http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/blog.php?84-Coach-Pharling fantasy hockey, hockey pools, fantasy hockey coach, pool guide, hockey pool, nhl, prospects, hockey en Tue, 21 May 2013 20:51:31 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/blog.php?84-Coach-Pharling http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?170-Three-(future)-Star-Selection-Edmonton-Oil-Kings Tue, 18 Dec 2012 02:32:29 GMT By Tony Carr Attachment 1256 (http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1256) In this, the second installment of Three (future)...
By Tony Carr

In this, the second installment of Three (future) Star Selection, we’ll examine players from the reigning WHL champions, the Edmonton Oil Kings. The Oil Kings franchise joined the WHL in 2007 and in just six seasons turned out a championship team. Notable Oil Kings alumni include Dallas Stars forward Tomas Vincour and Buffalo Sabres prospect, and former team Canada world junior defenseman, Mark Pysyk.


Third Star: Dylan Wruck (20) – Edmonton Oil Kings – Winger

The undrafted native of Saskatoon has put up impressive numbers in his WHL career. With 78 points in 2010-11 and 80 points in 2011-12, Wruck is on pace to have his best season stat wise with 36 points in 27 games so far this season. A crafty playmaker who can find the back of the net, Wruck also see’s time on the point during the power play.

Fantasy Future- one out of three stars

Second Star: Michael St. Croix (19) – Edmonton Oil Kings – Center

Chosen in the fourth round of the 2011 entry draft by the New York Rangers, St. Croix reached a career high in points last season with a team record 105, including 45 goals. An elite puck handler with great vision, St. Croix is most dangerous on the power play where he has eight goals to go with 11 assists so far this season.

Fantasy Future- two out of three stars

First Star: Curtis Lazar (17) - Edmonton Oil Kings - Center

Slated to be a first round draft pick in 2013, Lazar may still be a few years away from the NHL but has all the tools to be an impact player. Adept at playing along the boards, Lazar’s biggest asset is his ability to stay calm under pressure. At six feet tall and 198 pounds, Lazar already has NHL size and with six goals in five games in the month of December so far, he is heating up heading into the holidays. The sky is the limit.

Fantasy Future- two out of three stars

Thanks for taking the time to read Three (future) Star Selection. Next edition, we’ll take a look at the defending OHL champions, the London Knights. ]]> Coach Pharling http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?170-Three-(future)-Star-Selection-Edmonton-Oil-Kings http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?169-Three-(future)-Star-Selection Mon, 10 Dec 2012 04:54:55 GMT Attachment 1255 (http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1255) By Tony Carr Welcome to the Three (future) Star Selection...
By Tony Carr
Welcome to the Three (future) Star Selection where we will take a look at one team of the 60 currently playing in the CHL and examine three players from their roster, including an overager, a future star and a superstar. We’ll start by taking a look at the number one team in the CHL, the Halifax Mooseheads.

Third Star: Konrad Abeltshauser (20) - Halifax Mooseheads - defenseman
At 6’5” and 225lbs, Abeltshauser has the size NHL teams covet and with 27 points in 23 games ( leading all QMJHL defensemen in scoring at the time of his injury), his offensive game is progressing nicely. The future is bright for the San Jose 6th rounder.


Second Star: Martin Frk (18) - Halifax Mooseheads - winger
When a former NHL superstar is quoted as saying, ” There aren’t many guys in Canada who shoot the puck like he does.", it’s time to pay attention. Frk’s former head coach Bobby Smith had those kind words and plenty more when the Mooseheads made Frk the 3rd overall pick in the CHL import draft. With 36 points in 28 games so far this season, the Detroit second round pick is proving all the hype was warranted.

First Star so let’s break format right off the bat. With three potential first round picks from the same team in the 2013 NHL entry draft, and since that has only happened once in the previous eight drafts, we need to take a look at all three. Let’s start in net.

Zachary Fucale- (17) Halifax Mooseheads - goal
When you are the number one goaltender on the number one ranked team, tied for the most wins in the CHL, suffice to say you have huge fantasy upside. The fact Fucale has done all this before being drafted into the NHL makes it even more impressive. With 51 wins in 81 games including 19 in 23 this year, Fucale’s stats are incomparable to anyone else at his age in recent years.

Jonathan Drouin- (17) Halifax Mooseheads - winger
On any other team, at any other time, Drouin would take all the headlines. As it is, he sits seventh overall in QMJHL scoring, averaging better than two points per game (23 games, 47 points). Listed as a potential top five pick, Drouin proved he was ready to perform on a bigger stage with a four point performance in his only game of the Subway Super Series versus the Russian junior team.

Nathan MacKinnon- (17) Halifax Mooseheads - center

The number one draft prospect in the world (ISS), MacKinnon just gets it. Second in QMJHL points with 52 in 29 games, he also sits 7th in faceoff wins with 362 for a 54% success rate and is no stranger to his end of the rink. A gold medal winner at this year’s Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament, MacKinnon is a complete hockey player and should be the first overall pick in most fantasy keeper drafts.



Thanks for taking the time to read Three (future) Star Selection. Next week we will feature the reigning WHL champions, the Edmonton Oil Kings. See ya then. ]]> Coach Pharling http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?169-Three-(future)-Star-Selection http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?158-Ten-Fantasy-Hockey-Sleepers-You-Need-to-Know Thu, 16 Aug 2012 12:33:43 GMT Attachment 1122 (http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1122) Originally posted on The Hockey Writers...
Originally posted on The Hockey Writers

The fantasy hockey draft season is fast approaching. It is the time of year to set your keeper players, pick up the latest edition of your favorite magazine and start scouring for that pool buster pick. The ever elusive pick which will make you the envy of your peers and elevate you to the stature of equally liked hockey minded greats such as Bob Mackenzie, Scotty Bowman, and Ken Holland.

Last year such picks may have included players such as Matt Read, Craig Smith, or Adam Henrique. Players who emerged from way under the radar to help savvy fantasy GM’s fill out their roster with cheap late picks that piled up more points than their peers mid round picks.

There are several well known and prominent prospects and rookies who are this years favorites to contend for the Calder trophy. Nail Yakupov, Jonathan Huberdeau, Mikael Granlund, and Chris Kreider to name but a few. Picking these players however will not impress your GM counterparts or command their respect and admiration. You would also be hard pressed to find any such names still available in late rounds of any self respecting fantasy league. That is why I have dug a little deeper for you.

