You need some forwards, we've got some names for you. Go help your team at no cost.
Michael Grabner (16 percent): Maybe this is a case of a high-pedigree forward finally putting things together; Grabner was the 14th overall pick back in 2006. He's rolled up 10 goals and 44 shots over his last 12 games. Don't hold his address against him; his ownership level should be at least three times higher than it is. (Update: The Grab Man kept it up Friday, posting a 2-1-3 night and eight shots as the Islanders stomped the Penguins. Get in while you still can.)
Max Pacioretty (10 percent): He's getting run on the first line and doing a little bit of everything; over the last month he's produced a 6-4-10 line with 18 penalty minutes, 41 shots and even five power-play points. The Habs should keep Pac Man in the Top 6 for the rest of the year, even when everyone is healthy.
Derick Brassard (28 percent): Don't sleep on this Blue Jackets team - Columbus showed us a couple of emphatic victories on the road recently, dusting Detroit and Pittsburgh. The shifty Brassard has been in the mix, of course, posting a 4-11-15 line (and six power-play points) over his last 16 games. This is another pedigree play; Brassard was the sixth overall pick in 2006.
Steve Downie (53 percent): You need a few wise guys to beat people up, and Downie isn't lost in the offensive end either (6-17-23 over 39 games, with occasional power-play time). He doesn't have the size of a true power forward, but he's an effective instigator.
Brad Marchand (19 percent): He's just a pivot in name only right now; the Bruins have him skating left wing on the second line, clicking nicely with Patrice Bergeron and Mark Recchi. Marchand has a tasty 7-4-11 line over the past month, with all of the production coming in even-strength situations (fueling a plus-11 rating).
Brian Rolston (11 percent): The Devils were a no-fly zone for the first half, but it's safe to dip into the pool now. Rolston has valuable left-wing eligibility and he's always a reliable shot compiler. The points haven't fallen for him over the past week, but he had a nifty seven-game streak prior to that. Not a bad grab in a deeper league.
Olli Jokinen (36 percent): He runs hot and cold and I can't blame you if you've written The Joker off for good. But when I see six multiple-point games over the last month, and two in his last two starts, I talk myself into a rental, short-term anyway. Teammate Brendan Morrison is also sizzling of late.
Ray Whitney (43 percent): He's going to be a useful player until the day he retires; Whitney sees the ice beautifully and is a perfect fit on anyone's power-play unit. You'll have to get your thug points elsewhere, but there's nothing wrong with 19 power-play assists, or 13 points over the last month.
Nathan Gerbe (4 percent): He'll fill two positions for you, he'll shoot the puck, he'll tickle the twine now and then, he'll land in the penalty box. Not bad for a four-percenter.
Teddy Purcell (15 percent): You should like him because the Lightning sure do; Purcell's skating with Simon Gagne and Vincent Lecavalier, and he's seeing regular time on the power play (16 points there). It's a shame Purcell isn't using his size more in the corners - he's hardly in the sin bin - but at least he's giving us steady production.
Have another grab-worthy forward to talk about? Say your piece in the comments.
-----------
Image courtesy Associated Press
Mia Kirshner Elisabeth Röhm Lily Allen Emmanuelle Chriqui Anna Faris
No comments:
Post a Comment