Don’t look now but the grueling marathon know as the National Hockey League season is just around the corner, and along with it the ninth rendition of the CDM Fantasy Hockey Game. To the casual follower of the sport the task of fielding a competitive and contending fantasy hockey team may seem difficult – competing with fans who have a lot of passion and know a lot about the game. However, with just a little bit of homework – you can identify the must have players along with the sleepers most casual fans do not know about – yet. Also remember that the total number of teams in fantasy hockey pales in comparison to those in the football and baseball contests – thence the task of staying near the top is not nearly as daunting. By following just a few guidelines – even a first timer playing can find the Fantasy Hockey Contest entertaining as well as worthwhile.

The rules are relatively simple. Rosters consist of 20 starters: 4 Goalies, 4 Centers, 4 Wingers, and 4 Defensemen – along with a 12 man taxi squad. The starting lineup must stay under the salary cap of 60 million. Teams are also allowed ten purchases during the season. Be advised that the NHL will take two weeks off in February as star players will be participating in the Winter Olympics (held in the US this time around thankfully). These high intesity-playoff type games offer the additional risk of injury to players who may be on your roster. Also there is the late season trading deadline, where the value of star players from mediocre teams skyrockets when they get traded to STL or COL. The gist of this is to not burn your purchases early – especially this year.

The scoring is as follows:

• Goal – 1 pt.
• Assist – 1 pt.
• + - 1 pt.
• - - (-1 pt.)
• Power Play Goal – 2 pts.
• Penalty Minute (per) - .25 pts.

• Win – 2 pts.
• Tie – 1 pt.Loss – (-2 pts)
• Shutout – 5 pts (in addition to the points for win or tie)
• Saves (per) - .05 pts

Due to the value of the +/- and Win/Loss Categories, the first rule of thumb is to take players from the perennial powerhouses of the league (Dallas, St. Louis, Colorado, Philadelphia, New Jersey among others). The +/- and Win/Loss categories can mean about a 40 –50 difference between comparable players depending on the team they’re with.

Physical players who get penalty minutes are always nice to have, the PIM’s can net an extra 30-40 points to a players value. However, stay away from players who are strictly “enforcers” – no matter how much a bargain they may seem to be. Each year, fighting becomes less a part of the game of hockey – thus less penalty minutes, meaning points via way of PIM’s is not very reliable. You may occasionally hit the jackpot with a 25-30 PIM game but more often than not you will be disappointed – as “enforcers” tend to see minimal ice time (especially in close games). There are also occasions (depending on the matchup) where enforcers will not even dress for the game.

Also be aware of scoring trends. I have a feeling that scoring in the league will increase this season, mostly due to the new ultra-lightweight graphite sticks that seem to be the rage. The downside could be that the harder shots could result in more injuries. Should another scary incident such as Chris Pronger (puck in chest) or Trent McCleary (puck in throat) occur, the league may have to look at the safety regarding the use of the sticks.

Beware of potentially long and protracted holdout situations. The season is so long that some players banging for a new contract will holdout long into training camp, and even into the season. In some cases, players will even consider playing in Europe if the contract offer isn’t close to the players demands (think Alexi Yashin, Nikolai Khabibulin). On the other hand, be on the lookout for players returning to the National League after spending some time playing in Europe. Obviously, these players come cheap salary wise – so if you know about them you can have a huge leg up on the competition.

Finally, look at the line combinations the successful teams are using. Having two or even three players from a premiere line is a great way to accumulate a lot of points in a hurry. Peter Forsberg/Milan Hejduk (COL), Doug Weight/Keith Tkachuk (STL), and Paul Kariya/Jeff Friesen (ANH) are good examples.

Now lets look at the players to watch for – starting with the goalies…

GOALIES

Goaltender is a volatile position often based on opportunity. There are always several inexpensive goalies getting a breakthrough chance who become real bargains. Last year Roman Cechmanek (PHI) and Evengi Nabokov (SJ) were prime examples. Many more bargains await this year, which will also allow for getting expensive players at other positions.

