Marian Gaborik - Its only been less than two months, but it seems like an eternity since we've seen Gaborik on the ice. However, the long wait is about to come to an end. Gaborik is expected to return tonight against the Flames. He will be rusty and probably won't log a lot of minutes at first, but once the rust gets knocked off, the league will be on high alert for this 40 goal scorer.
(Photo by Andy King / AP)
Scott Clemmensen - The masked man for the Devils may not longer have the name "Brodeur" on the back of his jersey, but the results are still the same. Long time Brodeur backup is filling Marty's shoes admirably and has the Devils on a hot streak. With two solid forward lines, a great checking line and a smart defense, Clemmensen is a great pickup right now.
Doug Weight - Can someone please explain to me what has gotten into Doug Weight? Has he found the fountain of youth or something? The top center man for the Isles has 6 goals and 21 assists with 17 of those points coming on the powerplay. He won't do much for you in the plus/minus category, but he'll help you everywhere else.
Petr Sykora - The Penguins Slovakian sniper has caught fire in recent weeks. He currently has 5 goals and 5 assists in 7 games this month. Playing alongside either Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin, he's always a threat to have a big game, just be careful if acquiring him. He can get into very frustrating slumps.
Marc-Andre Fleury - Tomorrow when the Pens travel to Atlanta, Fleury is expected to make his return. Not a moment too soon either as the Pens have lost 4 of their last 5.
Mark Recchi - Lately former Penguin, Mark Recchi has been seen skating on Pittsburgh South's (Tampa Bay) top line with Vinny Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis. If this sticks, this is a big boost to the Wreckin Ball's value and a big shot to Vinny Prospals'.
Alexander Semin - The Caps other Alexander made his return to the lineup this week. He picked up right where he left off with Ovechkin and Backstrom and recorded a point in each of his first three games since his return. The Ovechkin, Semin, Backstrom line is the most dominant in hockey right now.
Duncan Keith - The guy with a first name for a last name and a last name for a first name, is having a great month for the Blackhawks. Keith, who is typically just a solid all around defenseman, has really picked up his offense as of late with 5 assists in his last 6 games.
Johan Franzen - Those of you that thought his big goal outburst at the end of last season and into the playoffs was just a fluke, where are you now? Franzen is on pace for a 40 goal season. As long as he remains a part of Detroit's top two lines (and I don't see why he wouldn't), the Mule should easily hit that number.
Joe Sakic - In case you haven't already heard, Avs captain, Joe Sakic, will be out till mid March. While resting his bad back, he injured himself with his snow blower and broke three fingers. You mean to tell me with all the money he had, he couldn't pay someone to plow his driveway? Come on now.
Mats Sundin - Apparently its a two team race right now for Sundin's services, the Rangers and the Canucks. The Canucks have a $10 million deal on the table for him, while the Rangers are desperately trying to clear up cap room. A decision is expected by Christmas and if I had to guess I'd say he's headed to the Canucks. Be careful with players, especially older players, that sit out half a year. It takes them awhile to get into game shape and in Sundin's case, it may take him some time to get used to his new team as well.
Roberto Luongo - Luongo was expected to return this weekend, however he tweaked his groin in practice and now its not known how much longer he'll be out. Despite not having their star netminder, the Canucks are still in first place in their division.
Olli Jokinen - The NHL's ironman missed 6 games with a shoulder injury, but came back earlier than expected and came back in a big way. Jokinen scored a pair of power play goals in his first game back and another the next day. If the Coyotes are going to have any chance at all to make the playoffs, they need Jokinen to be their best player.
Ed Jovanovski - I know I ripped into the JovoCop quite a bit in past stock market reports, but the man is finally on fire. After recording zero points through the first 9 games of the season, Jovanovski has finally started putting points on the board. In his last 10 games, he has 11 points, which is amazing for anyone especially a defenseman.
Posted
Dec 17 2008, 07:00 AM
by
Nick Fruscello