The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.

Ultimate Fantasy Pool Guide 2009-10

The Hockey News - Poolbook 2009

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0137-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0137-0140/9262079-1-eng-US/f0137-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>Jeff Carter had a true breakout season in which he lead the Philadelphia Flyers in goals (46) and the league in game-winning tallies (12).</b> <span class="photo-credit">(SCOTT CUNNINGHAM/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0137-0315/9262086-1-eng-US/f0137-032.jpg" title="f0137-03" width="218" height="233"></div><h2><b>GAME-WINNING GOALS</b></h2><p><b>1. JEFF CARTER, PHI</b>&nbsp;<b>12</b></p><p>2. Brad Boyes, StL <b>11</b></p><p>3. Patrick Marleau, SJ <b>10</b></p><p>- AlexanderOvechkin, Wsh <b>10</b></p><p>- PetrSykora, Pit <b>10</b></p><p>6. Derek Roy, Buf <b>9</b></p><p>7. Zach Parise, NJ <b>8</b></p><p>- CoreyPerry, Ana <b>8</b></p><p>- AlexanderSemin, Wsh <b>8</b></p><p>- JohanFranzen, Det <b>8</b></p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0137-0223/9262072-1-eng-US/f0137-022.jpg" title="f0137-02" width="2918" height="1748"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0137-01

IN THIS ISSUE

CLUTCH PERFORMANCES

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0136-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0136-0144/9262034-1-eng-US/f0136-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>Johan Hedberg played incredibly well in shootouts, contributing to the Atlanta Thrashers&rsquo; undefeated record in the extra session.</b> <span class="photo-credit">(DAVE SANDFORD/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0136-0312/9262041-1-eng-US/f0136-032.jpg" title="f0136-03" width="218" height="233"></div><p>* ROOKIES &#9633; NOTABLE PLAYERS</p><h2><b>SHOOTOUT SAVE PCT.</b></h2><p><b>1. JOHAN HEDBERG, ATL</b>&nbsp;<b>.923</b></p><p>2. Jonas Hiller, Ana <b>.839</b></p><p>3. *Pekka Rinne, Nsh <b>.792</b></p><p>- Dwayne Roloson, Edm <b>.792</b></p><p>5. Miikka Kiprusoff, Cgy <b>.786</b></p><p>6. Ryan Miller, Buf <b>.775</b></p><p>7. Kari Lehtonen, Atl <b>.773</b></p><p>8. Niklas Backstrom, Min <b>.762</b></p><p>9. Henrik Lundqvist, NYR <b>.750</b></p><p>- Scott Clemmensen, NJ <b>.750</b></p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0136-0224/9262027-1-eng-US/f0136-022.jpg" title="f0136-02" width="2918" height="1742"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0136-01

BREAKAWAY BRAINIAC

f0146-01

NHL PLAYER TRAITS

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-011250/9260050-1-eng-US/f0036-012.jpg" title="f0036-01" width="351" height="182"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-03683/9260043-1-eng-US/f0036-032.jpg" title="f0036-03" width="898" height="1478"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>HENRIK ZETTERBERG</b></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he deepest team in the league, Detroit has top talent up front, along the blueline and on special teams. Whether they pair Pavel Datsyuk with Henrik Zetterberg, or each centering their own line, the Wings boast a great offense. The overall defensive record and penalty-kill took a hit last season, but how much of that was due to an unsteady Chris Osgood? Most of the Wings remain relevant to poolies.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-02830/9260036-1-eng-US/f0036-022.jpg" title="f0036-02" width="639" height="1356"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>JAKUB KINDL</b> <span class="photo-credit">(JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-04541/9260029-1-eng-US/f0036-042.jpg" title="f0036-04" width="860" height="681"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-05458/9260022-1-eng-US/f0036-052.jpg" title="f0036-05" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-06403/9260015-1-eng-US/f0036-062.jpg" title="f0036-06" width="665" height="2791"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0036-01

DEPARTMENTS

WINGS KEEP ROLLING IN MOTOWN

<div class="byline">BY BRIAN COSTELLO</div><p>The economic notions of risk management and capital preservation are very much a part of hockey pools and fantasy leagues.</p><p>You select a basket of players for your fantasy pools like your financial advisor puts together a portfolio of stocks. And you desperately want it to perform. Pick high-risk players or stocks and you don&rsquo;t sleep so well at night. Take a conservative approach, you find yourself in the middle of the pack.</p><p>Our Ultimate Fantasy Pool Guide this year adopted icons on our player profile pages to help you target certain types of NHLers or to stay away from those that don&rsquo;t suit your drafting philosophy.</p><p>The Red Flag icon is the most obvious. Flagged players are prone to either injury, demotion or suspension. Sean Avery or Tim Connolly are obvious examples, but Stanley Cup hero Maxime Talbot and high draft pick Matt Duchene also qualify.</p><p>Rising Star and Trending Down icons provide commentary on which direction a player&rsquo;s offensive totals are moving. This is especially important in keeper pools. The UFA icon identifies players due for free agency next summer (2010). They tend to outperform in the final year of a contract.</p><p>The Bang for your Buck icon denotes players who produce beyond their monetary recompense, which is very useful in fantasy leagues with salary caps.</p><p>Other hockey pools have categories for penalty minutes and ice time, so watch the Sin-Bin (whistle) Guy (70 or more projected PIMs) and Ice-time Work Horse (skate) icons. And the PP icon shows you the guys who are sure to be on the first power play unit.</p><p>Use these icons, in addition to our point projections, to pick the fantasy team that best suits your pool and satisfies your risk/reward instinct.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-09191/9258596-1-eng-US/f0004-092.jpg" title="f0004-09" width="520" height="124"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-012108/9258589-1-eng-US/f0004-012.jpg" title="f0004-01" width="263" height="268"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-021786/9258582-1-eng-US/f0004-022.jpg" title="f0004-02" width="256" height="257"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-031443/9258575-1-eng-US/f0004-032.jpg" title="f0004-03" width="255" height="254"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-041115/9258568-1-eng-US/f0004-042.jpg" title="f0004-04" width="206" height="207"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-05889/9258561-1-eng-US/f0004-052.jpg" title="f0004-05" width="225" height="206"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-06536/9258554-1-eng-US/f0004-062.jpg" title="f0004-06" width="206" height="207"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-07337/9258547-1-eng-US/f0004-072.jpg" title="f0004-07" width="206" height="206"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-08222/9258540-1-eng-US/f0004-082.jpg" title="f0004-08" width="206" height="206"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-10135/9258533-1-eng-US/f0004-102.jpg" title="f0004-10" width="383" height="690"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0004-09

EIGHT NEW ICONS TO AID SELECTION

<div class="byline">BY KEN CAMPBELL</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0006-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-012332/9258679-1-eng-US/f0006-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(IM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES; HARRY HOW/GETTY IMAGES; JAMIE SABAU/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-021565/9258672-1-eng-US/f0006-022.jpg" title="f0006-02" width="163" height="190"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>H</span>AD</b>&nbsp;<b>A BRILLIANT IDEA THE NIGHT</b> of the NHL awards ceremony. Go to some of the greatest players on the planet and hit them with the following scenario: You&rsquo;re sitting there with your hand in the nacho bowl when you discover you&rsquo;ve won the lottery. You&rsquo;ve been awarded the first overall pick in your hockey pool. Who do you take &ndash; Evgeni Malkin, Alex Ovechkin or Sidney Crosby?</p><p>&ldquo;I would take Cristiano Ronaldo,&rdquo; deadpanned Pavel Datsyuk, who would make a pretty decent pick for any poolie himself.</p><p>&ldquo;Why can&rsquo;t I take a goalie first overall?&rdquo; asked Roberto Luongo.</p><p>When asked the same question, one award finalist went on about how he&rsquo;d take Crosby, then waxed poetically about how he&rsquo;d command so much respect and bring such an infectious winning attitude to the dressing room.</p><p>Some ideas turn out to be gold. Others land with a thud. Clearly, I wasn&rsquo;t going to get any help from these guys.</p><p>And boy, do I need help. With a few rare exceptions, I stay away from hockey pools and fantasy leagues the way Tyler Arnason avoids the corners. After all, there&rsquo;s the matter of (my opponents) having a huge competitive advantage. As such, I didn&rsquo;t realize there were about as many forms of pools and fantasy leagues out there as there are Ovechkin goal celebrations.</p><p>As it turns out, which player you select depends on the format of your league and how offense is weighted. In some pools you might take Malkin, in many others you&rsquo;d probably go with Ovechkin. And if you have a limited budget to build your fantasy team, you might stay away from all three of them.</p><p>Take THN stats guru Murray Townsend, for example. In this very publication, he predicts that Malkin will win the scoring championship, but acknowledges he would take Ovechkin first overall in his hockey pool.</p><p>&ldquo;All things considered, he&rsquo;s the least risky pick,&rdquo; Townsend said. &ldquo;And if you&rsquo;re in a pool where you get more points for goals and penalty minutes, you have to take him.&rdquo;</p><p>There are fantasy leagues that actually do not adhere to the socialist, everybody-gets-atrophy notion that a goal and assist are worth one point each. Some pools award more for goals, power play goals, game-winners and even shots. If that&rsquo;s the case, Ovechkin is a slam-dunk. If your pool puts a heavy emphasis on plus-minus, none of the three has a significant edge at this point in their careers, although Crosby was just plus-3 last season.</p><p>In his four years in the NHL, Ovechkin has scored 219 goals in 324 regular season games for an average of 0.68 goals per game, which would be the highest in NHL history if Ovechkin were to retire right now (Yes, we&rsquo;re well aware his goal production will decline in the latter years of his career, but we&rsquo;re trying to make a point here).</p><p>That&rsquo;s 87 more regular season goals than Crosby has scored over the same time period. With 132 goals in 290 career games, Crosby has averaged just 0.46 goals per game and with 115 in 242 games, Malkin has averaged 0.48 goals per game through the first three years of his career. Now the question with Crosby is, can he prove long term to be the goal-scorer he was in the playoffs when he led the league with 15? Expecting Crosby to suddenly go on a 51-goal pace in the regular season might be too much to ask, but it&rsquo;s a thought worth pondering.</p><p>When it comes to specialty goals, Ovechkin blows the other two away. Through his career, Ovechkin has scored 78 power play goals &ndash; never fewer than 16 in any single season &ndash; and 34 game-winners. Compare that to 42 power play goals for Crosby (and trending downward) and 16 game-winners and Malkin&rsquo;s 47 power play goals and 15 gamewinners. When it comes to shots, Ovechkin has averaged 448 per season, including 528 last season, the second-highest total of alltime. Crosby, meanwhile, has averaged more than 200 fewer shots than Ovechkin (235) per season, while Malkin has averaged 268.</p><p>And in terms of durability, Ovechkin has by far the best history of being able to stay in the lineup. Over four years in the league, Ovechkin has missed just four games and three of those came last season when he went back to Russia to visit his ailing grandfather. Crosby, meanwhile, has missed 38 games in four seasons and Malkin four in three years.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-012227/9258665-1-eng-US/f0008-012.jpg" title="f0008-01" width="626" height="909"><figcaption class="caption-body">1. Alex Ovechkin&rsquo;s penchant for scoring big goals at crucial times makes him the NHL&rsquo;s biggest fantasy stud. <span class="photo-credit">(OVECHKIN + MALKIN: GREGORY SHAMUS/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-021688/9258658-1-eng-US/f0008-022.jpg" title="f0008-02" width="626" height="909"><figcaption class="caption-body">2. Experts predict Evgeni Malkin will again win the scoring title this season, making him No. 2 on our list of players to pick.</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-031185/9258651-1-eng-US/f0008-032.jpg" title="f0008-03" width="627" height="909"><figcaption class="caption-body">3. If Sidney Crosby could stay healthy, he&rsquo;d bump Malkin; if he scored like he did in the playoffs, he&rsquo;d even bump Ovechkin. <span class="photo-credit">(CROSBY:DAVE REGINEK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p>In fact, it&rsquo;s Crosby&rsquo;s relative penchant for getting injured that probably makes him the No. 3 pick on the list of most pool experts.</p><p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;d love to say Crosby is No. 1, but because of the style of game he plays, you have to make him the third choice,&rdquo; said Digger Turnbull of Fantasy Sports Services. &ldquo;You know there&rsquo;s a good chance he&rsquo;s going to be on the shelf for some period of time.&rdquo;</p><p>Some hockey pools require participants to choose a certain number of players at each position and that makes Ovechkin even more valuable because he&rsquo;s a left winger, according to Darryl Dobbs, founder of <a href="http://dobberhockey.com">dobberhockey.com</a> and a regular contributor to THN. That, of course, would almost certainly make a scoring right winger such as Jarome Iginla more coveted.</p><p>&ldquo;Centermen are a dime a dozen,&rdquo; Dobbs said. &ldquo;There are probably 20 centermen capable of scoring 80 points a season, but when you go to left wingers, the list goes down to about 10.&rdquo;</p><p>And the numbers bear that notion out. Of the 17 players who had 80 points last year, 10 were listed as centermen, five were left wingers and two were right wingers.</p><p>You might be surprised that there are poolies who avoid all three superstars, simply because their pools run on a system where you have a finite number of dollars to spend per player and players such as The Big Three would take up too much of that space.</p><p>&ldquo;I wouldn&rsquo;t take any of them,&rdquo; Townsend said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;d let other people bid their faces off and I&rsquo;d take a bunch of decent scorers who would come at a decent price.&rdquo;</p><p>A buddy of mine who prefers his name not used describes himself as the Chris Chelios of hockey poolers. He used to work at THN and is still involved in the game. He has been involved in hockey pools for the past 15 years and is on such a bad run lately that, &ldquo;people just talk about me instead of fear me.&rdquo; But he has won his share of hockey pools and says in a league where players carry over from year to year, the secret is to get good, young talent at a low price so you can afford to carry a superstar such as Ovechkin, Malkin or Crosby.</p><p>&ldquo;A couple of years ago, a guy in our pool got Mike Cammalleri for a buck,&rdquo; my buddy said. &ldquo;If you&rsquo;ve got Cammalleri for a buck and you have $250 to spend on players, that gives you a cushion of $30 to $35 to spend on a guy. If you get a guy for $15 who can score 65-70 points, then you can add $35 bucks and overpay for Ovechkin.&rdquo;</p><p>So there you have it. Ovechkin is your man this season. But please, don&rsquo;t storm our offices and begin hitting us with a rolled-up version of this magazine if it doesn&rsquo;t work out for you and your pool.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0006-01

FEATURES

3 Star Selections

<p class="dropcap"><b><span>Y</span>OU MIGHT BE THINKING,</b> &ldquo;Hey THN, how do you come up with these crazy (Marian Gaborik, 85 points in 2009) or accurate (Mike Richards, 76 points) projections?&rdquo; Well, you&rsquo;re not alone.</p><p>While you&rsquo;re watching games, pool guru Murray Townsend is taking copious notes on players in preparation for next season. Townsend uses upwards of a dozen categories to project how many points a player will score, including age, team, linemates and personal history.</p><p>Of course, like all projections, there is a bit of instinct and gut feeling involved. One of Townsend&rsquo;s &ldquo;gut feeling&rdquo; picks, Ryan Potulny of Edmonton, never quite panned out like he thought. Nonetheless, that&rsquo;s why pencils have erasers.</p><p>One important factor is a player&rsquo;s spot on the depth chart. As Townsend explained, a first-liner on a weak team will still most likely outscore a second-line player on a strong team, due to more ice time and scoring opportunities. A first-line player will also be getting more time on special teams.</p><p>Another factor is a breakout season. Most players break out in their third or fourth season, similar to their junior careers. Townsend takes this into consideration by going through a player&rsquo;s history in order to predict his potential.</p><p>At the end of the season, Townsend spends a full day on each NHL team, going through his pages of notes, news clippings and scouting reports on every player, so you have the greatest chance to dominate your fantasy pool.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

FANTASY HOCKEY’S MAD SCIENTIST

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0010-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0010-012196/9258741-1-eng-US/f0010-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>Peter Mueller | Phoenix Coyotes</b> <span class="photo-credit">(JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p><b>+33</b></p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0010-021592/9258734-1-eng-US/f0010-022.jpg" title="f0010-02" width="1312" height="657"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0010-01