The ultimate fantasy hockey draft question is; who will it be this year?

The answer is never easy, and depending on the size and type of your fantasy league the answer may vary. Many pools are very deep and include a prospect or farm bench or team. Other leagues may only include the top 100 players as keepers. With that in mind I have compiled a list of ten players who have the potential and the opportunity to be this year’s sleeper breakout player in a variety of pools. Here they are in no particular order.

1. Cody Eakin, C 21 Dallas Stars
Being recently acquired from the Washington Capitals in a deal for Mike Ribeiro gives Eakin a fresh start, and the injury to Derek Roy provides him with a bonus opportunity to start the year on the second line.

2. Zack Kassian, RW 21 Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks paid a hefty price in Cody Hodgson to acquire Kassian. The plan is to see if he can claim the spot on the Sedin line and play the role of enforcer. Kassian is very capable of that, and also has the skill to keep pace offensively.



3. Eric Tangradi, LW 23 Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins would love the 6’4, 221 Lbs Tangradi to muscle his way onto the top six in Pittsburgh. He has split time between the AHL, and NHL and for him to play full time in the NHL likely means in a top six role and on the power play. In Pittsburgh, that could have the makings for a major fantasy breakout.

4. Erik Gustafsson, D 23 Philadelphia Flyers
In the 2010-2011 AHL season, Gustafsson nearly led Adirondack in scoring as a first year pro. Gustafsson had a strong playoff as he produced a goal and an assist in his seven post season games while posting a plus-4. With the depleted Flyers blue line missing Chris Pronger, Andrej Meszaros and Andreas Lilja the door is wide open for Gustafsson.

5. Gabriel Bourque, LW 22 Nashville Predators
The rookie was a mid season call up and a healthy scratch three times. But he finished very strong playing the final 22 games in which he scored 13 of his 19 points. Similar to Craig Smith in that he is small but highly skilled.

6. Gustav Nyquist, LW 23 Detroit Red Wings
Of all the talented prospects Detroit owns, of the forward ranks 23 year old Nyquist is the most NHL ready. He has the potential to play in the top six, and once injuries present the opportunity, he may not let it go.

7. Jordan Caron, LW 21 Boston Bruins
The Bruins let Roloston and Pouliot go because Caron is ready to play full time on the third line. With a full season, he could score 20 goals and flirt with 45 points.

8. Jeremy Welsh, C 24 Carolina Hurricanes
Was signed out of college by Carolina and got in for the final game of the NHL season. Coach Kirk Muller really likes his size, attitude and potential and feels there is an opportunity for Welsh to make the team.

9. Viktor Fasth, G 30 Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim signed Fasth out of the Swedish Elite League where the 29 year old is coming off back-to-back seasons as the leagues top goalie. Goalie guild’s Justin Goldman thinks Fasth will push Jonas Hiller for starts.

10. Patrick Maroon, LW 24 Anaheim Ducks
Maroon is a massive 6’4”, 225 pound winger who can also score. His AHL point totals the past three seasons are trending up. His 74 points in 75 games with Syracuse should earn him a serious look at training camp for the third or second line left wing position. It is now or never for the 24 year old.

Honorable Mention
I gave serious consideration to including these players, and so should you. Corey Conacher (Tampa Bay), Anton Khudobin (Boston), Matt Fraser (Dallas), and Matt Donovan (New York Islanders)

And for those of you fantasy hockey extremists out there, here is a name that is worth looking into; John McFarland of the Florida Panthers. He will likely play next season in the OHL as an overage with the powerhouse Ottawa 67’s. McFarland applied for, but was declined OHL exceptional status and the 6’0”, 192 Lbs second round pick by the Panthers just may sneak into the NHL and realize his former blue chip potential. ]]> Coach Pharling http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?158-Ten-Fantasy-Hockey-Sleepers-You-Need-to-Know http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?134-The-Blueprint-Doug-Gilmours-vision-for-the-Kingston-Frontenacs Thu, 03 May 2012 21:40:40 GMT Ice hockey has been played in the city of Kingston, Ontario, as far back as 1843. Don Cherry will be quick to tell you that Kingston is the birth... Ice hockey has been played in the city of Kingston, Ontario, as far back as 1843. Don Cherry will be quick to tell you that Kingston is the birth place of hockey. The franchise currently known as the Kingston Frontenacs, who play in the Ontario Hockey League have been in existence since 1945 and have also been known as the Canadiens and the Raiders. While Kingston hockey is rich in its history, recent history has not been very prosperous. In fact, the Frontenacs currently own the second longest championship drought in the OHL, and fourth longest in the entire Canadian Hockey League. With the last division title way back in 1995, the team (and the city) has endured season after season of disappointment. Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Doug Gilmour is now the team’s General Manager, and his vision for the Frontenacs is one of championships and pride. In order to realize this vision he has a Blueprint.


Image Courtesy: D'Oliveira Photography
Doug Gilmour joined the Kingston Frontenacs in 2008 when he signed a three year contract as the team’s head coach. In his final season as head coach, Gilmour and the Fronts finished third in the East and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. After serving three years as the bench boss, he became the GM and hired friend and former Toronto Maple Leaf teammate, Todd Gill to assume the head coaching position, and Darren Keily became both assistant GM and Coach.

Prior to the 2011-2012 season, the newly formed management team held a meeting. Having suffered a disappointing playoff first-round-loss, the team knew they were losing key players such as Eric Gudbranson, Nathan Moon, Ethan Werek, and starting goalie Philipp Grubauer. The team had loaded up on veteran and older players for a playoff run and it didn’t work. Now, knowing they would be looking at a massive roster turnover, the decision was made to begin a new era for the franchise.

The first decision was to remove long standing face of the franchise GM Larry Mavety, who was replaced by his good friend Doug Gilmour. President and Governor of the franchise Doug Springer approved Gilmour’s new vision setting the blueprint into motion. They knew the process would be hard, and at times painful, but it had to be done.

It had to happen because part of the vision is not accepting seasons of modest success. Simply making the playoffs and being quickly dismissed in the early rounds, would no longer be acceptable. While junior hockey is by nature and design a cyclical league, it is possible to achieve consistency. Kingston’s consistent seasons of failure are a testament to that. Through hard work, having a strategy that holds the interest of the present and the future in focus, it is possible to consistently produce a winning product as well.