RECOMMENDED GOALIES…

• Brent Johnson (2150) STL – Brent proved his mettle last year spelling the shaky Roman Turek – since traded. In return, the Blues got veteran netminder Fred Brathwaite – who’s more of a backup type. The lethal combination of a cheap salary and successful team makes Brent a must.



• Martin Biron (2280) BUF – Had a great run two years ago filling in for an injured Dominik Hasek. With Hasek now traded, Biron should be a great value who should compile a winning record.



• Roberto Luongo (2010) FLA – Was a disappointment to those who tabbed him at the beginning last year – as Florida as a team got off to an awful start. But Bob came back and showed his immense potential later in the season. Don’t be afraid to tab him again, as the Panthers will be much improved.



• Patrick Roy (5230) COL – By far the class of the expensive goalies. Conservative estimates call for a 35-10-10 record (60 points) along with 6-7 shutouts (30-35 points) and 1200 saves (60 points). That computes to 150 – 160 point potential, which ranks among the top of all players, goalies or otherwise.



• Johan Hedberg (3030) PIT – Became the starter near the end of the regular season and starred in the playoffs. “Moose” is 28 and I would like to see more of a track record out of him. Other than the risk of the league figuring him out – Hedberg comes into the season as the starter for a playoff –caliber team and should be a good play.



• Felix Potvin (2960) LA – Cat’s 00-01 campaign started decent (w/Vancouver), only for him to decline – leading to the deadline deal to the Kings. With LA, Potvin was nearly unstoppable, and was a shutout threat nearly every time out. Also performed well in the near-playoff upset of Colorado. If it is the year of the Cat, Potvin should be a fine play.



• Mike Dunham (2840) NSH – If the Predators can turn the corner and become a playoff caliber team, then Dunham will be a great play. .923 save percentage while compiling a .500 record last year. Also could well end up as the U.S. Olympic team goalie.

GOALIES WORTH A LOOK

• Dan Cloutier (1610) VAN – Comes into season as Canucks #1 goalie. If he performs well, will be an obvious bargain. If not, look for Vancouver to trade for another netminder.



• J-S Giguere (1500) ANH – For some reason CDM did not list J-S, so he cannot be used until Week 2. Did perform well in 23 consecutive late-season starts. Veteran Steve Shields is the backup this year, and could see plenty of action as well.



• Nikolai Khabibulin (1410) TB – Everyone’s patience in waiting for Khabibulin to end his near two-year holdout was not rewarded as the result was a trade to the pathetic Lightning. A bargain only if TB somehow makes a vast improvement.

SLEEPER POTENTIAL

• Mikka Kiropsuff (1440) SJ – Just as Evengi Nabokov stole the starting job away from Steve Shields early last season, Kiropsuff may very well be in the process of doing the same this year. Mikka replaced a struggling Nabokov in the playoffs last spring and performed admirably. Keep tabs on what happens in this training camp battle.

NOT WORTH THE PRICE TAG

• Martin Brodeur (6550) NJ – Doesn’t see a lot of shots and more expensive than Roy.



• Roman Cechmanek (5930) PHI– 2nd most expensive netminder after only one year of experience.



• Dominik Hasek (5510) DET – Disabled with bizarre illness during offseason. Look for Dom to be rested much until playoff time, with Manny Legace seeing some ice time. Dom will probably also be starting for the Czechs in the Olympics.



• Olaf Kolzig (5090) WSH – Having Jagr on board should help the won-loss record, but still not quite worth the price.



• Tommy Salo (5050) EDM – Workhorse leads league in appearances over last two seasons. Expect him to be rested much more this time around. Will be Sweden’s goalie in the Olympics.



• Arturs Irbe (5340) CAR – Simply too much for someone on a .500 team.

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