PEAKS, PLATEAUS AND VALLEYS

<p class="dropcap"><span>W</span>elcome to the 11th annual Ultimate Guide, dedicated to hockey pool and fantasy league players. Our pages are full of statistics and player projections to help you challenge for the championship in your season-long league. The following legend lists abbreviations for statistics and leagues that are found in player profiles, rosters and stats pages. Because our deadline was in mid-July, we were unable to link the final wave of free agents with their new teams. So players with NHL shields have projections based more on past production than any expected output with their new team. A list of unrestricted free agents at the time of our deadline appears on page 108. Enjoy the issue.</p><p><b>NHL TEAMS</b> Ana-Anaheim, Atl-Atlanta, Bos-Boston, Buf-Buffalo, Cgy-Calgary, Car-Carolina, Chi-Chicago, Col-Colorado, Clb-Columbus, Dal-Dallas, Det-Detroit, Edm-Edmonton, Fla-Florida, LA-Los Angeles, Min-Minnesota, Mtl-Montreal, Nsh-Nashville, NJ-New Jersey, NYI-New York Islanders, NYR-New York Rangers, Ott-Ottawa, Phi-Philadelphia, Pho-Phoenix, Pit-Pittsburgh, StL-St. Louis, SJ-San Jose, TB-Tampa Bay, Tor-Toronto, Van-Vancouver, Wsh-Washington.</p><p><b>MINOR PRO LEAGUES</b> AHL-American League (Albany, Binghamton, Bridgeport, Chicago, Grand Rapids, Hamilton, Hartford, Hershey, Houston, Iowa, Lake Erie, Lowell, Manchester, Manitoba, Milwaukee, Norfolk, Peoria, Philadelphia, Portland, Providence, Quad City, Rochester, Rockford, San Antonio, Springfield, Syracuse, Toronto, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Worcester), ECHL-(formerly known as East Coast League), IHL-International League, CHL-Central League, SPHL-Southern Professional League.</p><p><b>MAJOR JUNIOR</b> OHL-Ontario League, QMJHL-Quebec Major Junior League, WHL-Western League, USHL-United States League.</p><p><b>U.S. COLLEGES</b> CCHA-Central Collegiate Hockey Association, ECAC-Eastern College Athletic Conference, HE-Hockey East, WCHA-Western Collegiate Hockey Association.</p><p><b>EUROPE</b> Aus-Austria, Bel-Belarus, Cze or Czech-Czech Republic, Fin-Finland, Ger-Germany,  Kaz-Kazakhstan, Pol-Poland, Rus-Russia, Svk-Slovakia, Swe-Sweden, Swi or Switz or Sui-Switzerland, <b>OTHERS</b> WJC-World Junior Championship, USA (under-18) or USNTDP or USNT is the U.S. national team development program.</p><p><b>STATISTICS</b> A-assists, Adv-advantage, Avg-average, BMI-bench minors, D-defenseman, C-center, G-goals, GAA-goals-against average, GP-games played, GPG-goals per game, GK-goalkeeper, GT-gametying, GW-game-winning, Ht-height, H/R-home/road, L-losses, LEA-league, LWleft  winger, Min-minutes, Min/Pt-minutes per point, Pct-percentage, PPGApower play goals against, PIM-penalties in minutes, Pos-position, PP-power play, PPG-power play goals or points per game, Ptspoints, RW-right winger, S-shots, SA-shots against, SF-shots for, SH-shorthanded situations, Shshots on goal, SL-shootout losses, SO-shutouts, SP-shooting percentage or save percentage, T-ties, Tot-total, W-wins, Wt-weight, Yrs-years, +/-&ndash; plus-minus.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

Ultimate Guide to abbreviations

<div class="byline">By Ryan Kennedy</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0012-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-012143/9258901-1-eng-US/f0012-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>ANTON BABCHUK | CAROLINA HURRICANES</b> <span class="photo-credit">(ELSA/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>Y</span>OU</b>&nbsp;<b>WANT TO TAKE HIM.</b> The potential is certainly there, but so are the nagging questions. There&rsquo;s always at least one player per team who carries a &lsquo;high risk&rsquo; tag going into a new season and these guys are firmly in that camp. Whether it be due to injury, inconsistent play or simply a career coming to its end, there are a host of reasons the following NHLers are no sure things when it comes to production in 2009-10.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-021677/9259006-1-eng-US/f0012-022.jpg" title="f0012-02" width="89" height="81"></div><p><b>JONAS</b>&nbsp;<b>HILLER</b> &ndash; Great story in the playoffs, but Jiggy needs starts, too.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-031080/9258999-1-eng-US/f0012-032.jpg" title="f0012-03" width="89" height="81"></div><p><b>KARI LEHTONEN</b> &ndash; Conditioning and groin issues have hampered the goalie for most of his NHL career.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-04645/9258992-1-eng-US/f0012-042.jpg" title="f0012-04" width="89" height="89"></div><p><b>PATRICE BERGERON</b> &ndash; Concussions will always be a concern. Could be a bargain pick late or a bust pick early.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-05456/9258985-1-eng-US/f0012-052.jpg" title="f0012-05" width="88" height="88"></div><p><b>TIM CONNOLLY</b> &ndash; Hasn&rsquo;t played more than 63 games in one season since the lockout.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-06370/9258978-1-eng-US/f0012-062.jpg" title="f0012-06" width="92" height="90"></div><p><b>RENE BOURQUE</b> &ndash; Breakout year was shortened by injury, which is becoming a theme.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-07307/9258971-1-eng-US/f0012-072.jpg" title="f0012-07" width="91" height="83"></div><p><b>ANTON BABCHUK</b> &ndash; Great shot from the point, but a healthy scratch in the playoffs due to erratic play.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-08259/9258964-1-eng-US/f0012-082.jpg" title="f0012-08" width="85" height="89"></div><p><b>KRIS VERSTEEG</b> &ndash; Sophomore jinx always a consideration, especially after a long playoff run.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-09209/9258957-1-eng-US/f0012-092.jpg" title="f0012-09" width="90" height="90"></div><p><b>JOE SAKIC</b> &ndash; Burnaby Joe wants to gut it out until Olympics, but Avs offense runs through Paul Stastny now.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-10187/9258950-1-eng-US/f0012-102.jpg" title="f0012-10" width="89" height="92"></div><p><b>NIKITA FILATOV</b> &ndash; Lots of young talent in front of him; Jackets may not want to rush him into top-six minutes.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-11173/9258943-1-eng-US/f0012-112.jpg" title="f0012-11" width="91" height="86"></div><p><b>MIKE MODANO</b> &ndash; The return of Brenden Morrow and Brad Richards makes Mo a checking center for his 20th year.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-12149/9258936-1-eng-US/f0012-122.jpg" title="f0012-12" width="83" height="88"></div><p><b>TOMAS HOLMSTROM</b> &ndash; Injuries and wear-and-tear have seen Homer&rsquo;s points trend downward since 2005-06.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-13134/9258929-1-eng-US/f0012-132.jpg" title="f0012-13" width="85" height="90"></div><p><b>PATRICK O&rsquo;SULLIVAN</b> &ndash; Offensive production halved since arriving in Edmonton.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-14124/9258922-1-eng-US/f0012-142.jpg" title="f0012-14" width="88" height="87"></div><p><b>CORY STILLMAN</b> &ndash; Point-per-game days dried up quickly; injuries didn&rsquo;t help.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-15115/9258915-1-eng-US/f0012-152.jpg" title="f0012-15" width="89" height="88"></div><p><b>TEDDY PURCELL</b> &ndash; Will battle a slew of other youngsters for a roster spot; nothing guaranteed.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-16104/9258908-1-eng-US/f0012-162.jpg" title="f0012-16" width="89" height="86"></div><p><b>OWEN NOLAN</b> &ndash; A new regime will bring bigger weapons to the Wild table, cutting down opportunities.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-1787/9258894-1-eng-US/f0012-172.jpg" title="f0012-17" width="88" height="89"></div><p><b>SERGEI</b>&nbsp;<b>KOSTITSYN</b> &ndash; Flashes of brilliance dimmed by demotions last year.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-1875/9258887-1-eng-US/f0012-182.jpg" title="f0012-18" width="88" height="84"></div><p><b>STEVE SULLIVAN</b> &ndash; Great producer if his back holds up, but that&rsquo;s a big &lsquo;if.&rsquo;</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-1965/9258880-1-eng-US/f0012-192.jpg" title="f0012-19" width="86" height="87"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><p><b>BRIAN ROLSTON</b> &ndash; New Jersey homecoming hasn&rsquo;t been a success.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-2060/9258873-1-eng-US/f0012-202.jpg" title="f0012-20" width="86" height="87"></div><p><b>DOUG WEIGHT</b> &ndash; Brought back as a veteran presence; don&rsquo;t expect big points.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-2145/9258866-1-eng-US/f0012-212.jpg" title="f0012-21" width="91" height="89"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><p><b>CHRIS DRURY</b> &ndash; Numbers have declined ever since leaving Buffalo.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-2231/9258859-1-eng-US/f0012-222.jpg" title="f0012-22" width="88" height="89"></div><p><b>FILIP KUBA</b> &ndash; Season started better than it ended; groin troubles are ominous.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-2325/9258852-1-eng-US/f0012-232.jpg" title="f0012-23" width="90" height="89"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><p><b>MIKE RICHARDS</b> &ndash; Sure, he&rsquo;s young, but surgery on both shoulders?</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-2419/9258845-1-eng-US/f0012-242.jpg" title="f0012-24" width="90" height="94"></div><p><b>KYLE TURRIS</b> &ndash; Still finding his pro game; trip back to San Antonio possible.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-2518/9258838-1-eng-US/f0012-252.jpg" title="f0012-25" width="93" height="102"></div><p><b>SERGEI GONCHAR</b> &ndash; Long playoff run and lingering injuries something to keep an eye on.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-2617/9258831-1-eng-US/f0012-262.jpg" title="f0012-26" width="89" height="89"></div><p><b>PAUL KARIYA</b> &ndash; Lightning when he&rsquo;s healthy, but hip prob lems often lead to other ailments.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-2717/9258824-1-eng-US/f0012-272.jpg" title="f0012-27" width="88" height="89"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><p><b>ROB BLAKE</b> &ndash; Great campaign, but age is a factor looking forward.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-2815/9258817-1-eng-US/f0012-282.jpg" title="f0012-28" width="83" height="88"></div><p><b>RYAN MALONE</b> &ndash; Durability has eluded Malone; yet to escape an NHL season injury-free.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-2914/9258810-1-eng-US/f0012-292.jpg" title="f0012-29" width="87" height="89"></div><p><b>LEE STEMPNIAK</b> &ndash; Production dried up once the former Blues sniper reached T.O.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-3014/9258803-1-eng-US/f0012-302.jpg" title="f0012-30" width="88" height="91"></div><p><b>KYLE WELLWOOD</b> &ndash; Great skills marred by long stretches of dormancy and demotion from the top-six forward corps.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-3114/9258796-1-eng-US/f0012-312.jpg" title="f0012-31" width="91" height="86"></div><p><b>JOSE THEODORE</b> &ndash; Ascension of Simeon Varlamov means fewer starts for inconsistent &rsquo;keeper.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p></div>

f0012-01

DRAFT MUSTS OR DRAFT BUSTS?

<div class="byline">By Sam McCaig</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0014-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-012119/9259051-1-eng-US/f0014-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>ALEX OVECHKIN | WASHINGTON CAPITALS</b> <span class="photo-credit">(GRAIG ABEL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p><b>DESPITE ITS SELF-DEPRECATING</b> name, there&rsquo;s nothing funny about a mock draft.</p><p>It&rsquo;s serious business, these fantasy pools, and even a dry run deserves patient preparation, an overall strategy and a thoughtful selection process.</p><p>So, in an effort to give poolies some advance insight into the NHL&rsquo;s big-time point producers in 2009-10, The Hockey News conducted a mock draft during the off-season. Hey, we&rsquo;re here to help, right?</p><p>Ten of THN&rsquo;s most decorated hockey pool veterans walked stoically into the boardroom, each armed with reams of research and their own unique draft approach. With 10 players per team, a total of 100 NHLers were chosen. We went with the basic, old-school pool: total points, with no injury allowances. Every pick counted, so you couldn&rsquo;t afford to take too many boom-or-bust Marian Gaborik types. (The gunner with the gimpy groin was a seventh round pick; a steal if he&rsquo;s healthy, a headache if he&rsquo;s not.)</p><p>The usual suspects were snapped up quickly in the first round, but there were a couple of surprises, too. THN writer Ryan Kennedy grabbed Alex Ovechkin with the first overall pick, and added Eric Staal at the end of the second round to boast a pair of potential 100-point players. Evgeni Malkin, the league&rsquo;s leading scorer in 2008-09, was taken at No. 2 by art director Jamie Hodgson and <a href="http://THN.com">THN.com</a> editor Edward Fraser took Malkin&rsquo;s Penguins teammate, Sidney Crosby, third overall.</p><p>Then things got a little ducked up.</p><p>With the No. 4 pick, THN editor John &lsquo;Griggsy&rsquo; Grigg put his first round faith in Anaheim center Ryan Getzlaf, an underthe-radar West Coaster who racked up 91 points last season at age 23. Poolbook editor Brian Costello joined Griggsy in California, making San Jose&rsquo;s Joe Thornton the No. 5 selection. Senior THN writer Ken Campbell took the high road with Jarome Iginla at No. 6, before THN writer Ryan Dixon stunned the crowd and grabbed Washington&rsquo;s Alex Semin seventh overall. If you look closely, however, Dixon&rsquo;s Cap in hand makes sense: Semin piled up 79 points in just 62 games last season for a 1.27 points-per-game average, fifth overall.</p><p>THN editor Sam McCaig (That&rsquo;s me!) chose Pavel Datsyuk at No. 8, and added Datsyuk&rsquo;s Detroit teammate, Henrik Zetterberg, in the second round (and also selected Wings power forward Johan Franzen in Round 5).</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0015-011878/9259044-1-eng-US/f0015-012.jpg" title="f0015-01" width="1449" height="980"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>THN BOARDROOM | MOCK DRAFT 2009</b></figcaption></div><p>Rory Boylen, a <a href="http://THN.com">THN.com</a> editor, went with Ilya Kovachuk at No. 9 overall, and THN editor-in-chief Jason Kay, with the final first round pick, grabbed Vincent Lecavalier and then kicked off Round 2 with Marc Savard.</p><p>As pools tend to do, the selecting slowed down a bit after that, but the Marian Hossas (17th overall), Jeff Carters (22nd), Mike Greens (37th) and Phil Kessels (53rd) of the world were claimed in due time. The Sedin twins, as you&rsquo;d expect, were taken with back-to-back selections late in the second round, while longawaited junior prodigy John Tavares lasted until the first pick of Round 5, when he joined Ovechkin on Kennedy&rsquo;s goal-centric squad. Last year&rsquo;s No. 1 overall pick in the NHL draft, Tampa Bay&rsquo;s Steven Stamkos, was chosen two picks after Tavares, joining Crosby (and Gaborik) on Fraser&rsquo;s club.</p><p>Fittingly, Joe Sakic &ndash; who had already played two NHL seasons before Tavares was born in 1990 &ndash; was the final pick by Kay. Because he&rsquo;s the boss and because we need a regular paycheck more than we need a victory in the mock pool, we let Mr. Kay change that pick a few weeks later to Paul Kariya when Sakic decided to hang up the blades.</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0015-021334/9259037-1-eng-US/f0015-022.jpg" title="f0015-02" width="1227" height="834"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(JAMIE HODGSON/THN)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b>THN&rsquo;s TOP10</b></h2><p>Here&rsquo;s how the top 10 picks in THN&rsquo;s 2009-10 draft unfolded. Compare it against your list.</p><p><b>1. Alex Ovechkin</b><br><b>2. Evgeni Malkin</b><br><b>3. Sidney Crosby</b><br><b>4. Ryan Getzlaf</b><br><b>5. Joe Thornton</b><br><b>6. Jarome Iginla</b><br><b>7. Alex Semin</b><br><b>8. Pavel Datsyuk</b><br><b>9. Ilya Kovalchuk</b><br><b>10. Vincent Lecavalier</b></p><h2><b>THE REST OF THE</b>&nbsp;<b>TOP 100</b></h2><h3><b>2ND ROUND</b></h3><p>11. Savard</p><p>12. Backstrom</p><p>13. Zetterberg</p><p>14. Spezza</p><p>15. Parise</p><p>16. Heatley</p><p>17. Hossa</p><p>18. D. Sedin</p><p>19. H. Sedin</p><p>20. E. Staal</p><h3><b>3RD ROUND</b></h3><p>21. St-Louis</p><p>22. J. Carter</p><p>23. Vanek</p><p>24. M. Richards</p><p>25. Perry</p><p>26. Nash</p><p>27. Ribeiro</p><p>28. Toews</p><p>29. Kopitar</p><p>30. Marleau</p><h3><b>4TH ROUND</b></h3><p>31. P. Kane</p><p>32. Alfredsson</p><p>33. M. Koivu</p><p>34. Krejci</p><p>35. D. Roy</p><p>36. Cammalleri</p><p>37. M. Green</p><p>38. Havlat</p><p>39. Pominville</p><p>40. P. Stastny</p><h3><b>5TH ROUND</b></h3><p>41. Tavares</p><p>42. Doan</p><p>43. Stamkos</p><p>44. Hemsky</p><p>45. Gagne</p><p>46. Setoguchi</p><p>47. McDonald</p><p>48. Franzen</p><p>49. B. Little</p><p>50. Elias</p><h3><b>6TH ROUND</b></h3><p>51. Arnott</p><p>52. Wolski</p><p>53. Kessel</p><p>54. Ray Whitney</p><p>55. S. Kozlov</p><p>56. Gomez</p><p>57. B. Ryan</p><p>58. Connolly</p><p>59. Boyes</p><p>60. P. Bergeron</p><h3><b>7TH ROUND</b></h3><p>61. Berglund</p><p>62. J. Eriksson</p><p>63. Gaborik</p><p>64. Morrow</p><p>65. O. Jokinen</p><p>66. Zajac</p><p>67. Markov</p><p>68. Briere</p><p>69. Lidstrom</p><p>70. Booth</p><h3><b>8TH ROUND</b></h3><p>71. Sullivan</p><p>72. Gagner</p><p>73. Sharp</p><p>74. Brassard</p><p>75. Kunitz</p><p>76. Langenbrunner</p><p>77. B. Richards</p><p>78. T. White</p><p>79. J. Blake</p><p>80. Horton</p><h3><b>9TH ROUND</b></h3><p>81. Phaneuf</p><p>82. Backes</p><p>83. Streit</p><p>84. Hudler</p><p>85. Dumont</p><p>86. Versteeg</p><p>87. Horcoff</p><p>88. Huselius</p><p>89. Frolov</p><p>90. Tanguay</p><h3><b>10TH ROUND</b></h3><p>91. Kariya</p><p>92. Oshie</p><p>93. Weiss</p><p>94. D. Boyle</p><p>95. D. Ryder</p><p>96. Langkow</p><p>97. D. Brown</p><p>98. Clowe</p><p>99. Chara</p><p>100. Plekanec<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0014-01