Hiring Todd Gill as the Head Coach was a step in the right direction. He brings a professional approach to hockey. He played over 1,000 career games in the NHL, and played for legends, and Hall of Fame coaches such as Joel Quenville, Mike Babcock, Pat Burns and Scotty Bowman, and he takes lessons from each and every one of them. Gill had been coaching for the previous five years in his home town for the Brockville Braves of the CJHL, which he owns and played for. Gill enjoyed a successful tenure as Coach in Brockville, and plans to continue to coach the way he did there.

“Pat Burns once told me don’t change your ways, because if you change for somebody and get fired you’ll be pissed off with yourself for not doing it your way. So I’ll continue to do it my way, and hopefully have success doing that.” Gill said.

As a rookie coach in the OHL, Gill is learning with his very young team. With the majority of his players under the age of 17, and coming from midget hockey knowing only offense, Gill says; “ You have to teach them defensive zone coverage, you have to teach them how to play in the Neutral zone, you have to teach them so much, I try to do it in segments. For them to learn the game of hockey there are three zones and you have to get to the point where the Coach trusts that you can play in every situation.”


The Coaching staff of the Fronts, are teaching these young players much more than hockey skills. While the core group of the team may be young, Assistant Coach, Darren Keily says, “They are good kids, but they need direction to act as professionals.”
He uses terms such as respect, work ethic, commitment, and accountability to describe what the attributes of the players of the Frontenacs will learn, and demonstrate. For instance the Fronts players are active in the community as players volunteer to go to public schools and Libraries to help promote reading with young children, as well as many other community event appearances.


In the past the players of the Fronts have at times been less than professional. Former players such as Bryan Fogarty, had struggles with addiction. Fogarty’s drinking problems when he played with the Kingston Canadiens, were so well know in fact his nick name was “Tippy”, because he was always tipsy. There have been many players graduate from the ranks in Kingston. Kirk Muller, Chris and Anthony Stewart, Walt Poddubny, Chris Gratton and Bernie Nicholls are some of the more prominent names. Don Cherry is a proud “Good Kingston Guy”, and the Fronts are determined to groom future NHL players whom the city of Kingston can proudly say, “He comes from Kingston”. This past season, Keily proudly proclaimed that the team had no off-ice problems, and not a single complaint from any of the billets who house the players. No doubt this will become a trend in the future with the current regime in place.

Having a professional and experienced group lead this young team in the ways of both hockey, and life-lessons, is an important component in the blueprint. But, choosing the right players is equally important. The management group is selective in the players they are willing to draft and acquire through trade. In the past there have been situations where players had refused to report to Kingston. Wes O’Neill was selected second overall, but decided to play College hockey instead. Last year Max Domi, son of Tie Domi (Doug Gilmour’s friend and former teammate) also refused to report. Those days are a thing of the past now says Keily. His response to reports suggesting that top prospect Joshua Ho-Sang, would not report to Kingston “100 percent false!” The Domi decision to not report to Kingston had nothing to do with the team’s rebuilding, and absolutely nothing to do with the men running the team. It was a geographical preference to be closer to Toronto. Gilmour knew Domi only wanted to play for the London Knights, but by drafting Domi he was able to trade him to London for several second round draft picks. As part of league rules, if a first round pick refuses to report to a team, that team is awarded a compensatory first round pick the following year. As a result, the Kingston Frontenacs now own five picks (two firsts, and three seconds) in the first two rounds of the 2012 Priority Selection Draft.

The Draft will be held on April seventh, and the Fronts will be heading into this draft loaded with picks, and a strategy. The next edition of “Blueprint” will focus on the Frontenacs at the draft and the players they selected.

Local TV station Cogeco produced a series on the subject also titled The Blueprint with a brief appearance from yours truly!


Follow me on Twitter: @pharling ]]> Coach Pharling http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?134-The-Blueprint-Doug-Gilmours-vision-for-the-Kingston-Frontenacs http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?88-2011-12-NHL-Fantasy-Sleeper-Top-Ten-Forwards Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:16:13 GMT With the 2011-12 NHL season just beginning fantasy hockey players are frantically searching for late round sleeper picks and hidden gems. This list... With the 2011-12 NHL season just beginning fantasy hockey players are frantically searching for late round sleeper picks and hidden gems. This list is your key to help with drafting those dark horse players. Some of these players may emerge from obscurity to fantasy hockey relevance this season.


10. Andy Miele, Phoenix
The Phoenix Coyotes won the sweepstakes to sign college sensation and last year's Hobey Baker winner. Miele has begun to draw comparisons to players like Martin St. Louis and Derek Roy after his stellar performance with the US National team at last year's World tournament. Not just because of his small stature (5-8, 175) but because of his skills and skating abilities and his tenacity. So far in preseason Miele has been very impressive. With Kyle Turris still unsigned, it increases the chances of Miele being in the lineup for Phoenix on opening night.

9. Anton Lander, Edmonton
Lander was the captain for Sweden at last year’s World Junior Tournament. Lander was also team mates with Paajarvi in Timra for three seasons. The duo may be reunited in Edmonton again soon. The 20 year old may soon be the perfect second line center as he plays a responsible and gritty all-around game. He has played very well and looks like he is NHL ready during the preseason games. With Sam Gagner out it would seem that Lander is likely to start the season with Edmonton.

8. Matt Frattin, Toronto
The Leafs signed Frattin out of college last year. Frattin was one of the finalists for the Hobey baker award. Frattin scored 60 points in 44 WCHA games last year. At the end of the season Frattin played one game for the Leafs. After the game Leafs GM Brian Burke declared “Frattin looked like an NHL player to me”. Frattin has had a very good preseason. At the moment it looks like a toss up between Kadri and Frattin as to who gets the left wing spot on the third line with Bozak and Armstrong.

7. Craig Smith, Nashville
The NCAA star played for team USA at last years World Championship and didn’t look out of place. Smith was tied with Blake Wheeler for scoring leadership on the US team. Smith also dominated at rookie camp scoring six goals and an assist in two games. Nashville GM David Poile listed Smith’s two games as one of the top rookie game performances he has seen in the last 14 years. “He was as dominant a player as I’ve seen in a rookie tournament in all the years I’ve been with the Predators.”

6. Paul Byron, Calgary
Acquired from Buffalo in the Robin Regehr trade Calgary has publicly declared Byron ready for scoring line duties in the NHL. Based on his 99 point season in the QMJHL and his point per game pace in the AHL, Byron may be just that. The preseason has allowed Byron the opportunity to confirm Calgary management's confidence in him. Byron has reaffirmed that opinion with a sound showing in the preseason games. He should have a starting job as a result when the season starts.

