Sunday, September 20, 2009

The Preseason List (Sep 19)

According to the scoresheet, it looked like the Rangers made quick work of the Bruins in the first and held on to keep the game in their favour for the rest of the 40 minutes, winning the game 5-2. Ales Kotalik, Pierre Parenteau and Artem Anisimov all scored a goal and added an assist in the game, while Vaclav Prospal picked up a pair of assists in the win. Anisimov's goal, shorthanded, was definitely a good one, earning some worthy replay props.



The Sabres went into Detroit on Saturday night to take on a Red Wings team that had some of their top defenders in the line-up and were silent through two periods, down 1-0. In the third, they managed to explode for three, winning the game 3-1. Ryan Miller was the goalie of record for the Sabres, playing the complete 60 minutes and he'll get the mention from that game, making 42 saves, including 16 in the 3rd period. Sounds like he's ready to go.

The Senators were hosting the Habs on Saturday night, the first game that Alexei Kovalev plays against his former team. Well, the Sens brought the hurt, beating Montreal 6-1. Kovalev did pick up a goal and an assist, but was far from the most mention-worthy. Mike Fisher recorded a hat-trick and an assist for a 4-point night, while Nick Foligno had four assists himself. Very impressive. Rookie forward, Peter Regin, had a 3-point night, thanks to a goal and two assists. That there is a productive evening. Pascal Leclaire should also get a mention for playing the whole game and getting the win.

The Leafs played host to the Flyers on Saturday and beat them 5-4 in overtime. Vesa Toskala made 25 stops, playing all 61 minutes (and change) for the win and his 2 points. Niklas Hagman had a pair of goals for the Leafs, Matt Stajan had a goal and an assist and Tomas Kaberle rounds out the mentionable players with a pair of assists. That should be considered a well-rounded effort by the veteran players tonight, making a case for your fantasy team.

The Flyers did end up scoring four in their game against the Leafs and there were players to note. Daniel Briere scored a pair of goals for the Flyers, making sure everyone knows that he's playing well and seems to be healthy. Mike Richards had a goal and an assist as well to try and help the team. The Flyers dressed a pretty solid team against Toronto, but fell short in the end.

It looked like some veteran presence was what lifted the Predators past their Central Division rival, Blue Jackets, in their preseason tilt on Saturday night. The Preds came back from down 2-0 to win 3-2, thanks in large part to Jason Arnott (goal & assist) and J.P. Dumont (2 assists). The Predators are showing that they won't be rolling over this season and could be a steady opponent in the coming season.

Marty Turco and the Stars looked to have pretty good control over the Blues on Saturday, winning 4-2. Turco made 24 saves in a complete game effort and the win. Rookie phenom, Jamie Benn, came through with a pair of goals to increase his stock a little bit and Tom Wandell had a goal and an assist in the game to help elevate his status among the squad. Benn has a good shot at making this team, while Wandell and his journeyman ways may have a little further to go to impress the Stars brass.

The Capitals also did a good job on Saturday night, coming back from being down 2-0 to win 3-2 in overtime against the Blackhawks. Michal Neuvirth played the entire game for the Caps, making 24 saves for the win. Kyle Wilson, a 24-year old rookie, and veteran Chris Clark were the most notable players on the other side of the ice for the Caps, each scoring a goal and an assist in the win. Clark should be back to 100% now and could be a good additiion to your pool team as a sleeper.

The Hawks had a very good roster up front on the ice against the Capitals, but it was a defenseman, who picked up the most notable notation in this post this morning. Duncan Keith had two assists in the game and led the way in the loss. Keith will be looking to have a good year in Chicago, as he tries to crack the Team Canada line-up for the 2010 Olympics this year.

The Islanders got revenge for their loss to the Flames earlier in the week with a 4-2 win in Saskatoon on Saturday night. 2008 draft pick, Matt Martin, was the better player for the Islanders, scoring a pair of goals, including an empty-netter to seal the victory for the team from Long Island. Islanders veteran, Trent Hunter, also had a couple of assists to let you know that he's still around and ready to deliver for the team.

The Flames did have a slight bright spot in their 4-2 loss, as Carsen Germyn picked up a pair of assists in the loss. Germyn has had four productive seasons in the AHL and now wants to make a name for himself with the big club. Germyn has played four games with the Flames in his career, but has failed to register a point in any of them.

The Canucks remained undefeated in the preseason after a 3-1 victory over the Oilers on Saturday night. Roberto Luongo got a full game under his belt, stopped 22 shots, and recorded the victory. On the scoresheet, Ryan Kesler picked up a couple of assists in the victory, showing that he is just as good going in the offensive direction as his Selke Trophy nomination shows that he is good in his own end.

The Kings did the job against the Ducks on Saturday night, winning 4-1. it was another full game for a goalie, as top prospect, Jonathan Bernier made 19 stops for the victory. On the offensive side, it was 2009 first rounder, Brayden Schenn, who scored a pair of goals in the win, Anze Kopitar scored a goal and added an assist and Justin Williams who picked up a pair of assists. Schenn made a perfectly good statement as to why he was taken fifth overall by the Kings, as he's vying for a spot on the team, much like the four players ahead of him.

In the last game of the night, Evgeni Nabokov earned a win with a complete game win, making 26 saves in the 5-4 game against Phoenix. Patrick Marleau has come back to the notable players post with a couple of goals against the Coyotes, while Dan Boyle is making his first appearance with a pair of assists in the win. If the idea that Marleau is showing himself off to potential suitors is correct, he may be able to attract a deal from a team he'd waive his no-trade clause for.

Three players made the scoresheet for Phoenix in the loss with a goal and an assist each. Zbynek Michalek is the most notable of the three, as the 26-year old defenseman was showing some flair. Young players, Stefan Meyer and Justin Bernhardt each picked up the 2-point night as well, trying to crack through the Coyotes' young line-up. Meyer was one of the favoured players going into camp and a game like that should actually help his cause greatly.

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