YOUR GUIDELINE TO A BIG PAYDAY

<div class="byline">By Ryan Kennedy</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0016-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-011893/9259103-1-eng-US/f0016-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>RYAN GETZLAF | ANAHEIM DUCKS</b> <span class="photo-credit">(GETZLAF: DEBORA ROBINSON/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>T</span>HEY ARE FAN FAVORITES</b> for the way the they stick up for teammates and whip an arena into a fury with their fists, but not every player who drops the gloves is a one-trick pony. Far from it, in fact. Some of the most dynamic young skaters in the league today can amass both penalties and points, making them a double-threat in pools that count PIMs.</p><p>Anaheim&rsquo;s Ryan Getzlaf spent most of 2008-09 establishing himself as the premier power forward in the Western Conference and did so by getting on the scoresheet in a variety of categories. Linemate Corey Perry can also bounce between skill and brawn, while David Backes, part of the St. Louis Blues youth movement, ranked better than anyone.</p><p>The wild card? Sean Avery, of course. Thanks to a league decree, Avery only played half the season. But now that he&rsquo;s back with the Blueshirts, expect the NHL&rsquo;s No. 1 agitator to put up double the points and PIMs as he drives New York fans wild and New York opponents crazy.</p><p>But where do you draw the line between a tough hombre and a no-talent thug?</p><p>For pool purposes, a valuable player must put up at least 40 points a season, even in a deep draft. Here are the best combo players from last season with minimum 40-point potential.</p><h2><b>PIMS AND POINTS</b></h2><p><b>(with 2008-09 totals)</b></p><p>These guys can be relied on to give you both PIMs and points, year after year.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-031079/9259096-1-eng-US/f0016-032.jpg" title="f0016-03" width="116" height="252"><figcaption class="caption-body" style="width: 116px"><span class="photo-credit">(BURROWS: NICK DIDLICK/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p>1. David Backes, STL &ndash; 165 pims, 54 pts</p><p>2. Ryan Getzlaf, ANA &ndash; 121, 91</p><p>3. Sean Avery, NYR &ndash; 111, 22 (41 gp)</p><p>4. Scott Hartnell, PHI &ndash; 143, 60</p><p><b>5. Alexandre Burrows, VAN &ndash; 150, 51</b></p><p>6. Steve Ott, DAL &ndash; 135, 46</p><p>7. Corey Perry, ANA &ndash; 109, 72</p><p>8. Milan Lucic, BOS &ndash; 136, 42</p><p>9. Brandon Dubinsky, NYR &ndash; 112, 41</p><p>10. Dion Phaneuf, CGY &ndash; 100, 47</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>LOOK OUT FOR&hellip;</b></h2><p>Whether they were injured last season or not fully established, we expect these guys to put up decent totals in both PIMs and points this season.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-021458/9259089-1-eng-US/f0016-022.jpg" title="f0016-02" width="232" height="505"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(BOGOSIAN: SCOTT CUNNINGHAM/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p>1. Brenden Morrow, DAL</p><p>2. Dustin Byfuglien, CHI</p><p>3. David Clarkson, NJ</p><p><b>4. Zach Bogosian, ATL</b></p><p>5. Daniel Carcillo, PHI</p><p>6. Chris Neil, OTT</p><p>7. Ethan Moreau, EDM</p><p>8. Ben Eager, CHI</p><p>9. Victor Hedman TB</p><p>10. Colin Wilson, NSH</p><h2><b>NO PIMS</b></h2><p>If you&rsquo;re in a fantasy league that gives you credit for both offense and PIMs, here&rsquo;s a list of point-getters who won&rsquo;t give you any help in the PIMs department.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-04814/9259082-1-eng-US/f0016-042.jpg" title="f0016-04" width="242" height="549"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(BRUNNSTROM: DAVE SANDFORD/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p>1. Kyle Wellwood, VAN &ndash; 4 pims</p><p>2. Niklas Hagman, TOR &ndash; 4</p><p><b>3. Fabian Brunnstrom, DAL &ndash; 8</b></p><p>4. Tomas Kaberle, TOR &ndash; 8</p><p>5. Viktor Kozlov, WSH &ndash; 16</p><p>6. Jiri Hudler, DET &ndash; 16</p><p>7. Patrik Berglund, STL &ndash; 16</p><p>8. Mikkel Boedker, PHX &ndash; 18</p><p>9. Joe Corvo, CAR &ndash; 18</p><p>10. Steven Reinprecht, PHX &ndash; 20<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0016-01

THE BEST OF THE BADDEST

<div class="byline">By Jordan Samery</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0018-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-011769/9259134-1-eng-US/f0018-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>DAVID CLARKSON | NEW JERSEY DEVILS</b> <span class="photo-credit">(BRUCE BENNETT/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>W</span>HILE MANY HOCKEY POOLS COUNT</b> penalty minutes as a singular category &ndash; raising the value of productive bad boys such as Sean Avery and Scott Hartnell &ndash; more leagues are beginning to count fighting majors as a category unto itself. So whose value benefits the most in these leagues?</p><p>The 2008-09 season saw fighting return to its pre-lockout numbers with an average of 0.6 fights per game and bouts in more than 41 percent of the games played. As a result, NHL heavyweights are becoming more important to poolies everywhere.</p><p>The players below won&rsquo;t generate much in the way of offense, but they will drop the gloves regularly, providing you with fighting numbers. And, almost as important, these pugilists are not prone to being healthy scratches like other designated fighters out there.</p><h2><b>1</b>&nbsp;<b>David Clarkson, NJ</b></h2><p>Not only did Clarkson finish in the NHL&rsquo;s top-10 with 20 fighting majors last season, he was the only league heavyweight with at least 20 bouts who also dressed in all 82 games. Very reliable fists.</p><h2><b>2</b>&nbsp;<b>Jared Boll, Clb</b></h2><p>Boll finished second in the NHL in 2008-09 with 24 fights while dressing in 75 games. He figures to continue playing a big part in Columbus&rsquo; resurgence by adding some muscle and intimidation to the heart of Ohio.</p><h2><b>3</b>&nbsp;<b>Daniel Carcillo, Phi</b></h2><p>Brought to Philly at the trade deadline last year to re-bullify Broad Street, Carcillo finished the year with 22 fights in 74 games. His salary of less than a million dollars is a sight for sore eyes to a team bumpin&rsquo; its noggin up against the salary cap.</p><h2><b>4</b>&nbsp;<b>Colton Orr, Tor</b></h2><p>The Leafs are in for a treat with this bruiser. The 6-foot-3, 223-pound Orr played in all 82 games for the Broadway Blueshirts last season and his ability to change the momentum of a game with his fists will surely keep him in Ron Wilson&rsquo;s lineup on a regular basis.</p><h2><b>5</b>&nbsp;<b>George Parros, Ana</b></h2><p>By signing Parros to an extension through 2011-12, the Ducks made a statement that this Princeton grad is in Anaheim to stay. Expect Parros to equal or better his 2008-09 total of 23 fights in 74 games.</p><h2><b>6</b>&nbsp;<b>Zack Stortini, Edm</b></h2><p>The reason last year&rsquo;s NHL fighting leader doesn&rsquo;t crack our top five is he has issues staying in the lineup. It&rsquo;s yet to be decided what style of game Edmonton&rsquo;s new coach, Pat Quinn, will want to play and if Stortini will fit into his plan. But if he does suit up on a more regular basis, watch out.</p><h2><b>7</b>&nbsp;<b>Krys Barch, Dal</b></h2><p>Signed through the end of this season at near the NHL&rsquo;s minimum salary, Barch was a cheap means of recouping the loss in aggression when Sean Avery was chased out of town. His plus-one rating was also tied for eighth best on the team, so his defensive play isn&rsquo;t too much of a concern for the Stars.</p><h2><b>8</b>&nbsp;<b>B.J Crombeen, RFA</b></h2><p>The wildcard of the group, Crombeen&rsquo;s 16 bouts are this list&rsquo;s lowest total from last year. But Crombeen contributed in other ways, scoring 12 goals in 81 games for the Blues. Whoever signs this masher is going to have a tough time keeping him out of the lineup.</p><h2><b>9</b>&nbsp;<b>Riley Cote, Phi</b></h2><p>Despite tying for fourth with 22 fights last season, Cote had trouble staying healthy, missing nearly 20 games due to injuries. He contributes almost no offense, but Cote is a true heavyweight who looks for and takes on all comers. His ice time is limited, but when he&rsquo;s out there knuckles are usually chucked.</p><h2><b>10</b>&nbsp;<b>Eric Godard, Pit</b></h2><p>Despite finishing with 21 fights, Godard&rsquo;s inability to contribute anything other than toughness made it tough for him to find playing time. In fact, during 71 games, Godard never cracked the eight-minute mark in ice time and played fewer than five minutes 55 times. Godard&rsquo;s playing time decreased even more once Dan Bylsma took over behind the bench, so buyer beware.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0018-01

THE PUNCH YOUR POOL TEAM NEEDS

<div class="byline">By Rory Boylen</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-011527/9259165-1-eng-US/f0020-012.jpg" title="f0020-01" width="664" height="793"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>I</span>N THE SALARY CAP WORLD,</b> young players are being given more chances than ever to crack big-league rosters and, in many cases, the kids explode onto the scene.</p><p>From a fantasy standpoint, rookies can help nudge you into first place or, if relied on too much, can cause you to plummet. The trick is to find a middle ground, mixing the stars of tomorrow with the veterans of today &ndash; one for reliable scoring to prop your team up, the other for an enthusiastic punch to give your squad a lift.</p><p>It&rsquo;s sometimes difficult to project which rookies will shine the brightest or even which rookies will make their teams. Last year, our fantasy guru Murray Townsend had Steven Stamkos rated as the top scoring rookie at 63 points, with Kyle Turris, Fabian Brunnstrom and Kyle Okposo as the next hottest first-year players. While three of those four finished in the top-15 in rookie scoring, but it was surprising to see Bobby Ryan, Kris Versteeg and Mikhail Grabovski adapt so quickly and so well to NHL life.</p><p>This year, our top rookie is 2009 No. 1 draft pick John Tavares. His biggest challenger is Nikita Filatov from Columbus. The slight 19-year-old still has the body of an adolescent, but one look at Filatov&rsquo;s skill set will show you why he will be sought-after in fantasy circles.</p><p>&ldquo;He has the ability to be a game breaker,&rdquo; one pro scout said. &ldquo;I think he may be a year away from being a game-breaker, but he&rsquo;s going to be one.&rdquo;</p><p>And not only is there a strong crop of rookies who were drafted prior to 2009, but this year&rsquo;s strong draft class will add some intrigue as Tavares, Victor Hedman, Matt Duchene and even Evander Kane are believed by many to be NHL-ready.</p><p>&ldquo;Tavares will have the most success because that team has a dearth of goal-scoring, so he&rsquo;s going to get every opportunity,&rdquo; the scout said.</p><p>Choose wisely, but don&rsquo;t put all your eggs in one basket. After all, some of these chickens may not yet be quite ready to hatch.</p><h2><b>1. JOHN TAVARES &ndash; C, 18, NYI, 61 POINTS</b></h2><p>Some have called his skating ability into question, but there is no doubt this guy possesses a goal-scoring ability that is hard to find. He&rsquo;ll get minutes and chances, so he&rsquo;s worth the pick.</p><h2><b>2. NIKITA FILATOV &ndash; LW, 19, CLB, 53 POINTS</b></h2><p>Filatov needs to muscle up in the summer to get the most out of his elite-level skill set, but his brief showing in the NHL last year, in which he scored four goals, is a testament to just how good this kid is.</p><h2><b>3. CODY HODGSON &ndash; C, 19, VAN, 52 POINTS</b></h2><p>So close to making the Canucks out of camp last year, Hodgson returned to the OHL and was the best player in major junior. He&rsquo;ll step right into the Vancouver lineup in a top-six forward role and become a two-way force.</p><h2><b>4. EVANDER KANE &ndash; C, 18, ATL, 50 POINTS</b></h2><p>Even though he&rsquo;s a fitness freak, Kane still needs to add bulk to be consistently competitive in the NHL. He could use another year of seasoning in the WHL, but the temptation to slot him among the Thrashers&rsquo; top two lines, perhaps with Ilya Kovalchuk, is very tempting.</p><h2><b>5. MATT DUCHENE &ndash; C, 18, COL, 48 POINTS</b></h2><p>Compare him to whomever you want &ndash; Steve Yzerman or Joe Sakic &ndash; but Duchene plays a smart, two-way game at a speed few can keep up to. One scout believed he would step right into Colorado&rsquo;s lineup because his skill set fits in perfectly with what the Avs need.</p><h2><b>6. MATT GILROY &ndash; D, 25, NYR, 45 POINTS</b></h2><p>An undrafted walk-on to Boston University four years ago, Gilroy signed as a free agent and has the size and maturity to step right in. The one thing to watch for is how he adapts to an 82-game schedule from a 45 gamer.</p><h2><b>7. COLIN WILSON &ndash; C, 19, NSH, 44 POINTS</b></h2><p>As with Tavares, foot speed is a minor concern with Wilson, but one scout described him as an ox who has been preparing his whole life for this. &ldquo;I think he&rsquo;s going to come in and do real well, that kid&rsquo;s a player,&rdquo; the scout said.</p><h2><b>8. VICTOR HEDMAN &ndash; D, 18, TB, 41 POINTS</b></h2><p>The towering draft star has the defensive awareness integral to success at his position, but his first-pass ability and booming shot give him a two-way game that translates to immediate success. He had 21 points in 43 games against men in Sweden last year.</p><h2><b>9. TYLER BOZAK &ndash; C, 23, TOR, 35 POINTS</b></h2><p>Bozak is a big, mature kid who was signed as a free agent out of the college ranks. The question about Bozak is how he bounces back from a knee injury last season and, like Gilroy, how he adapts to an 82-game schedule.</p><h2><b>10. ARTEM ANISIMOV &ndash; C, 21, NYR, 34 POINTS</b></h2><p>He has the flashy skill of a European and the hard-nose of a North American. One scout said he&rsquo;s the best of this bunch and will explode as a rookie if his hybrid game strikes a nice balance.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0020-01