5. Stephan Da Costa, Ottawa
Another prized NCAA free agent signing, Da Costa had a brief four game audition with the Sens last season that was underwhelming. Already 22 years old, Da Costa will try to force a full season audition and reward the Sens for signing him to the maximum entry level deal. He has looked good in the preseason. With Peter Regin out for a couple of months with a hip injury Da Costa's chances of making the lineup have improved.

4. Evgeny Grachev, St. Louis
Grachev is a big talented winger who has been very impressive in preseason games this year, scoring three goals in three games to date. Grachev produced impressive OHL stats (80 points in 60 games) but was unable to dominate in the AHL. Grachev is now on his second NHL audition with St. Louis as he was acquired in a trade with the New York Rangers.Competition for spots is tight in St. Louis this year but if Grachev continues to play the way he has so far in the preseason it will be hard not to open a spot for him

3. Fabian Brunnstrom, Detroit
Detroit has a knack for finding players previously considered to be done in the NHL and bringing them back (Todd Bertuzzi, Mike Modano, Larry Murphy, Dan Cleary, etc). Now Detroit has given Brunnstrom an opportunity by inviting him to training camp. Brunnstrom has played very well so far and the fact that his main competition Jan Mursak who has suffered an ankle injury a contract with Detroit seems inevitable. Look for Wings GM ken Holland to make it a one way NHL contract to avoid exposing Brunnstrom to waivers.

2. Matt Read, Philadelphia
Read is yet another small but supremely skilled college player. Read not only produced impressive WCHA stats (35 points in 37 games) he also posted over point per game numbers in a brief AHL audition (13 points in 11 games) In the NHL preseason Read is leading the league with six points in four games. Competition for lineup spots is very tough in Philadelphia but Read's play is forcing management to keep a spot for him. If they can't fit him in right now he will certainly be an early injury call up.

1. Joakim Lindstrom, Colorado
This summer Colorado signed Lindstrom to a one way $600,000 contract. Lidstrom has looked impressive in training camp playing on a line wit Paul Stastny and David Jones. At times the line dominated. Lindstrom has had other chances at a spot in the NHL with Columbus and Phoenix in the past that fell short. He has continued to develop his game since those early days. This continued progress was demonstrated by Lidstrom last year when he lead the Swedish Elite league by scoring 60 points in 54 games. This preseason Lidstrom has continued to impress. It looks like his spot with Stastny and Jones is solid as Stastny has played with no other wingers in the preseason.

It is important to remember when drafting that these players MAY have significant success this season but should be considered risky picks. Build your core with reliable and dependable proven assets before complimenting your bench with these players. These sleeper picks can help you win your pool but only if you draft them in the appropriate round. Good luck!

Follow me on Twitter: @pharling
For more visit: http://fantasyhockeynerd.blogspot.com/ ]]> Coach Pharling http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?88-2011-12-NHL-Fantasy-Sleeper-Top-Ten-Forwards http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?86-Top-Ten-NHL-Players-under-Performing-for-2011-12 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 06:23:22 GMT By Peter Harling As the 2011-12 season approaches and fantasy poolies prepare their lists for the draft seeking that edge. It is important to... By Peter Harling

As the 2011-12 season approaches and fantasy poolies prepare their lists for the draft seeking that edge. It is important to identify players that will have a break out season or find the sleeper picks. Equally important is to be prepared to know which players are likely to produce fewer points than the previous season.

Many poolies go into a draft armed only with last seasons scoring leaders. Unfortunately I don’t know of any pools that count the previous season’s points. The following is my top ten players most likely to produce fewer points. Being on this list only means I forecast them to score fewer points, not necessarily meaning they will have a terrible season and are not draft worthy, simply not worth drafting based on how they scored last season.

10. Mike Knuble, Washington Capitals
Obviously age is a factor with this choice as Knuble is now 39. However, my main reason for including Knuble in this list is the fact he stands a good chance of being relegated to the third line or at least separated from Alex Ovechkin's line. With younger talent such as Brooks Laich, Troy Brouwer, Joel Ward, and Marcus Johansson all competing to be on the second line and power play, Knuble may be the odd man out.

9. Erik Cole, Montreal Canadiens
After his second tour of duty in Carolina, Cole is moving on to Montreal. Cole also played briefly in Edmonton but was underwhelming there. Cole has enjoyed most of his success in the NHL playing shot gun with Eric Stall. Unfortunately Montreal lacks a center even close to comparable as Staal as did the Oilers when Cole was there. It is likely that Cole will struggle without a quality pivot.

8. Joe Corvo, Boston Bruins
Another former Carolina Hurricane player who, like Cole played his best hockey in Carolina. Corvo has also played for the L.A. Kings, Ottawa Senators, and played his worst hockey for the Washington Capitals. Corvo is an offensive defenseman with major defensive warts to his game. It is highly unlikely that coach Claude Julien gives Corvo more ice time than Tomas Kaberle received. Kaberle was played in a bottom pairing with secondary power play time.

7. Dustin Byfuglien, Winnipeg Jets
As a “Big Buff” fan, it pains me to include him in this list. Last season Byfuglien exploded out of the gate and with his wicked shot, was dominating the NHL. Byfuglien was leading the defense in scoring and was clearly the best defensemen and a Norris trophy favorite. The second half of the season was different as he was unable to maintain his terrific pace. In the past Byfuglien has struggled with his weight and recently Byfuglien was arrested for boating while intoxicated http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/spo...128881848.html. During the booking it has been discovered that he weighed in at 286pounds, 40 pounds over his playing weight. This leads me to believe while still an excellent offensive and fantasy defenseman, Byfuglien may fail to duplicate last seasons 53 points.

6. Clarke MacArthur, Toronto Maple Leafs
In 2009-10 MacArthur had a career best 35 points playing for Buffalo, and Atlanta. Last season MacArthur broke out with a massive 62 point performance and was the team leading scorer for most of the season. The line of Mikhail Grabovski, Nikolai Kulemin and MacArthur played with good chemistry and consistency and at times was the Leafs first line. Phil Kessel is the Leafs most offensively gifted player and showed signs of chemistry with Joffrey Lupul after he was acquired from Anaheim. Tim Connolly will center Kessel and Lupul to formulate the Leafs top line and play first power play minutes. As a result, MacArthur and his line mates may see reduced ice time and more importantly, reduced power play minutes.

