Hey there Canes fans, was wondering if I can get a little advice/intel...
I'm coming to the final week of my fantasy pool (trying to win it all), and a key cog in the machine has been my trio of Canes (Staal, Cole, Jokinen.) But it feels like Jussi's really slowed down lately -- only 2pts in his last 6, with a minus and reduced PP time. I know he's playing 2nd line center with Skinner & Ruutu, which is guess is an improvement over the 3rd line, or wherever they stashed him earlier on (still annoyed he isnt lighting it up w Staal the way he was late last year...) But is he really struggling there?
You guys have Isles, Sabres, Wings, Thrash, Bolts to end it ...I usually don't get crazy with the matchups, but since this is for all the marbles I'm scratching for any edge I can get ...any thoughts on all three of these guys for these final games?
Staal's in of course, but I have to decide to play 3 of Cole (5 games), Jussi (5), Brown (6), Doan (4) and Parise (6) ..possibly even Huselius (6)
I'm thinking to go w Parise (but have to see how and if he plays Wed), Brown and Cole (but tough to bench Jussi and Doan for that matter, but games advantage is key on the latter...)
Sorry if this is boring, but appreciate any insights or advice,
Cheers
edit -- see that you moved me, cool ...didnt see this thread before. thanks
As long as he stays healthy, though don't be surprised if his offensive production takes a slight step back. He had a set of games this year where it seemed he could do no wrong, then went on a huge dry spell. And from what we've seen in Carolina he's more the dry spell then the clutch guy. He'll produce simply by his work ethic and the fact that he's willing to go to the dirty areas to get it done, but otherwise he's no major threat.
I don't see him breaking out this year, but I do see his numbers being more in line with his 09-10 production. It's hard to put up 2nd line numbers on the 3rd line next to Chad LaRose. With the loss of Stillman and Cole, I think he'll get more PP time on the 2nd unit with 1 or 2 2nd unit guys moving up. That alone should bring up his numbers.
EDIT: I do think he can be a 50 point center, but I see that happening until he gets 2nd line minutes with 2nd line wingers and more consistent PP time. I just don't see Mo using him in that role this coming season. I don't blame for that. Sutter as the 3rd line shutdown center gives the lineup much more balance.
Last edited by Big Daddy Cane: 07-18-2011 at 08:32 PM.
Reason: typo
I don't think anyone can say definitively, and it's likely to change quite often as the season rolls along. If you're thinking about drafting Dalpe with the thought that he's going to be in the top-6, I'd say you have a good chance that he'll get those minutes for about 40-60% of the season. If you're expecting him to get those minutes closer to 100% of the season, you're setting yourself up for disappointment.
But again, it's very much an unknown at this point.
Consensus is that there is a spot with his name on it, now he just needs to show up and prove himself. It's conceivable that he could go back to Charlotte to start the season but very unlikely.
Boychuk will beat him out for a spot, HF will crash
I lol'd
seriously though, I honestly think both Dalpe and Boychuk could push hard for spots in the top 6 come opening night. Not sure who would be the healthy scratch (probably Tlusty) but it would be a very good "problem" to have.
he's listed as a center does he stay there or go to the wing? [dalpe]
Probably wing for this season but there's no telling, he's played both center and right wing at OSU then was center for most of the season with Charlotte. Ruutu was the 2nd line center last year for a large part of the season, but so was Jokinen for some time. Most likely 2nd line at this point though is Skinner-Ruutu-Dalpe.