GET THESE KIDS NOW BEFORE THEY BLOOM

<div class="byline">By Ryan Kennedy</div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>I</span>F YOU&rsquo;RE SERIOUS ABOUT WINNING A POOL,</b> there can be no such thing as a throwaway pick. No matter how many empty Doritos bags litter the floor, no matter how rank the draft room smells, there will always be overlooked gems out there.</p><p>In 2008-09, Kris Versteeg was lightning for the Chicago Blackhawks, tallying 53 points in 78 games as a rookie and making Boston GM Peter Chiarelli look silly for dealing the youngster for Brandon Bochenski in 2007.</p><p>Similarly, bubble NHLer Rich Peverley was a blast once he hopped to Atlanta from Nashville mid-season, striking up a mutually beneficial relationship with Thrashers star Ilya Kovalchuk. The previously unknown Peverley lit up the scoreboard for 35 points in 39 games in Atlanta.</p><p>But who are the dark horses for 2009-10? As always, there will be a mix of youth and veterans vying for the title. Sometimes all it takes is a little depth chart shake-up and all of a sudden a player turns it on. Here are possibilities:</p><p><b>PETR PRUCHA, RW &ndash; PHOENIX</b> Armed with a new two-year contract and confidence he&rsquo;s playing on a team that actually wants him, the former New York Ranger can provide at least 40 points to a fantasy lineup thanks to his quick hands. A dearth of experience in Phoenix will also give Prucha ample opportunity to strike offensive gold.</p><p><b>TOMAS FLEISCHMANN, LW &ndash; WASHINGTON</b> With attrition to Russia thinning the ranks up front, Fleishmann will get the chance to prove himself as a top-six forward. When he does, the points will pile up on an offensively charged Caps squad.</p><p><b>TRENT HUNTER, RW &ndash; NY ISLANDERS</b> John Tavares needs wingers and Hunter does have a top-six forward pedigree. The veteran right winger also has size and experience, so it&rsquo;s not hard to picture him improving greatly on his 31-point performance last year.</p><p><b>ANDREW EBBETT, C &ndash; ANAHEIM</b> Ending the season on a great run, Ebbett was Teemu Selanne&rsquo;s center once the Getzlaf-Perry-Ryan train was truly running wild. The Ducks are thin up front and based on his point-pergame pace from last year, Ebbett is good for at least 50 points in &rsquo;09-10.</p><p><b>TIM KENNEDY, LW &ndash; BUFFALO</b> The Sabres have a habit of drafting and developing players quickly and efficiently. Kennedy, fresh off his rookie pro season with AHL Portland, looks to be the next in line. The former Michigan State Spartan tied for the Pirates lead in scoring with 67 points in 73 games and he was born in Buffalo, to boot.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0021-011244/9259196-1-eng-US/f0021-012.jpg" title="f0021-01" width="685" height="1236"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>JOHN MITCHELL | TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS</b> <span class="photo-credit">(GRAIG ABEL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p><b>JOHN MITCHELL, C &ndash; TORONTO</b> Mitchell grew leaps and bounds as the season went on in Toronto, pushing his way up to top-six duty on a depleted forward corps. Since the Buds are still rebuilding, look for Mitchell to continue his late-season production rate of a point every two games.</p><p><b>RYAN JONES, RW &ndash; NASHVILLE</b> After a 46-game tryout with the Preds in &rsquo;08-09, Jones is ready to make a great second impression as a sophomore. With a shortage of elite talent up front in Nashville, Jones at least has the size and offensive chops to be a solid contributor.</p><p><b>DENIS GREBESHKOV, D &ndash; EDMONTON</b> A couple minor injuries prevented Grebeshkov from breaking the 40-point barrier last season, but his point-per-game average has increased the past three campaigns. Look for more of the same this year.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0021-01

FANTASY HOCKEY MONEY ROUNDS

<div class="byline">By Adam Proteau</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0022-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-011415/9259234-1-eng-US/f0022-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>Ilya Kovalchuk will be the most coveted free agent next summer. You can bet he&rsquo;ll be out to produce for the Thrashers this season.</b> <span class="photo-credit">(SCOTT CUNNINGHAM/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>T</span>HE NHL&rsquo;S 2009 CLASS</b> of unrestricted free agents wasn&rsquo;t filled with marquee players. Although a lot can happen in the next 12 months &ndash; contract extensions and/or trades &ndash; the names of players available to the highest bidder in 2010 are more appealing.</p><p>Some pool experts believe you should load your fantasy team this season with as many pending 2010 UFAs as possible; the belief being they have more to play for than just team objectives and the love of the game. The more productive they are in 2009-10, the richer their payday is in 2010. It&rsquo;s not a completely proven theory, but in many cases it does happen.</p><p>With Rick Nash locked up long term in Columbus, here are 2010&rsquo;s top 10 pending unrestricted free agent forwards (at least, from a fantasy pool player&rsquo;s perspective):</p><p><b>ILYA KOVALCHUK (Atlanta)</b> Kovalchuk is the most coveted potential free agent in 2010. The Thrashers will do everything they can to retain his services, but GM Don Waddell & Co. need to demonstrate serious on-ice progress this season to keep the interest of their star sniper.</p><p>Without such a demonstration, Waddell will have to consider dealing Kovalchuk at the trade deadline.</p><p>&ldquo;Kovalchuk&rsquo;s body language has gotten worse and worse every year he&rsquo;s been in Atlanta,&rdquo; said a former NHL GM. &ldquo;Let&rsquo;s say the Thrashers crap-out early again; I don&rsquo;t think (Waddell) can keep (Kovalchuk) &ndash; and since there&rsquo;s no chance he lets him walk away for nothing in return, &lsquo;Kovie&rsquo; is at the top of my list of players most likely to be traded.&rdquo;</p><p><b>MARC SAVARD (Boston)</b> When Savard left Atlanta in 2006 to sign a four-year, $20-million contract with the Bruins, some thought it was a significant gamble on Boston&rsquo;s behalf.</p><p>Three years later &ndash; after Savard&rsquo;s development into an elite twoway forward &ndash; it was far from a gamble. But, thanks to the Bruins&rsquo; wealth of great young talent, re-signing the 32-year-old Savard will be difficult.</p><p>&ldquo;Where (Savard) goes hinges on how many years he wants,&rdquo; the former GM said. &ldquo;He&rsquo;ll get a slight raise, but if he&rsquo;s looking for one last big payday on a four-or-five-year deal, his choices will be limited.&rdquo;</p><p><b>PATRICK MARLEAU (San Jose)</b> The Sharks&rsquo; captain may already have been traded by the time you read this. Yet even if San Jose GM Doug Wilson keeps Marleau around, his expiring contract, as well as his hockey skills, will keep the veteran center in high demand.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0023-011250/9259227-1-eng-US/f0023-012.jpg" title="f0023-01" width="673" height="956"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(BRUCE BENNETT/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p><b>ALEX FROLOV (Los Angeles)</b> Another player in high demand, Frolov will be only 28 when he reaches UFA status. The left winger&rsquo;s scoring inconsistencies from season to season will surely temper teams&rsquo; interests in signing him to a huge deal, but he&rsquo;ll be a top-six winger for some team.</p><p><b>OLLI JOKINEN (Calgary)</b> Jokinen finally broke his playoff drought after being dealt to Calgary last season, but questions about his worth to a contending team remain. He&rsquo;ll be nearly 32 by the start of 2010-11, but will be able to contribute offensive numbers to any poolie&rsquo;s cause. He hasn&rsquo;t been the same player since leaving Florida and has a lot to prove playing in the Western Conference.</p><p><b>MILAN HEJDUK (Colorado)</b> The Avalanche winger celebrates his 34th birthday in February &ndash; and the Avs&rsquo; current rebuild may force him out of Denver for more competitive pastures. No matter where he plays, you can mark him down for at least 25 goals and as many assists if he gets quality ice time.</p><p><b>ANTOINE VERMETTE (Columbus)</b> Vermette thrived after the Sens traded him to Columbus last year, scoring seven goals and 13 points in 17 games with the Blue Jackets. He&rsquo;ll also only be 28 in 2010, which will make him one of the most attractive UFAs next year. More time on the second line will boost his numbers.</p><p><b>MATTHEW LOMBARDI (Phoenix)</b> Lombardi was shipped to Phoenix in the Jokinen trade and had 11 assists and 16 points in 19 games with the Coyotes. He wasn&rsquo;t able to produce despite glorious opportunities in Calgary, but it&rsquo;s not too late. He&rsquo;ll be another 28-year-old entering the prime of his career in 2010.</p><p><b>PAUL KARIYA (St. Louis)</b> Injuries limited Kariya to just 11 games with St. Louis in 2008-09 and there&rsquo;s no guarantee the 34-year-old won&rsquo;t retire after this season. That said, a contending team will take a chance on him, if his asking price is right. A solid and healthy season will certainly keep him interested.</p><p><b>PAVOL DEMITRA (Vancouver)</b> He hasn&rsquo;t played a full year since the 2001-02 campaign and he&rsquo;ll be 35 next summer &ndash; meaning the new contract he signs will count against a team&rsquo;s salary cap regardless of any subsequent retirement plans &ndash; but Demitra has scored at least 20 goals and 50 points in all but one of his 11 NHL seasons. That&rsquo;s too consistent for teams to pass up.</p><p><b>RAY WHITNEY (Carolina)</b> At 37, the well-traveled Whitney is the greybeard of this potential UFA group. However, like Demitra, the Carolina left winger is a model of consistency; he can almost always be counted on to produce at least 20 goals and 60 points, no matter which team he&rsquo;s playing with. Keep in mind, Whitney&rsquo;s best offensive season came in 2006-07 when he was 34.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0022-01

LOAD YOUR TEAM WITH HUNGRY MEN

<div class="byline">By John Grigg</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0024-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-011364/9259286-1-eng-US/f0024-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>JOE THORNTON | SAN JOSE SHARKS</b> <span class="photo-credit">(THORNTON: ANDY DEVLIN/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p><b>IT&rsquo;S THE MOST MISUNDERSTOOD</b> and most criticized stat in hockey. It&rsquo;s plus-minus.</p><p>Misunderstood because many people simply don&rsquo;t know how it&rsquo;s calculated, yet it is simply this &ndash; players on the ice receive a plus when their team scores an evenstrength or shorthanded goal and a minus when the opposition does the same.</p><p>Criticized because plus-minus is a team stat thrust upon individuals. You can be a responsible, two-way center, but if you&rsquo;re playing in front of a bumble-prone blueline or a leaky goaltender, you&rsquo;re bound to have a poor plus-minus. Conversely, a cherry-picking floater can be a plus player if he has responsible teammates.</p><p>Plus-minus happens also to be a transient statistic. Rarely anymore do the same players lead the league year-after-year and, in recent seasons, players from the same teams have dominated the leaderboard. Last season, seven Boston Bruins finished in the top 30, with David Krejci and Blake Wheeler finishing 1-2; the Red Wings pulled the same trick the year before; and, in 2006-07, Ottawa had seven players in the top 30 and Nos. 2 and 3 overall.</p><p>So if you&rsquo;re in a fantasy league that tracks plus-minus, it behooves you to focus your player selections from teams expected to score more goals than they allow. Makes sense in a perfect world, but there are no guarantees. Rod Brind&rsquo;Amour was a minus-23 for contender Carolina last season. Yet in Florida, Stephen Weiss was a plus-19 and in Dallas Loui Eriksson a plus-14 for teams out of the playoffs.</p><p>There are several other factors that contribute to which way a player&rsquo;s plusminus will trend. Is he in a shutdown role? Rod Brind&rsquo;Amour is and has been a minus 10 of his 20 NHL seasons. Kris Draper has been a minus each of the past two seasons and the Detroit Wings advanced to Cup final both years. Does he get a lot of ice time? If so, he&rsquo;s likely to be as far removed from zero as the team is from .500. The only plus on Colorado last season was Ben Guite because he didn&rsquo;t get a lot of ice time on a team that struggled. Work horse teammates Milan Hejduk and Ryan Smyth were huge into the minus department.</p><p>In the fantasy world, plus-minus is a controversial statistic and poolies often refuse to use it as a league stat. There are two diametrically-opposed philosophies in pooldom: reality or fantasy; reality being the NHL &ndash; and which teams players skate for &ndash; and fantasy being the idea that pool teams consist of individuals who play in the NHL, not members of NHL teams. So with plus-minus being an individual stat based on which NHL team a player skates for, some fantasy commissioners loathe to track it.</p><p>But, plus-minus is still employed in many pools and fantasy leagues and, therefore, cannot be ignored. Based on their past plus-minus performances and our individual and team projections for this season, here are some players to target and avoid this season.</p><p><b>TEN</b>&nbsp;<b>PLAYERS</b> who can be counted on to have good plus-minus marks year-in and year-out:</p><p><b>Pavel</b>&nbsp;<b>Datsyuk,</b> C, Detroit</p><p><b>Nicklas Lidstrom</b>, D, Detroit</p><p><b>Simon Gagne</b>, LW, Philadelphia</p><p><b>Alex Tanguay</b>, LW, UFA</p><p><b>Daniel Alfredsson</b>, RW, Ottawa</p><p><b>Patrik Elias, LW, New Jersey</b></p><p><b>Brian Rafalski</b>, D, Detroit</p><p><b>Henrik Zetterberg</b>, C, Detroit</p><p><b>Brenden Morrow</b>, LW, Dallas</p><p><b>Joe Thornton</b>, C, San Jose</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-02984/9259279-1-eng-US/f0024-022.jpg" title="f0024-02" width="381" height="551"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(ELIAS: MIKE STOBE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p><b>TEN</b>&nbsp;<b>PLAYERS</b> who normally post poor plus-minus marks, but are expected to buck that trend this season:</p><p><b>Ryan Whitney</b>, D, Anaheim</p><p><b>Patrick Kane</b>, RW, Chicago</p><p><b>Ales Hemsky</b>, RW, Edmonton</p><p><b>Dustin Brown</b>, LW, Los Angeles</p><p><b>Jay Bouwmeester</b>, D, Calgary</p><p><b>Bryan Little</b>, C, Atlanta</p><p><b>Anze Kopitar, C, Los Angeles</b></p><p><b>Mark Streit</b>, D, NY Islanders</p><p><b>Brad Richards</b>, C, Dallas</p><p>&nbsp;<b>Patrick O&rsquo;Sullivan</b>, C, Edmonton</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-03700/9259272-1-eng-US/f0024-032.jpg" title="f0024-03" width="381" height="551"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(KOPITAR: VICTOR DECOLONGON/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p><b>TEN</b>&nbsp;<b>OFFENSIVE PLAYERS</b> you should avoid this year because their weak plus-minus will hurt your fantasy team totals:</p><p><b>Ilya Kovalchuk</b>, LW, Atlanta</p><p><b>Andy McDonald, C, St. Louis</b></p><p><b>Mike Cammalleri</b>, LW, Montreal</p><p><b>Ryan Smyth</b>, LW, Los Angeles</p><p><b>Slava Kozlov</b>, LW, Atlanta</p><p><b>Pavel Kubina</b>, D, Atlanta</p><p><b>Brad Boyes</b>, RW, St. Louis</p><p><b>Steven Stamkos</b>, C, Tampa Bay</p><p><b>Olli Jokinen</b>, C, Calgary</p><p><b>Brian Campbell</b>, D, Chicago</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-04506/9259265-1-eng-US/f0024-042.jpg" title="f0024-04" width="381" height="551"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(MCDONALD: JEFF VINNICK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0024-01

AVOID MR. MINUS; THIS ISN’T GOLF

f0025-01

ULTIMATE GUIDE THE TEAMS

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-011376/9259390-1-eng-US/f0026-012.jpg" title="f0026-01" width="341" height="185"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>T</span></b>he Ducks are in transition. It started last season at the trade deadline and continued at the draft when Chris Pronger was dealt. The top line is money in the bank, led by workhorse Ryan Getzlaf. His wingers, agitator Corey Perry and sophomore Bobby Ryan, will only get better. The blueline has talent, even without Pronger, and the second line got a boost with the signing of center Saku Koivu.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-10187/9259383-1-eng-US/f0026-102.jpg" title="f0026-10" width="412" height="675"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(HARRY HOW/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-02993/9259376-1-eng-US/f0026-022.jpg" title="f0026-02" width="622" height="1358"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>LUCA SBISA</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-03791/9259369-1-eng-US/f0026-032.jpg" title="f0026-03" width="860" height="673"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-04592/9259362-1-eng-US/f0026-042.jpg" title="f0026-04" width="854" height="636"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-05452/9259355-1-eng-US/f0026-052.jpg" title="f0026-05" width="683" height="2713"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0026-01

CHANGE THE THEME FOR DUCK TALE

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0027-011296/9259456-1-eng-US/f0027-012.jpg" title="f0027-01" width="343" height="182"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0027-02912/9259449-1-eng-US/f0027-022.jpg" title="f0027-02" width="1530" height="914"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>ILYA KOVALCHUK</b> <span class="photo-credit">(GRAIG ABEL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>T</span></b>he Thrashers rely heavily on superstar Ilya Kovalchuk for offense. The blueline is starting to come together, led by new addition Pavel Kubina, sophomore Zach Bogosian, Ron Hainsey and undersized Swede Tobias Enstrom. Goalie Kari Lehtonen, when healthy, is a potential stud, albeit an inconsistent one. Other than Kovalchuk, the only rising offensive star on the roster is Bryan Little.&lsquo;</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0027-03666/9259442-1-eng-US/f0027-032.jpg" title="f0027-03" width="640" height="1356"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>EVANDER KANE</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0027-04490/9259435-1-eng-US/f0027-042.jpg" title="f0027-04" width="847" height="676"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0027-05338/9259428-1-eng-US/f0027-052.jpg" title="f0027-05" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0027-06253/9259421-1-eng-US/f0027-062.jpg" title="f0027-06" width="665" height="2606"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0027-01

