Fantasy Hockey Western Conference All-Star 1st Team
Fantasy draft? We did that back in September/October. When I think of All-Stars I think of the ‘First Team’ and the ‘Second Team’– aka the true cut-off between the superstars and the players who needed to represent their team as a rule. Although the League previously only broke the teams down into first and second teams, we chose to be a bit more creative and further segregate by Conference. Luckily for you, we did all the work as we bring you the mid-season Fantasy All-Star teams!
G – Jonas Hiller, Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks tightened their defense dramatically from the beginning of the season but still allow the most shots against in the League. Luckily for them, Hiller also made the most saves out of any goaltender. Not only does he lead the League in shots faced and saves but he also edges out Carey Price in wins and games played while staying in the top-5 in save percentage. As the Ducks look to get their captain Ryan Getzlaf back from sinus fractures in his forehead, Hiller continues to carry the team and keep them in the playoff race and right behind the Pacific Division leading Dallas Stars.
D – Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings
Lidstrom watched his points totals decrease for three straight seasons but projects to eclipse 70 points for the first time since 2007-2008. Chosen as a captain to headline the ‘real’ All-Star Game, the Red Wings’ captain epitomizes the complete defenseman who not only shuts down the opposition but also provides a very legitimate threat from the blue line. There was no easier decision to make than appointing Lids a first-team All-Star; an honor Lidstrom received numerous times in real life.
D – Lubomir Visnovsky, Anaheim Ducks
At the All-Star break, Visnovsky actually leads Lidstrom in points as the Ducks played three more games than the Wings. Playing with the talented barrage of forwards in Anaheim it became apparent that the Slovakian would rack up points on the powerplay and furthermore help replace Scott Niedermayer. Acquiring Visnovsky last season proved to be a very smart and prudent move as he blends in perfectly while helping shape the offensive game of rookie Cam Fowler.
C – Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks
Last year’s Hart Trophy winner fails to disappoint despite our doubts. His goal totals project to decrease from his high of 29 last season to 18 while brother Daniel leads all Canucks in points but no other Western Conference center has more points than Sedin. With a second consecutive strong season improving his already stellar career, Sedin should remain a first round pick for years to come, despite his lack of finish.
LW – Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks
The goal scorer of the Sedins tandem, Daniel’s 27 goals tie teammate Ryan Kesler for the lead amongst all Western Conference forwards. The 30-year-old projects for 44 goals, which would shatter his previous high of 36 from back in 2006-2007. With left wing eligibility, Sedin creeps into top-5 consideration during next year’s draft with the main concern remaining his health opposed to consistency.
RW – Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks
With 51 points, Perry ties Alexander Ovechkin for 10th overall in League scoring. Although he had to transition from Getzlaf to Bobby Ryan, the former London Knight continues to provide snarl and scoring on the top line, projecting for close to 40 goals– which would shatter his previous high of 32. Similar to D. Sedin, Perry’s consistency is there while his only risk remains staying healthy. So far, Perry has played in all 52 games after playing all 82 last year.
—
As always, we hope you enjoyed our segment as much as we enjoyed writing it. Feel free to dissect every small decision we decided to make in the comments. We also omitted an “honorable mention” section so feel free to create your own below. In addition we urge you to please follow, or continue to follow us on twitter for the most up-to-date fantasy hockey information @DailyFaceoff.