5. Dennis Wideman, Washington Capitals
Washington acquired Wideman for depth for the playoffs. Playing behind the emerging Karl Alzner and John Carlson pairing and Mike Green will limit Wideman in terms of offensive ice time. While Wideman will have an improved plus/minus from the minus-26 rating he had last season while in Florida, he will be hard pressed to score 40 points he produced.

4. P.A. Parenteau, New York Islanders
As a result of injuries, Parenteau seized the opportunity to play premium minutes last season and produced 53 points. However with a healthy Kyle Okposo to start the season, the emergence of league rookie goal scoring leader Michael Grabner, first round pick Nino Niederreiter, and Matt Moulson all in the fold the opportunity for Parenteau to repeat is simply not there. From eight points the previous season to 53 last year, Parenteau came out of nowhere. He has a long way fall.

3. Lubomir Visnovsky, Anaheim Ducks
Visnovsky has enjoyed several successful NHL seasons. Last season was his best, leading all NHL defensemen in scoring with 68 points. During his career, his point’s totals have risen and fallen and staying with that trend, expect a decline. Visnovsky should still be a significant point producer with good fantasy value. Just don’t make him the first defensemen picked in your pool.

2. Loui Eriksson, Dallas Stars
Eriksson has managed to put together back to back 70+ point seasons. With consistency like that why is he second on this list you ask? Brad Richards! Richards and Eriksson had fantastic chemistry together, but with Richards gone to the Rangers Eriksson will struggle. 73.6% of Eriksson’s points last season were scored while Richards was on the ice, and 85.6% in the season before. Louie Eriksson is a very talented player and will continue to produce points. But don’t fool yourself and think the loss of Richards won’t have an impact.

1. Christian Ehrhoff, Buffalo Sabers
Ehrhoff’s two seasons in Vancouver were his two highest point totals in his career, playing with the Sedin twins on the team that lead the NHL for goals. Now in Buffalo with out Daniel and Henrik, Ehrhoff may have enjoyed his best season in terms of offense. Ehrhoff was a good fit in Vancouver where his transition skills were an important part of the Canucks game. Buffalo is not as efficient at transition and not as dangerous with the man advantage as the Canucks. These factors will impact Ehrhoffs point totals this season. Still a big minute all around player with fantasy value however.

Remember that being prepared for your draft is critical. Knowing when the appropriate time to draft a player is vital to good drafting. And relying on last years stats as a script for when to pick players is always a fatal mistake. Having an informed evaluation of players can win you your pool. Good luck!

Follow Peter Harling on twitter: @pharling
For more visit: http://fantasyhockeynerd.blogspot.com/ ]]> Coach Pharling http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?86-Top-Ten-NHL-Players-under-Performing-for-2011-12 http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?84-Three-Keys-to-Fantasy-Dominance Fri, 15 Jul 2011 18:45:53 GMT No matter what type of fantasy pool you are in. No matter if you are preparing for the initial draft, and expansion draft, supplemental draft or mid... No matter what type of fantasy pool you are in. No matter if you are preparing for the initial draft, and expansion draft, supplemental draft or mid season trades and roster adds/drops, these three key concepts will help guide you towards fantasy pool supremacy among your peers.

Identifying Talent
Watching a lot of hockey is your best means of identifying talent. Sure it is much less time consuming to buy a new stand magazine like McKeens or the Forecaster (the two best by far) or get an on line ranking from a website like fantasyhockeycoach.com or dobberhockey.com and they will help. But seeing a player with your own eyes is the most reliable means of finding talent. Watching lots and lots of NHL hockey is the most important way to understand how a player will perform in the NHL. There have been countless players who dominated other leagues but failed to translate that success into NHL success. Watching players in the NHL allows you to see how well certain players compare against others in regards to different skill sets. such as; Skating ability, shooting, passing, and hitting. Get as much information that you can from online and print media to help you talent analysis, but watch the games yourself. Not a pro scout you say. Not sure what to look for? Perhaps this will help.

Scouting
Gus Katsaros who scouts and writes for Mckeens once told me "when scouting a player look for the four S's. Skating, Speed, Skill, and Smarts. Players who posses all four are elite superstars like Sidney Crosby. A player who has three is a star like Jason Spezza. Players who demonstrate only two are valuable better than average players such as David Backes. If a player only has one, no matter how good he is at it, he is not likely to pan out to a top tier player. Therefore not worthy of you serious consideration. A good example of this is Rob Schremp. Schremp has lots and lots of talent but little else to go with it. Lets take a closer look at the four S's.

What to look for in terms of skating. Foot speed and agility or balance. There is a difference between quickness and speed. Don't be fooled by a player who is quick down low or in the corners to thinking he is fast. As for Agility, is he smooth skating backwards and laterally?

Smarts or hockey sense are if he makes good plays consistently. Or does he turn the puck over by making blind drop passes at the blue line (Jason Spezza). Does he get position on defenders, find open ice, create picks making room for team mates or just stand around waiting for something to happen. Is he leading the play or following it?

Skill is easier to notice. Goals and assists stats are a clear indication that players like Steen Stamkos have skill! But look for more subtle details. Can he make and receive hard smooth passes consistently? Does he take, and win key face-offs? Can he stick-handle and deek past defenders and on shoot outs? Can he handle the puck while skating at top speed?

Speed is perhaps the most obvious to notice. Does he have elite level speed that allows him to separate himself from or catch up to other players?

Opportunity
Knowing a players talent level is important, but the opportunity he currently has to work with is a significant influence on his value. Tyler Seguin is supremely talented but a little buried on a deep Boston bruins depth chart for example. Look at the teams depth chart (thn.com) and understand what opportunities he will have. Top six forward or top four defender? Starting goalie or back up? Will he see any time on the power play? Is the team he plays on any good or will his plus/minus bring down his value? Is he an over priced declining veteran fighting off younger, more talented prospects?

Talent, scouting, and opportunity are three key factors you need to constantly be analyzing from your initial draft and on to be best prepared to make the most informed decisions in managing your fantasy roster. It is not easy. It is time consuming. It is also fun, but most of all, it works! And the reward of being champion at the end of the season is more rewarding than any prize money you will win. Good luck! ]]> Coach Pharling http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?84-Three-Keys-to-Fantasy-Dominance http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?83-Identifying-Fantasy-Value Wed, 29 Jun 2011 02:36:43 GMT Winning a hockey pool is all about identifying value, not forecasting and making predictions. It is important to do your home work, review players... Winning a hockey pool is all about identifying value, not forecasting and making predictions. It is important to do your home work, review players histories and injuries, and make a well prepared pick list for your draft that draws a variety of opinions. Being properly able to identify value of a player. True fantasy value is how to win a hockey pool.