THRASHERS RUNNING ON SPARE PARTS

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-011356/9259522-1-eng-US/f0028-012.jpg" title="f0028-01" width="318" height="177"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>O</span></b>ffensive balance is the key to the Bruins&rsquo; attack. They have the depth at center and size on the wings to create traffic in front of the net. The blueline is led by Norris Trophy winner Zdeno Chara and Dennis Wideman, but coach Claude Julien prefers a defensive style. That will lead to good numbers for Tim Thomas, who will continue to flourish in the statistical department.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-06360/9259515-1-eng-US/f0028-062.jpg" title="F0028-06" width="825" height="1351"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>MARC SAVARD</b> <span class="photo-credit">(JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-02958/9259508-1-eng-US/f0028-022.jpg" title="f0028-02" width="642" height="1356"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>TUUKKA RASK</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-03722/9259501-1-eng-US/f0028-032.jpg" title="f0028-03" width="860" height="674"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-04525/9259494-1-eng-US/f0028-042.jpg" title="f0028-04" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-05412/9259487-1-eng-US/f0028-052.jpg" title="f0028-05" width="680" height="2612"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0028-01

BRUINS HAVE RIGHT RECIPE IN BEANTOWN

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0029-05369/9259588-1-eng-US/f0029-052.jpg" title="f0029-05" width="346" height="183"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0029-011204/9259581-1-eng-US/f0029-012.jpg" title="f0029-01" width="1530" height="914"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>DEREK ROY</b> <span class="photo-credit">(SCOTT LEVY/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>T</span></b>he Sabres have stumbled through consecutive non-playoff years, so something must change. Because they rely heavily on goalie Ryan Miller, their playoff hopes were crushed when he was injured last season. Thomas Vanek, the NHL&rsquo;s power play goals leader last year, also missed time due to injury. The Sabres need help for Vanek up front, but the team continues to be conservative with the budget.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0029-02826/9259574-1-eng-US/f0029-022.jpg" title="f0029-02" width="627" height="1355"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>TYLER MYERS</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0029-03590/9259567-1-eng-US/f0029-032.jpg" title="f0029-03" width="845" height="676"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0029-04443/9259560-1-eng-US/f0029-042.jpg" title="f0029-04" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0029-06306/9259553-1-eng-US/f0029-062.jpg" title="f0029-06" width="683" height="2656"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0029-05

NOTHING VENTURED, NOTHING GAINED

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-011366/9259654-1-eng-US/f0030-012.jpg" title="f0030-01" width="341" height="182"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-03678/9259647-1-eng-US/f0030-032.jpg" title="f0030-03" width="898" height="1478"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>JAROME IGINLA</b> <span class="photo-credit">(DAVE REGINEK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>T</span></b>he Flames&rsquo; nucleus is as good as any in the NHL. Trade deadline addition Olli Jokinen and off-season acquisition Jay Bouwmeester complement captain Jarome Iginla, defensemen Dion Phaneuf and Robyn Regehr and goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff. The six are an impressive group. If coach Brent Sutter can put the pieces together, the Flames will flourish. However, there are issues on the wings.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-02931/9259640-1-eng-US/f0030-022.jpg" title="f0030-02" width="640" height="1358"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>MIKAEL BACKLUND</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-04501/9259633-1-eng-US/f0030-042.jpg" title="f0030-04" width="860" height="678"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-05385/9259626-1-eng-US/f0030-052.jpg" title="f0030-05" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-06317/9259619-1-eng-US/f0030-062.jpg" title="f0030-06" width="676" height="2795"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0030-01

WILL A NEW SUTTER IGNITE THE FLAMES?

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-011254/9259720-1-eng-US/f0031-012.jpg" title="f0031-01" width="347" height="184"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-02838/9259713-1-eng-US/f0031-022.jpg" title="f0031-02" width="1530" height="914"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>ERIC STAAL</b> <span class="photo-credit">(BRUCE BENNETT/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>C</span></b>arolina got its mojo back last year, displaying the offensive depth that carried it to a Stanley Cup in 2006. The Hurricanes boast two legitimate stars in center Eric Staal and goaltender Cam Ward, but the blueline was exposed by the Penguins in the Eastern Conference final. On an aging roster that practices a more conservative approach under returning coach Paul Maurice, new blood is needed.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-03637/9259706-1-eng-US/f0031-032.jpg" title="f0031-03" width="640" height="1356"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>ZACH BOYCHUK</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-04492/9259699-1-eng-US/f0031-042.jpg" title="f0031-04" width="860" height="683"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-05391/9259692-1-eng-US/f0031-052.jpg" title="f0031-05" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-06328/9259685-1-eng-US/f0031-062.jpg" title="f0031-06" width="677" height="2691"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0031-01

CANES STILL IN HUNT FOR THE PERFECT STORM

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-011339/9259786-1-eng-US/f0032-012.jpg" title="f0032-01" width="353" height="185"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-03652/9259779-1-eng-US/f0032-032.jpg" title="f0032-03" width="898" height="1478"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>PATRICK KANE</b> <span class="photo-credit">(GREGORY SHAMUS/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he Blackhawks are an offensive juggernaut. The team&rsquo;s blueline consists mostly of mobile puck-movers and there&rsquo;s plenty of depth up front. Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and summer addition Marian Hossa are the offensive leaders, with Patrick Sharp, Dave Bolland, Kris Versteeg and Dustin Byfuglien in support. The ball is in Cristobal Huet&rsquo;s court to make sure goaltending isn&rsquo;t the lone weakness.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-02897/9259772-1-eng-US/f0032-022.jpg" title="f0032-02" width="637" height="1356"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>JACK SKILLE</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-04486/9259765-1-eng-US/f0032-042.jpg" title="f0032-04" width="860" height="683"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-05381/9259758-1-eng-US/f0032-052.jpg" title="f0032-05" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-06322/9259751-1-eng-US/f0032-062.jpg" title="f0032-06" width="677" height="2691"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0032-01

RED LIGHT DISTRICT IN CHICAGO

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-011193/9259852-1-eng-US/f0033-012.jpg" title="f0033-01" width="348" height="184"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-02817/9259845-1-eng-US/f0033-022.jpg" title="f0033-02" width="1530" height="914"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>PAUL STASTNY</b> <span class="photo-credit">(ANDY DEVLIN/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he Avs had a disastrous 2008-09 with the once-vaunted offense disappearing; they were one of just two NHL teams that failed to score 200 goals. Injuries to Joe Sakic and Paul Stastny were big factors, but the team also fell short of expectations. Sakic&rsquo;s retirement means top draft pick Matt Duchene will step right in this season. It will be a few years before Colorado is able to right the ship again.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-03643/9259838-1-eng-US/f0033-032.jpg" title="f0033-03" width="638" height="1358"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>MATT DUCHENE</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-04518/9259831-1-eng-US/f0033-042.jpg" title="f0033-04" width="860" height="679"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-05435/9259824-1-eng-US/f0033-052.jpg" title="f0033-05" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-06378/9259817-1-eng-US/f0033-062.jpg" title="f0033-06" width="677" height="2712"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0033-01

AVS IN GROWTH MODE AFTER SAKIC ERA ENDS

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-011352/9259918-1-eng-US/f0034-012.jpg" title="f0034-01" width="348" height="183"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-06436/9259911-1-eng-US/f0034-062.jpg" title="F0034-06" width="824" height="1351"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>RICK NASH</b> <span class="photo-credit">(CLAUS ANDERSEN/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>C</span></b>olumbus is an up-and-coming team in a division experiencing a renaissance. The Jackets look to have resolved their center woes with the emergence of Derick Brassard and Antoine Vermette, but under systems-first coach Ken Hitchcock, this will never be an offensive team, so an improved power play is a must. Captain Rick Nash and Calder Trophy winner Steve Mason in goal are the kingpins.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-02927/9259904-1-eng-US/f0034-022.jpg" title="f0034-02" width="640" height="1360"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>NIKITA FILATOV</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-03737/9259897-1-eng-US/f0034-032.jpg" title="f0034-03" width="860" height="683"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-04592/9259890-1-eng-US/f0034-042.jpg" title="f0034-04" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-05486/9259883-1-eng-US/f0034-052.jpg" title="f0034-05" width="683" height="2743"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0034-01

HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-05507/9259984-1-eng-US/f0035-052.jpg" title="f0035-05" width="348" height="182"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-011266/9259977-1-eng-US/f0035-012.jpg" title="f0035-01" width="1530" height="914"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>MIKE RIBEIRO</b> <span class="photo-credit">(GLENN JAMES/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he Stars have a good mix of youth and experience. When healthy, the center trio of Mike Ribeiro, Brad Richards and Mike Modano is better than most teams in the Western Conference, while left wing is suddenly a deep position with the return of captain Brenden Morrow from injury. Sophomore James Neal will have trouble duplicating his &lsquo;08-09 numbers. Marty Turco will be pushed by Alex Auld.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-02893/9259970-1-eng-US/f0035-022.jpg" title="f0035-02" width="636" height="1360"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>JAMIE BENN</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-03737/9259963-1-eng-US/f0035-032.jpg" title="f0035-03" width="860" height="673"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-04599/9259956-1-eng-US/f0035-042.jpg" title="f0035-04" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-06458/9259949-1-eng-US/f0035-062.jpg" title="f0035-06" width="683" height="2670"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0035-05

STARS NEED VETERANS TO BOUNCE BACK

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0037-011116/9260116-1-eng-US/f0037-012.jpg" title="f0037-01" width="333" height="182"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0037-02773/9260109-1-eng-US/f0037-022.jpg" title="f0037-02" width="1530" height="884"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>ALES HEMSKY</b> <span class="photo-credit">(ANDY DEVLIN/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he Oilers are hoping veteran coaches Pat Quinn and Tom Renney will get the most out of an underachieving roster. The power play will be improved if point men Lubomir Visnovsky and Sheldon Souray remain healthy. However, the key to success will be getting the most out of talented forwards such as Ales Hemsky, Sam Gagner and Andrew Cogliano. Nikolai Khabibulin is proven in goal.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0037-03620/9260102-1-eng-US/f0037-032.jpg" title="f0037-03" width="638" height="1356"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>JORDAN EBERLE</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0037-04526/9260095-1-eng-US/f0037-042.jpg" title="f0037-04" width="860" height="683"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0037-05475/9260088-1-eng-US/f0037-052.jpg" title="f0037-05" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0037-06419/9260081-1-eng-US/f0037-062.jpg" title="f0037-06" width="683" height="2769"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0037-01

PLAYING TO POTENTIAL OILERS’ MISSION

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-011207/9260182-1-eng-US/f0038-012.jpg" title="f0038-01" width="345" height="185"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he loss of Jay Bouwmeester is big in every facet of Florida&rsquo;s game, especially in transition. The Panthers came close to the post-season last year and have budding talent, led by wingers David Booth and Michael Frolik. But the team needs more from young vets Rostislav Olesz, Stephen Weiss and Nathan Horton. Keith Ballard and Bryan McCabe are all that&rsquo;s left of the top defensemen.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-03658/9260175-1-eng-US/f0038-032.jpg" title="f0038-03" width="899" height="1545"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>STEPHEN WEISS</b> <span class="photo-credit">(GRAIG ABEL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-02818/9260168-1-eng-US/f0038-022.jpg" title="f0038-02" width="631" height="1354"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>JACOB MARKSTROM</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-04531/9260161-1-eng-US/f0038-042.jpg" title="f0038-04" width="860" height="683"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-05427/9260154-1-eng-US/f0038-052.jpg" title="f0038-05" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-06362/9260147-1-eng-US/f0038-062.jpg" title="f0038-06" width="683" height="2715"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0038-01

PANTHERS PROWLING PLAYOFFS

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-011111/9260248-1-eng-US/f0039-012.jpg" title="f0039-01" width="347" height="183"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-02722/9260241-1-eng-US/f0039-022.jpg" title="f0039-02" width="1530" height="914"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>ALEXANDER FROLOV</b> <span class="photo-credit">(JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>G</span>oaltending will determine the Kings&rsquo; fate this season. Will they succeed with the Jonathan Quick/Erik Ersberg tandem while Jonathan Bernier develops in the wings? The offense is led by captain Dustin Brown, star center Anze Kopitar and Russian winger Alexander Frolov. Ryan Smyth&rsquo;s nose for the net is welcome up front. Drew Doughty will run the power play for years to come.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-03562/9260234-1-eng-US/f0039-032.jpg" title="f0039-03" width="622" height="1360"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>BRAYDEN SCHENN</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-04469/9260227-1-eng-US/f0039-042.jpg" title="f0039-04" width="847" height="683"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-05391/9260220-1-eng-US/f0039-052.jpg" title="f0039-05" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-06324/9260213-1-eng-US/f0039-062.jpg" title="f0039-06" width="683" height="2738"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0039-01

YOUTH IS SERVED FOR RESURGENT KINGS

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-01804/9260314-1-eng-US/f0040-012.jpg" title="f0040-01" width="351" height="179"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-03378/9260307-1-eng-US/f0040-032.jpg" title="f0040-03" width="899" height="1545"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>MIKKO KOIVU</b> <span class="photo-credit">(JAMIE SABAU/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>A</span>new regime in Minnesota means much more offense. Under GM Chuck Fletcher and coach Todd Richards, expect the Wild to play a style similar to the Cup champion Penguins or Presidents&rsquo; Trophy-winning Sharks. This is good news to forwards Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Mikko Koivu, as well as defenseman Brent Burns. It means goalie Niklas Backstrom will face a lot more shots.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-02491/9260300-1-eng-US/f0040-022.jpg" title="f0040-02" width="627" height="1354"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>TYLER CUMA</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b><b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-04309/9260293-1-eng-US/f0040-042.jpg" title="f0040-04" width="856" height="675"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-05265/9260286-1-eng-US/f0040-052.jpg" title="f0040-05" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-06234/9260279-1-eng-US/f0040-062.jpg" title="f0040-06" width="683" height="2670"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0040-01

WILD’S BEST DEFENSE IS NEW OFFENSE

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-01692/9260380-1-eng-US/f0041-012.jpg" title="f0041-01" width="346" height="179"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-02435/9260373-1-eng-US/f0041-022.jpg" title="f0041-02" width="1530" height="905"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>ANDREI MARKOV</b> <span class="photo-credit">(ANDRE RINGUETTE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>A</span>fter the summer remodeling experiment, it&rsquo;s clear defenseman Andrei Markov is now the undisputed leader of the Canadiens. With such sweeping off-season changes to the team&rsquo;s nucleus, chemistry will be an issue in the early stages of 2009-10. With coach Jacques Martin&rsquo;s defensive system now in tow, the goaltending tandem of Carey Price and Jaroslav Halak will see their numbers improve.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-03353/9260366-1-eng-US/f0041-032.jpg" title="f0041-03" width="640" height="1356"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>MAX PACIORETTY</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-04306/9260359-1-eng-US/f0041-042.jpg" title="f0041-04" width="848" height="676"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-05276/9260352-1-eng-US/f0041-052.jpg" title="f0041-05" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-06241/9260345-1-eng-US/f0041-062.jpg" title="f0041-06" width="675" height="2754"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0041-01

EXTREME MAKEOVER: HABS EDITION

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0042-01727/9260446-1-eng-US/f0042-012.jpg" title="f0042-01" width="342" height="184"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0042-05243/9260439-1-eng-US/f0042-052.jpg" title="f0042-05" width="898" height="1478"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>JASON ARNOTT</b> <span class="photo-credit">(JOHN RUSSELL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he Predators boast a solid goaltending tandem of Pekka Rinne and Dan Ellis, as well as tremendous blueline depth, led by Shea Weber, Ryan Suter and Dan Hamhuis. The problem is once you get past J-P Dumont, Steve Sullivan and Jason Arnott, there is a lack of offensive punch in Music City. The arrival of rookie Colin Wilson will help, though he surely won&rsquo;t make too great an impact right away.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0042-02454/9260432-1-eng-US/f0042-022.jpg" title="f0042-02" width="636" height="1360"></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0042-03353/9260425-1-eng-US/f0042-032.jpg" title="f0042-03" width="845" height="683"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0042-04282/9260418-1-eng-US/f0042-042.jpg" title="f0042-04" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0042-06217/9260411-1-eng-US/f0042-062.jpg" title="f0042-06" width="679" height="2768"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0042-01

