Studs & Duds - Saturday 2/09/2013

[Bomm Bastic]

STUDS

Two to Tango

Teemu "The Ageless One" Selanne and Bobby Ryan combined for eight points, in leading the Ducks over the hapless Blues - earning 1G/3A and 2G/2A respectively. Selanne now sits at 16th overall on the NHL career points stats ledger (a mere five behind Bryan Trottier), and shows no signs of slowing down. Fantasy GMs should employ "Freakin'"Selanne w/nary a concern.

You Killed My Father. Prepare to Die.

Al "Stop Calling Me Inigo" Montoya had a very respectable 33 saves for the shutout win over the Ottawa Senators. With Pavelec out with the flu and performing at a substandard level of recent, look for Montoya to get at least one more start before Pavs has a chance at redemption.

Miller Time?

Perhaps not quite yet. But after stealing the game for his Buffalo Sabres (no thanks to their otherwise inept offensive performance) last night, he gave his owners reason to believe he has found his focus. With 41 saves on the night, some cautious optimism is the prescription du jour.

Put the rakes away....

Twelve goals scored in last three games, all wins by two different goalies, AND Reimer with a monster shutout last night. Those are the ingredients of a team on a major roll, and the Toronto Maple Leafs have earned a place on today's 'Studs' sheet. Props to that offense. Fantasy GMs plug-n-play while the hot is hottest.

Him Again?!?

Yeah...Vanek. It was suggested at the commencement of this season that, with the right pivot, Vanek could re-establish himself as premier 40 goal winger. Cody Hodgson (a PPG-er himself) is doing his best to ensure that notion becomes a reality. After a goal and assist in last night's win, Vanek now has 14 points in his last seven games, just start the guy so I don't have to keep listing him here week-in/week-out. K?

Honorable Mentions

Eric Staal should be listed among the 'Studs"\', now having extended his point streak to eight games. And but for a costly turnover in yesterday's loss he would have been. Staal still remains a mmore than reliable forward for poolies.

Braden Holtby redeems w/ a 27 save shutout. A small step on long journey of improving upon his bottom line of 3.87 GA and .87 SV%.

Accompanying Holtby on his journey of self improvement is Mike Smith. Also earning a shutout over the Sharks, and providing a slight boost to his otherwise meh bottom line of 2.89 GA and a .88 SV%. Here's hoping!

DUDS

Blue, Bluer, Bluest Blue

St. Louis Blues Defense has gone on hiatus. Brian Elliott's 3-4 overall, and a 3.51 GA and .85 SV% giving the Blues four straight losses. Fantasy GMs are left to only hope Halak's return can right this listing ship.

Mike Tyson School of Fighting Award Goes To...

Mikail Grabovski biting Pacioretty (ok...allegedly [cough-cough]) was the apex of the devolution that was the third period in the Leafs/Canadiens game. Orr is no innocent either. Completely ruined an otherwise great performance. Too bad.

The First Overall Pick Goes to Who?!?

The Oilers are just tanking. Nugent-Hopkins failing to score in ten games and the team as whole on a five game skid. Bravo.

[GMGates]

Great stuff Bomm. Perfect blend of stats, opinion and humour. Glad to have you on the team!

[One87]

Thorough analysis, Bomm. Real solid work. You covered a ton of ground here. Definitely rep worthy.

[NoWayOut]

Good job Bomm!

[Bomm Bastic]

Thanks gents, my pleasure. Appreciate the feedback.