Dein erstes Forum » Backups got valuable playing time late in the game

Since we last checked on goaltender timeshares a month ago, three of the four teams we discussed are no longer relevant as we have the same discussion again. The Winnipeg Jets have clearly chosen Connor Hellebuyck as their go-to starter, though his resultant fantasy value is debatable behind the clubs run-and-gun offense. The Dallas Stars are still in a full-blown timeshare, but have shown absolutely no ability for either goalie to maintain even short bouts of fantasy relevance, due to horrible ratios and a lack of wins. The Philadelphia Flyers had their decision made for them by an injury, but Steve Mason has struggled to find consistent footing since Michal Neuvirth was hurt, and should be on fantasy benches -- if on rosters at all.Well check in on the Tampa Bay Lightning again, who appear to be in the exact same position they were a month ago, and three other teams that have landed on the timeshare radar:Tampa Bay Lightning: Ben Bishop has the advantage in starts, leading Andrei Vasilevskiy 12-7 in that category. But in November, that advantage has been only 5-4, as Vasilevskiy is coming on stronger with his play. In fact, the younger goaltender is the owner of a two-game shutout streak and has won three straight in the crease. Vasilevskiys play has pushed coach Jon Cooper into forcing close to a 50-50 timeshare. The Lightning are still a very good team without Steven Stamkos, and should win enough games to give the captain a chance to return for the playoffs. Between now and then, Bishop and Vasilevskiy are going to combine for excellent numbers, but if you dont own them both in fantasy, this is going to be frustrating.Pittsburgh Penguins: Were still calling this a timeshare, though Matt Murray seems to be pulling away from Marc-Andre Fleury very quickly. Fleurys 3.09 goals-against average in October was forgivable because he went 6-2-1 in the crease. Since Murray returned from a wrist injury, Fleury still has a GAA north of 3.00, but hasnt posted a win this month. Meanwhile, Murray has won five of his six starts, and posted a 1.68 GAA. Given the numbers, its only Fleurys years of service to his club that is keeping this a timeshare for the near future. But if both players continue their current trends for stats, Murray will have a stranglehold on the crease sooner than later. For fantasy purposes, Fleury isnt droppable -- even if Murray starts getting 80 percent of the starts. He has too much potential to be a game-changer for fantasy in the right situation.Anaheim Ducks: We may be jumping the gun in calling this a timeshare right now, but John Gibson owners better be wary of what Jonathan Bernier is up to. In seven November starts, Gibson is 3-3-1 with a 2.63 goals-against average and .908 save percentage. Those numbers arent horrible, but theyre not good by any means. After we saw Bernier just twice throughout the entire month of October, his workload has increased quite a bit this month. Through three starts and two relief appearances of Gibson in November, Bernier has a 3-0-0 record with a 1.70 GAA and .936 save percentage. For a coach who had Bernier as his starter for two seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Randy Carlyle wont hesitate to play the hot hand more often. Right now, that hot hand belongs to Bernier. Gibson owners will want to add Bernier if another owner hasnt already beaten them to him.Calgary Flames: With Brian Elliott still bumbling in the crease a full month into the season, it appears coach Glen Gulutzan has finally seen enough for now. Backup Chad Johnson has started four consecutive games, winning three of them, and sports a goals-against average a full goal lower than Elliotts. Thats all well and good, but Johnson has played seven NHL seasons with six different teams, only showing somewhat of a starters workload last season for the injury-riddled Buffalo Sabres. One scenario going forward is that Elliott gets his head right and returns to a respectable form in the crease sometime during the next month. Another is that Johnson holds the reins and continues to be the starter for the Flames. Of those two possibilities, it feels more likely that Elliott, who led the NHL in save percentage last season, finds his form. But neither of those scenarios looks all that likely at this point, with the most likely outcome being the relegation of the Flames to the same category as the Dallas Stars or New York Islanders as untouchable for fantasy goaltending.However, we will quickly point out here that another possibility exists. The Flames signed a 24-year-old Czech goaltender during the offseason, who currently sits second in the AHL with a 1.60 goals-against average and third with a .939 save percentage. David Rittichs numbers are made all the more impressive because his partner in the Stockton Heat crease has ratios of 2.98 and .901 behind the same team, giving the impression that at least some of the major difference has been the raw skill of Rittich. Because of the contracts for Elliott and Johnson, Rittich wont get a chance in the NHL unless there is an injury, but its almost as if he can smell the blood in the water at the NHL level -- hes posted two shutouts in the past 10 days.Forwards rising and fallingTyler Johnson, C, Tampa Bay Lightning (up 86 spots to No. 56): Stamkos missing the upcoming four to six months makes us hearken back to when Johnson truly broke out in the 2013-14 season. Stamkos was out with a broken leg and the team needed a new No. 1 center. Johnson joined Martin St. Louis and Ondrej Palat to help lead the Bolts down the stretch. Even when Johnson had his career-best season in 2014-15, he was playing as the Lightnings No. 1 center while Stamkos slumped. In last seasons playoffs, Johnson stepped up with Alex Killorn and Nikita Kucherov to help lead