First of all it is important to understand the difference between real value vs. perceived value. A lot of players have artificially inflated value for a variety of reasons. The most common is name recognition. Players who have BIG names are not always BIG point producers. Big name players can become big name players for a variety of reasons. Signing big UFA contracts like Scott Gomez, and Chris Drury. Players who were big producers but are not anymore such as Todd Beretuzzi, and Saku Koivu. These players are very well known and familiar and may be tempting to pick when you notice they are still available later in the draft. Do not make the mistake of drafting a "name", over a player who has better value. One that some rival, uneducated GM's may say "who" when you pick Blake Comeau over Alexi Kovalev.
Another pitfall to avoid is not properly identifying the difference between NHL value and fantasy value. Understand the scoring system of your pool and select accordingly. For example in a strictly points league Matt Greene has little value. But if your league score hits, and blocked shots Greene starts to have value. In the NHL Greene is a very valuable player for the Los Angeles Kings. So before you Kings fans go drafting Matt Greene, check the scoring.

Another major influence on value is slumps, and streaks. All players endure these. Star players suffer slumps and average players enjoy streaks where they perform beyond their normal value. Some recent examples of star players who have dropped in perceived value are Tuukka Rask, and Ilya Kovalchuk. Rask lost the starting role to Tim Thomas in Boston this season as Thomas delivered a monster season. Unfortunately for Rask, you can only play one goalie at a time, so he was on the bench more often than not. Kovalchuk had a disastrous start to the season as did the entire New Jersey Devils team. A wise GM would identify that Kovalchuk will snap out of it and return to form and buy low from a not so wise competitor. Once New Jersey replaced the head coach, the team started to win and Kovalchuk returned with a vengeance scoring at nearly a goal per game pace down the stretch. Just as Kovalchuk bounced back expect Rask to do the same soon. Now is a good time to look at adding Rask for cheap! The post season provided a few unlikely heroes this year in Joel Ward and Sean Bergenheim. The perceived value of these players has never been and will never be any higher. If you own these players, sell, sell, sell!!!
(Fortunately for them they are both pending UFA's and are looking for big pay days!)

There are many reasons and influences why players endure slumps and streaks. Keep in mind these fantasy players are actually real people. With real lives and out of hockey real life influences effect them. If a player has a new born baby at home he may not be getting proper rest. Perhaps a failing marriage is causing a distraction or an illness or injury. Point is, as the perceived value for players rises and falls, buy and sell accordingly.

Star rookie prospects who fail to deliver immediately are often available at discount rates. More often than not, players with "franchise" label bestowed upon them fail to meet that expectation immediately the way Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin did. How many short sighted GM's bailed on Steven Stamkos after his rocky start in the NHL playing for a woeful Tampa Bay coached by Barry Melrose!
And how many GM's feel like fools after pulling the plug on Joe Thornton after he scored seven points in his first fifty five games. If you are in a keeper pool, it pays to be patient with you star prospects. If you own Tyler Seguin and are disappointed in his twenty two point rookie season remember Thornton only scored seven! if you are looking for clues as to weather or not a rookie will endure a sophomore jinx or not some indications may be made by how he played in the second half of the season or the playoffs. Did he continue to develop? Do they continue to grow and show signs of improvement? Did they earn any time on the power play, did they play in key situations?

The role a player plays on his NHL team is very telling of what his fantasy value should be as well. This example is best accentuated by defensemen. When a defensemen is the clear number one defensemen on a team and his role is "the man" he is in a situation to deliver maximum value. Lets look at Brian Campbell. While a member of the Buffalo Sabers Campbell was the number one defenseman. He was "the man" As such he produced back to back seasons in the 40-50 point range and cashed in as a UFA. The next four seasons he struggled and only produced on season over 50 points as he was no longer "the man", playing behind Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook in Chicago. Now in Florida Campbell is clearly the number one defense man on the Panthers blue line and I expect his value to return to the 40-50 point range again. Another good example is Dion Phaneuf. Phaneuf first three season in the NHL he scored between 50-60 points. Calgary added Jay Bouwmeester and his role, and points (and value) decreased. Now Phaneuf is in Toronto and the Leafs have moved out kaberle and Beauchemin making Phaneuf the top defense man. As a result Phaneuf started to improve down the stretch. I also expect Phaneuf to return to the 50 point range again this season.

The dictionary defines value as such; Value (val-yu) 1: the desirability of something, in respect to usefulness/or exchangeability. 2: worth or importance. To win your hockey pool and earn bragging rights over your friends all next summer it is important to understand fantasy value concepts, and exploit them. Good luck. ]]> Coach Pharling http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?83-Identifying-Fantasy-Value http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?82-New-Fantasy-NHL Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:55:53 GMT In 2004 the NHL missed an entire season due to a labor dispute. In 2005 the NHL came back better than ever, in what is still refereed to as the "New NHL". With new rules making the game faster and more offensively focused to win back fans. Since the return of the NHL in 2005 fantasy hockey has exploded! Internet websites and blogs have propelled fantasy hockey into the main stream. Office pools are common place, and more and more keeper pools are starting to exist. With the emergence of fantasy hockey it is high time for fantasy hockey to take the next step in its evolution.

The role of enforcer in the NHL since the lockout has gradually been diminishing. The speed and pace of the game make a player who really only brings fighting to the game a liability. Players who can play and fight are much more common place these days. However this has reduced the amount of fights per game we now see and reduced the amount of penalty minutes players rack up over the course of a season. Gone are the days of Tie Domi and Bob Probert racking up 300+ PIM's per season. Zenon Konopka lead the NHL in PIM's last season with 307. Second was Ottawa's Chris Neil at only 210. No other player had 200+. With such diminishing value in the penalty minutes stat from the NHL many fantasy hockey pools have started to react.

