Flames Facing A Brisk Breeze... Into the Weekend

Ahead of the Flames match-up against the Stars on Saturday night, it looks like they will be without Box 3 leader, Jarome Iginla and Box 9 winger, Chuck Kobasew. Iginla, who has powered his way into the Top 10 in scoring in the pool, has suffered an MCL injury in his left leg and will be re-evaluated in a week's time. 22 of 41 teams require his services in the pool, so this means it will be a heavy loss to lots of teams. Don is the only team in the Top 3 to not have Iginla, rather Selanne as his Box 3 winger. This could be a good time to make up some ground on the Top 2, provided that the Duck isn't lame.

Kobasew, on the other hand, is tied for 10th in Box 9. He hasn't provided much of an offensive spark for the five teams who have him in the pool. He is a far cry away from the leaders Rolston and Sykora.

A feel good story is nearing it's glorious end. Bruins rookie, Phil Kessel, was assigned to Providence of the AHL for a small conditioning stint after recovering from his surgery to remove his bout of testicular cancer. It will be quite the triumph to see him back in the line-up, which could happen as early as next week. Especially good news for the three teams that have him in the pool still.

The oft-injured Peter Forsberg returns to the list. Aren't you glad that there was a small guy named Sidney in that same box? I'm not, personally, but there are quite a few of you who are. Forsberg will be down at least 10 days, more like a couple weeks before he touches the ice and gets injured again.

Did you notice... the new colours on the webpage? I thought it would be good to highlight the high & low teams (in points) during the week. They won't necessarily be award winners in the Newsletters, but it gives you a good idea of how good and/or how bad you're doing in the week, compared to the leaders.

Mover & Shaker Candidates:
Rob A.: +3 positions, 38 points
Dale C.: +2 positions, 39 points
Stuart: +2 positions, 38 points
Caterina: +2 positions, 35 points
Bryan: +2 positions, 33 points
Randy: +2 positions, 33 points

Basement Dweller Candidates:
Ernest: -4 positions, 22 points
Chris M.: -3 positions, 28 points
Jim: -2 positions, 24 points
Scott: -2 positions, 30 points
Brydon: -2 positions, 30 points

Player of the Week Candidates:
Box 1 - Ryan Smyth, 5 points
Box 15 - Dany Heatley
Box 15 - Alex Steen
Box 18 - Andrew Raycroft
14 players with 4 points


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