PREDS MUST JUMP-START THE OFFENSE

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0043-01715/9260512-1-eng-US/f0043-012.jpg" title="f0043-01" width="314" height="179"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0043-02485/9260505-1-eng-US/f0043-022.jpg" title="f0043-02" width="1530" height="914"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>ZACH PARISE</b> <span class="photo-credit">(SCOTT CUNNINGHAM/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>N</span>ew Jersey will continue to rely heavily on goaltender Martin Brodeur, who was felled by injury last season. Up front, their dynamic left wing duo of Zach Parise and Patrik Elias will be hard-pressed for a repeat performance in 2009-10. Their main offensive center is Travis Zajac, who had a breakout year in &rsquo;08-09. The Devils don&rsquo;t get a lot of offense from the back and lack a power play quarterback.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0043-03401/9260498-1-eng-US/f0043-032.jpg" title="f0043-03" width="636" height="1358"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>MATTIAS TEDENBY</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0043-04302/9260491-1-eng-US/f0043-042.jpg" title="f0043-04" width="851" height="680"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0043-05260/9260484-1-eng-US/f0043-052.jpg" title="f0043-05" width="855" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0043-06214/9260477-1-eng-US/f0043-062.jpg" title="f0043-06" width="673" height="2691"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0043-01

BRODEUR, DEVILS UP TO SAME OLD TRICKS

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-01619/9260578-1-eng-US/f0044-012.jpg" title="f0044-01" width="311" height="183"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-03283/9260571-1-eng-US/f0044-032.jpg" title="f0044-03" width="898" height="1478"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>MARK STREIT</b> <span class="photo-credit">(JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he big question on Long Island, aside from their off-ice arena project, remains the status of Rick DiPietro in goal. Adding Dwayne Roloson to the mix was a good move by GM Garth Snow. Defenseman Mark Streit was a great find last year, becoming the team&rsquo;s leading scorer. There is young talent on the roster, led by 2009 No. 1 overall selection John Tavares, center Josh Bailey and winger Kyle Okposo.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-02382/9260564-1-eng-US/f0044-022.jpg" title="f0044-02" width="635" height="1356"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>JOHN TAVARES</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-04227/9260557-1-eng-US/f0044-042.jpg" title="f0044-04" width="877" height="687"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-05195/9260550-1-eng-US/f0044-052.jpg" title="f0044-05" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-06171/9260543-1-eng-US/f0044-062.jpg" title="f0044-06" width="683" height="2766"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0044-01

LONG ROAD BACK FOR LONG ISLAND

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-01529/9260644-1-eng-US/f0045-012.jpg" title="f0045-01" width="269" height="182"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-02341/9260637-1-eng-US/f0045-022.jpg" title="f0045-02" width="1530" height="914"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>CHRIS DRURY</b> <span class="photo-credit">(MIKE STOBE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>A</span>s Henrik Lundqvist goes, so go the Rangers. However, the addition of scoring star Marian Gaborik will be exactly what the franchise needs to move up in the Eastern Conference. Two rookies will also make an impact in 2009-10: center Artem Anisimov and defenseman Matt Gilroy. The Blueshirts need more from veterans Chris Drury, Wade Redden and Michal Rozsival to move up the ladder.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-03286/9260630-1-eng-US/f0045-032.jpg" title="f0045-03" width="628" height="1358"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>EVGENY GRACHEV</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-04254/9260623-1-eng-US/f0045-042.jpg" title="f0045-04" width="844" height="670"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-05227/9260616-1-eng-US/f0045-052.jpg" title="f0045-05" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-06196/9260609-1-eng-US/f0045-062.jpg" title="f0045-06" width="680" height="2727"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0045-01

GABORIK WILL HELP CITY THAT NEVER SCORES

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-01522/9260710-1-eng-US/f0046-012.jpg" title="f0046-01" width="288" height="183"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-03241/9260703-1-eng-US/f0046-032.jpg" title="f0046-03" width="898" height="1478"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>JASON SPEZZA</b> <span class="photo-credit">(ANDY MARLIN/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>W</span>ith Pascal Leclaire in the fold, the goaltending is in good shape. Ditto for the front-line talent, especially with the additional of Alex Kovalev. Still, the likes of Ryan Shannon and Peter Regin will have to step up to help support Daniel Alfredsson and Jason Spezza. The defense is getting deeper and the arrival of skilled puckmovers Filip Kuba and Chris Campoli was a good help last year.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-02334/9260696-1-eng-US/f0046-022.jpg" title="f0046-02" width="640" height="1360"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>ERIK KARLSSON</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-04198/9260689-1-eng-US/f0046-042.jpg" title="f0046-04" width="856" height="683"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-05157/9260682-1-eng-US/f0046-052.jpg" title="f0046-05" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-06136/9260675-1-eng-US/f0046-062.jpg" title="f0046-06" width="677" height="2753"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0046-01

SENS NEED MORE THAN A TOP LINE

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0047-01489/9260776-1-eng-US/f0047-012.jpg" title="f0047-01" width="319" height="182"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0047-02324/9260769-1-eng-US/f0047-022.jpg" title="f0047-02" width="1530" height="914"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>JEFF CARTER</b> <span class="photo-credit">(LEN REDKOLES/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he Flyers are one of the deepest NHL teams, especially with Chris Pronger now anchoring a strong blueline squad with support from Kimmo Timonen, Braydon Coburn and Ryan Parent. Claude Giroux is ready to join Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, Daniel Briere and Simon Gagne in a strong offensive core. The biggest question is again in goal: Can Ray Emery and Brian Boucher get the job done?</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0047-03258/9260762-1-eng-US/f0047-032.jpg" title="f0047-03" width="636" height="1362"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>JAMES VAN RIEMSDYK</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0047-04197/9260755-1-eng-US/f0047-042.jpg" title="f0047-04" width="842" height="683"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0047-05147/9260748-1-eng-US/f0047-052.jpg" title="f0047-05" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0047-06120/9260741-1-eng-US/f0047-062.jpg" title="f0047-06" width="679" height="2750"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0047-01

BROAD STREET BULLIES POISED FOR SUCCESS

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-01359/9260842-1-eng-US/f0048-012.jpg" title="f0048-01" width="307" height="185"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-03160/9260835-1-eng-US/f0048-032.jpg" title="f0048-03" width="898" height="1477"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>SHANE DOAN</b> <span class="photo-credit">(MIKE STOBE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>D</span>espite Phoenix&rsquo;s off-ice issues, the team has on-ice talent. The goaltending is in the capable hands of Ilya Bryzgalov, with support from Jason LaBarbera. Adding Adrian Aucoin, Jim Vandermeer and Sami Lepisto will help the defense, while the forward corps is deep and littered with youth. Expect Matthew Lombardi to break out offensively and keep an eye on Peter Mueller and Keith Yandle.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-02227/9260828-1-eng-US/f0048-022.jpg" title="f0048-02" width="637" height="1356"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>MAXIM GONCHAROV</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-04134/9260821-1-eng-US/f0048-042.jpg" title="f0048-04" width="841" height="676"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-0599/9260814-1-eng-US/f0048-052.jpg" title="f0048-05" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-0683/9260807-1-eng-US/f0048-062.jpg" title="f0048-06" width="679" height="2680"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0048-01

PROGRESS IS SLOW, BUT STEADY

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0049-01322/9260908-1-eng-US/f0049-012.jpg" title="f0049-01" width="347" height="179"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0049-02232/9260901-1-eng-US/f0049-022.jpg" title="f0049-02" width="1530" height="914"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>SERGEI GONCHAR</b> <span class="photo-credit">(DAVE REGINEK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he Stanley Cup champions boast the best 1-2 center punch in Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby, but there is a major scoring drop-off after them. A return to health by defenseman Sergei Gonchar will help, but the defense lacks depth, too. They need better scoring wingers and Stanley Cup hero Maxime Talbot isn&rsquo;t the long-term answer. The goaltending is in the capable hands of Marc-Andre Fleury.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0049-0672/9260894-1-eng-US/f0049-062.jpg" title="f0049-06" width="635" height="1360"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>ERIC TANGRADI</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0049-03173/9260887-1-eng-US/f0049-032.jpg" title="f0049-03" width="841" height="686"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0049-04156/9260880-1-eng-US/f0049-042.jpg" title="f0049-04" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0049-05116/9260873-1-eng-US/f0049-052.jpg" title="f0049-05" width="679" height="2759"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0049-01

ARE THE PENGUINS GOOD ENOUGH FOR A REPEAT?

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0050-01304/9260974-1-eng-US/f0050-012.jpg" title="f0050-01" width="335" height="183"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0050-03131/9260967-1-eng-US/f0050-032.jpg" title="f0050-03" width="898" height="1478"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>BRAD BOYES</b> <span class="photo-credit">(MARK BUCKNER/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he Blues are rising, even after making the playoffs last year. They are deep at forward and have a blueline that will be bolstered by rookie Alex Pietrangelo and the returns of Erik Johnson and Eric Brewer. The goaltending is solid, with Chris Mason and Ty Conklin both capable. Youth is key in St. Louis, but veterans Brad Boyes, Paul Kariya, Andy McDonald and Keith Tkachuk must chip in as well.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0050-02211/9260960-1-eng-US/f0050-022.jpg" title="f0050-02" width="640" height="1360"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>ALEX PIETRANGELO</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0050-04105/9260953-1-eng-US/f0050-042.jpg" title="f0050-04" width="851" height="683"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0050-0570/9260946-1-eng-US/f0050-052.jpg" title="f0050-05" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0050-0657/9260939-1-eng-US/f0050-062.jpg" title="f0050-06" width="667" height="2774"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0050-01

NO LONGER SINGING THE BLUES

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0051-01282/9261040-1-eng-US/f0051-012.jpg" title="f0051-01" width="346" height="182"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0051-02206/9261033-1-eng-US/f0051-022.jpg" title="f0051-02" width="1530" height="914"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>DAN BOYLE</b> <span class="photo-credit">(HARRY HOW/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>D</span>uring the regular season, San Jose has few worries. Evgeni Nabokov&rsquo;s goaltending is stellar, the blueline is deep and the forwards are versatile and talented, although right winger Jonathan Cheechoo needs to regain his scoring touch. But things get a lot more complicated for San Jose once the playoffs roll around. This season is likely this core group&rsquo;s final chance to make a long post-season run.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0051-03145/9261026-1-eng-US/f0051-032.jpg" title="f0051-03" width="630" height="1354"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>LOGAN COUTURE</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0051-04115/9261019-1-eng-US/f0051-042.jpg" title="f0051-04" width="847" height="685"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0051-0581/9261012-1-eng-US/f0051-052.jpg" title="f0051-05" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0051-0668/9261005-1-eng-US/f0051-062.jpg" title="f0051-06" width="683" height="2745"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0051-01

SHARKS ONCE AGAIN ASK ‘IS THIS THE YEAR?’

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-01277/9261106-1-eng-US/f0052-012.jpg" title="f0052-01" width="345" height="183"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-03115/9261099-1-eng-US/f0052-032.jpg" title="f0052-03" width="898" height="1478"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>MARTIN ST-LOUIS</b> <span class="photo-credit">(JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he long-awaited Vincent Lecavalier trade never happened, which bodes well for the Lightning and its vaunted trio of forwards &ndash; Leacavlaier, Martin St-Louis and Steven Stamkos. Most importantly, the blueline has been revamped. Paul Ranger and Andrej Meszaros return from injury and Mattias Ohlund, Matt Walker, Kurtis Foster and Victor Hedman have joined the fold. But goaltending remains a concern.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-02172/9261092-1-eng-US/f0052-022.jpg" title="f0052-02" width="627" height="1354"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>VICTOR HEDMAN</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-0493/9261085-1-eng-US/f0052-042.jpg" title="f0052-04" width="858" height="680"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-0570/9261078-1-eng-US/f0052-052.jpg" title="f0052-05" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-0659/9261071-1-eng-US/f0052-062.jpg" title="f0052-06" width="683" height="2736"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0052-01

D-CORPS GREATLY IMPROVED

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0053-01261/9261172-1-eng-US/f0053-012.jpg" title="f0053-01" width="347" height="182"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0053-02175/9261165-1-eng-US/f0053-022.jpg" title="f0053-02" width="1531" height="914"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>JASON BLAKE</b> <span class="photo-credit">(GRAIG ABEL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>oronto&rsquo;s culture has changed &ndash; physicality and defense are the new priorities. It&rsquo;s a good thing, too, as there are few sure bets up front. Outside of Jason Blake and Alex Ponikarovsky, the Leafs&rsquo; offense will have to come from youngsters, such as Mikhail Grabovski and Jiri Tlusty. The newly-nasty defense includes summer additions Mike Komisarek, Francois Beauchemin and Garnet Exelby.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0053-03124/9261158-1-eng-US/f0053-032.jpg" title="f0053-03" width="626" height="1352"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>NAZEM KADRI</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0053-04108/9261151-1-eng-US/f0053-042.jpg" title="f0053-04" width="855" height="683"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0053-0581/9261144-1-eng-US/f0053-052.jpg" title="f0053-05" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0053-0670/9261137-1-eng-US/f0053-062.jpg" title="f0053-06" width="165" height="736"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0053-01

WITH FINESSE A FAILURE, LEAFS GET ABRASIVE

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-01267/9261238-1-eng-US/f0054-012.jpg" title="f0054-01" width="350" height="182"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-03100/9261231-1-eng-US/f0054-032.jpg" title="f0054-03" width="898" height="1478"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>ALEX BURROWS</b> <span class="photo-credit">(NICK DIDLICK/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he Canucks re-signed the Sedin twins in the off-season, avoiding a potential offensive disaster. They then added fellow Swede Mikael Samuelsson, who could be the new right winger on the first line. Alex Burrows, who played with the twins last season, is coming off a career year. The loss of Mattias Ohlund on the back line will mean more responsibility for yet another Swede, Alex Edler.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-02153/9261224-1-eng-US/f0054-022.jpg" title="f0054-02" width="632" height="1354"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>CODY HODGSON</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-0476/9261217-1-eng-US/f0054-042.jpg" title="f0054-04" width="860" height="683"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-0557/9261210-1-eng-US/f0054-052.jpg" title="f0054-05" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-0641/9261203-1-eng-US/f0054-062.jpg" title="f0054-06" width="683" height="2733"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0054-01

CANUCKS GET SWEDE END OF THE DEAL

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0055-01235/9261304-1-eng-US/f0055-012.jpg" title="f0055-01" width="347" height="182"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0055-02156/9261297-1-eng-US/f0055-022.jpg" title="f0055-02" width="1530" height="914"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>NICKLAS BACKSTROM</b> <span class="photo-credit">(NICK LAHAM/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>A</span>n already potent power play is even better after the signing of crease-crasher Mike Knuble, who will delight extra-man regulars Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Alexander Semin and Mike Green. Russian rookie Simeon Varlamov will get a chance to permanently take the No. 1 goalie job from Jose Theodore, but better team-wide defensive play is greatly needed, no matter who is between the pipes.</p><h2><b>TOP10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0055-03110/9261290-1-eng-US/f0055-032.jpg" title="f0055-03" width="630" height="1354"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>SIMEON VARLAMOV</b></figcaption></div><h2><b>THE POWER</b>&nbsp;<b>ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 08-09 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0055-0481/9261283-1-eng-US/f0055-042.jpg" title="f0055-04" width="846" height="666"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0055-0554/9261276-1-eng-US/f0055-052.jpg" title="f0055-05" width="854" height="628"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0055-0638/9261269-1-eng-US/f0055-062.jpg" title="f0055-06" width="678" height="2699"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0055-01

