19 points in his last ten games of the month including 15 goals and 4 helpers.  Not only were his penalty minutes up in March but his goals were too as Anaheim now appears to be IN as far as the playoffs.  Perry is one of the big reasons why and also one I said at the start of the season would rise even above Bobby Ryan and Ryan Getzlaf.  So maybe it took a little longer than most thought but it did happen.

Now if there was a Fantasy Dud for March, who would it be?  This is tough.  Scott Gomez of Monteral tops our lists with only 6 assists in 15 games and though he had a +2, he has just been brutal all month and really since January 1st where he has only had 14 points.  We know his 30 goal season was a mirage but 7 goals this year?  Well that is just a sign that Gomez is just not the player he once was.  Maybe it is not a surprise his best success was in New Jersey.  It is just a thought.

March was an eventful month for fantasy owners but for those in fantasy finals and roto leagues where a champ is crowned in the next 3-10 days, then this is YOUR TIME.  April often brings its mixed bag of craziness and mayhem all to a thunderous crescendo.  Will that season ending injury make a difference or will that unexpected return do the trick?  That is the true beauty of a fantasy hockey season for those who play until the end.  The end is no more true finality than anything the rest of the season has to offer.

There will be players that make a crazy push to end the season and some that continue already.  Look to Selanne and Perry to lead the way in Anaheim and the Sedin twins in Vancouver.  The twins will not be rested that much honestly as Daniel has a slight chance at 50 and 100 (goals and points).  How much will Henrik Lundqvist play?  Can he steal the Vezina from Tim Thomas or will someone else ride a hot April to Vezina glory?  Lots of questions will be answered but it all starts tonight, the last night of March.  Let us take a quick look back at last night.

A LOOK BACK:

1.  Henrik Lundqvist (NY Rangers) — 34 saves and only one goal allowed on a fluky sort of bounce on the man advantage was all that he gave up.  His team did not show up last night and that should not hurt him but yet it may down the stretch.  The Rangers are no lock to make the playoffs and the more they have to play Lundqvist now, will cost the Rangers later.  Lundqvist gets less than two goals a game in support in his losses which is lower than Thomas, Price, Rinne, or Luongo.  The margin of error is not great but Lundqvist was last night.

2. Corey Perry (Anaheim) — We are running out of things to say about Perry but his 2 goals and an assist may have help Lubomir Visnovsky‘s cause for the Norris.  Say what you will about Perry and his style of play, results speak louder than any words.  Perry has always kind of been relegated respect wise but now it is his time.  It may be for years to come.

3. St. Louis Blues — Yes a team honor because they scored ten goals in Detroit.  Just think they did this April 14th, 1986 to Detroit as well for our history buffs out there.  The Blues put it all together for one night and may have to some, ended Nick Lidstrom’s run at a Norris, fair or unfair.  Clearly the Red Wings had the mother of all clunkers and the Blues provided many good surprising fantasy returns last night.

SCHEDULE TIME:

Ten games are on the board tonight and nearly all of them have fantasy significance in one way or the other.  Can Craig Anderson and Super Kondra continue their mastery against Florida tonight?  Will Henrik Lundqvist dominate the Islanders yet again?  There are quite a few questions that need answering.  Toronto and Boston even have a huge impact on fantasy leagues tonight as yes potentially four of the “Vezina Five” could be in action tonight.  Also Daniel Sedin tries to put some distance between him and others for the Hart Trophy as well.  

What really has caught our eye is how Los Angeles will do tonight in Vancouver.  Clearly Edmonton was not much of a test but without their safety net (the home crowd), will Los Angeles be able to produce any fantasy viable options other than their goalies?  I think they can but maybe not tonight against a tough Vancouver team looking to get ready for the playoffs.  This may be a bit more than they can chew but Roberto Luongo may face a little more than the 17 shots against Nashville the other night.  

Also San Jose has a chance to right some fantasy wrongs tonight against Dallas.  The Stars are on life support and this may be an opportunity for San Jose to get its first line and Dan Boyle back on track. They have been struggling by anyone’s standards and could use tonight as a good springboard to go on another little mini streak as the season comes to a close.  Plus the Sharks have to hold off Phoenix, LA, and maybe even Anaheim as the Pacific is razor thin close.  

With that time for our quick three to eye up……

Keep AN EYE ON:

1.  Tim Thomas (Boston) — The last time out against Toronto did not go well at all and Thomas has to play well tonight because the Vezina is closer than anyone in Beantown thinks.  He gave up 4 and was yanked.  Even his career numbers aside from Wins are very ordinary against Toronto.  There is something about that team that just makes Thomas play a little less than his best.  Tonight he needs to iron that out if he wants to start to lock up that Vezina.

2.  Al Montoya (NY Islanders) — He cannot get yanked like at MSG.  Montoya has to not only play well but keep his team in it.  Fans and writers seemed to feel that the Islanders would have won last night if he was in the net so that pressure is now cranked up.  Like Thomas, a good showing for Montoya has effects down the road but maybe more so, for next season and beyond in his career as yes, a New York Islander.

3. Jeff Carter (Phialdelphia) — The almost annual will Carter score this many goals ending a zero quest heats up as Carter has 35 and with another hot streak could hit 40.  Carter scores a goal every other game career against Atlanta so do not be surprised if he tallies a couple tonight.  After all, JC likes to disappoint and then rally your hopes at the very end of seasons much like Cam Ward of the Hurricanes at times.

Good luck tonight on your fantasy leagues everyone and yes tomorrow is April 1st. Remember to avoid April Fools’ Day temptations as there may be a post tomorrow on outrageous fantasy hockey picks.  Stay tuned and thanks for reading everyone.