the Lightning to within a goal of the Stanley Cup finals when Stamkos was out. What we are establishing here is a pattern of exceptional production by Johnson whenever Stamkos is out of the lineup, which will be the case for the bulk of the remainder of this season. Johnson was already back with Killorn and Kucherov on Saturday night, scoring the game-winning, power-play goal.Patrice Bergeron, C, Boston Bruins (down nine spots to No. 42): Torey Krug eventually broke out of his funk to start the campaign, so we think Bergeron can do the same sooner than later. Just like Krug, Bergeron is doing all the right things without the requisite results. Although his time on ice per game is down a smidgen, its not out of line with his career norms and he is actually on a pace for a career high in shots on goal. As we said, Bergeron should get back to being Bergeron soon, but we cant keep ranking someone with five points this high forever.Alexander Radulov, RW, Montreal Canadiens (up 24 spots to No. 52): Dont make the mistake of selling high on Radulov, as he can keep up this pace. We know he has the talent, as the best hockey player outside the NHL for the past few seasons, but hes not even getting full opportunity with the Canadiens yet. Yes, hes forced his way up the depth chart at even strength to the top line with Alex Galchenyuk, but you may not realize hes not sniffing the first power-play unit yet. Hes eighth on the team in power-play time and playing on the second unit -- if at all some games. Guess where a sniper around the net like Radulov can do even more damage? Even if Radulovs points pace slows down at even strength, hes got room to grow on the man advantage.Patrick Eaves, RW, Dallas Stars (up 68 spots to No. 139): Just about everyone is back for the Stars now. Cody Eakin, Jason Spezza and Patrick Sharp returned to action during the past week, and yet there was Eaves, right where hes always been this season, next to Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin. If the Stars were looking for someone different to play there, they would have done so. Even better, Eaves was still on the power play with those same players, too. We are starting to buy into the idea that Eaves will stick around with these superstar linemates for the long term, but just remember that his fantasy stardom comes from his linemates and a change in that personnel would make him irrelevant in most leagues.Defensemen rising and fallingRoman Josi, D, Nashville Predators (down 10 spots to No. 55): Like Bergeon above, Josi is still doing the right things but not getting results. His shooting percentage, which is usually a clockwork 7.5 percent, is down at 4.0 percent so far this season. Hes taking a similar number of shots, playing a similar number of minutes and even has a similar number of power-play points compared to last season, so one would expect the points return to a similar pace at some point soon. Last season may go down as his career high with 61 points, but theres no reason not to expect a consistent 50 points from Josi. Try to stay patient.Hampus Lindholm, D, Anaheim Ducks (down 15 spots to No. 180): While he finally had a good showing on Sunday, playing more than 22 minutes against the Los Angeles Kings, the fact remains that the Ducks defense has a different look this season. While Lindholm is back with his defense partner Josh Manson, Sami Vatanen and Cam Fowler have formed a power couple in Lindholms absence at the start of the season. That dynamic is going to keep Vatanen and Fowler on the top power-play unit and eat into Lindholms team-leading time on ice from last season. Unless Fowler is dealt at some point sooner than later, Lindholm might be stagnant in his fantasy growth for this season.Goaltenders rising and fallingSergei Bobrovsky, G, Columbus Blue Jackets (up 24 spots to No. 40): This is what happens when Bobrovsky is healthy and focused: Hes one of the games best keepers. His peripheral numbers are exactly in line with his best campaigns in Columbus between 2012 and 2014, as he spots a .934 save percentage at even strength, and a .903 save percentage on the penalty kill. While the productivity of the Blue Jackets offense is surprising this season, Bobrovskys play isnt a huge shock. Hes done this before and sustained it for the better part of two seasons. Im buying.Quick hitsThe Sabres are within weeks of getting their season back on track. Somewhat lost on offense of late, the Sabres are expecting Ryan OReilly to be back in action this week and Jack Eichels timetable for his ankle sprain could have him back at the end of next week (albeit thats on the optimistic side). While Eichel and OReilly remain owned in most leagues, Evander Kane and Sam Reinhart are not. Both players could become fantasy factors depending on how the team finally settles on its lines.We mentioned Anthony Manthas debut for the Detroit Red Wings last week. Now he appears to be playing on the teams top line with Henrik Zetterberg and Gustav Nyquist. He scored his first goal of the season on Sunday. You know what to do.There is still no word on what has Anze Kopitar down and out for the Los Angeles Kings. In the meantime, Jeff Carter will continue to put up increased numbers as the Kings stack the top line in Kopitars absence.The Ottawa Senators are running out of top-line forwards. Mike Hoffman remains out with an undisclosed injury and now Bobby Ryan has a broken finger. For now, Mark Stone is leading the charge with Derick Brassard and Zack Smith. The pressure on this line to produce could help break them all out of a funk.Josh Ho-Sang and Michael Dal Colle are both proving to be exemplary scoring rookies in the AHL with Bridgeport so far this season. We only mention this because the Islanders will be getting increasingly desperate for some offense unless something changes soon, and the youngsters