CAPITAL EFFORT NEEDED AT BOTH ENDS OF THE ICE

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0057-03" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0057-0398/9261566-1-eng-US/f0057-032.jpg"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>T</span>HE</b>&nbsp;<b>HOCKEY NEWS</b> projects point totals for all forwards and defensemen who are expected to score at least 18 points in 2009-10. Players bound for 27 or more points are identified in these skater profiles. If you&rsquo;re in a deep pool and have to reach below 27 points, check out the projection charts on the NHL team pages.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0057-01190/9261573-1-eng-US/f0057-012.jpg" title="f0057-01" width="218" height="233"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0057-0479/9261559-1-eng-US/f0057-042.jpg" title="f0057-04" width="150" height="149"></div><p><b>RISING STAR:</b> Identifies player whose production is on a marked upwards trajectory</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0057-0549/9261552-1-eng-US/f0057-052.jpg" title="f0057-05" width="150" height="151"></div><p><b>UFA IN 2010:</b> These players are pending unrestricted free agents in 2010 and may perform better</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0057-0632/9261545-1-eng-US/f0057-062.jpg" title="f0057-06" width="150" height="150"></div><p><b>ICE TIME WORK HORSE:</b> Skaters who are expected to log a lot of ice time in comparison to the norm</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0057-0717/9261538-1-eng-US/f0057-072.jpg" title="f0057-07" width="150" height="152"></div><p><b>POWER PLAY ACE:</b> A projected regular on the team&rsquo;s first power play unit</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0057-0812/9261531-1-eng-US/f0057-082.jpg" title="f0057-08" width="164" height="150"></div><p><b>BANG FOR THE BUCK:</b> These players provide better offensive statistics than reflected by their 2009-10 salary</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0057-099/9261524-1-eng-US/f0057-092.jpg" title="f0057-09" width="149" height="151"></div><p><b>SIN-BIN GUY:</b> Skaters who have had or are projected to accumulate 70 or more penalty minutes this season</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0057-107/9261517-1-eng-US/f0057-102.jpg" title="f0057-10" width="161" height="171"></div><p><b>RED FLAG:</b> A player prone to injury, suspension, healthy scratch, demotion or return to junior ranks</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0057-114/9261510-1-eng-US/f0057-112.jpg" title="f0057-11" width="149" height="151"></div><p><b>TRENDING DOWN:</b> A skater whose production is expected to continue or start dropping in 2009-10</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0058-01203/9261503-1-eng-US/f0058-012.jpg" title="f0058-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0060-01166/9261496-1-eng-US/f0060-012.jpg" title="f0060-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0062-01166/9261489-1-eng-US/f0062-012.jpg" title="f0062-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0064-01136/9261482-1-eng-US/f0064-012.jpg" title="f0064-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0066-01132/9261475-1-eng-US/f0066-012.jpg" title="f0066-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0068-01100/9261468-1-eng-US/f0068-012.jpg" title="f0068-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0070-0185/9261461-1-eng-US/f0070-012.jpg" title="f0070-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0072-0186/9261454-1-eng-US/f0072-012.jpg" title="f0072-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0074-0179/9261447-1-eng-US/f0074-012.jpg" title="f0074-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0076-0171/9261440-1-eng-US/f0076-012.jpg" title="f0076-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0078-0167/9261433-1-eng-US/f0078-012.jpg" title="f0078-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0080-0156/9261426-1-eng-US/f0080-012.jpg" title="f0080-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0082-0154/9261419-1-eng-US/f0082-012.jpg" title="f0082-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0084-0150/9261412-1-eng-US/f0084-012.jpg" title="f0084-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0086-0151/9261405-1-eng-US/f0086-012.jpg" title="f0086-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0088-0159/9261398-1-eng-US/f0088-012.jpg" title="f0088-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0090-0152/9261391-1-eng-US/f0090-012.jpg" title="f0090-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0092-0152/9261384-1-eng-US/f0092-012.jpg" title="f0092-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0094-0145/9261377-1-eng-US/f0094-012.jpg" title="f0094-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0096-0156/9261370-1-eng-US/f0096-012.jpg" title="f0096-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0098-0167/9261363-1-eng-US/f0098-012.jpg" title="f0098-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0100-0144/9261356-1-eng-US/f0100-012.jpg" title="f0100-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0102-0142/9261349-1-eng-US/f0102-012.jpg" title="f0102-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0104-0145/9261342-1-eng-US/f0104-012.jpg" title="f0104-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0106-0141/9261335-1-eng-US/f0106-012.jpg" title="f0106-01" width="4725" height="3225"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0057-03

ULTIMATE GUIDE SKATERS

<div class="byline">By Alex Mansfield</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0108-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0108-0144/9261611-1-eng-US/f0108-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>ALEX TANGUAY | UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT</b> <span class="photo-credit">(SCOTT LEVY/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>W</span>HEN THE FREE AGENT MARKET OPENS</b> on July 1, the power players in the NHL engage in one of sports&rsquo; great acts of controlled chaos. Marquee players change homes, GMs spend beaucoups bucks and, as is always the case in sports, there are winners and losers.</p><p>But not right away.</p><p>The 2009 off-season has already seen some notable stars relocate, many within the first 24 hours of free agency. Of THN&rsquo;s top 20 unrestricted free agents, 18 had signed within a week of July 1. Rob Niedermayer (ANA) was still on the market, while New Jersey defenseman Niclas Havelid opted to play in Europe.</p><p>But there are plenty of prime players who aren&rsquo;t snapped up in the opening weeks of free agent frenzy. For these guys, the likelihood of landing a head-turning (or head-scratching) contract is pretty slight, as most of the big-money moves are made early on. As the off-season drags on and cap space begins to dwindle, those unsigned players find themselves with one of two options: lower the price tag or narrow the list of prospective buyers.</p><p>What this means for GMs, especially those who are strapped for cash, is that the later stages of the off-season can be a grab-bag of bargain deals. Take August 2005, for example. Carolina Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford landed one of the league&rsquo;s top playmakers in Cory Stillman for a mere $1.75 million, more than a month after the free agent market opened. Stillman went on to post a team-high 55 assists in &rsquo;05-06 and finished second in playoff scoring for the eventual Cup champs.</p><p>So poolies, take note. Don&rsquo;t fill out your squads just yet, as the legwork is far from done. Keep an eye out for those late signees that might push your fantasy team over the top.</p><h2><b>2009-10</b>&nbsp;<b>UNRESTRICTED</b>&nbsp;<b>FREE AGENTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0108-0218/9261604-1-eng-US/f0108-022.jpg" title="f0108-02" width="1054" height="2877"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0108-01

UNSIGNED UFAS PLAY WAITING GAME

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0109-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0109-0144/9261705-1-eng-US/f0109-012.jpg"></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0109-20/9261712-1-eng-US/f0109-202.jpg" title="f0109-20" width="218" height="233"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>T</span>HE HOCKEY NEWS</b> takes an in-depth look at the NHL&rsquo;s masked men, from the established starters to the backup backstops. Projections are weighted based on a goalie&rsquo;s expected work load, so expect some variance between the full-timers and the fill-ins. Only the top 56 goalies in projected workload are profiled here.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0109-0222/9261698-1-eng-US/f0109-022.jpg" title="f0109-02" width="228" height="241"></div><p><b>RISING STAR:</b> Identifies goalies whose performance is on a marked upwards trajectory</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0109-0311/9261691-1-eng-US/f0109-032.jpg" title="f0109-03" width="236" height="228"></div><p><b>UFA IN 2010:</b> These goalies are pending unrestricted free agents in 2010 and may perform better</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0109-045/9261684-1-eng-US/f0109-042.jpg" title="f0109-04" width="237" height="227"></div><p><b>BANG FOR BUCK:</b> These players provide better statistics than reflected by their 2009-10 salary</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0109-053/9261677-1-eng-US/f0109-052.jpg" title="f0109-05" width="242" height="237"></div><p><b>RED FLAG:</b> A goalie prone to injury, suspension, healthy scratch, demotion or return to junior ranks</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0109-06/9261670-1-eng-US/f0109-062.jpg" title="f0109-06" width="238" height="230"></div><p><b>TRENDING DOWN:</b> A goaltender whose performance is expected to continue or start declining in 2009-10</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0110-0142/9261663-1-eng-US/f0110-012.jpg" title="f0110-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0112-0146/9261656-1-eng-US/f0112-012.jpg" title="f0112-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0114-0147/9261649-1-eng-US/f0114-012.jpg" title="f0114-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0116-0143/9261642-1-eng-US/f0116-012.jpg" title="f0116-01" width="4725" height="3225"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0109-01

ULTIMATE GUIDE GOALIES

f0118-01

NHL STATISTICS 2008-09

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0130-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0130-0142/9261816-1-eng-US/f0130-012.jpg"></div><p>Sorted by GAA<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0130-01

GOALIE STATISTICS

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0131-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0131-0141/9261861-1-eng-US/f0131-012.jpg"></div><h2><b>NHL ENTRY DRAFT</b></h2><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he 2009 draft was held June 26-27 in Montreal. Listed below are each team&rsquo;s picks. Information includes round/overall, name, position, 2008-09 team and league.</p><h2><b>ANAHEIM DUCKS</b></h2><p>1/15. Peter Holland, C, Guelph (OHL); 1/26. Kyle Palmieri, C/RW, USNTDP (U18); 2/37. Matt Clark, D, Brampton (OHL); 3/76. Igor Bobkov, G, Magnitogorsk (Rus3); 4/106. Sami Vatanen, D, Jyp (Fin Jr.); 5/136. Radoslav Illo, C, Tri-City (USHL); 6/166. Scott Valentine, D, Oshawa (OHL).</p><h2><b>ATLANTA THRASHERS</b></h2><p>1/4. Evander Kane, C, Vancouver (WHL); 2/34. Carl Klingberg, LW, Frolunda (Swe Jr.); 2/45. Jeremy Morin, LW, USNTDP (U18); 4/117. Edward Pasquale, G, Saginaw (OHL); 4/120. Ben Chiarot, D, Guelph (OHL); 5/125. Cody Sol, D, Saginaw (OHL); 6/155. Jimmy Bubnick, C, Kamloops (WHL); 7/185. Levko Koper, LW, Spokane (WHL); 7/203. Jordan Samuels-Thomas, LW, Waterloo (USHL).</p><h2><b>BOSTON BRUINS</b></h2><p>1/25. Jordan Caron, RW, Rimouski (QMJHL); 3/86. Ryan Button, D, Prince Albert (WHL); 4/112. Lane MacDermid, LW, Windsor (OHL); 6/176. Tyler Randell, RW, Kitchener (OHL); 7/206. Ben Sexton, C, Nepean (CJHL).</p><h2><b>BUFFALO SABRES</b></h2><p>1/13. Zack Kassian, RW, Peterborough (OHL); 3/66. Brayden McNabb, D, Kootenay (WHL); 4/104. Marcus Foligno, LW, Sudbury (OHL); 5/134. Mark Adams, D, Malden Catholic (High-MA); 6/164. Connor Knapp, G, Miami (CCHA); 7/194. Maxime Legault, RW, Shawinigan (QMJHL).</p><h2><b>CALGARY FLAMES</b></h2><p>1/23. Tim Erixon, D, Skelleftea (Swe); 3/74. Ryan Howse, LW, Chilliwack (WHL); 4/111. Henrik Bjorklund, RW, Skare (Swe3); 5/141. Spencer Bennett, LW, Surrey (BCHL); 6/171. Joni Ortio, G, TPS (Fin Jr.); 7/201. Gaelan Patterson, C, Saskatoon (WHL).</p><h2><b>CAROLINA HURRICANES</b></h2><p>1/27. Philippe Paradis, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL); 2/51. Brian Dumoulin, D, Monarchs (EJHL); 3/88. Mattias Lindstrom, LW, Skelleftea (Swe Jr.); 5/131. Matt Kennedy, RW, Guelph (OHL); 6/178. Rasmus Rissanen, D, Kalpa (Fin Jr.); 7/208. Tommi Kivisto, D, Red Deer (WHL).</p><h2><b>CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS</b></h2><p>1/28. Dylan Olsen, D, Camrose (AJHL); 2/59. Brandon Pirri, C, Georgetown (OJHL); 3/89. Daniel Delisle, C/LW, Totino Grace (High-MN); 4/119. Byron Froese, C, Everett (WHL); 5/149. Marcus Kruger, C, Djurgarden (Swe Jr.); 6/177. David Pacan, C, Cumberland (CJHL); 7/195. Paul Phillips, D, Cedar Rapids (USHL); 7/209. David Gilbert, C, Quebec (QMJHL).</p><h2><b>COLORADO AVALANCHE</b></h2><p>1/3. Matt Duchene, C, Brampton (OHL); 2/33. Ryan O&rsquo;Reilly, C, Erie (OHL); 2/49. Stefan Elliott, D, Saskatoon (WHL); 3/64. Tyson Barrie, D, Kelowna (WHL); 5/124. Kieran Millan, G, Boston U (HE); 6/154. Brandon Maxwell, G, USNTDP (U18); 7/184. Gus Young, D, Nobles (High-MA).</p><h2><b>COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS</b></h2><p>1/21. John Moore, D, Chicago (USHL); 2/56. Kevin Lynch, C, USNTDP (U18); 4/94. David Savard, D, Moncton (QMJHL); 5/137. Thomas Larkin, D, Exeter (High-NH); 6/167. Anton Blomqvist, D, Malmo (Swe Jr.); 7/197. Kyle Neuber, RW, Mississauga (OHL).</p><h2><b>DALLAS STARS</b></h2><p>1/8. Scott Glennie, RW, Brandon (WHL); 2/38. Alex Chiasson, RW, Des Moines (USHL); 3/69. Reilly Smith, RW, St. Michael&rsquo;s (OJHL); 5/129. Tomas Vincour, C, Edmonton (WHL); 6/159. Curtis McKenzie, LW, Penticton (BCHL).</p><h2><b>DETROIT RED WINGS</b></h2><p>2/32. Landon Ferraro, C, Red Deer (WHL); 2/60. Tomas Tatar, C, Zvolen (Svk); 3/75. Andrej Nestrasil, C/RW, Victoriaville (QMJHL); 3/90. Gleason Fournier, D, Rimouski (QMJHL); 5/150. Nick Jensen, D, Green Bay (USHL); 6/180. Mitchell Callahan, RW, Kelowna (WHL); 7/210. Adam Almqvist, D, HV71 (Swe Jr.).</p><h2><b>EDMONTON OILERS</b></h2><p>1/10. Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, LW, Timra (Swe); 2/40. Anton Lander, C, Timra (Swe); 3/71. Troy Hesketh, D, Minnetonka (High-MN); 3/82. Cameron Abney, RW, Everett (WHL); 4/99. Kyle Bigos, D, Vernon (BCHL); 4/101. Toni Rajala, RW, Ilves (Fin Jr.); 5/133. Olivier Roy, G, Cape Breton (QMJHL).</p><h2><b>FLORIDA PANTHERS</b></h2><p>1/14. Dmitry Kulikov, D, Drummondville (QMJHL); 2/44. Drew Shore, C, USNTDP (U18); 3/67. Josh Birkholz, RW, Fargo (USHL); 4/107. Garrett Wilson, LW, Owen Sound (OHL); 5/135. Corban Knight, C, Okotoks (AJHL); 5/138. Wade Megan, C, South Kent (High-CT); 6/165. Scott Timmins, C, Windsor (OHL).</p><h2><b>LOS ANGELES KINGS</b></h2><p>1/5. Brayden Schenn, C, Brandon (WHL); 2/35. Kyle Clifford, LW, Barrie (OHL); 3/84. Nicolas Deslauriers, D, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL); 4/95. Jean-Francois Berube, G, Montreal (QMJHL); 4/96. Linden Vey, RW, Medicine Hat (WHL); 5/126. David Kolomatis, D, Owen Sound (OHL); 6/156. Michael Pelech, C, Mississauga (OHL); 6/179. Brandon Kozun, RW, Calgary (WHL); 7/186. Jordan Nolan, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL); 7/198. Nic Dowd, C, Wenatchee (NAHL).</p><h2><b>MINNESOTA WILD</b></h2><p>1/16. Nick Leddy, D, Eden Prairie (High-MN); 3/77. Matthew Hackett, G, Plymouth (OHL); 4/103. Kristopher Foucault, LW, Calgary (WHL); 4/116. Alexander Fallstrom, RW, Shattuck-St. Mary&rsquo;s (High-MN); 6/161. Darcy Kuemper, G, Red Deer (WHL); 6/163. Jere Sallinen, W, Blues (Fin Jr.); 7/182. Erik Haula, LW, Shattuck St. Mary&rsquo;s (High-MN); 7/193. Anthony Hamburg, C, Dallas (MidAAA).</p><h2><b>MONTREAL CANADIENS</b></h2><p>1/18. Louis Leblanc, C, Omaha (USHL); 3/65. Joonas Nattinen, C, Blues (Fin Jr.); 3/79. Mac Bennett, D, Hotchkiss (High-CT); 4/109. Alexander Avtsin, RW, Dynamo Moscow (Rus3); 5/139. Gabriel Dumont, C, Drummondville (QMJHL); 6/169. Dustin Walsh, C, Kingston (OJHL); 7/199. Michael Cichy, C, Indiana (USHL); 7/211. Petteri Simila, G, Karpat (Fin Jr.).</p><h2><b>NASHVILLE PREDATORS</b></h2><p>1/11. Ryan Ellis, D, Windsor (OHL); 2/41. Zach Budish, RW, Edina High (High-MN); 2/42. Charles-Olivier Roussel, D, Shawinigan (QMJHL); 3/70. Taylor Beck, LW, Guelph (OHL); 3/72. Michael Latta, C, Guelph (OHL); 4/98. Craig Smith, C, Waterloo (USHL); 4/102. Mattias Ekholm, D, Mora (Swe2); 4/110. Nick Oliver, C/LW, Fargo (USHL); 5/132. Gabriel Bourque, LW, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL); 7/192. Cameron Reid, C, Westside (BCHL).</p><h2><b>NEW JERSEY DEVILS</b></h2><p>1/20. Jacob Josefson, C, Djurgarden (Swe); 2/54. Eric Gelinas, D, Lewiston (QMJHL); 3/73. Alexander Urbom, D, Djurgarden (Swe); 4/114. Seth Helgeson, D, Sioux City (USHL); 5/144. Derek Rodwell, LW, Okotoks (AJHL); 6/174. Ashton Bernard, LW, Shawinigan (QMJHL); 7/204. Curtis Gedig, D, Cowichan Valley (BCHL).</p><h2><b>NEW YORK ISLANDERS</b></h2><p>1/1. John Tavares, C, London (OHL); 1/12. Calvin De Haan, D, Oshawa (OHL); 2/31. Mikko Koskinen, G, Blues (Fin); 3/62. Anders Nilsson, G, Lulea (Swe Jr.); 4/92. Casey Cizikas, C, Mississauga (OHL); 5/122. Anton Klementyev, D, Yaroslavl (Rus3); 6/152. Anders Lee, C, Edina (High-MN).</p><h2><b>NEW YORK RANGERS</b></h2><p>1/19. Chris Kreider, C, Andover (High-MA); 2/47. Ethan Werek, C, Kingston (OHL); 3/80. Ryan Bourque, C, USNTDP (U18); 5/127. Roman Horak, C, Ceske Budejovice (Cze Jr.); 5/140. Scott Stajcer, G, Owen Sound (OHL); 6/170. Daniel Maggio, D, Sudbury (OHL); 7/200. Mikhail Pashnin, D, Mechel (Rus2).</p><h2><b>OTTAWA SENATORS</b></h2><p>1/9. Jared Cowen, D, Spokane (WHL); 2/39. Jakob Silfverberg, W, Brynas (Swe Jr.); 2/46. Robin Lehner, G, Frolunda (Swe Jr.); 4/100. Chris Wideman, D, Miami (CCHA); 5/130. Mike Hoffman, C/LW, Drummondville (QMJHL); 5/146. Jeff Costello, LW, Cedar Rapids (USHL); 6/160. Corey Cowick, LW, Ottawa (OHL); 7/190. Brad Peltz, LW, Avon Old Farms (High-CT); 7/191. Michael Sdao, D, Lincoln (USHL).</p><h2><b>PHILADELPHIA FLYERS</b></h2><p>3/81. Adam Morrison, G, Saskatoon (WHL); 3/87. Simon Bertilsson, D, Brynas (Swe); 5/142. Nicola Riopel, G, Moncton (QMJHL); 6/153. Dave Labrecque, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL); 6/172. Eric Wellwood, LW, Windsor (OHL); 7/196. Oliver Lauridsen, D, St. Cloud State (WCHA).</p><h2><b>PHOENIX COYOTES</b></h2><p>1/6. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D, Leksand (Swe2); 2/36. Chris Brown, C, USNTDP (U18); 3/91. Michael Lee, G, Fargo (USHL); 4/97. Jordan Szwarz, RW, Saginaw (OHL); 4/105. Justin Weller, D, Red Deer (WHL); 6/157. Evan Bloodoff, LW, Kelowna (WHL).</p><h2><b>PITTSBURGH PENGUINS</b></h2><p>1/30. Simon Despres, D, Saint John (QMJHL); 2/61. Philip Samuelsson, D, Chicago (USHL); 3/63. Ben Hanowski, RW, Little Falls (High-MN); 4/121. Nick Petersen, RW, Shawinigan (QMJHL); 5/123. Alex Velischek, D, Delbarton (High-NJ); 5/151. Andy Bathgate, C, Belleville (OHL); 6/181. Viktor Ekbom, D, Oskarshamn (Swe2).</p><h2><b>SAN JOSE SHARKS</b></h2><p>2/43. William Wrenn, D, USNTDP (U18); 2/57. Taylor Doherty, D, Kingston (OHL); 5/147. Philip Varone, C, London (OHL); 7/189. Marek Viedensky, C, Prince George (WHL); 7/207. Dominik Bielke, D, Eisbaren Berlin (Ger).</p><h2><b>ST. LOUIS BLUES</b></h2><p>1/17. David Rundblad, D, Skelleftea (Swe); 2/48. Brett Ponich, D, Portland (WHL); 3/78. Sergei Andronov, RW, Togliatti (KHL); 4/108. Tyler Shattock, RW, Kamloops (WHL); 6/168. David Shields, D, Erie (OHL); 7/202. Maxwell Tardy, C, Duluth East (High-MN).</p><h2><b>TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING</b></h2><p>1/2. Victor Hedman, D, MoDo (Swe); 1/29. Carter Ashton, RW, Lethbridge (WHL); 2/52. Richard Panik, RW, Trinec (Cze); 4/93. Alex Hutchings, LW, Barrie (OHL); 5/148. Michael Zador, G, Oshawa (OHL); 6/162. Jaroslav Janus, G, Erie (OHL); 7/183. Kirill Gotovets, D, Shattuck St. Mary&rsquo;s (High-MN).</p><h2><b>TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS</b></h2><p>1/7. Nazem Kadri, C, London (OHL); 2/50. Kenny Ryan, RW, USNTDP (U18); 2/58. Jesse Blacker, D, Windsor (OHL); 3/68. Jamie Devane, LW, Plymouth (OHL); 5/128. Eric Knodel, D, Philadelphia (USMAAA); 6/158. Jerry D&rsquo;Amigo, RW, USNTDP (U18); 7/188. Barron Smith, D, Peterborough (OHL).</p><h2><b>VANCOUVER CANUCKS</b></h2><p>1/22. Jordan Schroeder, C, Minnesota (WCHA); 2/53. Anton Rodin, W, Brynas (Swe Jr.); 3/83. Kevin Connauton, D, Western Michigan (CCHA); 4/113. Jeremy Price, D, Nepean (CJHL); 5/143. Peter Andersson, D, Frolunda (Swe Jr.); 6/173. Joe Cannata, G, Merrimack (HE); 7/187. Steven Anthony, LW, Saint John (QMJHL).</p><h2><b>WASHINGTON CAPITALS</b></h2><p>1/24. Marcus Johansson, C, Farjestad (Swe); 2/55. Dmitri Orlov, D, Novokuznetsk (KHL); 3/85. Cody Eakin, C, Swift Current (WHL); 4/115. Patrick Wey, D, Waterloo (USHL); 5/145. Brett Flemming, D, Mississauga (OHL); 6/175. Garrett Mitchell, RW, Regina (WHL); 7/205. Benjamin Casavant, LW, P.E.I. (QMJHL).</p><h3><b>FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICKS</b></h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0132-0141/9261854-1-eng-US/f0132-012.jpg" title="f0132-01" width="1163" height="1039"></div><h3><b>SECOND ROUND DRAFT PICKS</b></h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0132-0219/9261847-1-eng-US/f0132-022.jpg" title="f0132-02" width="1176" height="1112"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0131-01