The reason why goons and penalty minutes existed in pools in the first place was to create more depth in the drafting pool. In the spirit of creating more depth to draft, fantasy hockey pioneers have turned to other stats.
Most commonly rewarding points for stats such as shots, hits, and blocked shots for defensemen. The hits stat is along the same concept of penalty minutes. It rewards players who play a physical and intimidating style of play. In the NHL, defensemen who are defensive defensemen have unquestionable value. However in fantasy hockey they are worthless. By including stats like hits, and blocked shots players such as Toni Lydman, and Luke Schenn start to have some statistical value. Lets look at Luke Schenn more closely. Schenn scored a mere twenty two points. Not quite enough to be worth being in most fantasy pools. But if you include his 251 hits and 168 blocked shots (even if they score at fraction of points ie. 0.25) he suddenly is a valuable fantasy contributor.

More and more websites that track stats for fantasy poolies are incorporating stats such as hits and blocked shots. Sites such as fantrax, and office pools include these and many, many more. For the devoted hockey fantasy nerd such as myself, I enjoy being an a fantasy league that closely resembles the reality of the NHL. Since the role of goons is all but extinct in the NHL it is time for fantasy leagues to follow suit. Penalties by definition are a "punitive measure". So why does fantasy hockey reward them with points. Welcome to the "New Fantasy NHL" ]]> Coach Pharling http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?82-New-Fantasy-NHL http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?80-Blockbuster-Deals-at-Draft-Day Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:29:21 GMT The NHL entry draft is a very popular day for fantasy hockey. Draft day realizes young players dreams. It brings hope to the teams that have top... The NHL entry draft is a very popular day for fantasy hockey. Draft day realizes young players dreams. It brings hope to the teams that have top picks and most of all it brings blockbuster deals.

There is always a cheer from the live audience when commissioner Garry Bettman steps to the podium and says, "I have a trade to announce". TSN coverage breaks from the panel and everyone watching at home leans forward and pays complete attention hoping that their team just added the missing piece. Every team goes into the draft in hopes of making their team better either by adding prospects or making a deal or both. Some teams in a position to make moves at this years draft are Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple leafs, and New Jersey Devils.

Philadelphia GM Paul Holmgren recently acquired the negotiation rights for Ilya Bryzgalov from the Phoenix Coyotes. Bryzgalov is set to become a UFA July first but clearly Holmgren intends to sign the goalie before he hits the open market. In order to accommodate his contract Holmgren needs to clear cap space. Currently Holmgren has less than half a million to work with and other roster holes to fill. Internet rumours swirl with names that will be traded. Holmgren has two choices in regards as to what direction he takes next. First, move a big-ticket player like Jeff Carter or Mike Richards in return for young players and draft picks.

Second, keep the core intact and move mid ticket players like Kris Versteeg, Matt Carle, or Braydon Coburn. The second option will provide cap relief but will not replenish the lack of quality prospects in the Flyers organization. Bryzgalov may demand a big salary in the range of six million. If Holmgren is determined to make Bryzgalov his man he may have a hard decision to make. Popular rumours now have Carter going to the Columbus Blue Jackets for the eight pick at the draft and a prospect. Other rumours claim that the Flyers are not happy with Richards and trading him would also allow Chris Pronger to assume the role of captain.

Brian Burke of the Toronto Maple Leafs has publicly stated on several occasions he is shopping his draft picks and is looking for a number one center. If Burke feels UFA prize jewel Brad Richards will not sign for the Leafs for whatever reason he will look at the draft as his best opportunity to address the need via trade.

Burke has several assets to work with. Two first round picks and an early second. If J.S. Giguere comes back at a discount the monster Jonas Gustavsson is expendable now that James Reimer has signed. Depth forwards Clarke MacArthur, Nikolai Kulemin, Tyler Bozak, and defenseman Carl Gunnarsson are available and affordable. Burke also has a bevy of prospects to offer and significant cap space to accommodate a big contract. At the very least expect Burke to package two of his top three picks for a pick closer to the top ten.

New Jersey Devils GM Lou Lamoriello's biggest off-season decision to make is RFA and star player Zach Parise. Don't expect Lamoriello to move the fourth overall pick or Parise at the draft. However, in order to sign Parise cap space needs to be acquired. With a little over seven million to work with Parise will take all or most of the available cap space. Lamoriello still has a few roster holes to fill after signing Parise. Possible casualties may be Devil vets Danius Zubrus, and Bryce Salvador. Zubrus would bring $3.4M in space while Salvador provides only $2.9 M. Salvador is one of five defense under contract and moving him would create a hole on the blue line. Lamoriello also needs to start looking hard at his teams’ goaltending for the present and the immediate future. Has Brodeur lost his edge? It has been a long time since he has played at the dominant level that has made him the best goalie of all time from a stats perspective. Lamoriello needs to shop for more than cap space this summer.

I do not know if these teams will be able to make the deals they need or want to make. If history shows us anything, there will be some trades. There probably will be at least one blockbuster. We all hope that our team makes it and we get that the final piece to the puzzle. That our team walks out of the draft with the same swagger that we have when we turn off the T.V. We all hope that after the draft we have renewed hope to keep us going all summer long. ]]> Coach Pharling http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?80-Blockbuster-Deals-at-Draft-Day http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?77-Brad-Richards-sweepstakes Fri, 03 Jun 2011 17:55:20 GMT TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie reported yesterday that Dallas Stars brad Richards will not be resigned. http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=367672 ... TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie reported yesterday that Dallas Stars brad Richards will not be resigned.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=367672

Brad Richards will become a UFA July first and he will be able to pick almost any team in the NHL to play for. The list of team seeking his services will be very long and some teams at the top of the list will be the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay lightning, Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadians, and Los Angeles Kings to name a few. Some of the factors that will go into Richards decision as to where to sign are money, term, geography, family and of course the organizations chance to win. Lets have some fun and break down the top contenders and chances of Richards signing there.

New York Rangers strength of offer will come in the form of money and term. The Rangers have shown in the past that they are not afraid to throw out ridiculous money and term to UFA players. I would expect a contract offer of $50M over seven years with a cap hit of around $7M per year. Sather will offer the most cash and term no doubt. Richards will also become a bigger profile star playing in New York and will have plenty of endorsement opportunities to supplement even more income. Richards and his family will be recognized in the community not like in Canada. The Rangers feel like they are a team on the rise with lots of young talent. Will Richards see himself as the missing piece?