could get a shot.Top 250 rankingsHere are the updated rest-of-season, top 250 rankings of forwards, defensemen and goalies, including position ranks.Note: Sean Allens top 250 players are ranked for their expected performance in ESPN standard leagues from this point on. ESPN standard stats include goals, assists, power-play points, shots on goal, plus/minus, penalty minutes and average time on ice for skaters, and wins, goals-against average and save percentage for goalies. Stitched Knicks Jerseys . -- An ugly goal by Nick Bonino helped the Anaheim Ducks overcome the defensive-minded Phoenix Coyotes on a night when their ragged power play continued to struggle. Wholesale Knicks Jerseys . It is a cliché dragged out by fans and pundits regularly when discussions take place around which teams are better than others. https://www.cheapknicks.com/ . With the short-handed Warriors needing help from someone -- anyone -- to stop a three-game skid, ONeal returned from right knee and groin injuries that had sidelined him for four games and put up season highs with 18 points and eight rebounds. It was just enough to help lift Golden State to a 102-101 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. Cheap Knicks Jerseys . Its an influence in football and a big part of the game. New York Knicks Store . Emery skated the length of the ice and fought an unwilling Holtby during the third period of the Flyers 7-0 loss Friday night in Philadelphia. He was given 29 penalty minutes, including a game misconduct. But Emery did not face even a disciplinary hearing with NHL senior vice president of player safety Brendan Shanahan because rules 46. MADISON, Wis. -- Corey Clement is proving he can carry a full workload for No. 10 Wisconsin.The passing game is starting to round into form, too, which might turn into a key development if Clements ankle injury becomes a nagging issue.Clement ran for two scores before rolling his left ankle on his last carry, and Wisconsin stuffed Akrons spread offense in a 54-10 win on Saturday.The Badgers (2-0) didnt slack off in their 2016 debut at Camp Randall Stadium, a week after outmuscling SEC power LSU 16-14 in the season opener.We want to do that every week no matter (where) were ranked, Clement said. We have to approach every game as if were not in the rankings at all.Bart Houston was 15 of 22 for 231 yards, showing chemistry with Jazz Peavy against the porous Zips (1-1). Peavy finished with seven catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns.Wisconsin had 294 yards rushing and 292 yards through the air. It was its first game with more than 290 in each category since at least 1996.On defense, Wisconsin had a safety, and the secondary accounted for two second-quarter turnovers. The Badgers led 30-10 at halftime.We had a plan and it would have taken a few other things for us being able to do, Akron coach Terry Bowden said. But they were dominant enough in the trenches on both sides of the ball and we couldnt quite get it done.Clements injury was one of the only blemishes for Wisconsin. The senior rushed for 111 yards on 21 carries before departing late in the second quarter.Clement said he could have returned if he was needed.We were able to be a little overprotective maybe, Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst said.Akrons only touchdown came on JoJo Natsons 55-yard punt return in the second.THE TAKEAWAYAKRON: The Zips had a few moments, dictating tempo for parts of a couple drives in the second quarter with their fast-paced offense. But any momentum was negated by mistakes. Most notably, Akron drove from its own 11 to the 30 on four straight rushes by Warren Ball before the running back fumbled on third-and-2 on what would have been a 38-yard gain. Wisconsin scored nine plays later to go up 23-0.At best, it was a learning experiennce against the bigger, quicker Badgers.dddddddddddd With 15 new starters this season, Akron hopes to contend in the East Division of the Mid-American Conference.Our offense couldnt keep their offense off the field and our defense couldnt keep them off the field, Bowden said.WISCONSIN: Clement tested his ankle on the sideline after getting it wrapped, but never returned. Then again, the Badgers were well on their way to a victory by then.It really didnt feel like 21 carries at all, Clement said. I felt like I could have gone for 41 if I had played the whole game.Otherwise, the Badgers followed through on their collective promise to build on the momentum of the win over LSU at Lambeau Field. Houston, making his second career start, shook off a couple questionable throws for near picks to show off his strong arm. Backups got valuable playing time late in the game, including freshman Bradrick Shaw. The running back had nine carries for 74 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown run.POLL IMPLICATIONSWisconsin could move up in the next AP Top 25 poll on Sunday with No. 9 Georgia escaping with a 26-24 victory over Nicholls State. Chrysts team looked prepared and routed its mid-major opponent, as is usually expected for a Big Ten team.SPECIAL RETURNNatsons punt return for a score, the first for Akron since 2004, was one of the Zips few bright spots.It gave us a little momentum but it was a tough game for our offense and defense, Natson said.QUOTABLEI think anybody in the secondary would tell you that our play is a product of the great front seven we have ... We really just kind of reap the benefits. -- Wisconsin safety Leo Musso, who had an interception against Akron.UP NEXTAkron: The Zips stay on the road to face Marshall on Sept. 17.Wisconsin: The Badgers look to extend their home winning streak against non-conference foes to 37 when they host Georgia State on Sept. 17.---Online: AP College Football site: http://collegefootball.ap.org/---Follow Genaro Armas at: https://twitter.com/GArmasAP ' ' '