INCREASE, DECREASE

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0133-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0133-0142/9261899-1-eng-US/f0133-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>Zack Stortini was no stranger to the penalty box as the Edmonton Oiler lead the league in major penalties with 25 five-minute sentences.</b> <span class="photo-credit">(ANDY DEVLIN/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0133-0314/9261906-1-eng-US/f0133-032.jpg" title="f0133-03" width="218" height="233"></div><p>* ROOKIES &#9633; NOTABLE PLAYERS</p><h2><b>MAJOR</b>&nbsp;<b>PENALTIES</b></h2><p><b>1. ZACK STORTINI, EDM</b>&nbsp;<b>25</b></p><p>2. Jared Boll, Clb <b>24</b></p><p>3. George Parros, Ana <b>23</b></p><p>4. Riley Cote, Phi <b>22</b></p><p>- Daniel Carcillo, Phx/Phi <b>22</b></p><p>6. Eric Godard, Pit <b>21</b></p><p>7. David Clarkson, NJ <b>20</b></p><p>8. Cam Janssen, StL <b>19</b></p><p>- Tim Jackman, NYI <b>19</b></p><p>- Krys Barch, Dal <b>19</b></p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0133-0226/9261892-1-eng-US/f0133-022.jpg" title="f0133-02" width="2918" height="1757"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0133-01

SIN BIN SPECIALISTS

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0134-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0134-0144/9261944-1-eng-US/f0134-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>Shawn Horcoff took more faceoffs for his team, the Edmonton Oilers, than any other player in the league.</b> <span class="photo-credit">(ANDY DEVLIN/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0134-0311/9261951-1-eng-US/f0134-032.jpg" title="f0134-03" width="218" height="233"></div><p>* ROOKIES &#9633; NOTABLE PLAYERS</p><h2><b>PCT. OF</b>&nbsp;<b>TEAM FACEOFFS</b></h2><p><b>1. SHAWN HORCOFF, EDM</b>&nbsp;<b>37.8</b></p><p>2. Mikko Koivu, Min <b>36.8</b></p><p>3. Sidney Crosby, Pit <b>36.4</b></p><p>4. Jeff Carter, Phi <b>35.0</b></p><p>5. Mike Richards, Phi <b>34.9</b></p><p>6. Samuel Pahlsson, Chi <b>33.7</b></p><p>- PaulStastny, Col <b>33.7</b></p><p>8. Eric Staal, Car <b>33.4</b></p><p>9. Jason Spezza, Ott <b>32.4</b></p><p>10. Rod Brind&rsquo;Amour, Car <b>32.2</b></p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0134-0220/9261937-1-eng-US/f0134-022.jpg" title="f0134-02" width="2918" height="1754"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0134-01

GET SET…DRAW!

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0135-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0135-0141/9261989-1-eng-US/f0135-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>David Krejci was one of three high-flying Boston Bruins among the league leaders in plus-minus.</b> <span class="photo-credit">(BRIAN BABINEAU/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0135-0317/9261996-1-eng-US/f0135-032.jpg" title="f0135-03" width="218" height="233"></div><p><b>1. DAVID KREJCI, BOS +37</b></p><p>2. *Blake Wheeler, Bos <b>36</b></p><p>3. Pavel Datsyuk, Det <b>34</b></p><p>4. Travis Zajac, NJ <b>33</b></p><p>- Duncan Keith, Chi <b>33</b></p><p>6. Dennis Wideman, Bos <b>32</b></p><p>7. Nicklas Lidstrom, Det <b>31</b></p><p>8. Zach Parise, NJ <b>30</b></p><p>9. Willie Mitchell, Van <b>29</b></p><p>- MartinHavlat, Chi <b>29</b></p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0135-0220/9261982-1-eng-US/f0135-022.jpg" title="f0135-02" width="2918" height="1758"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0135-01

DEFENDING THE FORT

f0138-01

2009-10 PROJECTED TOTALS CHECKLIST

f0143-01

MY POOL TEAM WORKSHEET

<div class="byline">By Darryl Dobbs</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="C0004-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/c0004-01324/9262245-1-eng-US/c0004-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>JOE PAVELSKI | SAN JOSE SHARKS</b> <span class="photo-credit">(DON SMITH/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>B</span>ACK IN 2003, WE TOOK A LOOK</b> at the trend of players breaking out in their fourth NHL season. With the lockout behind us and several years of data available, it&rsquo;s time we took a second look at things. We reviewed the NHL&rsquo;s top 116 scoring forwards from last year who had at least four seasons under their belts. We didn&rsquo;t factor defensemen into the equation as they generally take longer to break out and their numbers typically aren&rsquo;t as extreme.</p><p>About 24 percent of the forwards we examined broke out in their fourth season, including veterans such as Patrik Elias, Rod Brind&rsquo;Amour, Mike Modano, Andy McDonald and Pavel Datsyuk. Last season saw an influx of that &ldquo;fourth-year magic,&rdquo; thanks to a very strong draft in 2003. Zach Parise, Jeff Carter and Corey Perry all enjoyed significant spikes, while fellow &lsquo;03 alum Mike Richards cracked the 30-goal and 50-assist plateaus for the first time.</p><p>This is how we define a breakout season: it&rsquo;s the season in which the player in question shows a marked increase in either point or points per game. For some, it&rsquo;s obvious. Erik Cole, for example, increased his productivity by 17 points in his fourth year (2005-06), when his points-per-game average shot through the roof. But for others, it was less cut and dry. For example, while Rick Nash already tallied a point per game in 2005-06 (his third season), he only played 54 games. So when he jumped from 57 points to 69 in 2007-08, that 12-point increase is deemed the actual breakout. For the most part, we lean on points per game increase as the ultimate decider, but if the player played fewer than 60 games we wait until he matches &ndash; or betters&ndash;that number in a later season.</p><p>Here are 12 players entering their fourth season who make great candidates for breakout campaigns in 2009-10:</p><p><b>PHIL KESSEL, BOSTON</b> &ndash; His 2008-2009 season could be considered his breakout year, but Kessel still has the potential to increase his numbers by even more than the 23-point jump he made last year, especially if he&rsquo;s again paired with world-class playmaker Marc Savard.</p><p><b>DREW STAFFORD, BUFFALO</b> &ndash; The young power forward adapted well to a first line promotion in 2008-09, making room for the speedy Derek Roy and the lethal-from-anywhere Thomas Vanek. If coach Lindy Ruff likes what he saw from the trio, expect Stafford to be one of Buffalo&rsquo;s top five producers.</p><p><b>WOJTEK WOLSKI, COLORADO</b> &ndash; His declining point totals over his first three campaigns do not scream &ldquo;breakout&rdquo;, but 128 points in 56 OHL games in 2005-06 indicate he can produce. Wolski&rsquo;s numbers will hinge on the players the Avs put around him.</p><p><b>LOUI ERIKSSON, DALLAS</b> &ndash; Can he do better than the 36 goals he scored last year? Probably not, but his assist numbers can increase. The question is, with Brenden Morrow back and healthy, will Eriksson&rsquo;s productivity take a hit?</p><p><b>JIRI HUDLER, DETROIT</b> &ndash; Hudler has benefited from Detroit&rsquo;s breadth of talent by being able to slowly mature his offensive game for three seasons. Expect him to be heavily relied upon for secondary scoring this year, something that translates to big numbers on the NHL&rsquo;s highest-scoring team. After jumps of 17 and 15 points the past two seasons, an increase of 13 would get him to 70.</p><p><b>VALTTERI FILPPULA, DETROIT</b> &ndash; The crafty Finn quietly put up 40 points and was even quieter in putting up 16 points in Detroit&rsquo;s playoff run. All signs say the next chapter will not be so quiet. A monster regular season campaign is no stretch for the 24-year-old.</p><p><b>PATRICK O&rsquo;SULLIVAN, EDMONTON</b> &ndash; He never regained his form last season after missing camp, but a new coach, a fresh start and a full camp will work wonders for him. O&rsquo;Sullivan&rsquo;s speed will lend itself well to Edmonton&rsquo;s fleet-footed forward corps.</p><p><b>ROBERT NILSSON, EDMONTON</b> &ndash; Poolies have been waiting for years for this guy to show something. There is no questioning Nilsson&rsquo;s talent, but the execution has yet to be there. Would a second coming of the &ldquo;Kid Line&rdquo; in Edmonton help?</p><p><b>JORDAN STAAL, PITTSBURGH</b> &ndash; He&rsquo;s often stuck on the third line, but he has already shown he can score 29 goals with minimal ice time.</p><p><b>JOE PAVELSKI, SAN JOSE</b> &ndash; The former Wisconsin star has seen his totals increase by more than 40 percent each of the past two seasons. Pavelski is a great No. 2 center and with the wealth of talent the Sharks have, rest assured &ldquo;Little Joe&rdquo; will be flanked by at least one proven producer.</p><p><b>DAVID BACKES, ST. LOUIS</b> &ndash; A goal-scorer with a mean streak, Backes had 46 points in the last 59 games of 2008-09 to go along with 90 PIM. Already an all-purpose fantasy contributor, Backes can be counted upon for even better numbers with fellow youngsters T.J. Oshie, Patrick Berglund and David Perron.</p><p><b>TOMAS FLEISCHMANN, WASHINGTON</b> &ndash; As the Caps offense matures and flourishes, the former AHL star is a strong candidate to lead the secondary scoring, especially with Viktor Kozlov off to Russia.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

Search for your favorite player or team

Ultimate Fantasy Pool Guide 2009-10

CLUTCH PERFORMANCES

BREAKAWAY BRAINIAC

NHL PLAYER TRAITS

WINGS KEEP ROLLING IN MOTOWN