Brian Burke has made his intentions this summer crystal clear. Add a star player to be the teams number one center. Burke has also gone on record by stating his disdain for long term front end loaded contracts like the Kovalchuk deal last summer. Burke has lots of cash and cap space to work with of course but his offer will likely be out bid by Rangers. Burke will offer a reasonable offer in the range of $40M over five years. A cap average of $8M per year but only for five years taking Richards to thirty six years old. Playing for the leafs will provide Richards with a life time of endorsement opportunities. Just ask Doug Gilmore and Wendel Clark. Living in Canada and being a hockey star means he will be recognized everywhere he goes. His kids will be well known at school as Brad Richards kids. Brian Burke feels like the Leafs are a good team. Burke recently said in a n interview that to win, a team needs two or three elite players. Currently the Leafs really have none. Richards is a legit star player and playing in Toronto would make Kessel a star and possibly Phaneuf as well. Richards would put the Leafs into a playoff position but not a cup contender. Can Burke sway Richards and add one or two more pieces?

Richards may choose to go back to his former team the Tampa Bay Lightning. He and his family would obviously be familiar and comfortable there. Richards has said he never wanted to leave. Tampa Bay was one win short of going to the Stanley Cup finals and his long time good friend and teammate Vincent Lecavalier is there. Money becomes the stumbling block for Richards to go back to Tampa. According to Cap Geek, tampa has eleven players signed and $23M cap space to work with. However, Stamkos is a RFA and will command top dollar in the Crosby Ovechkin range. Not to mention Lecavalier, St. Louis, Malone and Ohlund are already under long term deals. Can rookie GM Yzerman work the numbers and make an offer to Richards that both Yzerman can afford and Richards will accept?

Richards former GM Jay Feaster will see Richards as a dream option to center star winger Jerome Iginla. Flames only have $3M in cap space and seventeen players signed. Finding cap space for Richards will be challenging as almost all of Calgary's big ticket players have NMC in their contracts. Calgary feels like a veteran team capable of challenging for a cup run and Richards could push them over the top. Will Feaster clear cap space and make an offer? Will Richards be tempted to sign long term on a veteran team and will his family want to move from sunny Dallas to freezing Calgary?

Montreal Canadians may have the cap space to offer Richards by letting star defender Andrei Markov walk as a UFA. Montreal has long needed a true number one center and Richards clearly fills the bill. With $23M in cap space Gauthier has the cap space but has only ten players signed. Richards would take up at least seven of the available cap space leaving only $16M to sign at least nine players. Montreal does have plenty of young players who can cheaply fill out the roster, Pouliot, White, Desharnais, Pyatt and Leblanc. While Gauthier's offer may not be as much as what Rangers or Leafs can offer the endorsement opportunities will be rich as long as Richards speaks, or learns to speak French. Montreal is a good young team with a young core lead by Elite goalie Carey Price. Richards could lead the Habs back to the Stanley cup finals but will he do so for less money? Will he and his family be happy in a French speaking community?

Last year the Los Angeles Kings were the runner up in the Kovalchuk sweepstakes. Lombardi was unwilling to commit as much money and term as the Devils ultimately did. Will Lombardi be willing to do this summer what he was not last summer? With only $11M in cap and sixteen players signed Lombardi needs to resign RFA defender and franchise player Drew Doughty. Signing Doughty will eat up a big chunk of the teams long term cap making the timing to sign a big ticket UFA less than ideal. Richards would not have to move far and he and his family could continue to enjoy living in a warm climate in privacy. Richards signing in Los Angeles would move them into cup contention and he would make the Kings relevant the way Gretzky did to a lesser extent. With Kopitar, Stoll, Schen, and Loktionov already in the system do the Kings really need Richards? Will Lombardi be determined to not be outbid this time? Will Richards see the Kings as the best fit for him and his family?

Richards will have plenty of great options this summer as these and several other will make strong offers. The consensus favorite seems to be the New York Rangers, but do not count out Brian Burke. Ultimately it will be Richards decision and only time will tell where he plays and who is the winner of the Richards sweepstakes.
For more visit
http://fantasyhockeynerd.blogspot.co...-richards.html ]]> Coach Pharling http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?77-Brad-Richards-sweepstakes http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?76-Fantasy-hockey-is-key-to-NHL-success Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:50:40 GMT The NHL makes fantasy hockey possible. But does fantasy hockey make the NHL possible? Commissioner Gary Bettman has a vision for his NHL. To bring... The NHL makes fantasy hockey possible. But does fantasy hockey make the NHL possible?

Commissioner Gary Bettman has a vision for his NHL. To bring it from Canada and North eastern United States and make the sport of hockey a national sport of relevance. To compete with the NFL, NBA, and MLBA. By adding teams to the sun belt region from Florida to California and attempting to land a lucrative national television contract. The southern teams have had a lot of success as well with Tampa Bay, Anaheim, Dallas, and Carolina all winning the Stanley Cup. As Bettman was awarding the cup in Anaheim to thunderous applause I remember him stating "looks like hockey is alive and well in California!" While Carolina was on their two appearances in the Stanley cup finals the fans were tail gating at the arena during game day all day and into the night the way they do for Nascar and football. While this makes it clear there are hockey fans in southern cities and all across North America they are fair weather fans. Where are these fans when times are tough for their team?

In the Northern or "traditional" hockey markets the fans are much more committed. Fans there are loyal fans of their team but more significantly are fans of hockey. So how can the NHL breed fans of "hockey" and not just casual fans who only follow their local team? The answer is fantasy hockey. If you are reading this blog chances are you belong to a hockey pool. Even if your team sucks and is enduring a rebuild or awful season you still check the box scores daily and have a vested interest in the NHL. The best example I have ever seen for this is my father. A long time Leaf fan would watch if the Leafs were doing well, if not his interest was gone. Over the last two years he has joined my hockey pool. Since then he has joined two more and plays weekly free pools on CBC and other sites. Now he watches a game almost every night. Now he may even watch a game on T.V. and follow box scores on his lap top. Now he owns a jersey and shares season tickets. Now he is a "hockey" fan, more than just a leaf fan. And it is all because of fantasy hockey.

The most successful pro sport league in North America is the NFL . The main reason why is gambling. Fans love to be in NFL pools and suicide pools etc. Because of this the NFL enjoys major National television broadcasting revenues because fans love to watch games, even if their home team is not playing!

While the NHL makes fantasy hockey possible, fantasy hockey can fulfill Bettman's vision of the NHL. How can the NHL leverage fantasy hockey to be even as close to successful as the NFL? Perhaps a team in Las Vegas. If this is the formula how would you suggest the NHL executes? What would you do to grow fantasy hockey? ]]> Coach Pharling http://www.fantasyhockeycoach.com/entry.php?76-Fantasy-hockey-is-key-to-NHL-success