Friday, July 17, 2009

If I Ruled The World Roster

Summer, summer, summertime. Summertime. Enough with the damned Fresh Prince. Give me 40 degrees with a chance of flurries any day. I don't fare too well in the heat and - as you can see from the title - am getting a bit delusional. So while I dwell in a fantasy world where I bring back Jean-Guy Talbot's track suit and take the reins of the Rangers, I figured I would follow in Goal Line Report and Puck Central's footsteps and fill out my lineup card. I did this right before free agency and certainly will do it again once Sather is done tinkering, but for now let's take a look:

Avery - Dubinsky - Gaborik
Callahan - Drury - Kotalik
Higgins - Anisimov - Byers
Brashear - Boyle - Lisin

My roster will have Voros, Rissmiller and Arnason all waived or just banished to Hartford and, as astute eyes noticed, no Zherdev. Z is seemingly assured of being kicked to the KHL after the Rangers get up from the table so do pobachennya Nikolai.

Avery played well when placed opposite of Jagr and should be just fine across from Gabby. Plus, seeing as he gets constant attention on the ice, it will get some more room for Gabby to work his magic. Cally has shown some chemistry with Dru, so let the two Americans hustle and dig alongside Kotalik. Higgins, Anisimov and Byers make for one helluva checking line as all three are willing to throw their bodies around. The fourth line, well, who cares as Torts won't use them much. Lisin can get some spot work on special teams, if he earns it.

Torts claimed that kids will get a chance in an interview with Brooksie yesterday and has said multiple times that veterans aren't guaranteed positions. Taking that into account, here is my blueline:

Staal-Girardi
Rozsival-Potter
Gilroy-Heikkinen

No Wade Redden, that goes without saying. I like Sauer but he could use another season in Hartford to repair the ego that Renney destroyed with his idiotic re-assignment last season. Potter is quick enough to cover for Rozy and smart enough to dish him the puck when in trouble. As for the third pairing, both Gilroy and Ilkka Heikkinen are older than your average rookies and enter with solid resumes. Andrew Gross had the Finn pegged for Hartford in his camp wrap but with the North American game so much more open, perhaps he can make a quick transition in September. If not, perhaps Bobby will show up in shape and seize the job. That would be a nice turn of events seeing as so many other draft picks are being dealt away. Not that I feel that losing Korp, Dawes or Monty was any big deal, but it is always good to see home grown players added to our ranks.

Now, much like the aforementioned lineup I made back on June 30th, this may all be rendered moot by something Sather has in the works. So back to reality for now ... and yep, it's still summer. Dammit.



 "If I Ruled The World Roster: Assembling the Ultimate Fantasy Hockey Team"



Fantasy sports have become a beloved pastime for sports enthusiasts around the world, offering fans the chance to step into the shoes of a general manager, build their dream teams, and compete against others in a virtual sports arena. Fantasy hockey, in particular, allows fans to assemble their own rosters, make strategic decisions, and experience the thrill of victory. In this article, we'll dive into the fascinating world of fantasy hockey, specifically focusing on creating the ultimate fantasy hockey roster, with a detailed breakdown of player positions, strategies, and tips to excel in your league. Additionally, we'll address frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you navigate the world of fantasy hockey.

Section 1: Building the Ultimate Fantasy Hockey Roster

1. Selecting Your League Format

Fantasy hockey leagues come in various formats, including rotisserie, head-to-head, and points leagues. Each format has its unique scoring system and rules, so understanding your league's format is crucial.

2. Player Positions

Understanding player positions is vital for building a balanced roster. In fantasy hockey, players are categorized into positions such as forwards (centers, left-wingers, right-wingers), defensemen, and goaltenders.

3. Draft Strategy

Your draft is the foundation of your fantasy hockey team. Having a well-thought-out draft strategy, which includes player rankings, sleepers, and breakout candidates, can set you up for success.

Section 2: Player Selection and Strategy

1. Scoring Categories

Fantasy hockey leagues typically use a scoring system based on categories such as goals, assists, plus/minus, penalty minutes, power-play points, and shots on goal. Understanding these categories helps you make informed player choices.

2. Studs vs. Sleepers

Building a competitive roster involves selecting star players (studs) who consistently perform well and uncovering hidden gems (sleepers) who outperform expectations.

3. Waiver Wire and Trades

Monitoring the waiver wire and exploring trade opportunities throughout the season can improve your roster. Pay attention to player injuries, performance trends, and potential breakout candidates.

Section 3: Managing Your Fantasy Hockey Team

1. Setting Lineups

Active player management involves setting your lineup daily or weekly, making sure injured players are benched, and optimizing your roster based on matchups and player performance.

2. Trade Strategies

Trading players can help bolster weak positions or address specific needs. Engaging in fair and strategic trades can lead to roster improvements.

3. Staying Informed

Keeping up with NHL news, player injuries, and team dynamics is crucial for making informed decisions. Following fantasy hockey experts and forums can provide valuable insights.

Section 4: FAQs About Fantasy Hockey

1. How do I choose a team name for my fantasy hockey squad?

Choosing a team name is a fun part of fantasy hockey. Get creative and pick a name that reflects your personality or favorite players.

2. Can I play fantasy hockey with my friends and colleagues?

Absolutely! Many fantasy hockey leagues are private, allowing you to create a league with friends, family, or coworkers. This can add an extra layer of competitiveness and camaraderie to your fantasy experience.

3. What's the best approach to managing a fantasy hockey team in a keeper league?

In a keeper league, where you retain a portion of your roster from season to season, focus on balancing long-term potential with short-term success. Keep an eye on young, emerging talent while also considering established players who can contribute immediately.



Fantasy hockey offers fans an immersive and exciting way to engage with the sport they love. Building the ultimate fantasy hockey roster requires a combination of strategy, player knowledge, and active management. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy manager or just starting out, the thrill of competing against friends, family, or fellow fans adds an extra layer of excitement to the NHL season.

Remember that fantasy hockey is as much about camaraderie and the joy of the game as it is about winning. So, immerse yourself in the world of fantasy hockey, embrace the challenges, celebrate your victories, and have fun building the ultimate fantasy hockey roster that would make even the NHL's best GMs envious.




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