Two Day Wrap Up

Maybe I'm feeling uncreative, or maybe there isn't a lot to talk about right now. Or maybe I nailed too many key players in my past couple of blogs (I don't want to just highlight players and say "Told you so!"). Either way, I've got nothing for an opening piece tonight. Let's jump into some stuff that I've noticed in the past two nights of games.

Lee Stempniak - The Blues are playing pretty well early in the season, and when Stempniak comes back from a minor knee injury he could jump right into the thick of things. Remember Lee scored 27 goals two seasons ago. He may play Saturday.

Tim Thomas - Tough shootout loss to the Canadiens the other night as he played a good game. Just as I said about Legace the other update, Thomas is another under rated goalie who some people still believe isn't a clear cut #1, in this case due to Manny Fernandez backing him up. These people are wrong, and if you're having early goalie problems and would like an insurance policy, you might be able to buy low on Thomas.

Marc Savard - He gets a talented goal scorer like Michael Ryder next to him, and decides to open the season with 5 goals of his own. Go figure.

Dave Bolland - Has quietly been creeping onto the scene in Chicago since last season (17 points in 39 games). There was talk about starting him on the first line this year because of how good he was in the preseason. I don't think that's happening any time soon, but he's young and could fit into a line with some good wingers next to him. Worth keeping an eye on in keepers.

Nikolai Khabibulin - Congratulations for clearing waivers Khabi! Your reward? You're now in an every-other-game platoon with the expensive starting goalie we signed in the off season! Makes as much sense as everything else that's been going on with the Blackhawks. As a Huet owner, I'm going to wait out the next start from both goalies before grabbing Khabi as a contingency plan. Hopefully if it comes to that, he's still available by then.

Shawn Horcoff - I think some people are wrongly under the impression that Horcoff is a 50 point per season guy because that's what he's been around the past two seasons. Keep in mind he put up those points in just 53 games last season. I think Horcoff is going to have a good season, and you should get in at the ground level.

Martin Brodeur - Seriously? Marty. Do you ever grow old?

Trent Hunter - Could this guy be anymore boring? Well, he has 4 goals so far and is usually good for around 200 SOG a season. I don't know what to tell you. I'm not picking him up, but hey, you gotta live your life man.

Marc-Andre Bergeron - If you need help on defense, he's probably the best under the radar option out there. He has the talent, but was ignored in most drafts because of a disappointing, injury plagued season. Well he's healthy now and on the white hot Wild.

Brooks Laich - I picked him up late last season and have had my eye on him early this season. 1 G, 2 A, +5 through 3 games. Hmmmmm. Still not getting a ton of ice time. But hmmmmm.

Martin Biron - I know it's hard to believe with how bad his numbers have been so far, but he still isn't playing poorly. The Flyers have just started their season asleep at the wheel. Still, if you own him, picking up Niittymaki would be a good idea just in case. And then benching both of them until the Flyers decide to start showing up for their games.

Joffrey Lupul - He still has a lot of upside, but my patience is wearing thin. Plus he's being bounced all over the place by coach John Stevens, even trying him at center for a bit. Unless you're in a keeper, there are probably better options available.